So it has happened. A very thoughtful guest has given me some free grammar lessons.

To the said guest: Thank you for your time and honesty.

Dear readers, I appreciate your time in reading this story and I humbly admit that I am nowhere near perfect. I do not want to make excuses, but English is my third language. If I make any mistakes, they are most unconsciously done. Either I really got it wrong because I did not know better or it was a typo error. Much as I want to spend time editing my work thoroughly, I am afraid I have little time to do so. I hope in future, I can go back and edit my work.

Now, am I going to continue writing, knowing that my work shows poor grammar, poor word usage and so forth? Yes. I have started this story and I intend to complete it.

So please be warned: this story WILL contain errors. If you are happy to accept that, please continue reading. If you want to point out any errors, I hope it is not too much to ask that this be done politely. Thank you for your understanding.

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Chapter 4

Mr Darcy started walking with determination to the source of the noise and barged into the room where Mr Collins and Elizabeth supposedly were. He did not even say anything to Mrs Bennet and her other daughters who were hovering by the door as his mind was focused on only one thing. Or one person.

"Who…"

"Mr Darcy?"

"What is he doing here?"

"Where did he come from?"

Mr Darcy looked at the scene that was before him. Elizabeth was sitting on the settee and Mr Collins was kneeling in front of her, holding her hand.

Am I too late? Has Elizabeth accepted him?

He watched Elizabeth intently, trying to gauge her expression. He did not speak a word to her but addressed Mr Collins instead.

"Mr Collins, what on earth are you doing?"

"Mr Darcy, I am honoured by your presence. I did not realise you have come to call. You have the best timing, sir, as you will soon witness the announcement of my engagement to my dearest cousin Elizabeth. You see, I have practised and delivered a very romantic proposal and I know Elizabeth is quite eager to grant me her sweet acceptance. If you could just give me a few more moments, sir, I am certain that you will not have long to wait. You can partake in our family celebrations which I am sure Mrs Bennet will be happy to prepare. She does set a very good table, and the boiled potatoes are surprisingly excellent."

I hope you choke on them! God help me that I do not end up strangling you.

Mr Collins continued,

"My dearest Elizabeth might just need a little bit more time for me to persuade her. In fact, I think she is already convinced that I am the perfect husband for her but she does not want to appear too enthusiastic about it. Isn't that right, my darling Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth quickly snatched her hand away from Mr Collins. The latter moved from his kneeling position to sit very close to Elizabeth. His knees were beginning to feel sore. The parson did not expect that Elizabeth would take this much time before accepting him. He knew she would be delighted with receiving a proposal from him so he expected that it would only be a brief conversation. Elizabeth slid away from him and said,

"No, I do not require more time. I have already given you my answer and in case you missed it, it is NO."

"Come now, Elizabeth, I know you want to say yes. Are you really going to make me ask a second time? Let us cut this chase short so we can start planning our life together. I know you are very fond of the Gardiner children and you sorely miss them. But worry not, we can build our family soon and we will have our own children. I think six children, three boys and three girls would be perfect, but I am happy to agree if you desire more. I have already written a letter to Lady Catherine announcing that I will be getting married to you soon and to expect our arrival in a few weeks. We can have the banns read and marry as soon as possible."

"You did not! When did you send the letter to my aunt?"

"Oh, sir, I have written the letter but have not yet sent it. I am waiting to include the date of the wedding. That will save me from writing another letter and paying for postage again. I was thinking that we can get the banns read starting this Sunday which means we will be at the parsonage within the month. I worry that I have been away for too long. Lady Catherine must be needing me to attend to some important matters. She always seeks my advice, from shelves to chimneys to window glazing."

"Mr Collins, it is clear that Miss Elizabeth has no wish to accept your proposal. Stop this fantasy about her becoming your wife."

"But Mr Darcy, I am the best match for her. In fact, I am the only match for her. She is too headstrong and ill-tempered. I know perfectly well how to handle her."

"Handle? A husband does not handle his wife. And no, do not dare touch her. If you even…"

"Mr Darcy, I beg your forgiveness, but you are sadly mistaken. Elizabeth is going to be a spinster and has to be content in being a doting aunt to her sisters' children if she does not marry me. No man likes to have a wife who thinks she knows better than him. But I am very clever too, you see, and we make an excellent match. I can run Longbourn smoothly with her by my side, providing the occasional assistance. I am doing her and her family the biggest favour by offering for her."

"Miss Elizabeth is much too clever for you. She can manage Longbourn better than you can. She does not want to marry you, so leave her alone."

"Lady Catherine specifically instructed me to bring a wife home. And I have chosen Elizabeth. She will never get another offer. I am her only choice."

Darcy was truly getting frustrated with this seemingly endless argument. He exclaimed, loud and clear,

"YOU are mistaken! She will get another offer. From ME!"