A/N: Your will get more insight into Mr. Darcy's character in this chapter. Some of you may forgive him or just feel sorry for him because he has no interpersonal skills whatsoever. This may be the last update for a few days. I am back to work tomorrow.
After a long restless night, Mr. Darcy set out in his coach for Hertfordshire. He was in a quandary regarding how to present his suit to Mr. Bennet, especially after his conversation with Mr. Gardiner. His normal mode of operation, demanding his due and having all the pieces fall into place neatly might not work with the gentleman if he was that attached to his daughter. It was not a surprise that Elizabeth was Mr. Bennet's favorite. It would be no surprise to him that she would be anyone's favorite. She was beautiful, vivacious, intelligent, well-spoken and had a wonderful sense of humor. He paused for a moment and wondered why he did not say these things to her himself when he proposed. Would it have made a difference or was her dislike of him so all-encompassing that it wouldn't have mattered? Even his letter hadn't softened her disposition in his favor. What did the woman want? He disliked second guessing himself. All his life he made hard decisions and for the most part they were the correct decisions, all except sending Georgiana to Ramsgate and absolutely everything he said in front of his Elizabeth.
Gaining a woman's hand should not be this hard, He was Fitzwilliam Darcy every woman wanted him. Well apparently, not every woman. He knew he was constantly taking the wrong tact with Elizabeth but she infuriated and challenged him at every turn. When he did try to be kind he was rebuffed sometimes quite rudely. When he tried to be logical she fought with him. When he became frustrated and was completely straightforward she had cried. He was at a loss. He wished he could just tell her honestly of his love for her. He should pledge his fidelity, devotion and everything else he could think of, but no, he could not. She had said far too many hurtful things to him. Perhaps she was right, they would be miserable together. "No!", he said aloud to himself in the carriage. She just had to be reasonable and learn to trust in his judgment! They would have a happy marriage. He would see to it. Unfortunately, at this point he could not pinpoint how exactly that would happen. She had to yield to his demands and become his wife. Then and only then could he moderate his behavior and shower her with love as he longed to do. He would have done so right from the beginning if she had answered properly and accepted his hand at the parsonage. So, in reality, this situation and his subsequent behavior was her fault not his. For the moment, he was satisfied with his conclusion and decided to take a nap.
He awoke as his carriage was pulling up to Longbourn. He was admitted to the house and asked to speak with Mr. Bennet. As he was shown into to the library he could feel the sweat dripping down the back of his neck. He was truly nervous and did not like the feeling. It was disconcerting.
Mr. Bennet greeted him politely but with a look of confusion on his face. "Mr. Darcy welcome. Please sit down. I have to say I am very surprised to see you here. Has the Bingley family returned to Netherfield?" He asked with slightly hopeful tone to his voice.
"No sir, they have not returned. I am here on, on, on, personal business." he stuttered. Damn it, what was wrong with him? Fitzwilliam Darcy never stuttered.
Mr. Bennet tried to hide his amusement at the man's nervousness. What could he possibly have to say that would make the young man behave so. He had never seen him so out of sorts.
"What is your business sir?" he politely inquired.
"I am here, I am here to marry your daughter." Darcy said very quickly.
Mr. Bennet could not help but chuckle. "I am sorry, which of my daughters are you engaged to? I have many, you are welcome to any of them except my Elizabeth of course" he jested.
Darcy felt his temper rise. The man was making fun of him but he had been warned it was a possibility. He collected himself and said in a most pompous manner, 'I am here to gain your consent in marrying your daughter Elizabeth."
Mr. Bennet was dumbfounded. "Whatever can you mean? You want to marry Elizabeth? A woman you barely know, whom you referred to as tolerable and not tempting enough to ask for a dance."
"Oh, you know of that?" Darcy asked with a red face obviously embarrassed by his faux pas. He had not known anyone other than Bingley had heard his comment. This must be another reason for Elizabeth's displeasure with him.
"Yes, I do, as does Elizabeth. She heard you say it at the assembly herself. In fact, all of Meryton knows of it. We also know of the mutual disdain between yourself and my daughter. What can you mean by this declaration Mr. Darcy? Is this some kind of jest? You have been gone from Meryton for months. Please tell me sir, why would you suddenly show up here and ask for Elizabeth's hand?"
"Mr. Bennet it is a long and complicated story. I am sure you don't want to hear all the details." Darcy said dismissively as was his habit.
"You are mistaken Mr. Darcy. I would like to laugh this off as a witticism but I sense that you may actually be serious. I would like to hear it all, every bit of it, with candor." Mr. Bennet demanded.
