Author's Note: I am soooo sorry for not writing, it has been really busy and I have had exams. I made this chapter extra long, so a special thanks to those who have stuck through my random and slow updates, I will honestly try and do better. It gets better and better after this chapter trust me.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but what I create my self, some of the wording comes from either the book or the A&E version.

Chapter 8

Darcy was standing by the foot of the stairs waiting for Fitzwilliam to bring Ms. Bennet to the theatre. Georgiana seemed just as nervous to meet Ms. Bennet as her brother. Darcy kept glancing nervously, fidgeting with the ring on his pinky finger.

Then there she was, being escorted by his cousin. They were in an animated conversation, which caused her to light up with the liveliness that Darcy had come to fall in love with. She was stunning, he had never seen such an angelic creature before, how he wished to take her away from all the crowds and confess his feelings.

He suddenly became very embarrassed and shy. He hoped no one could read his features, but at the moment he felt like an open book. Elizabeth was only a few feet from Mr. Darcy and if the Colonel had not been guiding her forward she was almost positive she would turn on her heel and run. Seeing him standing there brought on a rush of many forgotten feelings, he looked better than she remembered. Still his tall and handsome figure, too bad he had to be such a proud disagreeable man who was bent on making her life miserable.

"Mr. Darcy," she said shocked that he was Colonel Fitzwilliam's cousin, how could two people so completely different be related or even stand to be in each others company.

"Ms. Bennet, what a surprise. I did not know that you were in town." He said shyly, Elizabeth fought a laugh. Didn't know, she thought, he probably knew but didn't care. Fitzwilliam looked between the two, baffled. He didn't know that they knew one another, he also didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"I had no idea that you two knew one another" said a rather confused Fitzwilliam.

"Yes, we knew each other briefly in Hertfordshire, our paths crossed a few times. Nothing major, or memorable." Elizabeth concluded coldly. She wasn't going to let Mr. Darcy off easy. Darcy was stung by that comment, causing him to become more solemn and distant. Sensing his cousin's attitude he made the introductions between the two ladies. After conversing for a minute, Darcy saying nothing, they all retired to the Darcy box for the performance to start.

Darcy was unsure how to act around Ms. Bennet. Knowing how he had behaved when last in her company and it seemed that she had not forgotten it either given her bitter statement. Darcy decided to observe Miss Bennet and then draw conclusions further on her feelings for him and if there was a chance for her to forgive him for his indiscretions.

Elizabeth didn't know how it happened but she managed to obtain a seat next to Mr. Darcy. He was on her right and luckily the Colonel was on her left. Perhaps she could seek solace in his company and not have to talk to her other companion at all. Georgiana sat on the other side of her brother. During the first act Darcy said nothing to the lady on his left; he did talk to his sister. Every time Ms Bennet would comment on anything it would be to his cousin, and when that happened Darcy felt a jolt of jealous rage in his heart. He wanted to grab his cousin and toss him out of the box, especially when he made Elizabeth giggle softly. He knew he couldn't do that, his cousin really didn't know his feelings for Ms Bennet, and well that was unethical.

Intermission finally arrived, Darcy bolted to the door. He couldn't stand being so close to her, and not have her attention. He needed fresh air to clear his head and think of what to do next.

Elizabeth was startled by Mr. Darcy's abrupt departure. She was relieved, saddened and offended all at once. Relieved that he was gone from her presence, sad because he was gone and offended because not once had he spoken a word to her. Although she didn't really want him to speak to her, he could have at least made an effort. She presumed by his hasty departure that he loathed being in her company. She decided that she would not be offended and that she would show him that he held no power over her.

By the time Darcy regained his composure and returned; the first thing he noticed was the seating arrangement. It was changed. When everyone came back from refreshments, Elizabeth had moved down one seat next to Georgiana, claiming she wanted to talk to her more. Fitzwilliam naturally sat next to her and so that left Darcy on the end, with his cousin between him and the woman he loved. He was very disappointed about this discovery, but Elizabeth couldn't have been happier about the seating changes.

The evening continued much the same, Darcy's emotions varied between jealousy and anger at his cousin; to confusion as to what Elizabeth's feelings were. He decided the only way to find it out was to ask her; deciding at that moment to ask for her hand in marriage. He smiled to himself, he was pretty sure he knew her answer; it was all just a matter of time.

Once the play was over Darcy called for the carriage. They were all standing outside waiting, when Darcy turned to Ms Bennet to finally make conversation that he should have started at the beginning of the evening.

"We are having refreshments at my home, Ms Bennet and I am hoping that you will agree to come."

Elizabeth studied him carefully, she didn't really want to go back to his house but how was she to refuse politely.

"I am not too sure. My aunt and uncle will wonder what has become of me and I wouldn't want them to worry." The hesitancy in her voice alerted Georgiana's attention.

