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*DRRRRRUM ROLL PLEASE...The results are in:

TV - 9

Movie - 3

I think most do prefer the TV series better than the movie version, but it came across that most could see the merit in both. Colin Firth being the ideal Mr Darcy and Keira Knightley being the ideal Elizabeth Bennet! Probably TMI but I always picture my Mr Darcy with the bod of Bradley Cooper, just the right amount of muscle and chest hair. Please feel free to google the man for research purposes - Amen!

And for those wondering; Mr Wickham has yet to arrive in Hertfordshire...

Another comment regarding floor/ground - Hi Another Lizzy! I may have confused this in this story trying not to be repetitive... but with regards to the use of either word. I would say ordinarily that floor is indoors and ground is outside HOWEVER - both can be used either way as people often refer to 'the ocean floor' or 'forrest floor'. I hope that answers your question :)

And finally thank you to Leslie E for spotting those Pesky typo's in the last chapter. I have fixed them :) x

I will continue do my best to try to spot any typo's & grammatical errors etc. but I am not a professional and if anyone can recommend a beta I would be grateful.

Please enjoy!

V x

Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined- I have always loved reading the comments as a reader and so am intrigued to see how I approach them as the author!

Chapter Four

The next morning, Elizabeth had overslept. She was shocked from her slumber by the sound of her bedroom door slamming shut.

"Lizzy! What are you doing in bed at this hour when he has come?!" scolded her Mrs Bennet throwing the blankets off.

"Mama!" she exclaimed half asleep.

"Oh, heaven's what will we do! We must hurry! Quickly now. Up. Up!" Mrs Bennet urged, practically pulling her daughter bodily off the mattress.

The door opened and Jane entered. "I have your lavender gown with the floral embroidery Lizzy. It has been freshly pressed by Hill this morning."

"Good girl. Now let us cease fretting and for goodness sake Jane, help me style her hair with the pretty yellow ribbons. I am so proud of you Lizzy, but we must not make a man like Mr Darcy wait." She said cupping Elizabeth's cheeks affectionately.

"H-He is here? Now?!" Elizabeth panicked.

"Yes child! Goodness I would not be upsetting my nerves over nothing. Honestly, we must make haste. Quickly now!" said Mrs Bennet as Jane smoothed the bedsheets and placed the dress upon it. "No! These are the wrong ribbons. The colour in these are green and we want Mr Darcy to be happy to see Lizzy today. Must I do everything myself!" cried Mrs Bennet in a fluster.

"It is alright Mama, if Mr Darcy is not sitting with Papa in his study, I have asked that our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner sit with him. And those ribbons will be a lovely contrast to Lizzy's eyes." Jane said, the significance behind her words not lost on Elizabeth and causing her to blush.

"You are correct. Well done Jane - you are not sick again are you?" questioned Mrs Bennet, noticing Elizabeth's warm countenance and placing her hand to her daughter's forehead.

"No Mama! I am just a little flustered that I have overslept." Elizabeth grumbled swatting her mother's hand away and causing Jane to giggle.

"Lord Jane – quick! Go downstairs now and tell you aunt and uncle that it will not do to let Lydia and Kitty near Mr Darcy, I beg you. He does not need to see any silliness today. I am sure he will grow fond of it once you are wed… he shall have no choice in the matter for we shall be his family too and – Oh and Jane quickly, run and bolt the music room shut! Glue the piano closed if you must. Mary has been learning that new tune which sounds like the funeral march. Longbourn needs to be welcoming, light and happy this morning... and -"

And so, Mrs Bennet rambled on and on whilst they rushed through her toilette; thankfully Elizabeth was too distracted to take much of it in. Her hair was pulled, twisted and pinned in an elaborately care-free style. Her cheeks and lips were pinched to her mother's satisfaction until at last, Mrs Bennet stood back in admiration of her labour.

"Oh Lizzy, you are beautiful! I am proud mother to have been gifted with five equally beautiful children! Come!" she sniffed dabbing at her eyes and leading Elizabeth to the stairs, with Jane following in their wake.

Turning to her sister, as they neared the stairs, Elizabeth's panic rose, "Jane, I fear I cannot face him. I was not very kind to him yesterday. I allowed my temper to get the better of me. I fear I released all of my apprehension upon the poor man and now I am worried as to what he will say…" she trailed off chewing at her bottom lip. "He must be thinking he is getting a shrew for a wife!" she laughed nervously.

