Thank you for taking the time to read my story so far. I love reading your comments. I have often wondered what would happen if Mr Darcy knew about Mr Collins proposing to Elizabeth. Without further ado, here is the next chapter.

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Mr Darcy wanted to make the call at Longbourn as short as possible and escape as quickly as he could. He had informed his valet about his plan to leave. Knowing how efficient and meticulous Fletcher is, he had no doubt that everything will be ready and in order by the next morning.

The gentleman wondered if he should ask his aunt for advice. Not Lady Catherine, but Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam. He was not one to open up easily and he never discussed his romantic interests, or lack of, with anyone. Aunt Ellen had attempted to initiate a discreet conversation with him the previous year but he had assured her that there was nothing to be concerned about in that regard. The countess was popular and well-connected and can easily line up a number of debutantes and heiresses for him to consider.

As long as it was not his sickly cousin Anne or the sickening Miss Bingley. Not Miss Parker or Miss Greaves either. All they talked about was fashion. Hopefully not that one who always puffed out her words that he could smell her breath. Or the ones who always curtseyed so low to show off their womanly assets. He did not think highly of women who had to resort to arts and allurements to attract suitors. He shuddered at the mere thought of being trapped in a marriage without respect and true affection.

This was hopeless. He had been in the marriage market for years and could not find even one acceptable potential bride. The way things are going, he might just remain single for the rest of his life and wait for Georgiana to have her own family. He was certain that no one can hold a candle to Elizabeth.

When the time came to take his leave, he would take a final opportunity to gaze at Elizabeth. Her mesmerising eyes that seemed to stare directly into his soul. They were an unusual shade of green that appeared to turn darker when she became angry. Her pert nose with a smattering of freckles. She loved taking long walks and spending time outdoors. For sure, she would enjoy exploring Pemberley's grounds. Her full, rosy lips! She had this habit of biting her lower lip when she was thinking hard and it was such a distraction to him. Her brown, wavy hair. He longed to take the pins out of her hair and run his fingers through its silky lengths. He would love to see her dishevelled and for him to be the one to make her so.

Feeling resigned, he thought that he would secretly harbour his admiration for Elizabeth and hopefully it will pass when he returned to Pemberley. He could keep himself occupied with estate matters and devote more time to Georgiana. After what happened at Ramsgate, he had felt at a loss as to how to comfort her younger sister. He was now a grown man and she was a no longer a child. Gone were the days when they were carefree. He had assumed big responsibilities after they lost their parents. He was more like a father-figure to her rather than a brother. Elizabeth would have been the ideal sister to Georgiana, with a perfect blend of good sense and character, and a touch of humour and playfulness.

Enough of that trail of thought. It will never be. Just go to Longbourn and take your leave.

The expressions of the two men when they arrived at Longbourn could not have been more in contrast. One was solemn and the other one was bounding with excitement. Charles had decided that if he saw any sign that Miss Bennet might have any affection for him, he would ask to court her. And this could be the day. Being so caught up in his musings, he was oblivious to his friend's dark mood.

The two men were shown into the parlour but no one was around. They gave the footman a questioning look. Soon after, they heard giggles and laughter and wondered at the source of the noise.

A short while later, Miss Bennet appeared to greet them then sat with them, looking abashed.

"Apologies for keeping you waiting, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy."

More giggles were heard followed by a high-pitched squeal. The gentlemen knew it was not their business to pry but they became more curious as to what was happening.

"Miss Bennet, it is good to see you again. I hope you enjoyed the ball last night."

"Yes, very much. It was exceptional. I must thank and commend you and Miss Bingley for hosting such a memorable ball."

"It was our pleasure, Miss Bennet. I particularly enjoyed my dances with you."

Bingley observed her reaction carefully and felt equally relieved and joyous when she smiled and blushed. Before she could respond, more giggles erupted and this time, even louder.

Miss Bennet turned to look towards the source of the noise, and the men shifted to discover what the commotion was about. They saw a group of Bennet ladies crowded by the door of another room.

"What is taking Lizzy so long? All she has to do is say yes, and we are all saved. Just one word will save us all. That impertinent girl!"

"Sssshhh, Mama, we are listening to Mr Collins' boring speech. It is quite hilarious indeed."

"Look at Mr Collins, fully expecting Lizzy to say yes. And look at Lizzy, she looks like she wants to disappear and let the ground swallow her."

"Hush, you silly girl, she better accept Mr Collins. She will never get another offer. She has to stop being so prudish and stubborn."

"But mama, don't you think Mr Collins is silly and ridiculous? Lizzy is much too clever for him. What will happen when they are married?"

"What will happen is that we will have a place to live. The thought that we will thrown to the hedgerows is not something I want to even consider, but the possibility of that happening is real. Now Lizzy just needs to accept the man."

"But what will their children look like? I hope they do not look like Mr Collins. I do not want to have nephews and nieces who resemble him."

"Stop being rude, young lady. Be quiet, I want to hear it when Lizzy finally consents to be his wife."

Miss Bennet's lovely face turned even more red and she could not meet the eyes of their guests. She was so embarrassed for them to witness this unusual scenario. Oh, could her family please just be quiet while they have callers sitting in the parlour?

Mr Bingley saw that Miss Bennet was becoming uncomfortable. He judged that it was not the best time for them to be present when there was something like that afoot in the household. Clearing his throat, he said,

"Miss Bennet, I am sorry to be intruding. I feel it is best if we leave now. Mr Darcy is leaving for Pemberley tomorrow and would like to take his leave. Kindly relay the message to your family."

Mr Darcy, who up until that point had been silent, appeared shocked at what he was hearing. Was Mr Collins really proposing to Elizabeth? Was Elizabeth intending to accept him? Had she said yes? He felt like he could not breathe. Soon after, he started taking quick, shallow breaths. Miss Bennet and Mr Bingley looked alarmingly at him.

"Darce, are you quite alright? Do you need anything?"

Miss Bennet hurried to fetch a glass of water and offered it to him but Darcy did not even notice it. His eyes were trained on that door. Anytime now, Elizabeth could be lost to him.

The thought that someone other than him will become Elizabeth's husband was making him feel ill. He could not entertain the idea of another man receiving her smiles, her touches, her kisses. And he could not accept that someone else will marry her and share intimacies with her. Suddenly, a vision of him waiting at church and watching a smiling Elizabeth glide towards him, wearing an elegant white dress, with flowers in her hair, struck him.

Darcy blinked and took a deep breath to calm himself. He then turned to look at Bingley and Miss Bennet. There was no chance he could not stay seated there and listen to this madness. It was all too much for him to bear. He quickly stood up and excused himself,

"Pardon me."