"We will send a note to them right away, once we arrive at our house if you so wish" she said meekly, " I do so want to get to know you more Miss Bennet"

She looked hopefully at the brown eyed beauty; she wanted to learn more about the person that had seemed to capture two men's hearts. Her brother had written about Ms Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam had spoken with equal admiration concerning the same woman. Smiling Elizabeth conceded, "Then I would love to come."

Elizabeth was astonished at the size of the Darcy manor, it was truly elegant. Stepping into the threshold the whole party was led into a lovely drawing room. She only got a glimpse of the beauty that lay within the house. The room had a kind of majestic feel; the richly decorated walls matched the tapestries and well adorned furniture. The colors of mahogany, the finest forest green. In one corner stood a grand piano.

Elizabeth was drawn to the fine piano, she didn't know why because she wasn't a proficient at it. Georgiana noted her interest, and grew excited that she would share her love of music as well.

"Do you play Ms Bennet?" she could hardly contain her excitement,

"Aye, and very ill indeed" Lizzy smirked, "but it is a very fine piano" stroking the top of the piano she remembered Lucas Lodge. She remembered when Mr. Darcy had turned the pages for her; she had felt very uncomfortable then, after he had followed her to begin a conversation.

"The refreshments are served" said someone from behind her, Lizzy jerked back to reality hoping that no one had seen her daze off. Sweeping her eyes across the room they locked with a set of deep brown eyes. They were so adoring they seemed to caress her lovingly from afar. Realizing who she was sharing a tender moment with, she quickly averted her eyes, but not before Darcy noticed the color rise in her cheeks. He was very pleased with the reaction he had just received hoping that the blush was for him.

Elizabeth scolded herself for daydreaming about the very man she was trying to hate, and then being captivated by his penetrating gaze like nothing had happened. She remembered all the things he had said and done to the people she loved and cared for. She couldn't fathom what possessed her to come to his home in the first place; it was turning out to be a very bad idea. Deciding then and there that all ties must be severed in order for her to get over this trial of the heart. That even meant Colonel Fitzwilliam, perhaps if she had never met Mr. Darcy she might have fallen in love with her new suitor

So wrapped up in her own thoughts that it took Colonel Fitzwilliam a little while to grab her attention, "Miss Bennet…um, Miss Bennet" he gently touched her arm, alerting her to the present. "Miss Bennet are you unwell?" concern was etched into his voice.

"Oh, Sorry, I am perfectly well. I thank you" her cheeks colored from embarrassment yet again, "I was just lost in my thoughts" she smiled apprehensively at him to reassure him that she was just fine.

The conversation mainly consisted of Colonel Fitzwilliam, he would only get short answers from all his companions and he was growing quiet tired of it all. He looked around the room and tried to guess what preoccupied everyone's minds, and what had made them all so solemn. Georgiana noticed the distress in her cousin, and decided to try and break the silence that was beginning to settle in.

"Miss Bennet, I would dearly wish to hear you play and sing,"

Elizabeth looked up, when she noticed she was being addressed, a little smile played at the corner of her lips; "If you wish" she was more than happy to break the silence that filled the room.

Mr. Darcy sat back once the music started; he began to relax enjoying the sweet angelic sound emanating from a beautiful creature across the room. Her face was so ethereal, her mouth forming each word so perfectly, a sad poetic song that captured his heart and soul. He wanted to go and wrap his arms around her and capture her lips for his own. He wanted to breathe in her heavenly scent; her very presence pierced his very core. The music ended all too soon, but Mr. Darcy could still hear the engaging sound springing from her lips into the air.

Fitzwilliam's loud claps broke the thoughts of Darcy, he watched as his cousin went over to sit by Elizabeth. He saw her smile and her eyes light up, he felt the jealousy once again rising in his chest.

"William" Georgiana's small voice brought his attention to his forgotten sister in the seat next to him. He was too busy watching the interaction across the room to care for anything else at that moment. Turning reluctantly away, his eyes immediately softened when he saw her face.

"Yes Georgiana?" he asked with equal gentility.

"I think I am going to retire for the evening, I am really tired."

"Are you unwell?" his full attention on his sister, and distress for her health.

"I am perfectly well, I just am tired." Georgiana didn't want her brother to know the real reason why she was retiring. She didn't want to be asked to play, she didn't like playing in front of people, and it always made her nervous. Even for her brother, but he would always watch and listen when she didn't know he was there which was fine. She didn't think she had the courage to do it tonight, and so the easiest way out was to go to bed.

"Alright, I guess I will see you in the morning," Standing up, he kissed his sister on the head. Once she was gone all he had left to do was to watch Colonel Fitzwilliam advance on his future bride. Which he was not going to let happen; striding over to where they stood, making sure they knew he was there, he made excuses for his sister.

