Chapter 13

Telling Mrs. Bennet of their engagement was more of an ordeal for Elizabeth than it was for Darcy. As Elizabeth had dreaded, she gushed loudly with praise for Darcy, slyly remarked on the surprising elevation in consequence for her second daughter, and greatly mortified Elizabeth in her apologetic observation that Darcy would condescend to take on Lizzy, neither the "most beautiful nor most amiable" of her daughters.

Darcy, bearing her excesses admirably well up until this point, felt obliged to interject.

"Mrs. Bennet, while I appreciate your concern for my future happiness, I must inform you that Elizabeth is not only the first choice of my heart, but the only woman of my acquaintance I have ever felt in the least inclined to wish to marry. Her beauty and lively intelligence is unsurpassed in my eyes, and as for any lack of amiability -- I can only say that if she has been lacking in amiability towards myself in the past, it was due solely to my own actions! I can happily inform you that having made myself more appealing to Miss Elizabeth has greatly increased her amiability."

He spoke the last words quite softly, turning to look at his fiancee, who blushed profusely at his intimation, understood only by herself.

If only we were alone, Sir, you would reap the benefits of my ever-increasing amiability most pleasurably! How on earth are we to resist until the wedding?

Mrs. Bennet, of course, took his words at face value, and as she was never one to deny a compliment to any of her family, she smiled broadly.

"My Lizzy is very fortunate, indeed, Mr. Darcy!"

"No, Mrs. Bennet, it is I who am the fortunate one. We will want to marry speedily as I desire to be settled at Pemberley by summer."

"But, Mr. Darcy! The marriage of so illustrious a personage as yourself will require months of planning! Surely an autumn wedding would be more desirable. What do you think, Lizzy?"

"While I can see the merits of your suggestion, Mama, I feel it is my duty to submit to my future husband's authority in all things. If it is Mr. Darcy's desire to marry soon, I must comply."

Darcy gave his uncharacteristically meek fiancee a suspicious glance. Only he saw the seductive sparkle in her eyes and the beginnings of a smirk on her lips.

"Well said, Miss Elizabeth." He nodded solemnly. "I am gratified that you begin to understand and accept what will be required of you as the wife of the Master of Pemberley." Two can play at this game, Lizzy!

Mrs. Bennet was not the most astute of women, but even she understood that she was no longer part of this particular conversation. She nodded at her daughter with some satisfaction.

"I am happy to see that Mr. Darcy might be able to curb your headstrong nature, Lizzy. I suppose if you insist, Mr. Darcy, we can arrange a wedding on such short notice."

"Spare no expense, Mrs. Bennet. Anything that pleases you or Miss Elizabeth is to be procured, on this I insist," he said, his assurances going a long way to appease Mrs. Bennet's disappointment at such a short engagement. Mrs. Bennet did not know whether to be insulted at Darcy's intimation that she might need his financial assistance to stage a wedding of the caliber expected in high levels of society, or elated at the prospect of her daughter's marrying a man who had nearly unlimited financial resources, which he did not hesitate to put at her disposal. Ten thousand a year, and likely more!

Her practical nature, coupled with the elation incited by such largesse, won out.

Mrs. Bennet left the room in a happy flutter, eager to rejoin the others and impart the joyful news. The moment they were alone, Darcy cornered Elizabeth and put his mouth as close to hers as he could without their lips touching.

"As I intend to curb that 'headstrong nature' of yours, are you prepared to 'submit to my authority' at this moment, Lizzy?" he said wickedly.

"Of course, Sir," she answered demurely. "Your every desire is my command."

"I shall hold you to that promise, Lizzy," he said, his mouth brushing hers seductively.

"As you wish," she replied.

His arms snaked around her, and he pressed her body up against his.

"I believe I shall impose on Charles' hospitality for a few days' longer, Elizabeth. I wish to remain near you."

"I dare say, William, that you could not be any nearer to me than you are at this moment," she teased.

