Author's Note: Ok so the last chapter totally didn't have the author's note or the end because when I updated it was after I saved it again so it cute out all this stuff. So when I was getting reviews about can't wait for the update and stuff I was like What! This was the last chapter, and now after seeing what happened I now know why. Sorry about that, but thanks to all who reviewed and here is the final and defiantly the best ending ever. To all you who reviewed I give you clones of Mr. Darcy so enjoy!
THE END IS DIFFERENT, SO I AM NOT JUST REPOSTING THIS CHAPTER!
I hoped the bold would grab your attention in case you were confused about this chapter and stuff, hehe.
Chapter 20
Mr. Darcy sat in the parlor listening to Lady Catherine rattle on about who knows what. His mind was far away from the company that was with him at present. He was thinking about Elizabeth and how she was going to be at his home this evening. He had mixed feelings about the event. He hadn't seen Elizabeth since his hasty departure a few days previous. He knew now with more assurance and confidence that she indeed had some similar feelings regarding him. However that was where the issue of his Aunt came into play. If Lady Catherine suspected at all Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth then she would be anything but polite. He also didn't want anyone of the party believing that he was going to marry his cousin Anne which he was certain his Aunt would bring up. He hadn't even told her that they were expecting company.
"Darcy what do you think?" Lady Catherine's voice broke into his thoughts and called him back to reality. He was momentarily puzzled for he had not paid attention to what they were discussing.
"Think of what?"
"Why of the wedding of course," She impatiently cried. "I wanted to know if an August wedding was the best. The weather is always so fine then and since Anne is always sick I thought…"
"No!" Darcy said firmly shaking his head, this charade would end now.
"No, no what Darcy? What are you speaking of? If you would like we can have an earlier wedding."
"No wedding, I have never agreed to marry Anne nor will I ever." Lady Catherine was so stunned by this answer that she was silent for some time. Her face had become quite pale but quickly changed to an anger red.
"NOT MARRY ANNE!" Standing up she looked fiercely at Darcy daring him to contradict her now. "What you speak of is madness and I will not hear another word of it."
"Nor will I." Darcy matched her furious voice but managed to keep his tone down. He felt a sudden rush of courage. "This has gone too far. I have my own life to live Aunt. Although I do appreciate your guiding hand it is although unneeded. I shall choose who I will marry myself and I believe I shall be quite happy with that choice."
"I will not have the Darcy name tainted by a mere country lass who throws herself at the first rich suitor she comes by."
"She has not thrown herself at me; it is more like the other way around." Darcy said in his anger realizing his mistake the moment it slipped out.
"I knew it!" Her finger pointing accusingly at his chest, "They have blinded you as well as your friend. Those barbarians can not be trusted; they are not one of us."
"YOU WILL NOT speak that way in front of me about the people I care about," He seethed trying to control his temper.
"I certainly will until you see reason. Your Mother as well as I have planed this marriage since your infancy. Are you just going to throw that away?"
"Yes if that is what I must do to secure my own happiness."
"This is not to be born. I have never been so shocked in my entire life. I am afraid that if you do not change your ways then I shall leave this house at once." Lady Catherine stood up straight her last threat thrown into the air.
"Shall I see you to the door then?" Lady Catherine's face was priceless, for a moment Darcy thought she would stay and fight for him to see reason or worse threaten him with something else. Luckily she stormed out of the room with Anne without making another sound. A few moments later Darcy could hear the front door slam.
Darcy had never felt so relieved in his entire life. He knew that his Aunt would probably never speak to him again and yet somehow it gave him some comfort to know that fact. At least she was gone and he did not have to worry about tonight being ruined. Marching to his study he made sure that everyone knew that he was not to be disturbed he had some thinking to do.
Darcy was so involved in his work that he neither noticed someone knock on the front door, nor did he realized the low hum of voices ascending from above. It wasn't till there was a knock on the study door that he noticed anything at all. Doctor Clemens stepped into the study carefully not fully sure if he should disturb Mr. Darcy or not. Mr. Darcy stood quickly and shook the Doctor's hand curious to the reason why the family Doctor was paying him a visit.
"This is indeed a surprise Doctor Clemens. What do I owe this honor?"
"Nothing serious if that is what you mean Mr. Darcy," he reassured wiping the concerned look of Darcy's face, "The reason why I am here is because your cousin sent for me. It seems your sister has contracted a slight cold. Do not worry it is nothing too serious but I have instructed her to stay in bed for a few days. I just thought that you should be informed of her state."
"Thank you Doctor. I had no idea that she was even feeling slightly sick at all. I have been quite busy this morning. Please won't you sit down and have some tea," Darcy asked politely gesturing to a chair. Doctor Clemens politely refused before taking his leave.
