Thank you all once more the devotion to this story and the wonderful comments. I am so appreciative of all the constructive comments. For those who questioned the additional characters - I wanted to give myself a challenge with this WIP (work in progress) and all characters do have a pivotal role. I am not a skilled writer and know this needs editing and I promise I do try - I just tend to get distracted by what happens next...

To those who have criticised the things that I have depicted which are not historically correct... I understand but it is how I wanted it written. There are not many things that are out of time - please stick with it.

Also as I have said it before I am intending this story to be long and though, I have planned the conclusions of my characters HEA's (happily ever after's) I haven't planned how they will each get there and so the journey is as much a surprise for me as it is for you.

Also a mention to FireFlower77 who nominated Ben Barnes for Darcy (what a dish!) excellent choice ! And to Kylosgotcake who gave a nod to Tom Hiddleston (That needs to be made a reality!) X

Ok enough of that - let's get on with the story haha!

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Chapter 14

"Miss Eliz-" began Mr Darcy.

However, before he could get the entirety of her name out, she spun on her heel and walked away from him. Suppressing the urge to groan he followed her and soon recognised the path she was taking led to the large tree they had sat and played their game and she had agreed to marry him.

Those memories had made him impatient and restless during his trip to London. Their conversation and light-hearted interaction had given him the proof that he needed that they could make their future a happy one with some work. Truth be told, he wanted to see his bride. It was unfathomable and incomprehensible, but since the few days they spent in London, he had missed her. He didn't know what to think or feel about that new revelation. Perhaps because she was different. Refreshing and honest. He craved that she didn't bother to pretend to be in love with him, but rather showed her feeling about him quite openly.

"Now we have some modicum of privacy, please can you tell me what that display in there was all about?"

"I had hoped it would be obvious. I am sorry I could not shield you from the upset you are currently feeling, but your cousin was quite determined and insistent."

"Yes, and you only added it to it. You cannot place the blame it all on Mr Collins." She replied evenly.

"Forgive me I do not have the advantage of understanding you. How am I to blame?"

"How? – Are you so superior and arrogant that you cannot own that you had a hand at my humiliation? In front of my mother and father… How many other women are you betrothed to? Should I expect this in every county in England?!"

"Miss Elizabeth, I do not doubt I am a selfish being used to getting my own way, but I am not a brute nor am I libertine. I would not have so openly announced our betrothal to society or to my family if I was promised to another."

"Are you saying that there is no truth to Mr Collins' claims?"

"I do not believe I need to dignify such a question with an answer."

"Well, it is not the first I have heard of this. Mr Wickham mentioned this to me after we were introduced."

"You should not concern yourself with that gentleman." He said clasping his hands behind his back.

"That gentleman has been more open with me than you have."

"But of course, a gentleman you have just met is far more trustworthy than a gentleman you are betrothed to." He mumbled.

"Forgive me for needing time to adjust and for having doubts due to the numerous accounts of your character."

"This is to be an adjustment for me too. I think we would be much better suited in approaching this rationally and not be so quick to anger." He said his tone never changing.

"Yes, but I am leaving all that I know familiar and normal. You are just adding someone to your life." She huffed waving a hand in his direction as she paced.

He cocked his head in the charming way he had, as if he were cutting through what he was learning was her way of fighting for control in situations she felt inept in or was discomfited by.

He made a moue of distaste. "Normal. I would never have thought you would be someone who wished for normal. I know that I am not the gentleman of your dreams. You are intelligent and funny and undoubtedly could have had your pick from dozens of other more convivial and less serious suitors, but I will strive to be a good husband to you. I must insist that this constant pushing forward a step only to stumble backwards five must desist." Said Mr Darcy as though scolding a child.

"I do not need you to tell me how to feel or act regarding this situation or you as my future husband."

"No, and yet you are more than happy for Mr Wickham to offer you guidance on such topics which have absolutely nothing to do with him!" Came his quick retort before bowing and storming halfway back the house - When suddenly he stopped and threw his head back releasing a frustrating breath in a wafting cloud ascending and merging with the gloomy sky. Then turning and coming back to her and offering her his arm. Which she took though she barely rested her hand upon it. Elizabeth took great satisfaction that he felt compelled by his breeding that he could not simply leave her there and little part of her relished that she broke through his controlled demeanour.

"At least he is more open, and easy in his manners." She sniffed.

"Petulance? Truly?"

"Sarcasm? Truly?"

"Do you simply despise all men or is it limited to myself, and any gentleman associated with me?" he laughed bitterly.

"If that were the case sir, then I should not approve of Mr Wickham. You are so superior all the time you have yet to confirm to me that you are not in fact you are betrothed to another! You have the audacity to stand there in apparent confusion over my comments. Mr Wickham was shocked to hear of our engagement but concluded that your cousin must have passed away, being of such a sickly constitution!"

"I will not discuss that man with you, as your future husband your loyalty should lie with me."

"That is not how respect and loyalty work. Sir. You cannot demand loyalty; it must be earned!"

