Author's Note: I have not died, but just been really super busy, so hopefully that won't happen again. Also I have had requests for longer chapters so I was trying to make this one longer. Thanks so much for the reviews, keep them coming.

Chapter Eleven

Elizabeth couldn't wait to get home, she never realized how home sick she really was. She looked eagerly out the window of the carriage for the fifth time in the last ten minutes. She had tried to sleep but her thoughts kept wandering to Mr. Darcy, she wondered what he was thinking of. If he was thinking of her, if he still loved her like he said he did. Elizabeth was so nervous, she couldn't sit still. She was afraid that perhaps Mr. Darcy no longer cared for her because of all the things she said to him. She was afraid that perhaps she was too late in winning his heart back. She knew she wasn't going to see him for a little while, and she didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Just then the carriage rounded the corner and Elizabeth could see her house. She broke out in a big smile when she saw her family rush out to get her. Once the door was open she practically flew into her family's arms. Hugging everyone repeatedly, and kissing them on the cheek. Everyone was laughing and smiling gaily. Once the initial joy had worn off, Elizabeth saw a man standing in the back, with an equally large smile on his face.

"Mr. Bingley, it is so good to see you." Elizabeth went forward to greet her future brother in-law, kissing her hand he replied with equal happiness.

"Ms. Bennet, it is a pleasure as always. Your arrival has put joy into all our hearts and now we can really be happy."

"Thank you and I congratulate you on finding the brightest star in the sky."

"Indeed she is the most wonderful creature." They smiled at each other, seeing that they were embarrassing Jane.

They all walked inside, talking rapidly trying to catch up on all the things that had happened since Elizabeth was gone. She was surprised all that had happened since she left, she had only been gone for less than a month. The only piece of news that really perked any interest in her was the fact that Wickham was engaged to a Ms. King. She was glad that she didn't have to worry about him paying any more attention to her. Elizabeth listened to her two sisters, chattering on about this and that. It was mostly Rachel talking but it still was enjoyable. Elizabeth yawned; she was in fact very tired. She couldn't remember the last time she got a good amount of sleep; it seemed that she was always crying or fretting about something.

"Alright you two, leave Lizzy be. She has had a very long journey and she needs her rest. We can have all the fun in the world tomorrow." Stated Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth was about to argue but another yawned escaped from her lips and knew what her mother said was true. She kissed everyone on the cheek, wishing them good night, except Mr. Bingley of course, for him it was just a hand shake. She would leave the kissing up to Jane.

Once inside the privacy of her room, she reopened the letter from Mr. Darcy and reread it. She had it practically memorized, but if she closed her eyes she could imagine him reading the letter to her. She gently stroked the handwriting; his writing was so even and small. It was perfect she thought to herself, just as he was for her. Shaking her head, trying to ride her self of these thoughts she got up and changed.

"You are being unbelievably silly, Lizzy." She scolded herself, but smiled all the same. Hoping that maybe he was thinking of her, just as much as she was of him.

Darcy sat at his desk staring at the blank sheet in front of him. He had been staring at it for quite sometime, his mind far away. He was contemplating a pair of very fine eyes. He couldn't seem to get her out of his mind, the more he tried the harder it seemed. Ever since Fitzwilliam delivered that letter Darcy had been nervous. He wondered if now knowing the truth of his actions than Ms. Bennet's dislike was not so strong. He hoped that perhaps she thought of him a littler better than she had before. Perhaps now he would have a chance at winning her heart.

Darcy ran his fingers through his hair, he hoped beyond hope that he had a small chance. As the days passed he had begun to realize more and more what Elizabeth meant to him. How important she really was, without her life was nothing. Darcy did everything in thought of her, how he conducted his business, treated his servants. He had begun to evaluate his life and improve every small portion of it to make it perfect for his one true love.

He wondered what she was thinking, what she was feeling after receiving the letter. He also wondered if she had any feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam. Although Fitzwilliam had informed Darcy on many occasions that he now felt nothing but a mutual friendship for her, he was still a little wary. A sudden knock on the door brought Darcy back to the present.

