Darcy congratulated himself on his cleverness. Hiding in the confession booth was hardly his style of evading people, but desperate times call for desperate measures. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes to savour his victory. He was determined to enjoy this solitude for as long as he could.

Mr. Darcy was startled by a noise on the left side of the confessional. He realised that he was no longer alone. He hears heavy breathing and dress swishing. Then a door gently closed. Annoyed, he looked through the screen and saw the object of his reverie. His eyes widened and gasped quietly. He covered his mouth to muffle his sound. There she sat as quiet as possible. Her hair is coming loose. She leaned her head against the wall. The vision of her is stuff of dreams. He couldn't look away from her parted lips as she inhaled and exhaled and her heaving bosoms that matched the rhythms of her breath. The smell of lavender wafted through the screen. Then as if in unison, both became aware of Mrs. Bennet's shrill voice echoed through the sanctuary as it desecrated the reverent silence. He nearly snorted at Elizabeth's mention of St. Peter.

It irked Mr. Darcy the way she called and spoke of Elizabeth as though she was a child and not a woman. He was appalled at her lack of concern in tying her daughter to lecherous Mr. Collins. Clearly, she didn't know Elizabeth or even bother knowing her. She is only a means to her future security upon Mr. Bennet's demise. Why should she take away the security of love that her daughter craves in a husband. She should at least have that, since her marital status is not likely to be elevated to what it is presently. He saw Elizabeth's embarrassment, and maybe even hope for love extinguished in her face.

Then a thought occurred to him. Mrs. Bennet's ranting must be a daily occurrence, a thorn in Elizabeth's side. Yet he was amazed at her fortitude no matter the odds against her. Through all of this, she is loyal to her family and loves them faults and all. They both released a sigh of relief when they heard Mrs. Bennet exited through the front door.

She patted her hair and realised it was dishevelled. By gods she's beautiful! He was mesmerised by her movements. The simple act of pulling all the hairpins had him wishing he was doing the honours. Each hairpin caused her hair to tumble down her back in a beautiful luxurious pile of dark chocolate curls. He was disappointed when she pinned them again. He smiled at her reaction in overlooking a small pile of curly locks. She had no fight left and let it be. To him it was most beautiful especially since the lock ended right above her left bosom.

He stared at the stray lock of hair for what seemed like a long pleasurable moment. His cravat suddenly felt tight, and his body felt like it's on fire. His heart is galloping. He wishes he could reach through the dividing screen, grab her, and kiss her senseless. He must control himself and slow his breathing quietly, and not sound like a panting dog.

His tall stature caught up with him and was forced to shift in his chair. This of course caused the chair to emit a high-pitched creaking sound. Elizabeth cocked her head towards the sound. She smoothed her dress and sat upright like a woman of good breeding. She came close to the screen. Mr. Darcy panics and stays in the shadows to keep himself from being recognized. The smell of her Lavender perfume however is wreaking havoc on his senses. He's never been this close to her. He fought to keep his composure and spoke not at word. Her luminous eyes darted from side to side as if trying to see him but settled on staring at nothing in particular. He was amused to learn that this isn't the first time she'd used this as a hiding place. Well….it seemed to have proven again of its usefulness. Well…almost, now that he knows her secret.

He was first in a daze until Elizabeth spoke. He found it rather comical to be playing the role of a priest. Then again, this is the one confession he had no intention of missing. He listened with great interest and shock to know that he was found wanting. He didn't realise until now that his comment at the Assembly was heard by the object of his affection, and its effects are far reaching in her perception of his character. He held his face down in shame. Her words about her idea of love seem to free him from the social burden. This brought him to a realisation that this is something that's been lacking in his quest in finding the future Mrs. Darcy. This concept seems foreign to him since it's been drilled into him to marry for wealth and connection, both of which Elizabeth lacked. Her expectations were simple, and beautiful. Oh, to be loved by her for himself and not his wealth. He was ashamed of mislabeling her sister as mercenary. He was also not surprised that she would wish nothing but the best for her dearest sister Jane.

"Oh Elizabeth. If you become my wife. I will ensure that you'll never have to stand behind a plough. I will ensure your security to my dying day. Having children with you will definitely not be out of obligation. We will have many beautiful, sweet children with your sparkling eyes and intelligence. We will be happy for the rest of our days." He thought.

Having the first-hand knowledge of what Elizabeth wants in a husband gave him plenty of ideas on how to woo her. First, he will have to change her opinion of him. Apologising is the place to start. He watched her as she got herself ready to vacate the confession. She stood up straight. Squared her shoulder. Lifted her determined chin and quietly said, "This is Charlotte's day. Be happy for her. Bite your tongue and most importantly. Stay away from that toad." Then left as quietly as she came through the back door of the church. Unbeknownst to her that she caught Mr. Darcy's heart without even trying.

He waited until he heard the door closed. Then it occurred to him that the priest was already at the Lucas Lodge. Fear gripped him at the thought of Elizabeth discovering the identity of the pseudo priest listening to her confession. The race is on and he must get there first!