"Elizabeth…" Darcy paused.

Elizabeth held her breath, waiting.

The silence was shattered as Georgiana came walking into the garden. "Oh, Lizzy, Fitzwilliam, there are two letters that have just come express for the both of you!"

********

Darcy quickly let go of Elizabeth's hand and stood up as soon as Georgiana came into view.

Damn Georgiana's timing, Darcy thought. He had acted on his feelings and let himself put his emotions before his reasoning. Though he was not reasoning as to Elizabeth's perfectness to be his wife, he was still unsure as to what Elizabeth thought of him, given the past weeks. He and Elizabeth might have been happily engaged if Georgiana hadn't interrupted. Or, he thought with alarm, Elizabeth may have sent him packing, just as before. This thought caused him some little alarm.

Georgiana joined them, giving Darcy a curious glance before handing him a letter. She went and took Darcy's previous seat next to Elizabeth and handed her a letter as well.

"I believe they are from your sister, Miss Jane Bennet, and from Mr. Bingley." Georgiana explained, as Darcy and Elizabeth broke the seals on their letters.

Darcy saw from the messy scrawl that it was indeed from Bingley. He began to read the missive.

Darcy—

I have asked, and she accepted! Mr. Bennet gave us his permission and his blessing. I am the happiest of all men.

Mrs. Bennet has been most agreeable (Darcy grinned at this) and my soon to be sister-in-laws are very charming and obliging, welcoming me into the family. Mr. Denny, Miss Catherine's fiancé, is also a good fellow.

I hope that you will be best man—I can think of no one else that would better fill the place.

On another note, how do things go with Miss Elizabeth? I have been expecting a letter for days now. My dear Jane has told me, however, that though her sister forgave you for the "Hunsford Incident" and feels quite ashamed of her conduct towards you regarding Wickham (this must be another story I must hear about), she had no other feelings towards you except for embarrassment. I have told Jane how famously the two of you got along at Pemberley, but she has a hard time believing me. Do not trouble yourself on this score, for she has not seen the blatant open regard you have for Elizabeth, old man, but do take care.

Yours etc.

Darcy let out a painful chuff of air. So Jane Bennet believed her sister did not love him. He could not blame her—he had not acted the perfect gentlemen around Elizabeth in her sister's company. Their time at Pemberley together, though, had been quite pleasant for Darcy and, he believed, Elizabeth as well.

However, Darcy thought, Bingley's letter and advice at the end made him think over his conduct and behavior towards Elizabeth the past week. He had been polite and friendly with her, playing the perfect host and friend. Darcy approved of his own behavior up until a few minutes ago when he almost spur-of-the-moment proposed. How could have he been so insensitive? Elizabeth deserved a proper courtship. Instead, here he was, acting polite and as a proper host should, and then suddenly nearly professing his love and asking for her hand! She must think he was a cad, he thought despairingly.

While Darcy was lost in his thoughts, Elizabeth was reading Jane's letter aloud to Georgiana, who was listening with rapt attention.

My dearest Lizzy,

Much has happened since you last received a letter from me. I confess, I was surprised when our Aunt and Uncle arrived here without you, and more so when I heard where you were staying.

I hope your time at Pemberley has been agreeable thus far, and that Mr. and Miss Darcy have been obliging hosts. (At this Georgiana giggled). From what our Aunt and Uncle said, Pemberley is quite beautiful.

Since writing the above, Lizzy, I have very important news. The day after I sent your last letter, we received word that Netherfield House was being opened up again. You can imagine my surprise, Lizzy. Mama was sent into a flutter for days. (Lizzy rolled her eyes). When our Aunt and Uncle had returned from Derbyshire, they came baring your letter, which expressed Mr. Bingley's wishes to call upon us when he returned. Mama determined that he would come within the first week of his arrival. She was wrong. The very day that Mr. Bingley arrived at Netherfield, he came to Longbourne.

You can imagine everyone's surprise, Lizzy, when he said that he had not even stopped at Netherfield yet! We (that is to say, Mr. Denny, Kitty, and Lydia, Mr. Bingley, and myself) went walking. To my astonishment, not ten minutes from setting forth, I found myself alone with Mr. Bingley, seeing as the others had gone up ahead.