"Enter," Fitzwilliam's head came popping around the corner, before stepping all the way into the room.

"Are you done yet Darcy?"

"Almost, I just have this last letter to write and then we may be on our way."

"That is what you said an hour ago," Fitzwilliam chuckled and shook his head, "I can not believe that you still are not finished, look you haven't even started." he said looking over at the blank sheet that Darcy had been staring at earlier.

"Well there was a problem with the ink, and I have to make sure I include everything I need to write in the letter." Darcy defended himself, trying to come up with an excuse for his inactivity.

"Darcy, this letter is to Bingley. I am sure that if you left a few minor details out he wouldn't care." Fitzwilliam smiled, having a pretty good idea that Darcy's thoughts had not been on the letter. "Come Darcy, if you continue in this fashion we will have to start to Pemberley tomorrow and then we will never make it to the wedding."

Darcy perked up at this, knowing that what his cousin said was true. The sooner they concluded all their business the sooner they could go to Netherfield.

"Oh Jane, I am so happy for you," gushed Elizabeth, she squeezed her sisters hand and she blushed in turn with pleasure. The three sisters set out for a walk, it had just snowed and the ground was beautiful. They had a lot to catch up on, being apart for a month.

"Jane I know that Rachel might have already heard, but I must know. How and when did Mr. Bingley ask?"

"Well, he had just come back from London. He didn't bring his sisters with him or Mr. Darcy, I had thought that perhaps he was only saying farewell. I tried not to get my hopes up too high. He came to call and Rachel suggested we go for a walk. It was a cold day and I would have said no but Charles jumped at the idea."

"Ah, so it is Charles now." Lizzy teased, causing her sister to blush.

"Lizzy stop teasing Jane so or we will never get to the end of the story." Scolded Rachel, although she herself enjoyed teasing Jane relentlessly.

"As I was saying, we went for a walk. I don't know how it happened but it seemed that Rachel suddenly became an avid walker, leaving me behind. He told me how much he loved me; I was so happy I felt like I could fly." Jane looked listlessly to the sky, as both girls sighed. "You know what was odd; he told me he almost didn't ask me. I was confused at first, after I told him my answer he continued to talk. I didn't understand till almost the end of his tale. He told me how his sister tried to convince him not to marry me. And he told me of Mr. Darcy's involvement. I did not know that Mr. Darcy was so concerned about my happiness to go to the lengths that he did. He tested Charles in making sure his love was real, but I have a hunch on why he might be so concerned about my welfare." Now it was Elizabeth's turn to go red.

"Aha, I knew it. You do feel something for him" accused Rachel, "For the longest time I asked Jane why you left, and I had a suspicion that it had to do with Mr. Darcy."

"Before you go jumping to conclusions Rachel, perhaps you should consult me on my own feelings." Said Elizabeth, rather angry that her secret had been revealed.

"Well then, if it not that reason then what?"

Elizabeth sighed, realizing that perhaps it was time to tell someone of her struggles.

"Alright, I admit it I do love Mr. Darcy. I did go away because of him after the ball and I came back because of him also, and because of Jane."

"Oh Lizzy, I did not think that you cared that much for him." Soothed, Jane had stopped walking now and was facing her distressed sister.

"I did not really think I cared so much for him as I do now. I tried to convince myself that I hated him. I did not want to get hurt but I am afraid that is not what my heart would allow. He is the kindest, and best of men. I just hope that one day I can earn his love back." Elizabeth's head dropped a bit in having to reveal this sad truth to her sisters.

"But whatever for, I could tell that he did admire you as much as you did him." Cried Rachel.

"Yes but that was before he proposed."

"PROPOSED!"

"Rachel, control you voice," stated Jane calmly before turning her attention back to Lizzy.

"Yes he proposed and I refused." Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears, she hurried and turned around hoping that Jane did not see but she did. Wrapping her arms around her sister she rubbed her arms in a comforting fashion.

