Author's Note: Thank you to all who reviewed; I am soo happy that you guys liked the last chapter so much. I am really sad because this story is almost over. I could make it go so much longer but I decided that I have made our characters suffer long enough, and so I only have a few chapters left. Thanks for all the reviews you guys are great, sorry it took a little while to get this chapter up. I will try and update quicker with the break and all.

Chapter 18

Darcy and Fitzwilliam raced across the country. Darcy was in a foul disposition. He couldn't believe that he was being called away from Elizabeth. He only needed a few minutes more and then they would have her hand. He was fuming, not only with himself but with his cousin also. He knew, however, that Fitzwilliam wouldn't have come and got him if it wasn't important. He only hoped that Georgiana would be alright since he left her in such a hurry. She would have to bear Ms. Bingley for a while, and he was truly sorry for.

Darcy nudged his horse to go faster, wanting to get to London swiftly. He hoped that this matter would be solved quickly but he had a feeling that he would be there longer than he desired. He only hoped that the look on his beloved's face was a look of disappointment and not relief.

They arrived at Darcy's townhouse late in the evening. Darcy and the Colonel were tired from quick journey. Once inside Darcy was greeted by his foreman.

"Where is my Aunt Dawkins?"

"She is waiting for you in the drawing room, sir."

"In the drawing room? Why is she in there?" Darcy asked in frustration, not waiting for an answer. The gentlemen entered the room with very puzzled faces. Lady Catherine sat on a large arm chair calming sipping her tea. Seeing her two nephews enter the room she allowed a small smile to escape her lips.

"Darcy, what took you so long to get here? I demand an answer, if you had been quicker you would have seen Anne."

"Aunt, I do not understand…what…why did you call me here so quickly? Fitzwilliam said it was important a matter that could not be delayed."

"And so it was. I wanted to see you and that should be enough to come quickly here." Darcy closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing for a moment to regain control of his emotions. Right now all he wanted to do was to lash out at his aunt.

"I was under the impression that you were gravely ill, "He continued after a moment of silence.

"Yes I made it seem like that. You should be thanking me Darcy from saving you from those savages. I heard of your visit in the fall to that country and when I heard that you had gone back I grew very concerned. Hearing of your friend's late marriage to on of those country girls I feared that perhaps you had fallen under their spell as well. Those people have ways to allure men away from what is really important and expected of them."

"I can take care of myself Aunt. I appreciate your concern for my well being but it is unnecessary."

"It is too necessary!" Her voice rose shrilly, "My counsel is the most well sought after and you will do well in heading it. But now that you are here I was thinking that we can proceed with your marriage."

"I don't think I will get married at this present time Aunt." Darcy said tiredly, he didn't want to deal with his aunt tonight. Fitzwilliam watched this exchange with amusement, wondering when Darcy would crack.

"Of course you won't get married this instant. I was thinking of a May marriage. I am getting old and I need to know that Anne will be well taken care of."

"I don't think you understand…"

"Of course I do." She interrupted. "But you look tired, let us retire and we shall continue this conversation later. Darcy opened his mouth to argue but decided against it. He was going to need all his strength tomorrow when he dealt with is Aunt right now he just wanted to rest.

-o-

Mrs. Bennet watched her daughter stare aimlessly out the window. Elizabeth had been like that for the past two days, waiting. Mrs. Bennet knew that something was wrong when Elizabeth came back from her walk alone the other day. Her face had said it all, and she needn't say anything else to confirm that Mr. Darcy did not propose and that he was no longer in the country. Mrs. Bennet didn't know what to do. She was certain that Mr. Darcy would have secured her hand as soon as may be but now who knows when. The longer it took the longer Elizabeth was unhappy which caused Mrs. Bennet to be as well. There must be something she could do she thought. Just then an idea struck her. Taking one last look at her daughter Mrs. Bennet marched up to the library to talk to her father.

The next morning their bags were being packed and good-byes were being said. Mrs. Bennet had convinced her father to take her and her two remaining daughters to London for a change in scenery and society. Elizabeth and Rachel both jumped at the idea and wanted to leave as soon as may be. Although Mrs. Bennet was a little reluctant to let Rachel come because of a certain gentleman she allowed her to come anyways. Robert was the only one that was upset about the whole idea. He wanted to join the party and didn't understand what the fuss was about that he shouldn't join them.

"I don't want to stay here! I want to come with Lizzy, Rachel and you."