"I thought I understood your character this far to suitably enjoy challenge and truth instead of artifice and flattery."

"You are not wrong, but you have forgotten Sir, that while you have heard me speak on numerous topics and seen at length my family and how I interact with them - your actions and reactions, your connections and affairs are all foreign to me. I want to trust you and believe you and I think of how your saved me rushing into the river without hesitation. How you are with Maggie and the recommendations from my aunt, but..." Elizabeth trailed off looking up at him. His expression closed though he stood intently listening to her.

"Go on." He prompted.

"Your cousins are charming - too charming - and though they are more voluble than you are, they are still no easier to read. And then this news of your other engagement - well it bothers me that I cannot simply discard the fact as an untruth. I see glimpses of a man I can see a future with, but I see more of the cold and I feeling man who puzzles me exceedingly."

"I have not set out to trick you. There is no nefarious intent. Is it not possible for a person to have different sides their character? I am what I am Miss Elizabeth and I take our betrothal and future together seriously."

"Then tell me the truth of your dealings with Mr Wickham." she said quietly

"You will insist upon an answer?"

"I will. I do." Came her direct response.

He looked at her for a long moment before expelling deep sigh.

"It is not my story to tell, and I would tell you if it affected only myself. What I can tell you is that his father was my father's steward and an excellent man. Mr Wickham junior... is very good at flattery. He spins convincing tales and grovels well…" He said with a shrug not looking at her. "But do not be fooled, he is not so lily-liveried not to pose a threat."

"What do you mean by a threat?"

"The sort of threat that any man might impose upon a maiden." Mr Darcy said with a meaningful look.

Elizabeth winced at his matter-of-fact tone and shivered at what he was inferring.

"For now, that is all I will say on the matter."

"I thank you for what you have told me, and I will pass it on to my father with your consent." She said happy to feel the mood lighten a little. It no longer felt like an argument, but two people trying to find one another's boundaries and getting to know each other better. "I cannot deny I have some reservations. Though, I am sure with time they will diminish."

He nodded and after a moment tilted his head back, looking at the grey clouds. Elizabeth followed his lead and squinting up at the misty sky.

"Mama would scold me if she saw me in this way," she said after a moment, her head still turned up and her eyes closed. "she'd say that it would give me freckles. But what are a couple more freckles?" She was speaking as if to herself, not requiring an answer from him, and he couldn't give her an answer if he tried.

He was distracted by the expanse of pure white skin she exposed to him by tilting her head back. Her soft, creamy neck, so enticing and succulent, just begged for his lips to touch it. He wondered at the taste of her skin if he were to run his lips —

Elizabeth turned to face him once more and a flash irritation sparked in her gaze as it pierced him.

"I can see you agree with my mother and disapprove of me. Well -"

"I do not disapprove." He stated matter of fact way that he had. "I can see that; you still continue to doubt me. How do we fix this do you think?"

"There is no immediate remedy that springs to mind, sir." She replied awkwardly clearing her throat.

"I do not agree. But the question remains of how I can convince you?" He said softly the atmosphere shifting to something more charged and consuming.

"C-convince me?" Elizabeth stuttered.

"Mhmm," he hummed deeply stepping closer.

"I do not know what you mean." She whispered her eyes starting to feel heavy and her blood rushing in her ears as his presence overwhelmed her.

"Well, we cannot have that now, can we?" He said the corners of his mouth quirking upwards.

And for just a second, he let her see into his eyes—beyond the heavy veil: he wanted her—fiercely. Elizabeth felt short of breath from ferocity in which he looked at her.

Lowering his head, she moved her weight to the tips of her toes as his mouth captured hers. This kiss was the same as in her father's study in the way that she was surprised to find his lips were soft and warm, not at all as hard and unyielding as they seemed. His scent reached her senses, surrounding her in a mindless fog. He smelled like sandalwood and horses, and something else, potently masculine, and unique to him. She closed her eyes, giving herself over to the sensations he was evoking, not wanting to let go, when the stoke of his tongue over her lips had her gasping her shock at the new stirring of feelings she could not identify. A moment later his tongue swept in, and she ceased thinking and submitted to this moment in his arms.

The kiss became filled with more urgency as his large hands moved to cup her face and angle her head so that he could deepen the embrace and it felt as though her insides were melting. Elizabeth clung to his forearms to prevent herself from crumbling into a heap at his feet, and unwittingly bringing her breasts flush against his chest. He groaned his approval his hand moving to clasp her jaw as he drew her bottom lip between his teeth and nipped at it lightly. The onslaught to her senses began to overwhelm her and so Elizabeth turned her head to steal a lungful of much needed air, she heard a small whimper escape her as his lips moved to caress along her jaw to a spot of pure sensation just behind her ear.

"Elizabeth Primrose Bennet!" Came the high tones of Mrs Bennet.

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth drew apart, startled. Elizabeth placed the back of her hand over her mouth as Mr Darcy turned away to face the hedges. Her cheeks heated and she stumbled slightly as she saw the stern expression on her mother's face and the appearance of her aunt and uncle Gardiner, with equally severe expressions upon their faces. Mr Darcy reached out a hand to prevent her from further embarrassment and turned to offer her a reassuring smile.

