Dear Readers,
This is a story that hasn't left me alone since I left the theater. After watching this film on the big screen the first time. It's something that simply would not let me be till I'd written it all down and I hope that you enjoy it.
Standard Disclaimers apply! I do not own Pride and Prejudice or Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. No money was made or involved with this venture. I'm merely borrowing all of these trademarked items, and classic characters for my own plots, ploys, and thrills. Most will be returned unharmed. No promises on Wickham, that rake's gotta go!
Enjoy!
"She Tells Me This NOW?"
The Darcy Inner Monologue from Hingham Bridge and Beyond
From the View of Col. Fitzwilliam Darcy
Lying on what remains of Hingham Bridge
(After It's Demolishment)
It appears that the very thing that I have dreaded and evaded most, has finally occurred. I, Colonel Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley and Derbyshire, England has served his time and is now meeting his end on the safe side of the freshly obliterated Hingham Bridge. It can't be helped, it all could have happened much sooner and under much worse circumstances (or far worse company). That being said, I can't help but feel this is a very inconvenient time to be reminded just how small and insignificant we human beings truly are in the grand scale of things. Then I remind myself that if we were all given a choice of the time that we wish to die, most of us would selfishly request to never let it end. God is wise to cloak it all in mystery and mystique, in that light.
I should feel lucky; I know it, but I stubbornly seem to refuse any real feeling of gratitude. Even when I consider all of the endlessly worse possibilities that this event could have entailed. Like what if this happened in a place where my sister had to watch me leave this life. I couldn't bear her tears and exclamations to stay, it would all be too painful. We are nearly all the other has in the way of family, after all; and we've always remained so close. Since our mother's death, I am thankful that she doesn't have to witness this.
This also could have just as easily happened on the unsafe side of the bridge and so much worse, at the hands of George Wickham. If Elizabeth hadn't appeared from thin air in the nick of time, George could have finally beat me at something. He could have been the literal end of me, as he's aspired to be for some time now. The only reason I can go to my grave still a technical victor is because of her.
Elizabeth Bennet, more than anything she is the reason that I am reluctant to pass so soon. She lies only a few feet away from me now, and I can't help but worry that she is hurt too. We were blown off of our horse and we nearly didn't make it across in time before the explosions were set off. When we hit the safe ground, we were pummeled with dirt, ash and heavy large stones. Even as I stare into the bright lights everyone mentions seeing in death... all of my thoughts and wishes are consumed with her.
I hope that she is well, I hope that her life isn't getting cut short because of her aiding me. That too is something that I couldn't bear. Especially given the unusual nature of our companionship.
She is by far the most enchanting person that I have ever had the honor of meeting. She isn't merely a warrior, or my savior, she is the unquestioned love of my life. Yes, when she stepped in to rip me from George's grasp, she was saving me from the dangers I'd ignored to save her youngest sister from a fate worse than death. Managing success before my beloved's life was ever in danger appears to be the last thing I'll ever do.
You would think that the fact this love is entirely one-sided (and unrequited on her part) would make this whole thing so much worse. I find that it doesn't, not in the least. While I can't seem to help feeling shorted, for not getting to live a bit longer; I find that need for more time tied to this woman as well. I feel that I wasn't given enough time with her, time that eventually could have convinced her that I was worthy of her consideration, maybe even her love. Not born from gratitude for saving her baby sister either, but from real belief in me as a person.
While I regret not getting to prove these things to her, I still can't regret loving her. I don't see my sacrifices wasted, I feel only glad that I was able to help her in some way. The person that inspired me and humbled me so much, when I needed it. The person that I would have gladly spent the rest of my life with... if it were up to me... but it appears not meant to be.
As the light somehow brightened, even though I knew full and well that I was lying on my stomach and not even facing the sun. My pain began to fade and my ears began to roar with oblivion that almost resembled music, if it wasn't so confusing to my jumbled senses. I felt the light tug me slightly towards it, and a chill tremor through my entire being, and then...
I felt something coming towards me, from above my head. It didn't make a sound and had a stealth sort of silence. Till I heard it cough adorably and say something that sounded like "Oh no."
Elizabeth... She was crawling over to me, on her hands and knees. I thanked god that she was clearly in better shape than I was. She was obviously in better command of her sensibilities, however I didn't need to be completely incapacitated by injuries for that to be so. She always had me at a disadvantage whenever we met, it didn't matter where or when.
I fought to open my eyes and look at her, but my eyes were clamp tighter than a zombie's crushing grip. I tried to speak, but my lips seemed impossibly more tightly locked down than my eyes. It was so frustrating, the light's call to me was beginning to overpower everything and I was getting ripped away from her.
While I couldn't look or speak, while I had no output whatsoever. My other senses were all still capable, and working overload thankfully.
I felt her hands on my back, shoulders, neck, and face leaving heated trails in their wake. Everywhere she touched retained her warmth as if it had been done by a branding iron if the burning poker was able to feel incredible. She croaked and repeated my name, which had never sounded better, than it did coming from her. Even in the sad desperate sound of it now. I thought it was from the dust and smoke, until I felt something wet hit my face and a sob tear forth from her throat.
She was crying... for me... I was utterly touched.
My overly rational mind justified that it could have just as easily been from shock or fear of what she'd just overcome. It seems even staring death in the face I'm unwilling to believe it possible that this woman could ever feel for me an inkling of my outright obsession for her. My sputtering and unevenly puttering heart strengthened for a beat or two and I almost felt better just thinking it could have been care for me that brought on her waterworks.