"Oh pish!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet, cutting off Jane's reply. "You are a young girl, and you are entitled to such behaviour. I am sure he would not be so composed were he your age. Just do not let it happen again, or I am sure you are right, and he will believe he is getting a shrew for a wife!"

As they reached the landing Mrs Bennet stopped walking and turned to her second eldest daughter. And after a brief inspection of her tugger the neckline of her dress a little lower.

"Mama!" both Jane and Elizabeth gasped, to which Mrs Bennet rolled her eyes.

"Now Lizzy, I know this marriage is not how you had ever imagined or planned but Mr Darcy is a lucky man to have you for a wife. Do not forget your worth my dear. He may be as rich as Croesus, but you are worth ten of him! Right, head high and shoulders back, do not be afraid of him my sweet girl." Flapped her mother fussing with her sleeves as they walked downstairs towards the drawing room where Mr Darcy was waiting for her.

"Mr Darcy?" Came the unmistakeable voice of little Margaret.

"Yes, Miss Maggie." Replied Mr Darcy's deep baritone.

"You are rather large…" she asked.

"I am sorry sir; I think she is regarding your height." Came her Aunts voice.

"Yes, I believe I am rather tall. Why do you mention it?" he asked.

"Do you carry a sword? Perhaps it is hidden in your walking cane. Every hero carries a sword. Don't they Mama?" explained Margaret.

"She has always been very curious."

"Miss Maggie..." whispered the gentleman.

They paused outside the door listening as the room fell quiet. And then the excited reply from her cousins failed whisper was heard, no doubt through the entire house.

"Fear not Mr Darcy – I will tell no one that you carry a sword." Came the shouted hiss.

Aunt Gardiners laugh could be heard in response.

"I have another question Mr Darcy... Why did you kiss Lizzy? And why did it wake her? And will you kiss her again?" asked Margaret rapidly.

Oh no! Lord no!

"Margaret, Hush!" came her Aunt's swift reply as Elizabeth hurried to enter the room and silence her cousin.

"But he did! He took off her dress and he kissed her." Exclaimed Margaret.

"No, he did not remove my dress. I, ah… lost my pelisse. And he did not kiss me, Margaret." said Elizabeth sternly throwing daggers at her cousin from the doorway. Casting her eye around the room she found only her aunt and Margaret sitting on the settee and Mr Darcy on the armchair opposite.

All eyes were on her and if she were not mistaken, she had glimpsed amusement in Mr Darcy's gaze before he masked it. That made her embarrassment less, at least he was not offended by her young cousins' forwardness.

"Lizzy!" cried Margaret with glee as Mr Darcy rose from his seat. "Mr Darcy has come to walk with you. Did you know? He rode here on Domino, but sadly they were not accompanied by the fairies today."

"Miss Bennet," he bowed his eyes crinkling slightly, in the faintest movement of a smile. "If there is time after our walk, and your mother allows it, I am sure Domino should like to see you again, Miss Maggie." He said addressing Margaret.

She gasped and turned to her mother excitedly. "Very well. You may..." Chuckled her aunt. "But... you will have to practice your calligraphy with your cousin until Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's return, otherwise you may not have the privilege." She warned.

"Absolutely!" she exclaimed grabbing her books and making a dash for the door.

"Miss Maggie," called Mr Darcy bending close to whisper to her as she was passing, "Perhaps you may practice a note with which Domino might pass onto the fairies." He suggested.

Letting out an excited squeal she flew from the room, her ringlets bouncing as Mr Darcy straightened to his full height and bade the necessary greetings to Jane and Mrs Bennet.

"Would you care for some tea before your walk Mr Darcy?" asked Mrs Bennet.

"I am content as I am, but I am happy to sit if Miss Elizabeth should like to partake of some tea?" he offered solicitously.

"I thank you, no. I am more than happy to depart on our walk around the gardens here if you are?" She replied.

"Very well. Shall we?" he said gesturing for her to lead the way out.

With an encouraging nod from Jane and her mother, she and Mr Darcy went to the front of the house to collect their outdoor things and step out into the fresh November morning.

"If we go this way Mr Darcy, there is nice bench fashioned around a large tree." She suggested and when he offered his arm, did not hesitate to take it, if she had decided to go through with this and she would need to be better in his company.

Elizabeth felt awkwardness fall over her as she wracked her brain for something to say. She had so many questions that she wanted to ask him, but now being alone with him and within view of the house had her self-conscious and unable to sort through her thoughts. She smiled as she could almost picture her mother desperately watching her, with her nose pressed to the window and muttering under her breath for her to say anything.