No sooner had the Doctor left then Darcy rushed upstairs to check on his dear sister. He softly entered her room trying not to wake her. Sensing her brother's presence Georgiana opened her eyes and gave him a shy smile. He sat next to her on the bed and gentle held her hand while brushing back some of the hair that had fallen in front of her face.
"How are you feeling dear?"
"I am fine, just a little saddened. I had hoped to spend this evening with Elizabeth."
Darcy could hear the disappointment in her voice. He was also comforted to know that his sister cared so much for his dear sweet Elizabeth.
"Do not worry yourself about that. In fact when she gets here how about I send her up to visit you? Would that be nice?"
"Oh yes!" She said enthusiastically, "I would enjoy that very much even if I only get to see her for a short while."
"But you must be good and stay in bed till she comes. I wouldn't want your cold to turn into something greater." Georgiana nodded her head in approval grateful to have such a caring brother. Darcy kissed her forehead gently before retreating from the room to prepare for his guests arrival.
Darcy and Fitzwilliam waited anxiously by the door for the arriving party. Darcy was so happy that his Aunt had decided to leave earlier; it had saved him so much trouble and worry. Darcy was awe struck when Elizabeth walked through the door. Never had he seen such a beautiful sight in all his life. He was momentarily stunned at her presence and it took all of his will power to look away from her dazzling smile. He greeted the guests and cordially invited them to the parlor before dinner. Fitzwilliam had immediately taken Rachel's arm and escorted her in the room. Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Wilcox followed suit leaving Darcy and Elizabeth alone in the entry way.
"Ms Bennet I have a favor to ask you before we rejoin the party. My sister Georgiana seems to have contracted a cold. She was so much looking forward to meeting with you again and was disheartened when she could not join us tonight."
"Well then I will go and visit with her for a while."
"That was precisely what I wanted to ask you." Smiling adoringly at her he offered his arm in which he led her upstairs. "Take your time Ms. Bennet we will be waiting for you downstairs." He whispered in her ear. Elizabeth felt the color rise in her face feeling his breath upon her skin. Recovering herself she went to greet her friend.
Darcy never considered himself an impatient person but it seemed like forever waiting for Elizabeth to rejoin their party. He couldn't keep up with conversations at present for he was constantly looking at the time. Mr. Wilcox and Mrs. Bennet soon gave up and began to talk amongst themselves. Darcy decided to go and check on dinner and made sure everything was in order.
He took his time in the kitchen hoping that by the time he returned Elizabeth would have too. It didn't mind Georgiana and Elizabeth talking but this was the night he decided that he would ask for a private audience with her. Having been interrupted so many times he could hardly wait. He was very nervous too. His palms were sweaty and he could hardly think of anything coherent.
Without even realizing it he found himself at the bottom of the stairs pacing back and forth in deep contemplation. He nervously played with the ring that was on his pinky finger twirling it around endlessly. Finally after what seemed like an eternity he heard a noise from upstairs that sounded like a door shutting.
Looking heavenward his eyes were greeted by an angel's. Elizabeth slowly descended the stairs. She couldn't take her eyes off his deep brown ones. She felt like her heart was caught in her throat and she could scarce draw breathe under his penetrating gaze. So caught up in his amorous stare Elizabeth miscalculated the number of stairs that she was descending. Arms flailing wildly she tried desperately to regain her balance before she could hit the ground ungracefully. Darcy quickly grabbed her around the waist not thinking twice about the propriety of it all.
Leaning against Darcy's chest Elizabeth could feel his body heat pressing firmly against her. If she thought she was uncomfortable before under his gaze, now was unbearable. His arms were snaked around her waist which caused her to feel safe and very comfortable. Slowly her eyes might his once more.
"Are you alright?" His voice dropping to a concerned whisper. Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak but found that no words were forming, nodding was the only thing she seemed capable of doing at the moment. Elizabeth hoped that Mr. Darcy couldn't hear the loud pounding of her heart. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence Darcy's grasp around her figure did not loosen in the slightest. Elizabeth was about to mention something when his voice once again filled the air.
"Elizabeth…I know this is not entirely proper but you must know that my feelings for you are still unchanged. In fact I think the only thing that has happened since I last asked for your hand was to have my feelings increase ten fold. I pray that you will forgive me for being so bold but I can not live without you. I want to hold you like this forever and spend every minute in your company. I know you have already refused me once but I have come to hope that perhaps…"
Elizabeth brought her hand to his lips to silence his ramblings. She smiled at him brightly before boldly capturing his lips with her own. Darcy was indeed surprised by her actions but not displeased.