"Oh, I believe I could be, Elizabeth. I shall be more than happy to demonstrate just how much closer I can get when the opportunity arises."

"William!" she exclaimed, shocked.

"Of course I shall respect your wishes, my love. But loving you and wanting you occupies my thoughts constantly. If you would rather I not speak so frankly..."

"No! I demand you speak frankly, William. I rather fear my own instincts, I am so overcome when I am with you."
"Never fear your instincts, Lizzy. Take that advice from one who has only recently learned that lesson. I accept any limits you place on us until the wedding, although I cannot promise I will never forget myself! And after the wedding, Lizzy, let your instincts guide you, with no preconceived notions of propriety."

"Continue speaking thus, William, and my instincts may rule my actions far sooner than would be proper. You tempt me so!"

"Good. I want to tempt you," he answered, finally covering her mouth with his own and engaging her in a lengthy, passionate kiss.

"William," she said breathlessly when he ceased kissing her. "We must stop, anyone might come upon us here."

"I know, Lizzy, I know," he said, reluctantly drawing away from her. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his arousal was evident. His face was flushed, his chest rising and falling rapidly, and had Elizabeth dared to glance lower along the length of his body, she would have seen the most prominent evidence of his excited condition.

"But how do you expect me to respond," he whispered, "when you inform me that my every wish is your command? I believe you have a good notion at this juncture just what my fondest wish might be!"

"And it is mine as well, Fitzwilliam. Does that shock you?"

"No, Elizabeth, it delights me. Words cannot express how much!"

"We might certainly find some time alone tomorrow, William. If the weather suits, we may walk together through Netherfield Park."

"Yes. Into the remotest part of the woods, Lizzy, where we cannot easily be found. I remember at Rosings, happening upon you, and being so overcome I could not speak."

"Oh, I well remember that! I thought you quite odd, William, staring down at me so gravely from upon your horse and not saying a word. You did not even acknowledge me with a greeting!"

"I did not trust myself."

"How so?"

"My first instinct was to sweep you up onto my mount and ride away with you. The picture was so vivid in my mind that I found I was unable to speak to you without betraying my outlandish thoughts. That night, I dreamed of such a scenario in explicit detail, Lizzy, and the next day I called upon you at the parsonage to ask for your hand."
"Tell me of your dream!"

"Oh, that I cannot! It was far too...I just cannot, that is all." He blushed, remembering.

"Miss Elizabeth, I have been riding through the woods hoping to find you."

"And I have been waiting for you, Mr. Darcy."

"Come away with me, Lizzy."

"Where to, Sir?"

"Home, Lizzy. Come home with me."

She smiled, and in the illogical manner of dreams, in a moment she was astride the horse, riding in front of him. He nuzzled the back of her neck, his tongue dipping into her ear. Her scent was intoxicating. Lifting the back of her skirts , he released his pulsating erection from his breeches, and with the next gallop of the horse, she rose and then fell , impaling herself on him. Thus they rode, in tandem with the horse's gait, rising and falling, each movement an excruciating delight.

He had awakened from the dream in a cold sweat and with the bedclothes in a most embarrassing state, such as he had not experienced since he was a boy of 16.

Eliabeth pouted. "I demand you tell me, William!"

"Let us just say we rode together, Lizzy! You may use your imagination, as I will not be more explicit. Perhaps when we are married, I might impart such scandalous information, but not now!"

"I shall never be able to watch you ride again without wondering about the subject of your dream, Fitzwilliam!"

"Then I shall have to be sure to arrive on horseback at Longbourn often during our engagement."

"I am fearful, Sir, that such a sight may steer my thoughts in a most improper direction."

"Fear not, Lizzy, as soon we shall be married, and we may think -- and do -- exactly as we like."

"I greatly anticipate that, William," she said softly, suddenly shy.

He extended his arm to her, and she took it.

"Come, Lizzy, no doubt by now the entire party knows of our engagemet. Let us go and accept their felicitations."
"The entire party, William? Knowing my mother, she has informed not only the entire party but all of Hertfordshire!"