Then Elizabeth leaned down trying to see if she could detect my breath and I could feel her feeling for a pulse. Not only was I silently agonized by the thought that this was the first and last time that I would be treated to her touch in it's caring feather lightness. I was left to marvel at how a woman who defied death and being blown up as I have, could possibly smell so good.
It was then that I was slammed with the real reason that I was leaving this life now. It was because I could never deserve this, I could never truly be worthy of this woman. Being with her would have been the kind of heaven that not even actual heaven could compete with. So there for I was not meant to have it, besides... while I was touched by her care and tears on this sad occasion... it wasn't like she'd even loved me, not even a moment.
I took a deep breath and prepared to let the light finally take me...
...When suddenly my breath was knocked out of me a little early. By the weight of this woman leaning onto my chest and starting to play with my hair. To the absolute shock of me and my failing heart, the lady said, "From the very first time I ever beheld you, my heart was irrevocably gone."
All my mind could scream was, "She tells me this now! NOW, when it's too late for me to do anything about it. She couldn't have brought this to my attention a little sooner-"
Then all my other thoughts were cut short by the fact that her soft and sweet lips were connecting with mine. It was the simplest sweetest sipping of her lips against mine and yet, it changed the world. I can't remember another instance in my life where my mind was so completely wiped clean of every other thought the way that her kiss did.
The ever-present light that had been still blinding me above her shoulder and tugging at my spirit was snuffed out. The almost singing in the background, the roaring in my ears was silenced so well, even all of the ruckus of my troops trying to reach us sounded far away. The numbness was replaced with agonizing PAIN at first, till Elizabeth's kiss brought on a different light that felt like it was lit inside of me.
It was warm, like sunshine yet exhilarating like fireworks. I wanted more than anything to wrap my arms around her and pull her body closer. I wanted to roll over on top of her and trap her so that she couldn't escape. I wanted that moment to never end. I wanted those lips to never leave mine again.
However, I wasn't even capable of responding to this kiss, all I could do was lay there knowing two facts. One being that I would be in full reign of myself the next time I kissed her. The other fact being, I couldn't die here and now on this broken bridge when there had to be another time when I could kiss her.
When her lips left mine an up surging of pain, made my entire world go black. It felt like only seconds to me, I could still feel her kiss on my lips. The nearly too warm lingering heat of every place her touch had landed and the tickling caress of her fingertips in my hair. So when I did regain consciousness, I was quite shocked to find myself in my usual room at Rosings (my aunt's estate in Kent, the safest place in all of England). The only person present in my room with me, was my sister. She had been asleep in the chair next to my bed and she was currently sobbing into my shirt's collar. Apparently, it had been "a long time" since the bridge's obliteration and my sister had been beside herself in worry when I didn't immediately spring back up among the living.
Georgiana even voiced my aunt's concern that I may yet still arise a zombie somehow. All because I had taken so long to reawaken again. They're all a bit overdramatic, don't you think? No matter how I assured my younger sibling, it was still a while before she calmed down enough to speak.
After she'd explained, and gotten me to drink nearly a whole glass of water. Not one to pull her punches, the first thing she wanted to know of course is, "Are you in love with a person named Elizabeth?"
"What? Why do you ask?" Was my brilliant reply. In my defense, I have just woken up.
"You asked for her... repeatedly just before you awakened. You've always talked in your sleep. That's not the only thing that tipped me off either." Georgiana played detective.
"I do not talk in my sleep," I said, only to be ignored.
"Well, our aunt is convinced that you are... in love, that is. So is Mr. Collins... and Mrs. Collins, Mr. Bingley hinted shyly that you may have confessed such feelings to him. Our cousin Anne believes it, not to mention all of the other Bennet sisters not named 'Elizabeth" have their suspicions. Basically, the only persons who have not said so much to me are Caroline Bingley (stage whispers behind her hand: because she wants you all to herself) and the only person in Rosings with the actual name Elizabeth, a Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire. So I wondered what were your thoughts on the topic, dear brother?"
I took a deep breath and tried to begin, "Georgiana-"
"It's alright if you are, in love with her, ya know? She is beautiful, smart, funny; she's a brilliant warrior. I haven't gotten to talk with her very much, I've been here with you most of the time. From what little time I have been in the lady's presence I must say she seems just wonderful." My sister encouraged.
I tried again, "Georgiana-"
"I just always saw you settling for some princess or a duchess at the very least. She's so different compared to what I'd always dreaded."
"Dreaded?" I repeated.
"Well, yes. Anyone you choose brother is to be my sister. Don't take this the wrong way but I've always feared the kind of sister that you would select for me." She said so innocently and blatantly honest. How could I doubt her seriousness?
"How am I not to take that as an insult," I asked unable to stop the smirk from betraying my mock offense.
"It isn't meant as one," she said completely undeterred from making her point. "You can't blame me; you did speak so abhorrently about it in the past."
"I did?"
"Yes, you did brother," she said as she sat a little further away, from where she'd been curled into my side, seated on the bed with me. She'd backed away so she was able to look me right in the eye. Clearly, she wanted me to know that she did approve of this choice.
The Honesty didn't stop there as she went on, "Every time anyone would ask you about the woman you would someday marry. You would speak of all of the qualifications that said person would need to even catch your attention. Nowhere in any of these explanations was the word 'love' ever mentioned or thought of. If this fact was ever pointed out to you, you would say 'of course love is important' in that same deadpan gravelly delivery that you tell the stable hands to re-shoe your horse. I had a right to be worried."