Mr. Bennet was proving to be more formidable than Darcy had anticipated. Obviously, his lackadaisical approach to life did not apply to Elizabeth. Darcy knew this was probably the most important conversation he would ever have. If he handled it badly he would lose Elizabeth forever as he could not make her marry him without her father's consent. He decided that he would have to be somewhat candid with Elizabeth's father. He did not appreciate making his innermost feelings known to almost a complete stranger but felt he had no choice.
Darcy forced himself to use a somewhat amiable tone of voice. "As you wish sir. This is a very long story and I would appreciate you hearing all of it before asking me to leave Longbourn forever." he said making an awkward attempt at levity. Mr. Bennet did not laugh.
Darcy started at the very beginning. He told Mr. Bennet of his growing admiration for Elizabeth and the delight he took in their debates. He was even honest regarding Mr. Bingley's departure from the area. He talked for what felt like hours. He spoke of every virtue Elizabeth possessed and how it was his aim in life to make her his wife. He was even honest in his description of his disastrous proposal in Hunsford. At times Mr. Bennet looked diverted and at others very serious but Darcy did not stop talking. He judiciously left out the carriage ride and the kiss. He did mention that he had offered Elizabeth his hand again in return for reuniting Miss Bennet with Mr. Bingley.
When he finished his tale Mr. Bennet had a very odd look on his face. "Mr. Darcy, I am afraid you have made quite a jumble of things. That was a very diverting story and had it not involved my beloved Elizabeth I would be extremely amused. You obviously don't know my daughter very well if you think coercing her into marriage would be something she would appreciate. Did you really insinuate you would only contact Bingley if she agreed to marry you?"
"I didn't insinuate. I said it very bluntly. I didn't mean it. I would have talked to Bingley no matter her reply but I couldn't let Miss Elizabeth know that. She would have refused me again. I could not let that happen. I was desperate Mr. Bennet." As he explained himself he finally realized his words were unseemly. How could he have been so obtuse?
Mr. Bennet shook his head almost in pity, which Darcy did not appreciate. "For an intelligent man you have done everything wrong. You have given great offense even if that was not your intention. How could you not know my daughter disliked you? Did you ever do anything to show her your regard? Your proposal was most likely a great surprise to her."
"Sir, I had been courting her for weeks at Rosings. I deigned to talk with her, walk with her, spend time in her company. I even tried to return her teasing although I am not sure I did a good job of it. I never acted thusly with other women. I was convinced that she understood and welcomed my attentions." Darcy stated with much agitation.
At this Mr. Bennet broke down in laughter. "Forgive me, but you were courting a woman who did not know you were courting her. Where you saw debates, I am sure my Elizabeth saw arguments. She mentioned to me more than once that whenever you looked at her it was to find fault. She probably assumed you were cataloging all the negative aspects of her person. If you came upon her on her walks I am sure Elizabeth did not believe it was intentional. She probably thought you were lost." He chuckled.
Darcy looked down at the floor. He was breathless and uncomfortable. He had never spoken so much at one time in his life. In an odd way, he felt better speaking of it out loud. Mr. Bennet suggested some refreshments and he was grateful for the respite. The entire time they ate and drank Mr. Bennet stared at him with a peculiar look on his face.
Once the repast was cleared away the discussion continued. "Mr. Darcy how did you leave things with my daughter?"
"She agreed to my proposal for the sake of her sister." he answered awkwardly.
"Did she now? I am sure at this moment she is plotting to find a way out of it. You will have your work cut out for you." he chuckled.
"Will you give me your consent sir? Darcy asked impatiently.
"Mr. Darcy, I do not like the thought of forcing my daughter into anything. She will not handle it well. Your methods have not been admirable up until this point. Why not try to modify your behavior and woo her?"
"I am afraid I am not very skilled at wooing women sir." Darcy replied
"That goes without saying. I did not force her to marry Mr. Collins although his proposal was a bit better worded than yours. I do not wish to compel her to marry you if she is resistant." Bennet countered.
"Mr. Collins, that buffoon proposed to my Elizabeth? How dare he!" Darcy shouted.
"Mr. Darcy, she is not your Elizabeth. Do you really think that you can have anything you want just because you want it regardless of the feelings of those involved?" he asked in a sharp voice.
When Mr. Darcy did not answer him he continued. "You profess to care for my daughter but do you really care about her wants and needs or only your own?" Bennet asked.
