Author's Note: More Robert in this chapter because you guys seem to like him soo much. Thanks to all my reviewers, I am sorry but I had finals or this would have been up sooner. I love all my reviewers!

Chapter Seventeen

Everyone soon arrived at Longbourn to wish Mr. and Mrs. Bingley a wonderful and happy life together. Mrs. Bennet was rushing every which way to make sure that everyone was happy, she wanted the wedding breakfast to be a special occasion. Elizabeth hardly had any time to think about what had occurred at the church. She was standing by Jane, who seemed to be just emanating joy. There were so many people who wanted to talk to the bride, and since Elizabeth was near enough to be part of the conversation she had no time for herself.

Darcy on the other hand not being a social person quickly withdrew to a corner the moment they arrived at the house. He stood by the fireplace watched the scene before him. Almost half of the people in the room he did not recognize and the other half were people whose names he did not know. His sister seemed like she was enjoying herself among the throng. She was in deep conversation with a young lady, which he thought belonged to Sir Lucas, but he couldn't be certain. Perhaps he should have been a little more sociable when he was here last he mused. Elizabeth had been the only one to catch his eye and the only one he ever paid any attention to. He was a little jealous of the people crowding around her and her sister. Bingley was a little ways off talking to some more people.

"Not up for much conversation again Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Wilcox inquired, joining Darcy by the fireplace.

"It would seem that there is far more than enough people to make up for my absence in their discussions." Darcy smiled at his old acquaintance.

"Your friend couldn't have picked a better wife. Jane is everything a man could want, kind, handsome, and very compiling."

"Yes, Bingley has been very fortunate in his choice. I am happy for my friend and I know they will be very happy together."

"Indeed they will. Of course if I had my choice I think Elizabeth would be my choice. She is a little strong willed. Who ever she marries she will keep him on his toes." Mr. Wilcox looked at Darcy from the corner of his eye to see his reaction. He was pleased that he saw a slight color to rise in his cheeks. "When are you planning on tying the knot?"

"Excuse me?" Darcy stuttered, unsure of his meaning, thinking that he was referring to Elizabeth.

"When are you going to settle down Darcy?"

"I don't know sir, I hope soon." He said while looking at Elizabeth, which didn't escape Mr. Wilcox's notice.

"I am going to step outside to get a breath of fresh air. If you will excuse me." Mr. Wilcox bowed slightly before making his exit, deciding that he had teased Darcy long enough.

Darcy wasn't left alone for long, when Mr. Bennet came to speak with him.

"Enjoying your self Mr. Darcy?"

"Indeed I am, weddings are always happy occasions."

"Yes they are but sometimes they are bitter. Being the father I am rather sad to see my daughter go. I am content, knowing that she will be well taken care of but that doesn't lessen the pain."

"I can understand sir. Although Georgiana is not my daughter, I have taken care of her for so long I hate to see her grow up because I know that she might leave me one day."

"It happens, which is why it is so important that they end up with someone wonderful. Elizabeth is going to be the hardest to part from, mind you. She has always held a special place in my heart. The man who wins her heart will be truly lucky. I will expect great things from him too. He will be taking my most precious jewel." Mr. Bennet then gave Darcy a look that could melt the snow from outside. Darcy wasn't sure he wanted to have this conversation anymore. Mr. Bennet seemed pleased that he made Mr. Darcy uneasy. He had noted Mr. Darcy's interest in his daughter and was constantly reminded of it by his wife, so he decided to have a little conversation with the gentleman in question. Now that he had spoken his peace he felt somewhat better for it. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy I think I see my wife waving to me."

Darcy could only nod in response. Elizabeth was very cared for, it seemed, and Darcy was a little unsure of himself now that two gentlemen to had come and talk to him. If she was hurt in any way Darcy knew that he would become very unpopular, very quickly.

