Sorry, I have not had much time to write during the week, except when working on algebra lesson plans, which I doubt many will find that interesting. I hope that you are all keeping well during these uncertain times and I hope that my story can somehow provide some light entertainment. Thank you again to the readers who are following my story, most especially to the ones who left reviews. It is always nice to hear your thoughts.

To Lisa: Yes, it was a ground floor window that Elizabeth jumped out of. I thought that if she is a fan of climbing trees, she can easily climb out of windows.

Belatrixie : Yes, they are all a little bit crazy. Just to add some fun. I do not want the story to be too serious.

Guest : We will see what Darcy will do next. I did not think it was realistic for Elizabeth to just accept him right then and there. She still thought of him as the haughty man who insulted her and looked down on them. He has not had any chance to explain or redeem himself.

Colleen S : I think some of us secretly want Elizabeth to swoon after hearing Darcy's declaration. But that would be too easy. ;-) She does not know the real Darcy yet at this point.

liysyl : Can you just imagine Mrs B's reaction? Her impertinent daughter running away from two eligible men?

Guest : This was not planned. I mean, my writing and sharing fanfic here. It was sort of accidental. I just took a short break from work and I spontaneously wrote a short 100-word challenge. Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope someday you can also write your own.

DSLeo : You got it spot on. Elizabeth snapped from all the pressure and madness around her and needed to get away from it all.

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The people in the room all watched Elizabeth easily climb out of the window and make her escape.

They did not quite know what they should do now that she had run away.

"Now look what you have done!" Mr Collins turned to Mr Darcy accusingly.

"Pardon? What did I do?"

"I was doing so well with my proposal on until you barged in and so very rudely interrupted."

Mr Collins seemed to have forgotten his show of deference to Mr Darcy just moments ago and that he had been quite honoured by his presence.

"You are delusional. You heard Miss Elizabeth adamantly refuse you."

"She would have said yes eventually but I did not get the opportunity to ask again. Now you have scared her off!"

Mr Bennet then walked into the room. He had been sitting in his study reading a book when he saw some movement from the corner of his eye. As he looked out the window, he had seen Elizabeth running. Elizabeth had always been playful and active but she had not run wildly like that in the last few years, at least not within sight of her mother. He then decided that he ought to find out what had caused her to behave like so. The man dearly loved his second daughter and wanted to be sure she was not troubled.

"What is going on here?"

Mrs Bennet responded,

"Oh, Mr Bennet! Your stubborn daughter! You really must talk some sense into her. She refused Mr Collins and she also discouraged Mr Darcy from making her an offer. How can she do such a thing? She has no compassion for my poor nerves!"

Mr Bennet was dumbfounded. He knew that Mr Collins was seeking a wife from amongst his daughters but did not expect that Elizabeth would be his choice. What was he thinking? Elizabeth was most ill-suited to him. And Mr Darcy? That was an even bigger surprise. The proud gentleman had insulted Elizabeth at the assembly and had publicly declared her not handsome enough to tempt him. Why would he want to offer for her? A man of his wealth and station could easily make his selection from the sophisticated ladies of the ton. What could he want from a lowly country miss like his second eldest daughter?

Mr Bennet looked out the window to see where Elizabeth had gone but saw her quickly disappearing out of view. He then noticed the dark clouds forming in the sky. Realising that he must not waste time interrogating the two irrational men, he said,

"I am afraid rain will fall soon. As none of you are in your right minds to worry about Elizabeth, I will go find her myself."

"Mr Bennet, no, allow me. No offence meant, sir, but I am young and healthy and can easily catch up with her. Worry not, sir. I will make haste and bring her back safely. Then I can finally get my chance to finish my proposal, hopefully without interruption," said Mr Collins, clearly warning Mr Darcy off.

"Are you in jest? You will not make it that far. I will go after her, sir, and make sure she is safe," Mr Darcy retorted.

Before anyone could stop him, Mr Darcy made to go. Seeing that the room was getting more crowded, he opted to just follow Elizabeth's escape route and quickly jumped out of the window.

Mr Collins felt challenged and did not want to get outdone by his rival. He gallantly strode over to the window and wanted to show everyone that he was perfectly fit and able, maybe even more so than Mr Darcy. However, climbing out the window did not work out too well for him as he soon got stuck, one of his legs was dangling in the room and the other one was precariously out and his body was in danger of losing balance. A footman went to his aid and he was able to untangle himself. He stood up straight, puffed out his chest, as if nothing happened, and went off in pursuit of Elizabeth. Unfortunately, he barely covered 50 yards when he stopped and collapsed on the ground.

Afterwards, Mr Collins was brought back into the house, with the butler and footman supporting his weight. He insisted that he was well and did not need any assistance. Still short of breath, he made a half-hearted plea to be allowed to go after Elizabeth again, but this was quickly dismissed. Mr Bennet did not want to have to deal with Mr Collins being ill or injured or dead on his property.

Mr Bingley had not left Jane's side all this time. He was aware that Jane was closest to Miss Elizabeth and that she was very worried for her sister's safety. The young man, deeming that this was a good opportunity to be of service and show his worthiness to his beloved, bravely offered to help look for Miss Elizabeth. Jane was surprised to hear this but she was glad to know that Mr Bingley can be a man of action and strength. She knew that the sooner Elizabeth was found, the better. Jane glanced at the threatening dark clouds and looked worriedly at Mr Bingley. The latter had been watching her reaction and was very happy when Jane touched his arm gently and told him to take care. He looked at her warmly, trying to convey his emotions without declaring his intentions as there were people around. He nodded and said with deep feeling,

"I will be back."

He wanted to add "for you" but hoped that Jane understood his meaning.

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Elizabeth had been running for some time and slowed down when she was out of sight of Longbourn. She felt suffocated in that room and felt that everyone was putting the pressure on her. She was overwhelmed by it all. This time yesterday, she was so looking forward to the Netherfield ball. And now, this! She just wanted to have some breathing space and some quiet time to ponder things over in solitude before she headed back to face her family and her two unexpected, and in her mind, unwanted, suitors. She was so occupied with her thoughts that she did not notice that someone was approaching her.

"Miss Bennet, how lovely to see you. May I join you on your walk?"

"Mr Wickham!"