Colonel Fitzwilliam thought that was rather strange and so was Darcy's behavior; he made a mental note to ask him about it later. The conversation continued, but not very easily, Darcy kept interjecting saying things that didn't relate at all sometimes. He just wanted Elizabeth's attention all to himself and he wasn't going to let a conversation be his obstacle.

After a little while the butler walked in, "Excuse me sir, I don't mean to interrupt but a telegram has just arrived for Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Thank you James, you may go now," Darcy took the letter from his butler and watched as Fitzwilliam poured over the note. His face grew dark and sullen with each passing minute. He looked up, very disappointed, he first addressed Ms Bennet.

"It seems that I can no longer stay and enjoy your company Ms Bennet, nor will I be able to escort you home. I am afraid that urgent business calls me away, so if you will excuse me. Darcy I will see you in a couple of days, if you will permit me Ms Bennet may I call on you in three days hence?" he stood and looked hopefully at her face, without even realizing it she first looked at Mr. Darcy before giving her answer, she saw nothing in his face and only nodded in agreement to the Colonel's request.

With that he said his last farewell and left through the door. Elizabeth realized for the first moment that she was left alone with a man, not just any many Mr. Darcy, panic seized her and she was speechless for quite some time. Darcy just watched her sitting on the piano bench, he realized that this was the ideal opportunity to request her hand in marriage. He was very nervous; he hadn't the slightest idea of what he was going to say to her, he began fiddling with the ring on his pinky, a nervous habit.

"In vain I have struggled, it will not do, my feelings will not be repressed, you must allow to tell how ardently I admire and love you. In declaring myself thus, I know I will be going expressly against my own better judgment. For the longest time I have concealed my feelings for you because of your position in life, but it can not be helped. Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance I have come to feel for you, a most passionate admiration and regard, which despite all my struggles has overcome every rational objection and I beg you, most fervently to relieve my sufferings and consent to become my wife." This last statement was filled with a fiery passion; Darcy gazed at his beloved trying to summarize her reaction to what he had just confessed.

Elizabeth was astounded to say the least; she could not believe that Mr. Darcy had proposed to her. Earlier that is what had been the desire of her heart, but now that she had learned more of his character it was the last thing in the world she wanted of him. True she still loved him but she could never forget the way he treated people inferior to him, and what he had also just declared about his feelings for herself.

"In such cases as these an established mode is to express a sense of obligation, but I can not." She looked at him, wondering what his reaction would be to her cold response. He looked stunned, and shocked. He couldn't believe that he, Mr. Darcy had been rejected, he had been rejected by the only woman whom he had come to love, a simple country girl.

He walked across the room, anger rising in his chest, how dare she reject me, he thought.

"And is this all the reply I am to expect? I don't understand how could you possibly reject me?" he looked around the room in disbelief; he was speaking more to himself than to her.

"Why Mr. Darcy, you want to know why" Elizabeth rose from her seat, filling all the weeks of hurt, anger and resentment flowing forward, "You chose to offend and insult me by telling me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character. I have been shunned on more than one occasion by you Mr. Darcy, and don't deny that you have done it."

He looked like a robber caught in the act, realizing for the first time that while he was fighting for his feelings, he was hurting hers.

"You expect me to marry the man who has been the means of destroying the happiness of a most beloved sister. I came across you speaking with Bingley that day in the park, forgive me for eavesdropping, it was most unconsciously done. My opinion of you was only strengthened by this new knowledge of what you have done against my family, my first glimpse at your real character was when I heard the account of Mr. Wickham and your dealings with him."

"You have taken an eager interest in that gentleman," Mr. Darcy interjected angrily.

"Those who have heard of his misfortunes can not help but feel an interest in him,"

"His misfortunes, his misfortunes are great indeed."

"And your inflection, you have driven him to his present state of poverty, and you can treat his position with contempt and ridicule. Your mode of declaration merely spared me any concern I had in refusing you had you behaved in a more gentleman like manner. You have shown me of your pride, your conceit and your self distain for the feelings of others."

They stood there gazing at one another for the longest time; daggers seemed to be flying across the room. Darcy's heart grew weary; he did not want to fight with her.

"And this is your opinion of me; my faults by this calculation are heavy indeed. You have said quiet enough Madame; I perfectly comprehend your feelings. Please forgive me for taking up your time, and the best wishes for your health and happiness. I will call a carriage for you immediately so you may no longer be in company who you despise so much." The hurt in his voice was eminent, Elizabeth almost had the urge to confess her feelings for him, but she could not.

Once she was in the safety of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's home she fell on her bed. The words which they had spoken to one another repeated over and over. She cried herself to sleep, knowing that the only man she would ever love she had just rejected. She also knew that if she accepted him she could never live with herself.

Wow lots of emotion, I hope ya'll enjoyed it, review please and tell me.!