"Robert, dear, you must stay here. If you don't then who will take care of your father?"

"Hill can do it. Besides he is a grown man and doesn't need me to watch him." Rachel sniggered which caused both her brother and mother to glare at her.

"But who will keep him company?"

Robert looked carefully at his mother trying to plan out his response. "…You can…get him a dog." He smiled triumphantly to himself for his great idea.

"A dog is no compainion for gentleman."

"Why not? I thought dogs were man's best friends?"

"They are…it is just… oh for heavens sakes you can't come and that is final." Mrs. Bennet threw up her hands in frustration and stormed back into the house. Folding his arms in disgust Robert kicked some nearby pebbles mumbling to himself.

"Robert, come here." Elizabeth bent down so she was eye level with her brother. Taking his shoulders gently she forced him to look at her. Smiling lovingly at her brother she managed to produce a small grin from him. "I want you to come too, but you cannot. This trip is for girls only."

"But Grandpa Wilcox is not a girl."

"No he is not. He lives in town however so he gets to go. He doesn't have room for all of us to go and Papa does not like traveling. I promise that I won't stay there for very long and that as soon as I come back I will be yours for three days."

"To do whatever I want?"

"Whatever you want." His face lit up eagerly liking this new deal. Satisfied that her brother would no longer be complaining; Elizabeth headed back inside to finish gathering her belongings. Soon they were on there way and Elizabeth couldn't tell if the feeling in her gut was excitement or terror.

-o-

Colonel Fitzwilliam sat in the library reading one of the books that had been recommended by Rachel Bennet. He was enjoying a lovely morning when Darcy came rushing through the door quiet suddenly.

"What! Darcy, what is going on?"

"Nothing," Darcy said in an agitated voice while running his fingers through his hair.

"You cannot tell me it is nothing. You look like…like…well something frightful."

"Thanks," he commented ruefully. "It is our Aunt. She will not let me be. I could always bear her company once a year. But that was when she wasn't pressing Anne on me. Every time I turn around it seems she has thought of a new way to get us alone together in hopes that I will propose. I have run out of ideas to escape her, and I am losing control of my feelings."

Fitzwilliam closed his book and went to stand next to Darcy who was leaning against the desk. "Why don't you just tell her that you do not want to marry Anne but you have someone else in mind to fill that spot?"

"I have tried, in small ways. Not outright but I have tried to explain that I will not be taking Anne as my wife. She does not seem to be listening. I am afraid to tell her about Elizabeth." Fitzwilliam smiled to himself he did not think that Darcy realized what he had just called Ms. Bennet.

"Darcy afraid…I have never heard of such a thing." Darcy glared at him warningly.

"You know perfectly well that I have been afraid before." Darcy felt a little less tense by his cousins teasing.

"When have you been afraid?"

"Well…with Georgiana."

"Yes she can cause any man to quake in his boots." He laughed, Darcy just rolled his eyes.

"When I found out she was going to elope with Wickham. I was terrified that hadn't she come and spoken to me about it I would have lost her forever. I don't think I was ready to lose her, and I still do not think I am."

"She is growing into a beautiful young lady Darcy and someday you will have to say good-bye."

"I know," Darcy continued wearily his face drawn with sadness. "I just sometimes wish that she will always be by my side."

"Perhaps that is what all parents feel for their children but a little stronger."

"Yes and that is something else that terrifies me. That I might never get to share that feeling with…" Darcy sighed softly not finishing his statement. Fitzwilliam nodded knowing what Darcy was speaking of.

"Someday I do believe you will Darcy. With time once we have Lady Catherine removed then you may return."

"You don't think it will be too late?"

"Darcy if she has waited this long for you to open your mouth again than I think she can wait just a little longer."

"Yes the only problem is will I be able wait." Both gentlemen laughed merrily, happy to have dispelled the gloomy moment. "What of you Fitzwilliam, anyone that has caught your eye?" Fitzwilliam fidgeted nervously before rubbing the back of his neck.

"Not particularly. It seems I must be going, you know business and such."

"Not so fast. I don't think this conversation is done."

"There is nothing left to speak of Darcy." Fitzwilliam headed for the door with Darcy hard on his heels with a very sly grin plastered on his face.

Sorry about the shortness of the chapter. I was feeling bad because I didn't write and this is all I have time to write at the moment. I will try and get another chapter out before Christmas, but we will see. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews they make me feel so wonderful and they truly do inspire me to write more. More action in the next chapter I promise. Review!