Darcy wandered around the room for a while before deciding to take a seat. He hoped that he wouldn't have any repeats of the last two conversations. Robert came into the room at the moment. Surveyed the room and located Mr. Darcy. Robert looked like a miniature Mr. Bennet, all dressed up for the wedding. He wasn't use to wearing such clothes, they were very constricting he had decided. Heading over to Mr. Darcy he settled down next to him. Mr. Darcy smiled, amused at the small child.

"What are you doing?"

"Just sitting here."

"Me too, I don't know if I like weddings. They are boring." Robert slumped in his chair, with a pout on his face. Darcy chuckled quietly to himself; Robert could always make him smile.

"They are supposed to be that way. That is why you must make it fun."

"How do I do that, I am wearing these clothes. Which if I get them dirty then I will be in a lot of trouble with my Mother."

"Well…you can come up with a game that you play inside." Darcy suggested, although he had no idea what that would be.

"But there is no running inside the house." Robert looked at his friend carefully, trying to understand what he was suggesting. He couldn't think of anything that would make this morning any more exciting, that didn't involve some action.

"Of course, so we must come up with something that we can do right here."

"I don't know, it doesn't sound that fun. I can't read any books because I have to be sociable," saying sociable in his best Mrs. Bennet rendition.

"Try to think of this in a positive light. Think of all the people you will be meeting, and the new friends you will make." Darcy scoffed at himself; he was being anything but sociable.

"Lizzy always says that the way you find the positive is to hunt for it because sometimes it likes to hide."

"Your sister sounds like a very smart lady."

"She is and I guess that is one positive thing about all of this."

"What is one positive thing?"

"That I get to spend time with Lizzy, because she said that if I was really good today then she would play with me later. She is the best one to play with, did you know that?" Darcy shook his head in amusement. "Well she is, she doesn't mind running outside. And she always has the best ideas for what we should do. If you ever want a good playmate I suggest my sister."

"I will remember that." Darcy said in his most serious voice.

"Do you still like my sister?" Robert looked up into Mr. Darcy's eyes intently, causing him to shift uneasy. He hardly knew what to tell the boy.

"I think very highly of your sister."

"So you like her then."

"She is a wonderful woman, unlike any I have ever met."

"So you really like her."

"Well…I…" Darcy was trying so hard not to admit his feelings to the boy but it seemed all he was doing was making his situation worse. "She is a remarkable woman, and I think…"

"So you love her? Why aren't you marrying her then?" Darcy's eyes widened and he sat up straighter than before.

"I don't think that is…that is…it is a very complicated situation."

"No it is not. All you have to do is go up to her and say 'Lizzy will you marry me' or something like that. It is not hard; if you want I could ask her for you."

"That won't be necessary."

"Alright, but I will be willing to do that for you. I like you a lot so I wouldn't mind if you married her."

"I…" Darcy didn't get to finish his statement because one of the servants came in search of Robert, because his mother needed to see him. Darcy didn't know if he was relieved or if he should be worried. Robert now knew his feelings for his sister, although it was entirely his own conclusions and he might be willing to share with Elizabeth what he had learned. He seemed like the kind of child who didn't let secrets be kept. Darcy knew that he had to make his move soon before Robert did it for him.

Soon Mr. and Mrs. Bingley said their good byes and left for Paris, where they would be spending the first weeks of their marriage. A little after they left, the party began to disperse. Darcy decided that this time was as good as any to speak with Elizabeth. She had been thronged by people all day that he hadn't got a chance to exchange one word with her. She was talking to a middle aged woman, whom he was sure he had never seen before. Seeing Mr. Darcy approach Elizabeth turned to greet him.

"Mr. Darcy, I see that you have survived the morning."

"Yes indeed I have. Although I must say that you had it far worse." Causing Elizabeth to laugh slightly.

"Yes, I could scarce draw a breath from all the people. Mr. Darcy I would like to you to meet my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. I was staying with her when I was in London."

"It is pleasure to meet you Madame."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Darcy. I have heard so much about you that has made me very eager to meet you." Elizabeth blushed when Darcy looked at her with his eye brows raised in curiosity. "If you two will excuse me, I am going to find my husband."