Opening her mouth, she was about to ask how he enjoyed his ride this morning, but it felt too bland, then she thought to ask after Domino's health, but of course that would not do either…

"I must apologise for my cousin, Maggie. She is… I do not think she fully understands…" Elizabeth blurted, but trailed off uncertainly when she could not make out his expression.

"No need. I understand, she is at such an innocent age where the whole ordeal must seem like a fantastical adventure."

"You are not cross then?"

"Do I appear to be cross?"

"No, you did not. But it would be a poor reflection of my morals if I did not extend an apology." She explained. Then frowned at being the one to offer an apology at the beginning of their conversation and thus giving him the upper hand.

Stop thinking like that. Give the man some credit Lizzy! She scolded herself. Her shame growing when they reached the bench and he bent first to wipe the leaves from it and then take her hand as she seated herself, before claiming his seat next to her.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she looked up at him. Mr Darcy for all his faults, was doing the honourable thing by her and he had not once made her feel like he had all the power in this situation. He was gentleman of obscene wealth and influence… and he was not one to flaunt such things as many, her family included, would be eager to do. And she had to acknowledge the little things he did, the small touches of gentlemanly behaviour were a nice quality in him. No doubt it was ingrained in him, but it made her feel a little special.

"I wonder at your appraisal… Do you plan once more to enumerate all my failings and flaws? Perhaps you would do better to compile a list so that you may cross out the ones you have stated and add any new grievances to it? We would not wish to become predictable now, would we?" he said dryly.

She blinked rapidly in surprise. He was curious to know her thoughts and even though it he was teasing her there was an edge to his words.

"I suppose I deserve that, but no. I should like to apologise for my behaviour. You have been very kind and patient with me, and I own I forgot that you must not wish to have your hand forced in such a way either. I should as one question of you if I may?"

He nodded his consent, but she could see a slight wariness in his gaze.

"Why are you marrying me? It would not cause a scandal that being a man, you could not weather…"

Furrowing his brow for a moment. "As you are aware I have a younger sister, Georgiana. I would not like to see her have to face any scandal in our family if I can help it. She has been through enough with the loss of our parents among other things. Above all, I should like to set a good example for her."

"That is admirable. Your care for your sister does you credit. You hold her in such affection that you would marry a woman you found to be barely tolerable…"

He sighed. "I must confess I have been aware for some time that you had overheard my ill comment. I can assure you that those sentiments were made before I had even seen you."

"But you had seen me. When we had been introduced."

"True, but I was in a bad temper and I had only glanced at you when we were introduced, but it did not see you. Not because we are possibly to be man and wife, but because it is the truth… I do not find you wanting in any aspect. I know better than to speak as I did, and in company too! I had thought to apologise, but you had not seemed offended and took great joy in laughing at me. And so, I took the easier option of not apologising." He said offering her a tired smile. "I even felt I had excused my behaviour by asking you to dance, knowing full well you would refuse me. I felt or hoped it had evened the score. It was ungentlemanly, and I hope you will believe that I am genuinely sorry for it." He said sincerely.

"You have surprised me again; I had not expected such a reply. I am most happy to accept your apology and move on from this unpleasantness." She said with a small smile.

"Do I dare take this to mean you will consent to being my wife?" he asked quietly.

"Yes Mr Darcy. I would be honoured." She said her smile trembling slightly.

"The honour is all mine." he replied graciously and returned her smile. Such a small change in his expression yet it worked to soften his features appealingly. Unbidden, the memories of him standing before her in the river flashed into her mind. True, it was not the most romantic proposal as proposals went, but Mr Darcy was a good a man and she had not treated him fairly.

"Would tell me a little more about yourself Mr Darcy?" she asked nervously.

"Of course, what should you like to know, that you do not already?"

"There is plenty I have to learn! But I shall let you choose." She said smiling encouragingly.

Taking a deep breath, he looked away and focused his gaze on the distance, leaving her with a view of his profile.

"As it stands, I currently own four properties. There is Pemberley which you know of and the holdings there produce a substantial income and another slightly smaller one just outside of Bristol, which also generates a healthy income. We have a townhouse in London and there you will also have access to your own box at two of the better theatre's and we have accounts at the modistes -"

"Mr Darcy?" she said cutting him short. "That is all very well, but what of you and your interests, hobbies etcetera."

"Forgive me. I had assumed that you would like to know the benefits of becoming my wife."

"I am sure I shall learn all those things in time. You seem genuinely shocked!"

