So sorry for the delay. A combination of writers block and the hospitalization of a family member put a damper on the writing flow... but I think we may be back online now! This chapter is really more about getting from point A to point B... hopefully next chapter we will start to see some of Elizabeth and Darcy's issues get resolved.

Chapter 4

"Elizabeth, perhaps your sisters could help you upstairs while I have a conversation with your father?

"Yes, and Lizzy, please join us once you have freshened up."

Jane and Mary gently pulled Elizabeth up the stairs, and Darcy followed Mr. Bennett towards his study.

"Mr. Collins, you are to remain in this house until I am finished speaking with Mr. Darcy."

"Actually, Mr. Bennett, I think it would be best if Mr. Collins joined us for the first part of our conversation, if you don't mind?" Mr. Darcy had a feeling that Mr. Collins needed some supervision in the near future.

"If you would like. Gentlemen, please join me in my study."

Mr. Collins hesitantly followed the other two men into the study. The excitement of the morning had left him pale, sweaty, and breathing hard. It unnerved him that Mr. Darcy wanted to include him in whatever conversation was coming with Mr. Bennett. On one hand, it concerned him that he had attempted to harm the fiance of the illustrious Mr. Darcy. On the other, how could Mr. Darcy be considering aligning himself with someone as unworthy as his cousin. Perhaps, once in the privacy of Mr. Bennett's study, Mr. Darcy was going to thank him for saving him from such a large mistake! Yes, that must be it. He entered behind Mr. Darcy with a bit more confidence.

After the men had all entered, and Mr. Bennett had gotten himself and Mr. Darcy a glass of port, Mr. Collins found himself facing two furious men.

"Mr. Collins, I don't think I need to tell you how disturbing I find it that a man of the church assaulted a young gentlewoman." Mr. Darcy's emotions were, for once, clearly written across his face. Mr. Collins found himself shrinking farther and farther into his chair. "You are going to leave this house, immediately, and if I discover that you have even whispered a word about this incident outside of these walls to anyone, including my aunt, you will find yourself in a parsonage in Australia. I have the ability to exert enormous influence on my aunt, and it would be wise of you to remember that."

Mr. Collins attempted to swallow and nodded. Mr. Darcy could be quite intimidating when he was upset.

"Good. I'm glad that we understand each other. You will go pack your things immediately and be on your way back to Kent."

Mr. Darcy moved to the door, and upon opening it, called for Mr. Bingley.

"Bingley, will you escort Mr. Collins to his room, where he will be packing to return to Kent."

"Of course, Darcy. Mr. Collins, lead the way." Even in such circumstances, Mr. Bingley was able to remain cheerful and upbeat.

After the door had closed again, Darcy sat down facing Mr. Bennett.

"Well, I think normally, you would be asking for my permission to become engaged to my Lizzy, but given the circumstances, I think that seems a little unnecessary, don't you, Mr. Darcy?"

"Indeed. Would you like to begin discussion of the settlement then?"

"Lizzy, sit down, and I'll fix your hair while Mary finds you a new dress."

Elizabeth, looking quite dazed, did as she was told, and Jane started to pin her hair back into place.

"My dear, why did you not tell me you had become engaged to Mr. Darcy?" Jane found it very confusing, as she was under the impression that Elizabeth hated the man. However, he did seem a fine alternative to being forced to marry Mr. Collins.

"Oh, yes, well, he had not yet asked for Papa's permission. I thought it best I wait until he had been asked." Even in her dazed state, she was disturbed at how easy the lie came to her.

"But Lizzy! You don't seem happy at all! I thought you hated him!" Now that Mr. Darcy had saved her from Mr. Collins' advances, she thought that Lizzy would begin to return to her normal self.

"Oh, Jane. Forgive me. It has just been a very trying morning and I feel I am quite out of sorts! I shall be well. I'm just going to go down and speak to Papa, and then I think I need a walk."

Darcy was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress on the settlement. He refused to see a lesser amount settled on his Lizzy, and Mr. Bennett couldn't comprehend why such a large amount was being insisted upon. Why could he not understand how much Elizabeth was worth? It was very important to him that Elizabeth be taken care of, and that required a large settlement. He was about to suggest they take a break for tea when there was a quiet knock on the door and a despondent Elizabeth walked in.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy. I apologize for intruding. I thought that you must have left when I didn't see Mr. Bingley in the sitting room." Her voice lacked any of the light-hearted humor it usually contained, and Darcy could feel his heart breaking. Damn Collins for what he had done to her.

"Oh, Ms. Elizabeth, your interruption is most welcome. Mr. Bingley is helping Mr. Collins pack for his return to Kent, and your father and I were just discussing the marriage settlement. However, I think a break would do us good. Would you care to join me on a walk? Mr. Bennett, I promise to keep her within full sight of the house."

"That is fine with me, if Elizabeth is in agreement. You are correct. We do need to a moment away from this discussion." Mr. Bennett was having a hard time reconciling him to the loss of his favorite daughter, though he knew there was no other way to resolve this situation.

Darcy turned to look at Elizabeth. He dearly hoped she agreed. He had much to discuss with her in private. It amazed him how much things had changed in 24 hours. No, he reminded himself. Nothing had really changed. She still didn't like him, rather, she was placed in an awful predicament, and viewed him as the lesser of two evils. At least he could claim to being a more desirable match than his aunt's parson.

"Thank you Mr. Darcy. I think some fresh air would do me well, and I would appreciate your company." Elizabeth sighed heavily. She knew they had much to talk about. Such as why he would have offered to save her from Mr. Collins. She did not understand it.