"Tell us the whole story." Once again regaining control of her emotions, Elizabeth began her story. She told of her first liking Mr. Darcy, when they danced together for the first time. She enjoyed their conversations together, but could tell that he was a proud man. She didn't think that such a person as him would ever marry her. She tried to guard herself so she wouldn't get hurt. At the party at Lucas Lodge she avoided him, to prevent her sisters from knowing of her attachment to him and to stop herself from developing a deeper one.

It seemed inevitably, they continued to converse, talking when ever they were together. Lizzy went on to explain that by the time Wickham came into the picture she was already in a fare way very much in love with him. Wickham clouded her judgment; she was blinded by her greed for finding reasons to think ill of him. The Netherfield ball decided her fate. Instead of defending himself, he refused to answer her inquiry. She grew offended and stormed off. Lizzy related her hurt and rejection at Mr. Darcy being so cold, she knew that she had to leave and London seemed the perfect place. Then in London, she overheard a dreadful conversation. She did not hear it all but what she did hear left her sick and down hearted.

"Oh my dear Lizzy, you must have been thinking Darcy the worst sort of gentleman." Interjected Jane.

"Indeed I did, I thought he was devoid of all feelings and yet I still loved him." She continued her narrative, explaining her meeting with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and then the play. At last she got to the proposal and all she accused Darcy of and the horrible things she said to his face. She related the letter, skipping some minor details about his sister for she did not know if Mr. Darcy would want her to divulge those things. After she was done she left out a big sigh of relief, feeling somewhat better being able to tell to of the dearest people she loved of what she had been going through.

Without saying a word they both gave Elizabeth a great big hug,

"I am sure he does not hate you as you think Lizzy, don't worry you will see it will all turn out in the end." Elizabeth smiled weakly at Rachel, and tried to take comfort in these words.

"Come on you two, we will catch our deaths if we stay out here," Jane said, and together the little troupe headed back home.

Mrs. Bennet looked out the window once more to see if her daughters were returning home from their walk.

"You know they won't walk any faster if you continue to stare out the window," said Mr. Bennet without looking up from his paper.

"Yes I know, but they have been gone for quiet a while and I worry, it is so cold outside."

"They haven't seen each other in a while, and besides once they get cold enough they will come back in. They are intelligent girls."

"Yes, but I can't help but worry."

"You worry because you wish to be part of whatever it is that they are discussing." Said Mr. Bennet knowingly. Hannah stared at her husband for a bit, realizing that what he said was true. Deciding to give up her faithful watch she sat on the sofa next to her husband.

"Perhaps you are right. I have been so worried about Elizabeth lately and I haven't been able to speak with her since her return."

"I am worried too, but in time she will come to us. We just need to be patient."

Not liking this response from her husband, Hannah folded her arms in a pout, causing her companion to laugh at her silliness.

"I am a very fortunate man to have a wife such as yourself my dear," he said lovingly.

"I am glad you think so." She teased, before giving him a slight kiss on the cheek. Mr. Bennet put his arm around his wife as she snuggled closer to him.

"We have been very fortunate with our children; Jane is going to marry a wonderful man."

"Yes we have my darling; I know Mr. Bingley will take great care of Jane."

"I only worry about Elizabeth; I thought for sure that she and Darcy were forming an attachment."

"Hannah, just because you like the gentlemen so much doesn't mean that Elizabeth will have the same taste."

"Yes I know that, but when ever I saw them together it seemed they liked each other too."

"Well I suppose it didn't work out." Mrs. Bennet sighed, knowing that she was right. Elizabeth must be upset over Mr. Darcy, she concluded. Darcy is obviously too shy to do anything about his feelings, so she would have to take a major hand in bringing those two back together. She smiled to herself, finally having a plan laid down for her daughter.

"What are you so happy about Madame?"

"Oh nothing, just happy to have the love of my husband." He smiled, and kissed her softly on the lips, before resting his head upon her own.

Alrighty wasn't as long as I had imagined but I hope this will do. Sorry not Darcy and Elizabeth fluff yet, don't worry it will be coming. Review and I will update! If any of you have any suggestions, or things you want to occur then feel free to suggest them I might put some of your ideas in my story.