Hi everyone! Thank you to those who read my first piece, "The Grateful Series." As some readers have requested a longer story, I thought to give it a try.

I have to declare that English is my third language, just so you understand that there are likely to be errors in grammar and word usage. It is not an excuse but a possible reason for any mistakes.

Thank you and stay safe.

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Mr Darcy was pacing in his room. He definitely sensed the imminent danger of paying her too much attention. He was acutely aware that thoughts of her were taking up practically all of his idle time. And what more, she was becoming a constant feature in his dreams. In the last one, she --

No. That is not something you can fantasise about during the day.

Mr Darcy then started detailing all the objections he had against the lady but he also found that there were numerous arguments that counter them.

She has no money, no connections. (You really have no need for more money and connections. You have more than enough of those to last 10 lifetimes.)

She will not survive the ton. (No, she will dazzle them all with her fine eyes and quick wit. Miss Bingley does not even realise that hidden barbs that are thrown her way).

My family will never accept her. (Georgiana will. She will absolutely adore her. And Elizabeth will be such a loving, attentive sister to Georgiana like she is to Miss Bennet.)

But what of Aunt Catherine? She will be most seriously displeased. (She will rant about the imaginary arrangement between Anne and me. I will, of course, pay her no mind, then she will be so livid and will vow to cut ties with me. That will be bloody FANTASTIC!!! No more yearly trips to ghastly Rosings!)

She will not know how to manage Pemberley. (You do know that she helps run Longbourn. She probably does more and knows more than her father. She takes prodigious care of their tenants. She can discuss crop rotation, irrigation, sheep breeds and other the likes with stimulating passion. Speaking of care, breeding and stimulating passion, I am certain it will be bliss to be the object of her affection.)

We will never suit. We are always arguing. About anything. (Admit it, you do that deliberately to rile her up. She looks radiant when she is angry. And she will bring much needed liveliness into your dull existence. Yes, she is bright, cheerful and vivacious while you are… sombre, brooding and overly serious).

But her family! Her mother and her younger sisters! They are grating on my nerves! (Now you sound like Mrs Bennet. You won't be in their company once you sequester Elizabeth away in your chambers, erm, to Pemberley.)

Oh, stop it now. This is driving me mad. She is driving me mad. She is not even here.

I am resolved. I have to keep my distance. I need to speak to Bingley about leaving. Time for a change of plan.