"Lizzy! We have got your ball gown!" Called Margaret upon seeing them. "And papa has returned! He surprised us when mama and I were shopping!"

Words could not express Darcy and Elizabeth's gratitude at Margaret's swiftness at dispelling the tension between the adults.

"That is a wonderful surprise." Came Elizabeth's strangled response.

"Mama, says that you are now ready for the ball! And you Mr Darcy… Will you have new clothing for the ball?" Maggie looked at him and grinned.

"I think my valet is on top of things regarding my clothing, but I thank you for your concern," Mr Darcy replied with a chuckle.

"Well, isn't this a merry party!" came the cheerful tones of Sir Percy.

Greetings were exchanged and Elizabeth noticed the pointed look Sir Percy gave to her betrothed at the awkwardness of their positions within the garden.

"Percy? Where are the others?" asked Darcy with a slight frown.

"They are not far behind. One of the horses threw a shoe and we were closer to here than Netherfield. We have decided it would be best to curtail todays outing."

"Oh dear, that is a shame. Shall we move round to the front of the house to welcome them?" asked Mrs Bennet rhetorically and still not taking her eyes from Mr Darcy.

Clearing his throat Mr Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm. Elizabeth slid her hand to rest delicately in the crook of his arm and felt the muscles bunch and tense under her palm.

"All is well?" asked Sir Percy as the formed a trio and followed behind the others at a distance.

"Of course," replied Elizabeth much too quickly. "And how are the others. No one was hurt I hope?"

"Rest assured that everyone is fine. In fact, I believe I can hear them approaching from the lane now…" Sir Percy smiled.

Sure enough, the sound of her sisters animated voiced wafted through the air.

"Percy, can you give us a minute?" asked Mr Darcy stopping.

"I will see to it that you are not disturbed." Sir Percy said with a bow and a touch to the brim of his hat.

Mr Darcy surprised her by taking her hands in his and moving so that they were facing one another.

"Forgive my behaviour and lack of propriety. I had not intended for our kiss to go quite so far… I know there are still things left unresolved between us and this is a normal consequence of our circumstances. I know we have previously spoken of what we expect of the other in this marriage and I have one thing to add if I may…" he said measuring his words carefully.

"Very well. What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

"Disagreements with household issues or personal should not be argued or debated in front of staff or family. Even in a love match there will be quarrels all I ask is that we are to always present a united front... yes?" he asked watching her closely.

"I see no issue with this request, though you must understand that Jane and I have no secrets…"

"We all have that one person we confide in or seek guidance from, I see no issue with that."

"I am glad. And let us hope that we will become that for each other in time." Elizabeth said smiling warmly a feeling of untainted optimism filling her chest for the first time since their engagement had been announced.

"We share that same hope, Miss Elizabeth."

They rounded the side of the house to see a pale Sir Percy stood before a very enthusiastically Kitty and Lydia, who were gesturing wildly and getting louder and louder as they fought dominate the conversation.

"Kitty, Lydia? Where are the others?" she asked as they reached them.

"Inside. Mama is beside herself!" exclaimed Kitty.

Lydia stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "You will never guess what has happened! When the horse grew lame –"

"No that is wrong Lydia! The horse threw a shoe –"

"Oh, hush Kitty that is not what is important."

"Do not tell me to hush! Lizzy tell her-"

"As I was saying, Mr Collins came stumbling out of the adjacent field and then what do you think happened next Lizzy?"

"He launched himself at Mary and proposed!" shouted Kitty.

"Mr Collins proposed?" gasped Elizabeth looking around for Mary.

Sir Percy, moved away suddenly towards his horse which was tethered to the gate post. His horse was chestnut brown with white socks and rather tall and intimidating, like Mr Darcy's.

"Where is Mary?" asked Elizabeth as Mr Darcy moved away to issue instruction to have his horse readied.

"Mary is above stairs with Mama, who is no doubt telling her that she has made the biggest mistake in refusing him." Said Lydia with a roll of her eyes.

"Mary refused him?" gasped Elizabeth in delight.

"I for one am very proud of our sister. She is much to pretty and deserves far better than that toad!" Sniffed Kitty as she and Lydia giggled and disappeared inside.

"Good Lord," she gasped to herself and bringing her hands to cover her mouth.

"Miss Elizabeth." She heard Mr Darcy say from beside her.

She turned absently, jumping slightly to find Domino's head nudge over Mr Darcy's shoulder. Letting out a little nervous giggle she patted the stallion's nose before Mr Darcy moved him back.

"I am afraid I must leave you now… but if you consent Mr Bingley and I will come to collect you and Miss Bennet tomorrow afternoon so that you will be present to receive the guests for the ball at my side."

"Jane and I would be honoured, Mr Darcy."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, and with another bow, Darcy mounted his horse beside his cousin and they both promptly took their leave.