This is why I had little, if any, qualms in how my sister and Elizabeth would get along. It was moments like this one that had me shaking my head; if my forehead wasn't smacking into the palm of my hand. For even I was certain that I had no real grasp of just how much trouble I would be getting myself into. With these two women under my roof, scheming together as sisters, ganging up on me. Yet I couldn't wait for these scenarios to play out for real.
"So brother, nearly everyone has told me how you feel except you... so go ahead and deny it, and we'll go from there." Georgiana said with a wave of her hand.
Taking a deep breath, I finally felt that my sister had been left to dominate the conversation for far too long. "If it's alright with you, dear sister. I'll voice my true feelings on the subject gladly, if you'll only allow me the opportunity to get a word in edgeways."
"I do apologize Fitzwilliam, go ahead."
"Thank you," I nodded and gave her a stern look that only seemed to make her smile widen. "What makes you think I wish to deny this ideal when you've stacked the evidence so neatly against me?"
She rolled her eyes at this question before saying, "Come now William, you know exactly why. You have always only denied every other attempt that has ever occurred. All of the times that I have questioned you before today, you would act as though all of those women were kidding themselves. I got so used to hearing your rejections that I began to wonder if you'd forgotten how to say yes, or that eventually someone needed to marry you and carry on the Darcy name by giving you an heir."
"I've not forgotten any of my responsibilities-"
"Responsibilities, no; but you have forgotten how to have fun and live a little. Combat doesn't count, you need a great deal of help lightening up and so do I. If you were in love, perhaps she could help us learn. Though are you or aren't you?"
Then I confided, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the blatantly obvious love of my life."
"Is she really?" my sister smiled genuinely.
"Yes, she is-"
"Then why did you not tell me so sooner. You mentioned her in your letters to me, often enough to make me wonder. I thought if you were in love there would be no way you wouldn't mention it." Georgiana made a good point.
I treid to explain, "I would have, forth right started every letter to you with this theme or letterhead. However, my love seemed completely unrequited and one sided."
"Not from what I have observed, brother. Are you certain we're speaking of the same girl?" My sister asked.
"Yes, we most certainly are, and you would be saying the same. If you had been here to witness all that I have." I said so certainly I left no room for doubt. But I did relent. "However, I think it's possible that her regard for me may have changed."
"It must have, because the person you seem to be speaking of and the one I've met appear to be two entirely different persons." Georgiana said crossing her legs and balancing her chin on her palm.
"Georgiana Darcy, it is not very kind at all, to tease your brother so cruelly."
"You would be perfectly just in your firmness if I were even a little kidding… but I am not. Nope, I'm afraid that I am quite serious. She has peeked in here a few times a day, every day, since the destruction of that last remaining bridge to Undead-ridden London. I think the annihilation of that connection may signify a bit of a turning point, for you both, if you ask me."
"I'm not asking you." I said firmly but my relation only smiled serenely.
"I surely would ask me if I were you, after all you've been asleep for over a week. It's astounding just how much can change in that time…"
I felt myself shoot her a skeptical expression. While Georgiana's remained most smug and un-phased, I inquired. "Are you trying to tell me that in the last week while I have been asleep-"
"She has acted out of deep affection for you; and if that fondness was merely friendly, then I wish to never encounter her in love. It would be simply too much. If you were to ask me, I believe that she's carrying quite the torch for you, brother."
I did manage to say; "That isn't possible, there's simply no - I mean, not very long ago… she said – that's impossible and you're being most uncharitable to your older sibling. "
The little twerp quirked her eyebrow at me, and glanced at the clock on the wall. This wouldn't mean a thing if my sister had been known for ever giving worry to the time of any given day. In Georgiana's case, however, I've never known her to give a backward glance at any timepiece unless there's something of importance to provoke such behavior. She turned back to me, quirked the other brow, and spoke through the side of her mouth in a way I'd seen too often to not be alarmed. "How much do you want to bet, on that?"
As if my clairvoyance needed any more clamoring; she clapped her hands together in that way that communicated to me that she had a convoluted plan cooked up in that clever mind of hers. She began to pace the floor beside the bed I was still laying on and talk to herself.
"Hmm, you seem very confident in your love's indifference. Much more confident than I would have suspected personally. That is a bit of a downer… but the time…" Then she suddenly snapped her fingers and announced, "By George, I've got it!"
Then she turned to address me again, and being a long time victim of such elaborate designs for most of her life... my danger senses were all but screaming the word, 'TRAP!'
She said, "If you are so assured, do me a favor."
I didn't even let her rationalize, I cut her off right there with my most firm, "No."
"Oh, come on big brother; all that I require of you, dear William… is for you to lay right here and close your eyes. To remain perfectly still as if you're asleep and just as pale as you are this very moment. That is really all that I need you to do-"
"I will not be any part of your shenanigans." I said with even more feeling than my 'no.'
This angered the little kitten convinced that she was a lioness. I noticed one of her fist shooting to her waistline. Identical to the way my mother used to do, when she was cross about something and I couldn't seem to hide my smirk. The little kitten roared, as well as any roar can be accomplished in hushed tones…
"Well, for your information, this isn't even my doing. 'This' is Aunt Catherine's baby, I'm just… helping it along a little is all that I am doing."
"Tha-THAT is far worse." I interrupted, not quite sure why I was whispering too. "You know how I feel about your humoring or aunt's vanity."
"Even you can appreciate this one William." She insisted with a wave of her hand, before continuing with an abridged version of my aunt's harebrained scheme. "Every night, around this time; you have been receiving nearly regular impromptu calls from the Elizabeth that I mentioned moments ago."