"I am gratified she welcomes our engagement, Lizzy. My reputation here has not always been a favourable one, I know, and an excess of enthusiasm is preferable to disapproval."

Elizabeth stroked his cheek, then pulled his face towards her for a kiss.

"If anyone disliked you, dearest, it was because they did not truly know you. Jane, bless her charitable heart, always liked you, you know."

"And when did you begin to like me, Lizzy?"

"It is difficult to say. Certainly after I read your letter -- the first one, that you gave me at Hunsford -- I had to admit I had judged you erroneously. My opinion of you improved, but then you went away..." Here her voice broke as she realized how easily they could have been separated forever. He knew exactly what she was thinking, his own thoughts remarkably similar, and he bent down to give her a brief, reassuring kiss.

"...and I tried to banish you from my thoughts. Knowing I would see you at the baby's baptism was most unsettling, because I was forced to think of you again. When I saw you, looking so impossibly handsome, I was smitten, and when I read your letter this afternoon in church, I was ready to run off with you! So you see, your dream is now not so far from the truth"

"Ah so you are ready to run off with me now, are you?" he said seductively. "I can order my horse saddled immediately, if you are still so inclined."

She laughed. "No, William, it is too late for that now. We have announced our engagement in a conventional manner and we must behave conventionally."

"Except when we are alone, Elizabeth," he whispered. "Might I be permitted a few indiscretions then?"

"I think that may be arranged, Sir," she answered. "Tomorrow?"

"Lizzy, even tomorrow seems too long to wait. Knowing you love me and that you are sleeping under the same roof will be torture!"

Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Darcy's sudden propensity to express his emotions so dramatically.

"Torture, Sir? I do not want to be responsible for torturing anyone! Perhaps it might be best for you to remove yourself to Pemberley, after all, and..."

"No more teasing, Lizzy," he said huskily, pulling her into his arms for a kiss that silenced her for some minutes. When he was finished, he pulled back and looked into her glazed eyes with much satisfaction.
"There, Lizzy. Do you still desire that I remove myself to Pemberley?"

"I am not certain. Kiss me again, William, so that I may consider my answer."

He was more than happy to oblige.

Chapter 14

When the newly engaged couple rejoined the others in the party, it was Darcy who spoke first. He beamed with pleasure, making no attempt to hide his happiness.

How appealing he is when he smiles, Elizabeth thought.

"I am pleased to announce that Miss Bennet has agreed to be my wife," he said.

Georgiana, although she had already been privy to the news, was the first to reach them, and she hugged and kissed first her brother, then Elizabeth.

"I am so, so happy for both of you!" she exclaimed. "Miss Elizabeth, you are everything I could ever have wished for in a sister!"

"And aren't you the sly one, Miss Georgiana," Lydia piped in, "luring me away on a wild goose chase so that my sister and your brother could be alone!"

"I do not deny it," Georgiana said, "and now I have not one, but five new sisters, and I cannot remember ever being so happy!"

Darcy had tears in his eyes as he looked at his sister. How could I ever have thought the Bennet family would be unsuitable as acquaintances for Georgiana? I have sheltered her far too much.

Caroline Bingley, unable to conceal her jealousy, said, "You had best be certain your brother approves of such discourse, Miss Georgiana."

"I beg your pardon," Georgiana said, clearly shocked at her implication.

"It is just that the Darcy family has always been so selective in choosing their social contacts, and it may be unsuitable for you..."

"Excuse me," Darcy said sternly. "I believe it is my province, not yours, Miss Bingley, to determine who is and is not suitable for my sister's acquaintance. I have come to learn that goodness and generosity of spirit matter far more than social position. It is a lesson you might do well to learn yourself."

Charles Bingley knew he should have been insulted at such a blatant set-down of his sister, but he found it difficult to criticize Darcy's words. His sister's behaviour had been despicable, and she deserved what Darcy had said, and more.

"Really, Caroline," he said. "Can you not just be happy for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth and wish them well?"