Well, Lizzy, I am sure you are aware of what has happened—Mr. Bingley and I are engaged, and Papa has given his permission and blessing. I am so happy Lizzy, I do not know how I can bare it.

Mama is, as you can imagine, telling everyone in hearing range of the marriages of two of her daughters, and boasting of how her other daughter is a guest at Pemberley. (Georgiana and Elizabeth both laughed at this).

Lydia is quite determined to be the next one to be married. Papa has a small cough, which he says is an excuse for you to come home soon, though he hopes that you are enjoying the library at Pemberley and wishes to hear all about it when you return. Mary is, well, Mary.

I heard from Charles about his sister's behavior toward you. I am so sorry Lizzy, that Miss Bingley felt the need to say such terrible things. Charles assures me that unless his sister apologizes to you, the Gardiners, and the rest of our family, she will not be invited to the wedding or be welcomed in our home afterwards.

Jane signed the letter, Your affectionate, very happy, and loving sister.

"Oh, Lizzy, this is such exciting news!" Georgiana said excitedly. "And what did Mr. Bingley say in his letter to you, Brother?"

Darcy shook out of his reverie and asked, "Pardon?"

While Georgiana slowly repeated her question, Darcy looked at Elizabeth. She was studying Jane's letter again, perhaps reading in between the lines, in order to gather more news from home.

Darcy turned back to his sister. "Bingley was just writing me to inform me of his engagement to Miss Jane Bennet." He left out the last part, still confused over Elizabeth.

Bingley and Miss Bennet's engagement brought up another worry for Darcy. Could Elizabeth love him, even after he had been so against Bingley's marriage to Miss Bennet? She was polite and friendly towards him, but she had to as a guest, or was he missing something else entirely.

His thoughts only getting more confusing in Elizabeth's presence, Darcy excused himself to the two ladies. "If you will excuse me, Georgiana, Miss Bennet," he said, "I have business to attend to." Without waiting for them to say anything, he turned briskly on his heel and started walking very fast towards the House.

Georgiana and Elizabeth stared after him in wonder. "Lizzy, what were you and my brother talking of?" Georgiana asked perplexed. "He seems….preoccupied."

Elizabeth just stared after Darcy with confusion as well. She had yet to process what had happened before Georgiana came into the garden, still confused about Mr. Darcy's behavior and actions. "I confess, Georgiana, I hardly can tell you what has upset your brother. Perhaps he does have business he just remembered." Elizabeth offered.

Georgiana shrugged it off and asked how Elizabeth liked the rose garden. When Elizabeth shared her delight with it, the two ladies spent the rest of the afternoon cutting flowers and arranging them, keeping Elizabeth so entertained and busy that she hardly had time to think about her meeting with Mr. Darcy earlier that day.

****

Walking up to her room to change for dinner, Elizabeth at last had time to reflect upon what Mr. Darcy had said, or rather, begun to say in the garden.

He was going to say something important, Elizabeth knew. He had said her name, not Miss Bennet or Miss Elizabeth, but her name. He had confirmed that he meant everything he said during their conversation about accomplished young ladies and possible Mistresses of Pemberley. Convinced now that he had intended to propose, or at least say something of his love for her, Elizabeth sat on the edge of her four-poster bed to decide her feelings towards the gentleman.

That she held him in high regard was evident. She was also grateful and indebted to him for his support against Miss Bingley. Over the past week, she saw that they had many things in common, a love of music, walking, the outdoors, and a mutual sense of protection and guidance over Georgiana. He was no longer the proud and spiteful Mr. Darcy she had known in Hertfordshire or Kent. This was a Mr. Darcy who she could easily find herself married happily to for the rest of her days. But did she love him?

Elizabeth sat for a long moment, going over every conversation, every look, every sound—in short, everything she had shared with Mr. Darcy, asking herself the same question: Did she love him? Finally, after a long time, Elizabeth decided yes, yes she did love him, with all her heart.