"Everything you have just said does not make any sense." I said sounding at least ten years older than I should have, even to my own ears. The usual effect my Aunt's chaos has on any man insane enough to endeavor her acquaintance… being a relative did have its drawbacks. "Miss Elizabeth is a gentleman's daughter, who trained to be a warrior [and was raised by Chinese standards] would never act so improperly. There's no way that she would willingly sneak into a bachelor's private rooms and visit him even if I was dying. It could tarnish either of our reputations; and impromptu can't be applied to a regular occurrence, that's just not well put English."
Georgiana carried on valiantly, "Aww, but you will understand when I explain. Every night at this time, Aunt Catherine's roof staff of protectors and ninjas switches shifts. The new men reporting for duty, have been instructed to dump a fair amount of dust and soot down this chimney and it usually fills the room with smoke and the fire goes out-"
"This happens every night?" I asked in total incredulity. "There's no way that Miss Elizabeth buys into this plot-"
"I think she's just too happy to have the excuse to look at you, she doesn't really care. She has reported for duty every night and she always makes some comment about my Aunt needing to have this chimney properly swept. While I'm running around 'looking for a maid that can be of assistance.' Miss Elizabeth always airs out the room and has the fire lit anew when I return. I'm never gone too long, to raise suspicion or anything, but I implore you brother... when this does transpire tonight, lay still and be quiet. We don't want to scare the poor girl."
I was trying to interrupt my sister and complain at least five times during that speech. Disguise of any sort is my abhorrence, my sister knows this, she has known this her entire life. Yet what she asks of me, in this moment isn't just too much for this universal fact. It is also an unattainability because even in my weakened, beaten, just-woke-up-after-sleeping-a-week sort of sickness… I feel it may be an unattainable venture to suppose that I can stay still so long and not embarrass every connected person. My sister clearly wanted me to pretend that I had fallen back to sleep. She wanted me to remain immobilized by said slumber for the duration of my time with the very same woman that I had just confessed to be the love of my life.
Of course, I wish to be in a room alone with her. Of course, nothing would make me happier. This wasn't the sort of thing a man ever wanted to be completely hindered by fictitious slumber. No, sleep was the last thing on my mind whenever that woman's name was even mentioned. I was full and ready to explain all of this to my sister, when the room suddenly filled with pitch black smoke and dust. Georgiana quickly threw a cloth over my nose and mouth, along with the covers effectively smothering all of my protests; rather with more force than I had thought her capable of. My objections burnt at the back of my throat, while quicker than thought possible my sister was fully given over to her craft of acting and Miss Elizabeth was in my room.
She ran in her mouth muffled by probably a cloth of her own as she called inside, "Miss Darcy! Has it happened again?"
"Oh y-yes, Miss =cough= Miss Elizabeth! =cough, cough= I'm afraid it has!" My sister said, I had never known her to have such a flair as a thespian.
"Go get some air, dear" I heard Elizabeth order her, in an all business older sisterly way as she pat my sister on her back and lead her to the door. "I'll have it all put right by the time you return."
"Oh thank you Miss Elizabeth, thank you so much." I could hear Georgiana say as the two of them drifted off further and further away. I barely heard a sound at all before Elizabeth had returned to the inside of my bedroom. Even then there wasn't a sound, I saw a shadow pass over me and block the few rays of moonlight that were currently lighting my room. I chanced a glance with one cracked eye and just could make out her shape and form as she fanned the smoke away from me as fast as she could. I coughed a little, but only a very little and I pretended to never awaken.
I could only just hear her making the preparations for a new fire. She processed with all of the quietness of a ninja and I did almost think that she was simply not going to acknowledge me on this night. Then from nowhere I heard her whisper, "I do think it is safe to remove this now."
Then she removed all of the covers and the towel from my face, I was bound to have a smudge or two for she wiped the towel gently on my face and whispered, "You look so much better tonight, you have just the little bit of color. I was so thrilled to hear that you'd finally awakened. We've all been so worried."
All I wanted to do was take her hand, assure her that there was nothing to worry about. I wanted to take her in my arms so badly that I was about to give myself completely away. Just before I could do so, however, she continued, "You know… you may feel that you've had enough, that you're done with me and wish to make a new start. If that happens, I will gladly wish you the best of life and I won't blame you a bit."
I wanted to say, "Never," for that would simply never happen. Remaining still and silent for this short time span was feeling like it would kill me far quicker than any explosion I'd just survived.
Again, she carried on, before I could even take a breath. "Regardless of what you decide, do not take another day of your life for granted. Be happy, for I know no one who deserves it more. Since this is the only chance I may ever have to say this, I want to say thank you for saving my baby sister."
Then I felt her face get closer like she was on her knees and her hand take one of mine. She was as close to my face as she could get. I felt her warm breath tickling against my ear and she said, "I didn't come for you that day simply because it was the right thing to do either. I came for you because I couldn't bare to let it end that way. I loved you even then, with all of my being, and it's only gotten worse as you've rested… However if you have had enough rejection and wish for a clean start, I will go because I love you that much. I wish only for you to find happiness now."
Then I felt the tickling brush of her hair and I felt her lips kiss the center of my forehead and I couldn't restrain any longer. I tried to grab out and catch her. There was simply nothing there…
Like that, she was gone… as if she'd never been here. As if she were some part of a dream, I even had to have Georgiana confirm that Elizabeth had in fact been here. That there had been a moment or two where we had been left alone and that it all hadn't been the last little bit of feverish imaginings.
Just like that, my current course of action was set. Tomorrow I would fully arise and I would do everything within my power to not let that peck to my forehead be my last moment with her. Tomorrow I would once again propose to Elizabeth, and this time (god willing) get a new answer. Then I could finally start to build the life that I have been wanting to live for some time now. A lifespan where I would never again have to stray from hers ever again.