Jane, sensing her husband's unease, came up next to him and put her arm through his.

"I am sure you have misunderstood your sister's meaning, Charles. I know she wishes Mr. Darcy and my sister all the happiness in the world."

From across the room, Mr. Clifton regarded the three of them -- Caroline, Charles and Jane (such an angel!) -- and came to a quick decision.

"Miss Caroline, I believe you are out of sorts. Might some fresh air benefit you?" There, he thought, I will afford her a graceful exit

"I believe it might," she answered, glaring at Darcy and his lowly fiancee one last time.

"I am going to take Miss Caroline outside," Mr. Clifton said, "but might I first offer my sincere best wishes to both of you. I wish you every happiness." He shook Darcy's hand, and bowed to Elizabeth.

"Thank you, Mr. Clifton," Elizabeth said.

"And Miss Caroline," he prompted. "Surely there is something you wish to say to Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth as well?" He raised his eyebrows, awaiting her response.

Like a stubborn child, she responded shortly and reluctantly.

"I offer the two of you my congratulations on your engagement," she said stonily, barely looking at them.

Darcy nodded, gritting his teeth, and looked away.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said simply.

"Come, Miss Caroline," Mr. Clifton said, offering her his arm.

"That man is a saint," Darcy said quietly as Clifton and Caroline left, quite capable of praising his former rival now that he was secure in Elizabeth's affections.

"I cannot quite make him out," Elizabeth said thoughtfully, noting again how oddly Mr. Clifton had regarded her sister and brother-in-law.

"I cannot wait to inform all of our family and friends of your upcoming marriage, Lizzy! Who would have thought that you would marry a man of Mr. Darcy's rank? 'Tis as good as an earl!"

Darcy covered his mouth, stifling a smile, and Elizabeth sighed.

"Thank you, Mama."

Mr. Bennet looked at his daughter and her fiance conspiratorially. "Lizzy, you know I will be sorry to lose you, but I could not be happier with your choice of a husband. I, for one, would not have been more pleased even if he were an earl! And I dare say I will make it my business to visit Pemberley often!"

"Please do, Mr. Bennet. It will be my pleasure to receive you and introduce you to the library and grounds," Darcy answered sincerely. He was thoroughly relieved that Mr. Bennet had been amenable to their engagement, as he well knew how highly he regarded his daughter and wished for her happiness.

"Ah, your library, Sir! I understand it contains all manner of treasures!"

"Nothing that compares with the treasure you are entrusting me with, Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied simply, gazing upon Elizabeth.

A bottle of wine was produced, and a toast was drunk to the radiantly happy couple.

"Lizzy, I always knew that someday you would find a man as well suited to you as Mr. Darcy," Jane said.

"Thank you, Jane, but I fear you may be angry when I admit I like him better than I do my brother Charles!" Elizabeth said, gazing teasingly at Darcy.

"Better than Charles? I am flattered, Elizabeth," Darcy said, dearly wishing they were alone so that he might kiss her smiling lips.

"Yes," she whispered. "Better than all men, truth be told." The gaze that passed between them was so intense, that Mr. Bennet's impression was that it was good, indeed, that the wedding would be sooner rather than later.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had been a most eventful day, Mr. Clifton thought, as he walked with Caroline Bingley on his arm as twilight fell.

It was time for him to settle matters with Caroline. He saw it not as an ideal situation to his dilemma, but the only one available to him. He was 32, had no brothers and sisters, and it fell to him alone to perpetuate the family line.
He was, simply put, a man who was resigned to the reality that he preferred the company of other men to that of women. At Eton, there had been a few furtive schoolboy encounters, but since then, he had been absolutely celibate. While he admitted to himself that he loved Charles Bingley, he would always, in his mind, add the words "as I would love a brother." Beyond that, he did not allow himself to think. He wondered, though, if with Jane Bingley, he might have been able to experience feelings such as those other men felt and be able to care for her, not as a sister, but as a lover.

