As Elizabeth retired for the evening, her mind was overflowing with the various events that had occurred over the last few days. A serious head injury, an engagement and an elopement were enough to make her dizzy. She would soon be mistress of this great house and surrounding estate; something she would have never thought possible.

Despite her weariness, sleep would not invade Lizzy as her head continued to process. She prayed that Mr. Darcy and her father would be able to get to Lydia before she did anything detrimental, but was that even possible. Surely, she would have to marry that scoundrel. A sudden sense of realisation and dread overcame her, if Lydia married Wickham and she married Fitzwilliam, they would be brothers. Would Darcy put up with calling the man who deliberately put Georgiana's propriety as risk as his brother for life? And if he was willing to take on such a burden, could she ask him to? The full ramifications of her sister's thoughtless and selfish actions made her heart race and her breathing to quicken; despite his feelings for her, could Fitzwilliam Darcy still marry her after the shameful act was public?

Unaware of his love's worries, Darcy doze as their carriage neared their stop for the night. He found dreaming of his future with the beautiful Elizabeth was just the tonic to banish his thoughts of what lay ahead of him and Mr. Bennett. He had spent many a night fantasising about having Elizabeth in his arms, but not he knew first hand how soft her lips were, how her hair curled slightly more on her right than her left and how sweet her touch. He could not remember a time where he felt so jovial and content, that was until the news of Wickham's latest conquest had reached Pemberley. He had pledged to himself and Mr. Bennett that George Wickham would be dealt with once and for all. He said a silent prayer that his cousin had got to the mindless runaways before it was too late.

Darcy and Mr. Bennett had a hasty evening meal and wished each other goodnight within two hours or arriving at the Inn. His future Father-in-law stated that he was tired and would retire to read, whereas Darcy was desperate to write Elizabeth a letter, he was desperately missing her despite the fact that he had not long left her.

My Dearest Elizabeth,

Your father and I have stopped for the evening and I had to write to let you know how much I miss you. Every waking hour away from you is torture, yet I know that I must continue for you and your family's happiness. Your father is fairing well, I feel this time will help us to get to know each other better.

I cannot deny that we are both concerned about what lies ahead of us, but please know that I will do everything in my power to protect the name of your family. I feel a dreadful sense of guilt that my pride and self-worth prevented me from sharing the selfishness of Wickham's character whilst in Hertfordshire; I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me my omission.

I hope that you are able to enjoy our time apart and use it to familiarise yourself with Pemberley in preparation for becoming my wife, ah how that sounds! I cannot wait till the day that we never have to be apart, you have made me the happiest man alive Elizabeth.

Before our hasty departure, Bingley gave me a letter that he wished me to pass on to you, in order to give it to Jane. I realised it is improper to write before an official understanding is in place, yet I know that Mr. Bingley is desperate to make amends with your sister, and I hoped that you would agree in my plight. Nonetheless, I still have the letter on my person and Bingley does not know this fact. Would you be kind enough to subtly let him know that Miss Bennett has not received his note? Perhaps, you can work your magic with them both in my absence.

I must end now my love and take rest ready for tomorrow's journey. I will dream of you.

All my love,

F.D

Darcy sought out a servant to ensure that his letter would be sent to Pemberley as soon as possible and made his way to bed.