Has anyone seen the new film yet? It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be although costumes weren't great and what was with that ending!
Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 11
Darcy strode out of Elizabeth's chamber in anger. He could not compose himself, thinking only of the fury that she had ignited in him. All the strains of the previous weeks had come to a head and he could stay at Pemberley no longer, no with Elizabeth nor with Georgiana. He decided that he would go to town to put some space between them. His fury got the better of him again as he recalled the quarrel,
"Perhaps I should take a mistress," he thought to himself but recollected himself quickly.
He hastened to the stables, leaving no message of his departure and left for London, leaving behind him his home and his family.
Xxxxxxxx
Elizabeth awoke to find her pillow still damp from the tears that had at length closed her eyes. Recalling the events of the previous evening, she had no desire to see her husband. She was angry at his words and at his behaviour towards Georgiana. She had not felt such anger since learning of his interference in Bingley's attachment to Jane.
Elizabeth completed her toilette and joined her father and Georgiana for breakfast. Mr Bennet raised an eyebrow at her unusual countenance but thought nothing of it, returning to his breakfast.
"Elizabeth," Georgiana started, "my brother cannot be found this morning, his horse is not in the stables. Do you know where he is gone?"
Elizabeth's countenance darkened at the news, "No, I do not" she replied sharply, startling Georgiana somewhat.
"Oh. Please excuse me, it is a fine day, I thought perhaps I would take a walk." Georgiana stood, leaving Elizabeth and Mr Bennet at the table.
"Elizabeth, are you certain you do not know Mr Darcy's whereabouts?"
"I do not know Papa, perhaps he has gone to town, I have no desire to know."
Mr Bennet grew very concerned by his daughter's indifference and he turned to look at her, "Elizabeth, I may be old but I am no fool. You are out of spirits and Mr Darcy mysteriously gone from Pemberley, you have quarrelled."
"Papa, indeed we have quarrelled, his words have caused me great pain. I think perhaps our union should not have taken place."
"Lizzy, you are too hasty. I know your disposition and I am inclined to believe that perhaps Mr Darcy is not entirely at fault." Mr Bennet raised an eyebrow at his daughter.
Elizabeth submitted to her father's wisdom, "Aye, I believe I must bear some of the guilt myself but he has caused me great pain."
Mr Bennet sighed and took Elizabeth's hands in his. She was so stubborn and her pride was still easily bruised.
"Elizabeth, you are a mother grieving for your child, you are already experiencing much pain, you are entitled to be out of spirits. However, you must understand this much, Mr Darcy is a father grieving for his child. You are not alone in your pain, he feels it also but if you continue to push each other away you will create an obstacle in your marriage."
"I do believe that by leaving Pemberley, my husband has already created such an obstacle. He pains me with his words and then leaves me to grieve alone, I cannot forgive him."
"Elizabeth-"
"No, Papa, I cannot forgive him."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Darcy arrived at his townhouse exhausted after his long journey and relieved to be in familiar surroundings having spent the previous night at an inn. He was greeted by his manservant, Brooks.
"Mr Darcy sir, welcome back."
"Thank you Brooks."
"Your rooms are being aired for you for we did not know you were to come to town."
"I did not know that I would be coming so soon. I may be here some time."
"Will Mrs Darcy be joining you?"
"No, I expect not. Excuse me Brooks, I will be the library."
Brooks was somewhat puzzled at his master's sudden arrival in town. He pondered how long Mr Darcy would remain in town, he was surprised that on a lengthy stay, Mrs Darcy would not be coming also. However, Brooks was a man of discretion and knew it was not a matter for discussion.
In no mood for company, Darcy spent the following days in his library. He considered writing to Elizabeth but could not bring himself to do so. Her sharp words had pained him greatly, he felt angry and frustrated and he wished to forget her and Pemberley for a while. He did, however, write to his sister informing her of his safe arrival in town.
Several days after his arrival, Darcy was disturbed by a knock at the door of his library.
"Enter."
"Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to visit you."
Darcy was a little surprised at this, "Show him in please."
Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the library and greeted his cousin warmly.
"Darcy, it is good to see you. I had no knowledge that you were to come to town, what brings you here?"
"I could ask the same of you Fitzwilliam, why are you not with your troops?"
"Alas, I took a bullet in my leg and have been sent home to recover. It seems victory is close, I'm sure we'll have Boneparte on the run soon! You have not answered my own question. I here you plan to stay in town for some time."
"I have business and yes it could take some time."
"Yet you come without Mrs Darcy. Surely London is not so intolerable to her!"
"Fitzwilliam, it is no business of yours whether my wife chooses to come to town or not."
"Darcy, I was very sorry to hear about your loss, it must have been very hard for you both."
"I - I - thank you. It is hard indeed, Elizabeth has not taken it well."
Colonel Fitzwilliam observed the change in Darcy's countenance at the mention of Elizabeth and raised an eyebrow.
"Ah, and so you come to London to take shelter!"
"Fitzwilliam it is not an amusing matter and if you cannot see that then I suggest that you leave."
"Forgive me Darcy, I did not mean to pain you. Perhaps you would like to join me at the theatre tonight, take your mind off things?"
Darcy nodded in consent, in not willing to argue with his cousin and oldest friend.
Later that evening, Darcy and Fitzwilliam emerged from the theatre. Darcy was somewhat bemused, he had never found particular enjoyment in Shakespeare's plays, preferring Marlowe and Webster, and had been subjected that evening to "The Tempest." He thought it a remarkably silly play with very little to recommend itself.
The colonel laughed at his cousin's expression, "Darcy, forgive me, I forgot what displeasure Shakespeare gave you!"
"His plays, aye, but I hold nothing against his sonnets. You are forgiven sir but I think a drink is necessary to recover from such a trauma."
"A very good idea indeed!"
They soon found themselves in the nearest inn, each enjoying a tankard of the landlord's finest ale. Darcy allowed himself to relax as he and his cousin reminisced about their past.
"Darcy, do you remember Marianne?" the colonel enquired.
"Marianne?"
"Surely you have not forgotten Marianne Ellerby, you claimed that she was the love of your life and that you wished very much to marry her."
"Ah, yes indeed, she had golden ringlets and blue eyes. I do believe she refused my offer of marriage."
"Indeed, she was ten years old and a marriage to an eight year old boy must have been thought imprudent!"
"You dare to mock my first love?"
"Aye, I do!"
The gentlemen continued to enjoy their ale and each other's company, recalling the young ladies who had entered their lives.
"Darcy, I hope very much that one day I shall have your good fortune."
"I do not understand your meaning."
"Here we have discussed ladies who once caught our eye but you have had the good fortune to find a young lady who captured your heart and in return, gave you hers."
"Fitzwilliam, I do not wish to talk about my wife."
"Darcy, she is a fine woman, do not let her go, do not allow any impediment to form which may lead to indifference. You are both very much in love."
Darcy knew his cousin was correct but he did not want to acknowledge this, "Cousin, I am a little tired, I think I shall return home, perhaps you will call tomorrow?"
"Aye, perhaps," the colonel smiled warmly as his cousin left the inn.
Darcy walked out into the dark street meditating on his cousin's words. He certainly loved Elizabeth but he was still angry with her, he was very unsure about the matter. He was suddenly diverted from his meditations by the sound of a woman in distress. He followed the sound into a side road where he saw a young woman being harassed by a gentleman.
Darcy shouted as he ran towards them. The gentleman looked up in surprise as he heard the shout and cried out as Darcy pulled him away from the girl.
"I suggest sir," Darcy started, pushing the man against a wall, "that you think very carefully about what you do next. If you do not wish for an encounter with the Runners, I suggest that you leave immediately." He let go of the man and watched as he fled into the night.
The young woman thanked Darcy profusely and turned to her. She lifted her head and Darcy was taken aback in shock as he beheld Lydia Wickham.
There you go, a nice cliffy for you! Any ideas what you think you might happen next! Please review!