After sleeping for so long and not moving much for so many days… I found it very hard to fall back to sleep. So I got up very early the next day and as soon as I left my room. I immediately started to inquire if any of the working staff might know the whereabouts of Mr. Bennet. It would seem that the man had not been seen by most of the staff that was in my wing of the house. It wasn't till I bumped into the man who kept up my aunt's book rooms that I was able to get anywhere. It would seem that the Bennets' had take up residence in my aunt's cozy east guest wing. The bookroom attached to that wing wasn't nearly as cavernous as the library here at Rosings. However Mr. Bennet wasn't used to my aunt's more ostentatious style or his every noise and breath carrying an echo. So for him, this smaller room was all he needed.
As I was finally heading to the destination that had been in my trajectory for far longer than merely this morning. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a figure heading that same way just as determinedly. So much so that I said something before he collided with me, mumbling to himself under his breath.
It was Bingley, and when he realized that I was the person he'd run into, he hugged me so hard that some of my bottled-up aches and pains were reawakened anew. However, I managed to keep my repressed discomfort all to myself. As usual, Bingley was a self-wound and cheerful chatterbox of excitement and activity. The kind that would usually set my teeth on edge, in any other person; however this man who is like a brother to me had always been a comfort, in that way.
It turns out that incidentally, I had miraculously reawakened on the very day that Bingley had a mind to speak with Mr. Bennet. He had been pacing the hall for quite some time now, trying to drum up the subject in a full rehearsal. So being the great friend that I am, I asked him would he like me to accompany him.
He thanked me and said that, "Not only would me being there be a comfort for him, but it may just lend me a peek at what to expect when I go to speak with Mr. Bennet about my own intentions towards a different daughter of the same family."
I could only be honest, "Bingley, if it is alright with you. If I'm not being too intrusive, and just say the word if I am. After you have said your piece about your intentions with Miss Jane-"
Charles finished for me, "You would like very much to speak with him about Miss Elizabeth?"
"I would, but if that would steal away from your moment and your happiness, I will wait. Though I can't say I'll be waiting long."
"If I were to say that it was too interfering or too indiscreet, how long would you really be able to wait?" He asked me with and expression that was thankfully curious and a bit teasing rather than serious.
So, I let him have his fun and admitted. "I may wait a full day… or just till you were out of earshot before I was rushing back in to pose my suite to Mr. Bennet."
Bingley chuckled in that way that sounded so charming, Then he said, "Don't worry old chap, if this conversation isn't a total shambles for both of us, we could be brothers. So we better start getting used to sharing, the girls we're intent on marrying are quite close you know."
The older gentlemen had already broken his fast, and appeared to be in good spirits. When Bingley stated the purpose of his coming in to speak with him. Mr. Bennet didn't seem very surprised and only said that he had been amazed that this talk had taken this long to occur. He was immediately granted that in which he seeked. Even a few words of advice on the best way to receive a positive answer from the eldest Miss Bennet.
Mr. Bennet said, "Be honest and leave no doubt in her mind that you'll never disappear again."
"Yes," Bingley had flustered under the older man's firm gaze. "She'll never need to worry about that ever again."
"Good then," Mr. Bennet had stated all business before cutting his wise eyes in my general direction. "While it is wonderful to see that you have not succumbed to the hordes of undead, Mr. Darcy. I have the distinct feeling that you didn't just come this way to support your friend."
"No, I did not." I owned, before laying all of my cards on the table. "I'm afraid that my friend isn't the only one here to ask for your blessings."
"I see," The gentleman nodded, and admitted. "I had been wondering if this would occur. After all Lady Catherine seemed to be under the impression that it would and she is your aunt. However, I had been completely unconvinced about which of my daughters had clamored for your favor effectively."
"Pardon?" I asked, a bit surprised at his question.
"While I will gladly consider you asking for any of my daughter's hands, I'm a bit curious as to which daughter you're asking for." He explained and I still felt bowled over. "I think I may know of whom you speak. However, you have shown care and interest in three of my daughters. Did you not just confess to deterring Bingley from pursuing my eldest daughter, Jane? Could you have done that so you could pursue her for yourself? You single-handedly saved my youngest daughter Lydia from Saint Lazarus, and my second born, Elizabeth saved you from your rival turned zombie. As you can well imagine, the view from where I sit is quite obscured."
"My apologies, I hadn't realized that I was making this quite so difficult." I bowed my head in my seat. I didn't trust myself to do a full bow of respect just yet. "Let me make my sentiments clear. My aim is to ask your second-born Miss Elizabeth for her hand in marriage."
"Ah," The aged man suddenly looked a bit older. "So Bingley is to take my sweetest and loveliest first-born, while you're to steal my only kindred spirit amongst all my children?"
"I'm only asking for your blessing if she were to say yes." I found myself clarifying. "I've asked her before and she sent me packing."
"That is because my children have all been raised to never marry anyone that they couldn't respect and truly love." Jane and Elizabeth's father confessed with an all-knowing twinkle in his eye. "They knew of the home I was brought up in, where neither were the case. The loveless and careless way I was brought into this world. So the only way that the both of you will ever gain your desired outcome is if you're that person they can't live without."
I could see that Bingley was turning this thought over in his mind so intently that he didn't even have a reply in mind. So set out to put the ladies father's mind at ease. "Well we won't know till we've asked. However I think I can safely boast for the both of us, it has been proven to us time and time again that we can't live without them."