"Elizabeth would be a wonderful mistress of Pemberley and a thoughtful companion to my sister. She will fill my home with kindness and humor and charm everyone she meets." Darcy answered.
"Again sir, you are only speaking of your desires not my daughter's." Bennet replied adamantly.
"I could give her everything she wants materially, intellectually and emotionally. I could also ensure the security of your family at Longbourn. I will purchase the entail and ensure that Longbourn stays within your immediate family." Darcy declared.
"Are you attempting to bribe me for my daughter's hand Mr. Darcy?" Bennet asked angrily.
"No, no of course not. I have just tried to cover every possibility. I could provide everything Elizabeth needs. The stability of your family home could only add to Elizabeth's comfort." he said defending himself.
"Have you discussed this with Elizabeth?" he asked.
"No sir, why would I do that? I don't ask my sister permission before I do anything. Why would I ask my future wife? Do I need her permission to buy a horse or rotate my crops?" Darcy answered condescendingly.
"A wife and a younger sister are two very different things. I know my Elizabeth would appreciate someone who values her intellect and opinion. She will not do well in a home where she is left to needlework and flower arranging. She has been helping with my estate for years and has done an excellent job." Bennet explained.
"I am not disputing your daughter's intelligence. It is one of the things I love about her. I am used to making unilateral decisions. I suppose I could adjust my decision-making process if I were married. I have never imagined having to do so." Darcy admitted warily.
"Ah, there it is. The word I have been looking for this past hour or so, love. Do you love my daughter Mr. Darcy? Bennet asked.
"I do sir. I love her very much." Darcy replied sincerely.
"I believe you sir but sometimes love is not enough, especially if it is one sided. What guarantee do you have that Elizabeth's feelings for you will change and she will return your affections? Additionally, you and Elizabeth come from very different circles. Elizabeth was never one for fripperies and gossip. She will not want to spend months on end attending salons and operas in town. She also would not stand by silently while subjected to the snobbery of the ton. There are many who will disagree with your choice of bride and they will not treat her kindly. I will use Miss Bingley as an example." Bennet said wryly.
Darcy deliberately ignored Mr. Bennet's first question. He could not answer it. Thinking about not gaining her love was something he could not contemplate rationally. "Elizabeth is a gentlewoman. No one could say anything against her and not feel my wrath. The ton wouldn't dare! I would destroy anyone who spoke against her. Do you know who I am Mr. Bennet?" he asked the older gentleman.
"You obviously are quite proud of who you are. Hubris will win you no favors with my Elizabeth." Bennet warned.
"Even if it protects her from viciousness?" Darcy countered.
"If she were not your wife she would not need to be protected from the viciousness of the ton." Bennet argued.
"As for your other concerns about London, that is something your daughter and I have in common sir. I detest town expect for the book shops and museums. I much prefer the country. I try to avoid the seasons at all costs. I am hardly in town more than once or twice a year." Darcy offered.
"That is all well and good but a loving marriage is not made on a shared dislike of London society. Have you thought about Elizabeth's relationship with her family? She is very close with Jane. What of her mother and other sisters? You did not hide your repugnance at their conduct during your visit to Meryton." Bennet added.
"I do not believe I ever spoke in a public venue regarding my opinion of your family." Darcy replied. He hoped that Bingley's dining room did not count as a public venue.
"You didn't have to speak Mr. Darcy. Everyone could see it on your face. Elizabeth may have her own issues regarding the behavior of her mother and sisters but she would not take it well if you disparaged them to her. Will you allow them to see Elizabeth if you are married?"
Darcy noticed Mr. Bennet did not say when you are married but said if you are married. That was not a good omen.
"Elizabeth would be allowed to visit her family. I would send her to Longbourn if she wishes, more than once a year. Miss Bennet and yourself would always be welcomed at Pemberley. I have also met Elizabeth's uncle and found him to be an excellent gentleman. He would be welcome as well." Darcy answered. He was rather proud of his magnanimous reply.
"Wrong answer Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth would be very upset if any of her family members, despite their foibles, were not welcome in her home." said Mr. Bennet with a frown.
Darcy was starting to feel tense again. This conversation was not going well. Mr. Bennet was bringing up any objection to the match that he could. He was starting to feel desperate again and as the past had proven his desperate declarations were never good ones.
"Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and I were alone in a carriage for six hours together on the way to London and we kissed." Darcy exclaimed loudly.
Before a red faced Mr. Bennet could reply, shouting was heard from behind the library door, "Mama, Mr. Darcy kissed Lizzy!"