Elizabeth gave her aunt a panicked expression. She didn't feel so confident anymore, when it was just the two of them. Tension was in the air, both felt very uneasy and unsure what to say.

"I…"

"Well…" They both started at the same time, causing both to smile. "You first Ms. Bennet."

"Thank you. I was just going to say what a lovely ceremony it was."

"It was, your mother did a wonderful job with the decorations."

"She will be very happy to hear that Mr. Darcy. Although Mr. Bingley is to thank for some of it, he is very generous."

"Indeed he is. I am very glad that he decided to take Netherfield."

"What is this Mr. Darcy? You are glad that he took it? What happened to the savage company that populated the country?" Elizabeth joked, happy to procure a sheepish grin from him.

"Well it seems this place has grown on me. It has one claim to my affections that quite took me by surprise but it was indeed a very welcome surprise." He stated turning serious, as Elizabeth's face filled with color at his boldness. "Ms. Bennet…Elizabeth, I was wondering if I could call on you tomorrow, if that would be pleasing with you?"

Elizabeth's heart filled with joy at hearing her name once again grace his lips. She was speechless and could hardly form a response.

"I…I would be very honored to receive you Mr. Darcy."

Smiling his heart warming smile he slowly brought Elizabeth's hand up to his lips. Letting his kiss linger a little longer than was necessary, never once taking his eyes from hers.

"Unfortunately I must tear myself away from you. I promised Ms. Bingley that we would make it back by supper. Until tomorrow then." He waved gallantly before heading out the door with Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam who had been waiting by the door.

Elizabeth sighed and closed her eyes. Feeling the room swim around her, she couldn't believe that Mr. Darcy had asked to call on her. Of course it meant nothing she tried to tell herself. A mere social call, but then why didn't he just come and call? Why did he have to ask her himself? Elizabeth hardly knew what to think, she knew what her heart told her but her head was trying to squeeze reason through.

Soon Robert came to claim his sister for the day, for he had been very good. Once Lizzy laid down her head for the night she couldn't close her eyes. She was so nervous for the day to come and what it might bring.

By morning Darcy was a nervous wreck. He had taken a really early walk to try and calm himself but it didn't seem to work. He didn't want to go back inside for fear that Ms. Bingley would keep him longer than he desired. He wanted to make this call alone so he decided not to tell anyone of his departure. It was still too early to make a social call, so Darcy was pacing the grounds at Netherfield. Ms. Bingley had been talking about returning to London soon. Mr. Darcy had no intentions of joining her.

-o-

Mrs. Bennet sighed contently to herself; life it seemed was very good right now. Jane married and hopefully Elizabeth would soon follow. She couldn't really ask for more. One thing that did bother Mrs. Bennet was the recent attachment developing with Rachel and the Colonel. She considered Rachel much too young to be thinking seriously about marriage. However more and more she had seen Rachel and Colonel Fitzwilliam together. She didn't want to part with all three of her daughters. Just then she heard a noise coming from the front. Looking outside she was pleased to see Mr. Darcy, alone. Mr. Darcy entered the parlor finding just Mrs. Bennet to greet him.

"Mr. Darcy what a welcome surprise. And what do we owe to this pleasure?" Darcy shifted uneasily, realizing he would have to reveal the purpose for his visit.

"In truth Madame, I came in search of your daughter."

"Well I think that Rachel is still up in her room." Continued Mrs. Bennet gaily, knowing perfectly well who he was meaning.

"Um…your other daughter Mrs. Bennet." Darcy blushed; it seemed that the whole Bennet family was bent on embarrassing him just so he could secure Elizabeth's hand in marriage.

"Oh Lizzy, why of course. She is outside taking a walk. I think if you follow the path on your right then you will run into her eventually."

"Thank you Madame." He bowed politely hurrying out the door before he ran into the men of the household.