In some ways, Jane and Charles were so much alike that they could have been siblings rather than husband and wife. There was an aura about them, he thought. Beyond the superficial physical resemblance, they were nearly identical in demeanour and spirit. Sweet-tempered and amiable, they both possessed a kind of optimism and goodness that allowed them to always think the best of others and were always shocked when people behaved in a less than honourable manner. Just a few minutes ago, hadn't Jane Bingley blithely assumed that Caroline wished Darcy and Elizabeth well when she had, in fact, just uttered words to the contrary? Some might assume such a woman as Jane (and to a lesser extent, a man like Bingley) was afflicted with a sort of myopia that blinded them to unpalatable truth. But for Clifton, it was in large part what made the two of them so appealing. They were so uncomplicated, and contented to be so. He was happiest when in their company, which he found soothing.

He knew Darcy, of whom he had heard much but never met until this week, had long been Charles's closest friend. But when Darcy left for France last year and Bingley became engaged soon after, he saw it as his opportunity to become closer to Charles. Oddly enough, he never resented Jane or felt himself her rival, as he had with the absent Mr. Darcy, who seemed almost larger than life in some ways. He could find nothing to dislike about Jane; indeed, he found himself wondering if he could have taken such a woman as his wife and been content. He enjoyed nothing better than being at Netherfield with the two of them and simply basking in their glow.

He had met Elizabeth Bennet due to his friendship with the Bingleys. How odd that both Jane and Charles had sisters that were so unlike them. Elizabeth and Caroline had dark hair and eyes, in direct contrast to their siblings. Elizabeth looked at the world quite differently than Jane did, but he found that he did enjoy her company. He could never have romantic feelings for her as he could for Jane, he thought, but he found her an amusing companion. Her open personality was quite refreshing. It became quite apparent to him, once Darcy reappeared, that her affections were occupied elsewhere, and he had bowed out gracefully.

And so, if he wished to be assured an ongoing closeness with the Bingleys, only Caroline remained. Caroline seemed incapable of love, and perhaps that was better for his own purposes. He knew she had harboured hopes of procuring Darcy's affections, and those hopes had been dashed this afternoon in so public a setting. Perhaps his chances of winning her were at their peak today, when she might accept him for no other reason than to draw attention away from Elizabeth Bennet and prove to the world at large that she was undisturbed by Darcy's engagement.

"Miss Caroline," he began, "surely you have noticed that I greatly enjoy your company. I know we have known each other but a few days, but my close friendship with your brother Charles makes me feel as though I have known you far longer.

"I will be direct with you. It is my desire to court you, with the ultimate purpose of making you my wife. I have much to offer you, and you will be mistress of an estate close to your brother and of a large house in town where we may enjoy all the London season has to offer. May I humbly request that you allow me to speak to your brother to make my intentions known?"

Caroline took a deep breath. She had never seen Mr. Clifton's estate, but she doubted it would approach the grandeur of Pemberley. However, she did remember that Charles had told her that Rosewood Manor was larger and more elaborately furnished than Netherfield, and more importantly, that Clifton's London townhouse was in one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods.

"Mr. Clifton, I thank you for expressing your intentions so eloquently and yes, I will allow you to speak to Charles."

"May I kiss you, Caroline?"

"Yes, you may," she answered, but when he leaned down to brush her lips with his own, she turned her head so that he was obliged to place his kiss on her cheek. So that is how it will be, he thought with some relief. Apparently a passionless marriage suits us both.

"One more request, Caroline. Might you begin to address me as 'Alex?'"

Caroline smiled a bit too brightly. "Certainly, Alex. Now when do you plan on speaking to Charles?"

"Would tomorrow be too soon?"

Caroline thought of Darcy and Elizabeth back at the house making fools of themselves with their smouldering glances and secretive smiles.

"I would prefer you speak to him tonight, Alex. The sooner the better."

And when Darcy and Elizabeth set the date for their wedding, I will insist on ours being a week sooner!