The gentlemen "Hmmphed" a sort of grumble and chuck all in one. Before standing to shake both of our hands and wishing us luck in our endeavors. Before clueing us in on the ladies' location, and suggesting we hop to it.
As we neared the throne room Bingley stopped and turned to me and asked, "Might I go first?"
"Of course," I told him before offering him my hand and wishing him good luck. He shook it appreciatively before heading in first. I could hear him shyly asking for a private audience with Miss Jane.
When they passed by me Miss Jane waved and said, "Mr. Darcy! So glad to see you well!"
"Miss Bennet." I bowed carefully. Still recovering from being still for too long. I had the manservant announce me and from the moment I stepped inside that room. I had to really work to not stare at Elizabeth. She smiled at me, so warm and genuine. It was hard to tear my eyes away, to even acknowledge all of the other kind faces wishing me well. Then Miss Jane had said a very loud and happy, "YES!" behind me and I couldn't help but smile.
Bingley had done it, he'd won the heart of the woman he loved. The one he'd called his angel and savior, and I couldn't have been more thrilled for him. However, as all of the ladies surrounding me rushed off to offer their congratulations to the newly engaged pair. I stood my ground, Luisa and Caroline appeared to be happy for their brother, as the Bennet sisters all seemed to be elated for Jane. I nodded to Miss Lydia when she passed. My Sister had made sure to pat my shoulder when she flew past. My Aunt had even winked at me as she was the last to leave besides Elizabeth. By chance without even having to ask for it. We were alone.
Before she could join the others I called out, "Miss Bennet?"
"Mr. Darcy." She turned and nodded at me. "It would seem that you're fully mended."
"I am," I assured, "thank you." Before all the words came pouring out that I couldn't hold in any longer. "If not for you I would have surely perished. You saved my fate in more ways than one… What you said to me on Hingham Bridge…"
Her eyes grew wider as she realized, "You heard me?"
"I did," I revealed while she pouted in embarrassment. "It gave me hope."
"That what?" She inquired.
"That you're feelings for me may have changed? However, one word from you now will silence me forever on the matter."
She opened her mouth intending to speak but then closed it again defiantly. Even though I've never been more thankful for her silence in all of our acquaintance. I took a bold step closer and so did she, and it was at this closer standpoint I whispered, "You are the love of my life Elizabeth Bennet. So I ask you half in anguish, half in hope. Will you do me the great great honor of consenting to be my wife?"
She thought about it for a few heart beats before she smiled at me and finally said, in a whisper that matched mine, "Yes… yes!"
That moment, that very next breath after her answer, I finally got to put my arms around her and kiss her. The way that I'd been wanting to for months. And I knew that even if we both lived to be a hundred years old and we got to always be together. I would still never get enough of this person and the joy I found simply being with her.
I could share every little detail after that, but none of those moments are nearly as consequential as finally hearing a "yes," from Elizabeth. A "yes" meant we would be bound together for the rest of our lives possibly even beyond. For I could no longer imagine heaven having nearly as much pull, as it would if Elizabeth was with me.
So after Bingley and I had secured our fiancées, the next matter became having a wedding during a zombie apocalypse. Mr. Collins was happy to offer his church and officiating. But that still left our brides in need of gowns, flowers and because we needed all of this to occur rather quickly. We ended up making it a double wedding. It was just more practical for two pairs during these desperate times.
Once all of this was finalized and completed, you would think that I would finally get some happiness. But not quite, for as soon as my new bride and I left the chapel. To start out on this new life together. Wickham tried to crash Aunt Catherine's mighty gate and effectively crash our wedding.
Shame on me really for thinking that I could do something so normal and monumental without him trying to ruin it. Or get one over on me, because clearly, that is all I was aiming to do here... I'm really more amazed that he didn't knock down poor Parson Collins door earlier in the day. Try to get married to some random and unfortunate undead before I'd gotten to the alter. It's just the way George's mind works… It used to anger me, fill me with rage. But as I stood there today, with my new family. I really felt like it was more of a sadness than anger.
But don't think even for a moment that this attempt was a success. It's like I said the last time I faced George, saving Lydia Bennet. When it comes to beating him, outsmarting him and out playing Wickham..."I always have." And I always will as long as we occupy this planet. Even if he is the anti-christ and even if he has the actual four horsemen of the apocalypse on his side. But as I thought he isn't that important and his four horsemen were masquerading undead. He doesn't have my propensity to kill evil whenever I'm confronted with it, and he doesn't have Elizabeth Bennet as his wife.
"Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth interrupted this thought, as if she'd read my mind. She pulled her sword from a hidden location under her gown's skirt. "I'm not a Bennet anymore."
She isn't, my mistake. All I said to her, however, was, "When we're done with this, I want to know where that came from."
She promised, "I'll give you a full re-demonstration later."
"You even wore your sword to our wedding?" I asked, even though I knew I was stating the obvious.
"A warrior is only armed in that which they take with them. I doubt they'd be dazzled by my wit." Then she kissed me and found the best angle for her blade. George will never again have Elizabeth Bennet (who is in fact now a Darcy) on his side again. He will also never again trick her and he'd better stick to trying to best me the rest of his undead existence. Because Elizabeth will show even less mercy and I've never loved her more for this fact.
The gates closed, Wickham and his fake four horsemen slammed into the gate and squished through like a moldy stale wedge of cheese through a grate. They had been unable to stop, they had been running full speed and their undead minds unable to think had crashed with an enormous BOOM. While George and the posse of posers slammed into the mighty iron-wright gate. So did the hoards followers trailing them. So there was a whole crush surrounding the outer wall of undead smashed in. Any creatures who had managed to climb over the bodies. Where too stupid to avoid the razor wires, barbed wires all lined in poison. If the poison didn't kill them, they were cut to ribbons. Any undead who did manage to climb over ALL of that, and made it over the walls were ended immediately. Only to be followed by a beautiful sunset, the world wasn't ending today. No, not when both Bingley and I had honeymoons to get to.