Darcy walked a little ways down the path until he heard a little humming. Walking slower he crept up to the sound. He saw the most beautiful sight; Elizabeth was leaning slightly against the tree looking skyward except her eyes were closed. Humming softly to herself, Darcy could have sworn he was looking at an angel. Clearing his throat he let her know of his presence. Stepping into view he caused Elizabeth to blush. She hoped that Darcy hadn't heard her humming a few moments ago.

"Ms. Bennet, your mother told me where I could find you."

"Oh" she said softly still looking at the ground feeling like a little school girl.

"Would you care to join me for a walk." He offered his arm which she took happily. They continued on in silence for a while. Finally Darcy worked up enough courage to ask what he was here for. "Ms. Bennet, I…I have come here today for a reason. I presume you might know that reason."

Elizabeth looked at him wide eyed, before looking away once more. She could see that he was very nervous but at the moment she was very tongued tied, which was no help to either of them.

"Well, I was just wondering. That is I would like to ask you…would you care…I mean do you like orchids." Darcy groaned inwardly, he couldn't believe he didn't say it and instead asked something as ridiculous as that.

"What?" Elizabeth's heart had been racing, realizing that this was the final moment but his words…surprised her to say the least.

"Orchids? Do you like them?"

"Yes, I do and you?"

"Yes." They continued on a little ways lost in their own thoughts. "Ms. Bennet?"

"Yes?"

"There is something I wish to speak to you about." Elizabeth waited patiently, by this time they had stopped walking. Both facing each other Darcy felt suddenly very warm.

"I didn't really come here to ask you about orchids. I came here because over the past couple of months I have been a fool. I have been arrogant, prideful and selfish."

:"Mr. Darcy I do not think…"

"No please," he interrupted. "It is true; it wasn't until that night that I realized it. You have showed me so much and have helped me become a better man. I do not even deserve to be in your presence dearest Elizabeth." He looked at her with so much feeling that Elizabeth felt her heart leap from her chest. Taking her hand he continued on.

"It would be an honor if you would…"

"DARCY!" Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy looked around for the voice that had interrupted them, "Darcy! Where are you?"

Darcy opened his mouth and then closed it again, unsure what to do next.

"Darcy!" the voice sounded very exasperated.

"Are you going to answer it?" Elizabeth looked him questionablely. Darcy reluctantly let go of her hand and rounded the corner. Once he was out of sight, Elizabeth sighed. He had almost proposed, she was certain of it. Feeling her face she was positive that it was a deep shade of red, the color that it always seemed to be with him around. Hearing loud voices Elizabeth crept a little closer to hear what was being said.

"Fitzwilliam, can't this wait? I am in the middle of something."

"Darcy if I thought this could wait than I wouldn't be here now. I have been looking for you all morning."

"I will only be a minute."

"We have wasted far more time with me gallivanting around Meryton."

"What about Georgiana?"

"Ms. Bingley said she will take care of her. We must make haste Darcy, this sounds really serious."

"Alright, I will only be a minute." Mr. Darcy said sounding very upset.

Elizabeth hurried down the path a little ways not wanting to be caught listening. Soon Mr. Darcy came into view with a very grim look about him. She suddenly felt her stomach drop, this could not be good.

"Ms. Bennet, I have some bad news. I have been called back to town on some urgent business which must not be delayed."

"I hope it is not serious." Elizabeth said trying to be calm about the situation and yet she felt far from composed

"I hope it is not either. I am sorry that I can't…I…goodbye Ms. Bennet." Darcy smiled sadly before walking off, away from the woman he loved so very much.

Once gone Elizabeth felt the tears start to well up in her eyes. She knew that he would be back when he could. But when would that be, when would he return? His departure was like a knife in her heart. Hopes of happiness disappeared into the air as she watched him walk away from her.

Poor Elizabeth….Poor Mr. Darcy….I am dreadfully sorry, because everyone thought it was so close. But just think when the moment happens it will be that much sweeter, I will make it better trust me. Just don't kill me :runs and hides in corner: Although my beta thought this chapter was really funny, so maybe the hilariousness of it all makes up for the end.