Bingley had been engaged to Miss Bennet for nearly a month now. Darcy was quite content with this development. He cared for his most amiable friend and wished him every happiness.

However, one thing had been puzzling him. Rather, one person. Miss Elizabeth. He had accompanied Bingley back to Hertfordshire so he may personally observe whether or not Miss Bennet had any affection for his friend. Once he confirmed that he had indeed made the gravest mistake of separating Bingley from his angel, Darcy immediately confessed his wrongdoing to him. Fortunately, his friend was so good-natured that it did not take too long for him to bestow his forgiveness.

When he and Bingley called at Longbourn, Miss Elizabeth had been civil and graciously enquired about his sister. In his heart, he knew he should not expect more but he could not help but wish that she would give him a sign if he had any hope of winning her. Any progress he may have made at Pemberley he now considered as lost due to his inaction with regards to Wickham's history of misdeeds, leading to her youngest sister's entanglement with the scoundrel.

Seeing no hint of emotion from Miss Elizabeth during their encounters, a dejected Darcy had decided it was best that he depart Hertfordshire for good. Darcy had immediately left for town once the betrothal between Bingley and Miss Bennet was announced. A week after this, he had been paid an unexpected visit by his aunt, who was furious about Miss Elizabeth's unyielding response to her questions and demands. The grand lady's report had taught him to hope, much more than he allowed himself to hope before, so he gathered his courage to return to Hertfordshire.

He had called at Longbourn together with Bingley and a walking party had been organised – Bingley with Jane and Miss Elizabeth, Kitty and himself. Her younger sister had separated from them to see her friend Maria Lucas and he had been left in his beloved's company. During the course of their stroll, Elizabeth had taken the opportunity to finally thank him for his help with Lydia. This had elicited a surprised reaction from him, as he had not expected that she possessed any knowledge of his involvement. He had assured her that she and her family owe him nothing, as dealing with Wickham was something he should have done a long time ago. He, in turn, had apologised for his aunt's intrusive behaviour.

Thereafter, Darcy had continued to join his friend when calling at Longbourn. He had not made any mention or shown any sign that he still harboured any romantic feelings for her, resolving to take things slowly and make sure of her positive reception first to avoid a repeat of his first disappointment. He would not be able to survive another refusal from her.

One could not find fault with her conduct or address. Oh, she offered polite smiles, showed every courtesy and behaved in the most ladylike manner. She was beginning to act and sound like her favourite sister, the perpetually serene Miss Bennet. And she offered no opposing views to anything he said! It was extremely excruciating to watch! He missed the vivacity, spontaneity, wittiness and passion of the Elizabeth he used to know.

Even if he was usually a very patient man, he found that in this matter of utmost importance, he felt the urgent need to know her feelings most acutely. For sure, he would be thoroughly heartbroken should he discover that he had no hope in ever securing her love, but he could not stand a moment longer of this… torturous waiting. A resolution was formed in his head – today during our walk, I will find out the truth.

Darcy tried his best to appear calm and collected but inside, he was full of nerves. Now I know how Mrs Bennet feels.

"I am sure to miss Hertfordshire. Derbyshire, of course, holds a special place in my heart, but I have grown to enjoy the charms of this beautiful county."

"Are you returning to Pemberley soon, Mr Darcy?"

"There is no fixed date as of yet. I am only thinking ahead, for when I get married. I would be taking my future wife home."

"You are getting married?!"

"One day, I do hope to become a devoted husband to the loveliest lady I have ever met. Much as I would adore being a doting uncle should Georgiana marry and bear children someday, I dream of having my own family. I dearly wish the halls of Pemberley will soon be filled with the warmth and happiness a loving wife and children can undoubtedly bring."

"And have you… chosen your future wife?"

"Yes. My heart is utterly and irrevocably taken."

"W-when did this happen?"

"I am not entirely sure. It has been many months now. It came on gradually. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun."

"You have been in love with someone all this time? And who is this lucky lady? Is she someone I am acquainted with?"

"Yes. You do know her very well indeed. In fact, she is from Hertfordshire."

"It cannot be Jane! Who could it be? And when are you getting married?"

"I am still waiting for the right occasion to make an offer. This time, I want to make sure of the lady's regard first and treat her with due respect. You know very well how disastrously things turned out during my first proposal. I am determined not to make the same mistakes again. But I fervently pray that things will be settled soon."

"Wait, is it Mary? Or Kitty? Or have you been paying court to someone else whilst here in Hertfordshire?"

"No, it is not one of your sisters --"

"Mr Darcy, I apologise for my outburst. I have attempted to correct my impertinent behaviour to make myself more worthy of you but clearly, I have failed. It was terribly foolish of me to hope that you may still hold some degree of affection for me, after I cruelly misjudged and abominably rejected you before. If you feel that you will find true contentment with your chosen lady, then I will have to bear my heartache in silence. Seeing you, the very best of men who has captured my heart, with another woman would be pure torment. Even though it will mean a life of infinite misery for me, I will wish you joy, for there is nothing I want more than to see you happy."

"I have no desire of causing you pain –"

"Then I would beg you not to expect me at your wedding --"

"That is impossible! It is imperative that you are present!"

"No! Please, sir, I cannot make an appearance! The agony would be intolerable --"

"Elizabeth, you must be in attendance! My bride cannot be absent from the ceremony! And I certainly hope you do not think being married to me will be intolerable!"

"… C-could it be that…. D-do you mean… oh, my dearest Mr Darcy…"

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Erm… sorry, I was scrolling through my story list and wondered what I would write next.

Seeing one of my pieces, "Too Gentlemanly", the idea of writing a flipside to it just struck me.

Yes, I know, there is nothing much to it… just another lighthearted scene between ODC ;-)

Stay safe, everyone!