The first person I saw when the battle was done, was Georgiana. She had been given the honor of dropping George's remains in the fire. A bit of poetic justice after the rake tried to ruin her. She hugged me and kissed my cheek and told me. "Go on, get out of here. We can take care of the rest."
"We?" I'd questioned, "Who exactly is this we, you're alluding to?"
"Nothing to worry about Fitzwilliam." Georgiana smiled good-naturedly. "I'm only speaking of your new sisters-in-law (besides Jane) and my new sisters for life. Elizabeth hasn't been the only Bennet I have been bonding with."
It was that very moment that my other three new sisters-in-law appeared. Swords were still drawn and calling to Georgiana. I suppose that's who they meant, but they didn't call her "Georgiana," or even "Georgie" like I do. They were calling her, "Gigi!"
My sister replied without delay, "Coming sisters!"
"Gigi? Who in the devil is that?" I asked dryly.
My own sibling shot me a look and said, "Who do you think? You know how I've always dreamed of a sister? Who knew I'd be gaining five I already love?" She blew me one more kiss and told me, "Get going! We've got this!" Before disappearing with Miss Mary, Miss Katherine, and Miss Lydia. Shouting, "Tally- HO!" together while Bingley's sister ran right behind them calling out for them to wait for them.
I had planned to take my bride back to Pemberley, but even though we had defeated nearly all of the undead we encountered. Wickham included with his fake horsemen, my aunt had thought ahead and planned alternatives for us. In case we were bound to her grounds here at Rosings Park and thank goodness she'd done so. So while all of the undead bodies were being burned after the battle. Lady Catherine presented Charles and me keys that each belonged to smaller houses on her that were part of her property. Still within the safe bounds of Rosings, but more private for newlyweds. These places were usually occupied by guests my aunt wanted little dealings with.
Charles and Jane were getting the place we'd always called the "lake house." That overlooked the natural pool where people swam in the summer. It was small but pretty and they could be alone there, now that the season had turned cold.
Elizabeth and I were gifted the guest cottage. A teeny little building at the near back of the property. It wasn't much for a honeymoon destination, but it would have to do. Safety was paramount and there was no way I'd risk facing another swarm after the one we'd just taken down.
Of course, I'm expecting my bride to be disappointed with these conditions. But Elizabeth giggles merrily and kissed my cheek and told me, "It's perfect."
But she was the perfect one, in all of the time's I'd dared to picture. "Mrs. Darcy" and what she would look like and how she would be. I never even imagined there could ever be a lady who is this much my match in every way. I truly had a lot to be thankful for today.
Elizabeth hopped down from the small carriage we'd borrowed to ride here. Even though the walk would have been nothing at all to my new bride. Elizabeth was quite famous for taking long rambles back home. Regardless, the ride had been lovely, and now Elizabeth headed straight for the door. I told her in a commanding bark, "Wait right there." As I tied up the horses.
"I have to anyways, silly." She said leaning against the doorway and crossing her arms. "You're the one with the key." I know she was trying to be smart aleck but she was just too happy. It came out sounding like laughter barely kept in. I couldn't help but feel happy about that fact, she was happy to be with me, my Elizabeth and no one elses.
I walked over to the door as well, and unlocked it, but before my blushing bride could rush past me. I stopped her again and the question marks so obviously going off around her head were too adorable. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"What?" she asked, and when I laughed again she swat me and demand again. "What? What am I forgetting."
I trapped her against the doorframe and reminded her. "This is to likely be our honeymoon destination for the entirety of our honeymoon. You're a bride, I'm your groom and this is a threshold."
"Oh?" I heard her realize and she said softly, still so happily. "I'm not expecting you to lift me."
"So much of this experience has had to be different and quicker than it's supposed to be." I complained, "Why not let this one tradition defy the odds?"
"Because it's not just old - it's ancient and you'll need to not show off. If you are to maintain your strength for what happens next." Elizabeth teased as only she can.
I considered this for a moment, and then I was easily lifting her and carrying her inside. "It seems I have some strength to spare."
"Even after a hoard of zombies?" She giggled. "Must be the Adrenalin."
"Right, because can't be that you've driven me mad for months now." I said as I kicked the door shut behind us.
"What creature would do such a thing?" She'd asked putting her arms around my neck and as I let her go. She slid her body down the front of mine and smiled in my face all the while. Clearly having no clue what internal battle I was fighting. I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm all of the alarm bells going off in my mind. That Elizabeth was here, she was mine and we were finally alone. After sharing a house with several people for ages now. It took everything in me not to ravage her right there in the teensy entryway.
Thankfully she was blissfully oblivious to my scrimmage and was off exploring everywhere. Inside the quaint little cottage. Looking all around and committing her surroundings to memory no doubt. None of it mattered in the slightest to me. This is what I'd wanted, this is what I'd been waiting for. Now I simply had to behave and let Elizabeth do this at her own pace. Her comfort and happiness were now of the utmost importance to me.
I wasn't expecting at all for my beautiful soulmate to peek around a corner at me all alluring and beckon, "Fitzwilliam?"
I looked at her but wasn't quite capable of speech. She leaned playfully and asked. "Why are you still standing there? Are you not well?"
"I'm fine… and… perfectly well." I tried to keep my tone even and undisturbed.
