Dear readers, you are all AWESOME! Thank you for your very kind replies. To be honest, I felt guilty about pointing out the guest's review. I felt like I was being petty. To the other guest who corrected the infamous guest's review, thank you!!! I so wanted to do that but I could not bring myself to do it.
As I said, I have every intention of completing this story. A long time ago, I envisioned this scene of Darcy catching Mr Collins proposing to Elizabeth. He felt challenged and possessive, thwarted the proposal and countered it with his own. That was all it was. I thought I would just write a one-shot about it, and leave the ending open for readers to imagine – is Lizzy going to accept or not? And now, here we are.
I have a rough plan of where this story might go. I do not feel like writing anything super angsty, at least for now, and I do not know if I can even pull off a story like that. Plus, I am very fond of light-hearted, feel-good stories and those infused with some humour and ridiculousness. Reading such stories lifts my spirits up especially in the current times. So please bear in mind, do NOT take my story too seriously. Now with that warning, I present my next chapter.
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Elizabeth tried to follow the words that were being hurled between Mr Darcy and Mr Collins. It was a surreal experience, listening to them argue about her. And how did Mr Darcy get involved?
She grew more confused by the minute. And then she heard what Mr Darcy said. Did she hear him correctly? Did he just say he would offer for her?
Has he gone mad? He does not even like me! Did he say that just to dissuade Mr Collins from pursuing me? But what is it to him whom I marry? What could he possibly mean?
Elizabeth then remembered that Mr Collins said he wrote a letter to Lady Catherine and Mr Darcy questioned him about it.
That is it! He does not think his aunt will approve of me. Am I not even handsome enough for someone like Mr Collins? But why would he say I will receive an offer from him? Surely, he knows mamma is listening. How will he to get away from his declaration? Oh, I cannot make sense of it all!
After Mr Darcy made his declaration, the room fell silent. Even Mrs Bennet and her daughters were shocked to hear what he said. It was like the world just stood still for a time. It was like they were all waiting for someone to speak or make the next move. Then after what felt like a long time,
"Mr Darcy, you cannot! You are engaged to your cousin Miss de Bourgh. Lady Catherine said you have been intended for each other from infancy."
"Cease spreading this falsehood. I am not engaged to my cousin."
"Lady Catherine said she and your mother have planned your betrothal to your cousin Anne from the beginning. You cannot go against your mother's wishes. Lady Catherine has been awaiting the grand union of Pemberley and Rosings. That will indeed be a historic feat."
"Mr Collins, let me make this clear. I am NOT engaged to my cousin Miss de Bourgh. My parents have always wanted me to make my own choice of wife."
Mrs Bennet finally snapped out her state of shock and could not help but exclaim,
"Oh my! My own Lizzy! To be married to Mr Darcy! I knew she was not clever for nothing. She does not want to accept Mr Collins because she can have Mr Darcy! Such a clever girl, my Lizzy."
"Mrs Bennet, you have wholeheartedly approved and encouraged my interest in cousin Elizabeth. We spoke about this on several occasions."
"I know, Mr Collins. But that was before I knew about Mr Darcy's intentions. Ten thousand a year, oh my, what carriages, what jewels, what pin money, a house in town!!!"
"Mrs Bennet, what becomes of me? Lady Catherine is expecting me to find a wife."
"I have other daughters, Mr Collins. You may take your pick. I think Kitty would suit you well."
"No, mama! I have no wish to be married to him! Lydia here would suit him better!"
"Kitty, how can you say that? I have no interest in him! I dream of marrying a dashing redcoat and Mr Collins is nothing like one."
Elizabeth had had enough. How did the events descend into such chaos? It seemed like no one even acknowledged her presence, let alone her thoughts and feelings.
"Stop it, all of you! Please. I am here, you know. Do you not think I should have any say in the matter?"
"Lizzy, is it not clear to you? You have to accept Mr Darcy. Oh, I cannot wait to tell Lady Lucas!"
"Mr Darcy has not made me an offer, mamma."
Turning to Mr Darcy, she said,
"And sir, I implore you not to."
"Lizzy! What is matter with you? You cannot be refusing Mr Darcy as well!"
Elizabeth did not know what to say. She did not know what to do. She did not know what to think! Everything had happened so fast and she was more confused than ever.
Mr Darcy started, "Miss Elizabeth..."
"I… I… I am sorry. I need to go," she mumbled.
She looked at the door but she could not see an escape as her sisters were blocking the way.
She then eyed the windows, chose the nearest one, leapt out of it, then broke into a run.
"Elizabeth Bennet, you come back here this instant!"