"I have always loved you Mr. Darcy. Almost from the moment we met I was just a stubborn fool who would not see reason. I have mended the error of my ways and I am in eternal bliss knowing you haven't given up on me."
Darcy could scarce believe his ears. Bringing his hand to her face he gently caressed her cheek wondering if this was indeed a dream. "It is I who has been to stubborn and proud one. I still would be if it hadn't been for you dearest and loveliest Elizabeth." He said satisfied that this was indeed reality, kissing her once again this time a far more passionate kiss than the first.
So lost were they in their embrace that they didn't see the couple a few feet away hurrying into the nearest room quite embarrassed at witnessing such a show of affection.
"Well it seems that a congratulations is in order for your sister." Fitzwilliam whispered happily to his lovely compainion.
"Yes and it is about time too. I thought he would never get it out and poor Elizabeth would die an old maid."
"Darcy does take his time but I must say he did have some obstacles to overcome."
Rachel laughed joyously, so happy that her sister would finally get the happiness that she deserved, "Do you think it is safe to go out there?" She asked mischievously.
"I am not sure," Fitzwilliam shifted nervously, "But while we are here there is something I would like to discuss with you."
The smile that graced her lips quickly dissolved into a rather serious gaze. Feeling the sensations of dread and excitement all at once wondering if he was indeed going to ask her what she thought he was.
"I have come to…that is to say, Rachel I…" He smiled nervously wanting the earth to swallow him whole at the moment. Grasping her hand he caressed her fingers like it was his life line. "I am not too good with words, my cousin is far better at this than me."
"Well from what I have heard from Elizabeth he didn't do so well on his first try." She smiled timidly trying to loosen the tense atmosphere.
"Yes I suppose you are right. Rachel you have made me feel like no one has ever made me feel. That is to say I have come to care for you, more so than others. Well what I mean is that you are very important to me. This is not coming out right at all," he sighed in frustration. Bringing her hand to his face she smiled warmly.
"I think it is coming out perfectly. I feel the same way."
"You do?" His voice sounding surprised, "I…well I don't know what to say."
"You weren't at loss for words a few moments ago," she teased.
"Yes I guess I wasn't. What I have been meaning to say is," Getting down on one knee he gazed up at her taking both her hands in his own. "Will you consent to be my wife, for if you do I will truly be the luckiest man alive. I will always take care of you and make you smile."
"Well now that seals the deal, for if you can make me laugh then I must marry you."
"I am being serious,"
"So am I," Taking his arm and pulling him up gently so it was her who was staring sky ward. "Being your wife would make me the happiest person on the planet. I think I might be competing for happiest with Lizzy."
Laughing joyously Fitzwilliam took her by surprise by lifting her in the air and twirling her around in his arms, causing her to squeal with happiness. Placing her feet back on the ground he kissed her softly on the lips.
"Come we must go and tell the others."
"Wait!" Pulling him back towards herself, her face filled with dread, "My Mother, oh I can't marry you."
"But why not, I don't understand. I thought your Mother liked me."
"She does, it is not that. With Jane leaving and then Elizabeth, it is just too much for her. I am her youngest daughter and she doesn't want me to get married for a few more years. She has made that very clear to me. I don't know what to do, I just I…"
Fitzwilliam placed his fingers of her lips to silence her. Looking at her lovely he caressed her cheek.
"My dear I would wait for eternity for you. If it would be better to wait a few years then I will wait. I will not do so patiently but I will wait."
Rachel let out another squeal before throwing herself into his arms once more. Then she placed a rather long and full kiss on his mouth before parting.
"Wow I think I shall wait for you more often if that is the response I get." He teased which in turn allowed him to receive a playful slap on the arm.
"Well do you think it is safe to exit this room now?"
"Even if it is not I think we must before someone sends out a search party for us. Although I do not confess that I would like to leave this rather comfortable position with you in my arms." And with that the joined the rest of the party just in time to hear the happy news from Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Needless to say there was much rejoicing from everyone in the room. Georgiana was privy to the news once Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy could tear themselves away from the party. They had wanted to share this together with the invalid.
However it would be some time before Rachel and the Colonel would be getting congratulations. Mrs. Bennet although loving was not an easy person to win over when she has her mind set to it. Of course Colonel Fitzwilliam was the best candidate for that project. Quickly following the example of Rachel's previous sisters.
THE END AGAIN!
For those of you who wanted the sequel I am already planning it. I am going to wait for a little while till I get my other story going more and then I will post it.
Thank you once again for the lovely reviews; I seriously think I would not have made it this far if it hadn't been for my readers. Please review and tell me if the end was worth the wait, and till next time farewell.