"There's a supper set out for us on the table, fires in all of the fireplaces and even fresh flowers. It had to be your Lady Catherine de Berg. I'd mentioned they were my favorite that bloom this season, we really must thank your aunt."
"Our aunt," I corrected.
"Oh, you are right. I suppose this is all going to take a bit of getting used to." She tried to speak lightly, probably to ease my statuesque outer appearance.
When I remained silent, Elizabeth asked, "Fitzwilliam? Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yes." I insisted.
"Then why don't you look so? You look as though you've turned to stone or very ill?" She said coming over to me and pressing her cool fingers to my forehead. "Are you sure you have overexerted? Was I maybe too heavy-"
"No," I began finding a new motivation the second she suspected she'd caused an injury. "You're actually lighter than I suspected." I began, hoping to stop her there and give her that comfort at least. I ended up sitting down and getting her to join me on the short bench under the window. The colors of the sunset were still painting pictures on the walls and on us. She'd never looked more appealing, more beautiful. She didn't even fathom the sheer power she had over me. "You're just far more beautiful than I realized. We're alone, together, newly married, and we haven't had a moment to ourselves since I finally got you to say yes."
"Do you worry that you've made a mistake?" She asked looking at our joined hands.
I had to get this notion completely out of her mind the way it was out of mine. "Hell no."
"Then what can it be, that could have altered you when you were happy moments ago?" She inquired and it was a good question. I really wish I had a better answer, but I was just honest.
"I am happy… I really am… it's just that here is where everything enters a certain air of mystery. On a battlefield, we are nearly equals in our abilities. Here in this place-"
"We're still that way." Elizabeth insisted, tugging on my hands to bring me a fraction closer. "We're still equals, only in this we're equals in our inexperience, right?"
"Exactly." I nodded. "I don't like entering into situations where I don't have the upper hand or a plan."
"You're viewing this night too critically." She clarified in a minute. "Like a general instead of a man. It doesn't have to be complicated it's simply figuring out the best place to start."
"Well don't quit on my account, you're on a roll." I told her, "What's your base of action."
"First we just have to figure out how we're doing. For instance do you feel hungry?"
"No." I answered easily, I wasn't hungry for food anyway.
"Okay, we can check that off. Next question, Are you thirsty?"
"No." I say easy again.
"Alright, Then we don't need to concern ourselves with the meal just yet. It will clearly keep till we need it… Did you still want to know where I kept my sword?"
"Yes." I may have answered a a tad too quickly. Because she really had to bite back a laugh, before she was back to being all business.
"Then we know our course of action," She said happily as she stood up and offered me her hand again. Claiming, "My only request in this is that we excuse ourselves to a more private part of the house. I would be mortified if any of your aunt's guards or our families members where too peek in and learn my secret through the windows."
"This is a secret best kept between you and me, I agree." I said as I let myself be led through the house to the bedroom just up a narrow flight of stairs. I tried to focus once again on keeping my breathing even and unaltered. As my newlywed wife led me to the bench at the foot of the bed we were meant to share. She kicked a leg up beside me. She hitched her skirt out of the way to show me where she'd tucked her knives. But my view was more agreeably engaged with tight fit of the boots on her gorgeous leg. She switched feet after a moment to show that her left was identical to the right. Then she turned her back to me for a moment to show me what looked like a pocket at first. But was really a concealed sheath for her sword.
I was so far gone by the time her secrets had been revealed. That I'd asked her, "Would you permit me to try and un-sheath it? Only because I have a sister who might be able to find such clothing useful too."
She smiled impishly at me and said, "Something about your smile makes me want to question your curiosity."
"Am I smiling?" I asked, unaware of anything that wasn't her.
I just managed to steal a kiss or two when Elizabeth could speak again she complained. "I don't even remember your question anymore. After a kiss like that."
"You don't need to," I affirmed stealing a couple more kisses. "It wasn't important."
"Oh good." She said grabbing on to me in such a way that let me know. She wasn't hungry for food either, after that.
I could go into great details about what happened after that. Nothing is more burned into my memory as those happy moments. So full of love, warmth and a feeling of coming home. Exactly all of the things that had been missing from my heart for ages. But to share such experiences wouldn't be proper. Besides I rather like that those memories are between me and my Mrs. Darcy.
The best way to describe it, keeping up decorum is that the rest of our first evening together was a blur. Even if the happiest blur I'd ever been any part of. And just think how I might have missed out on all of this. If I had taken Elizabeth's first reply to my offer of marriage and never asked again. How George had very nearly won, till Elizabeth saved me. Then she'd saved me again when she'd accepted her feelings for me and my second proposal. She'd continued to make things better a little more everyday, just being with me.
As I lay with my Lizzie that night, in my arms at long last. Just before I fell asleep, I said a prayer thanking God for not letting me perish in this war. For sending me to Hertfordshire in the first place, for not letting George win, or letting Hingham Bridge's destruction be the end of my life either. I thanked him for letting me keep my sister, and gain four more. For my silly in-laws I'd gained, for Charles and Jane's happiness as well. But more than anything I thanked God for my Lizzie. My Wife. My everything.
Whatever the future held for us we could handle, undoubtedly. Because we would always be facing it together. We had been lethal individuals, together we could do anything. I suddenly couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
That's all folks!
I have been trying to write for Elizabeth and Darcy for years. This was the first thing I've ever written for them in any context that I was proud enough to post. I hope it added to your enjoyment of the film. I had a blast writing it, review if you can. I live for feedback. Thank you all so much and have a great day.
~DarcyBeDippy85