"I cannot deny that I am, Miss Bennet. There not many that care to know more than my income." He said pulling at the fingers of his gloves in discomfort.

Sadness pierced her heart when she acknowledged that he was not wrong in his statement. That was one of the first thing she had learnt about him herself!

"I propose a small game, Mr Darcy!" said Elizabeth brightly, startling him a little.

"A game?" he asked with an arch to one brow.

"Yes. As you do not know where to begin to tell me about yourself and I know not where to ask, this shall be the best way to improve our acquaintance."

"Very well," he agreed.

"It is a game where; I will say two things and you will have to reply with the first the one you favour most. I feel this will be something you will enjoy because you are a man of few words," she teased.

"How novel. Do not blame me if this throws me into a spot of bother… I fear I usually like the benefit of thinking over what it is I plan to say."

"I think my sister would call that a 'Controlling ogre!" Elizabeth laughed at the look on his face and could not believe she was enjoying this time with him.

"Ha! I am no longer so worried about my responses!" he teased back.

He is teasing me!

"Right! I shall go first – Which would you rather singing or piano?"

"Am I singing?"

"Oh sir, you cannot respond with another question!"

"I am losing already!" he chuckled.

"There is no winner or loser." She replied, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Then what is the point in playing?" he countered.

"Because it is fun!"

"Very well, Piano… now do I ask something."

"Yes," she replied.

"Can I ask the same thing?" he asked.

"No!" she scolded.

"I feel it would have been better had we established some rules, beforehand." He replied chuckling.

"Mr Darcy!"

"You are already telling me off, you are a natural." he said thinking she looked wonderful when pretending to be cross with him.

Elizabeth responded with a huff, only to laugh when he lifted his hands placatingly in mock surrender.

"Horse riding or walking, Miss Bennet?" he asked trying to keep from smiling.

"I believe you already know the answer to that." She quipped.

"I thought you were supposed to simply answer the question and then counter with your own?" he baited. "And I do not know whether you ride, but yes I have witnessed your fondness for walking."

Laughing, "Then you asked your question incorrectly, sir."

"You said it must be a quick question and I should have looked rather silly asking you if you know how to walk!"

"Oh Mr Darcy!" she said clutching at her sides. "You can be quite amusing."

"Only quite?" he asked, and something deepened in his eyes as he looked at her. Something she did not understand but made her cheeks warm regardless.

"Miss Bingley will be so disappointed to know that you can indeed be laughed at, Mr Darcy."

Taking his beaver off his head he ran a gloved hand through his hair ruffling it, in an endearingly self-conscious way and she oddly found herself leaning into him. Discerning the clean scent of his soap, before a large spider crept over thigh and she shrieked in fear.

Alarm distorted his features as he stood and looked for the danger.

"Please! Get it off!" Elizabeth gasped frozen as still as statue as she watched its progression up her leg.

It took Mr Darcy a moment before he saw her cause for distress, his features instantly crumpled into amusement.

"Allow me," he offered gently, look to Elizabeth for any sign of disagreement in her countenance. When he saw only relief he moved forward.

Chuckling he bent over her lap and cupped his hands gently around the spider grazing her thigh. His head bent to his task and dark curls being so close to her had her holding her breath as her heartbeat raced. She wondered how they would feel to touch them. Then the moment ended as he stood with the insect caged within his hands and for a moment, she feared he might think it funny as father did when she was little, to throw it at her. Thankfully he was above such nonsense. Gallantly, he moved away and released it into the hedges a short distance away.

"You must think me silly," she spoke self-consciously smoothing her skirts.

"Not at all. He was rather big for a little thing." He said smiling.

"I am fine with the smaller ones, and if he had not climbed onto me, I would not have created such a scene."

"Please, do not feel embarrassed. We all have our small fears."

"And what is yours, Mr Darcy?" she teased breathlessly.

He opened his mouth to reply when Mrs Bennet beckoned them inside and out of the cold. Probably terrified Elizabeth would make even more of a fool of herself.

He stood and offered his arm, "What fortuitous timing your mother has." he teased.

Mr Darcy left soon after, but not before filling his promise to little Margaret. She had written a small note for Domino which she excitedly read to the horse again and again, whilst plying him with apples and carrots. Domino gobbled them up and elicited plenty of giggles from Margaret as he went searching her face and hair for more. Mr Darcy was then able to take his leave but was to return that evening with Mr Bingley after accepting an invitation to dine with them. And Elizabeth was shocked to find that she was eagerly waiting to spend more time with him.