He was one of the most amiable men of her acquaintance. Though he seemed proud, it was because he was shy and uncomfortable in large company. His affection for his sister and his home and servants was extraordinary. He had his faults yes, she knew full well, but he only worked to protect those close to him.

Elizabeth looked at herself in the mirror at her dressing table. She didn't look any different, as though she had expected a visible change when she admitted to herself that she loved Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Smiling to herself, she took great pains in getting ready for dinner that evening, wearing a gown that Georgiana said she looked radiant and beautiful in. Checking herself in the mirror one last time, Elizabeth happily floated out of the room to find Georgiana.

"You look quite pretty, Lizzy," Georgiana said, stepping into the hall. "Is there any reason?"

"I am just very happy, Georgiana," Elizabeth said, looping her arm through the younger girl's.

"About anything in particular?" Asked Georgiana. She had a hunch that her brother had proposed to Lizzy that afternoon in the garden. Waiting in the sitting room after they had gone was one of the hardest things Georgiana had ever done. That was why she was confused when her brother had left in such a hurry after reading Bingley's letter and why Elizabeth had not said anything either. Elizabeth's face was glowing, and Georgiana could only guess that it was because her brother had proposed, or confessed his love.

"I am happy because my sister is engaged to the man she loves, because I am staying at one of the most beautiful estates in all of England, and because I am going to have dinner with my dearest friend," Elizabeth replied, tugging Georgiana along down the corridor. She was anxious to see Mr. Darcy, to see how he would behave after their intimate conversation in the garden.

Georgiana giggled as she allowed herself to be dragged along. "And don't forget my brother," she said. "You will also be dining with him."

"Indeed, how could I forget your brother?" Elizabeth asked softly to herself, which did not go unnoticed by Georgiana.

The two ladies made their way to the dining room, which was empty except for the servants waiting to serve the meal. Elizabeth took her place at the left of the head of the table, and Georgiana on its right, both waiting for Darcy to appear and take his place at the head.

Just as the ladies had spread their napkins on their laps, still waiting for Darcy, Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Reynolds entered the room. While Mr. Reynolds stood at attention by his wife's side, Mrs. Reynolds dipped a curtsey to Georgiana and Elizabeth, before handing a small note to Georgiana. "If you please, Miss Georgiana, the Master instructed me to give this to you before dinner."

Confused, Georgiana thanked Mrs. Reynolds, who stepped back to stand by her husband, and took the note.

She hurriedly read the note to herself, scanning her brother's tidy and even hand.

Georgie—

I am sorry to have to let you inform you in this manner, but at this moment I am on my way to our Aunt and Uncle Matlock's.

Do not worry, dearest. I only go to consult them on a personal matter, which you might have already guessed. This afternoon in the garden I almost proposed to Miss Bennet. You caught me in time for me to stop myself. I do not want to risk a proposal at the fear of being rejected once more and spare both Elizabeth and myself the embarrassment.

I do not know when I shall return, but I am sure you will continue to be a wonderful hostess.

--William

"What is it, Georgiana?" asked Elizabeth worriedly, for Georgiana looked quite pale.

Georgiana ignored Elizabeth's question and turned to the Reynolds.

"When did my brother leave?" She asked in a strained tone.

Mr. Reynolds looked concerned for his young mistress. "He ordered the traveling carriage to be readied as soon as he came in from the gardens earlier, Miss Darcy."

Mrs. Reynolds added, "He told us not to let you send anyone after him."

Georgiana slumped on the table. "Fitzwilliam!" she groaned. "Why do you have to be so noble and stupid?!"

Elizabeth was quite worried now, not just for Georgiana but for Darcy as well.

"Georgiana, please tell me what has happened." She pleaded, getting up from her chair and going to Georgiana's side.

"My brother," Georgiana said finally, in a hard voice. "Has decided to leave us without informing me personally and is halfway to my aunt and uncles home in Matlock by now."

Though surprised, Elizabeth maintained her composure for Georgiana's sake. "He must have had a good reason to do so, Georgiana dear."

"Oh, he thinks it is a good reason." Georgiana said bitterly.

Elizabeth was silent for a moment, before saying, "Well, let us carry on with dinner."

Georgiana silently signaled for the servants to begin bringing out the meal, while Elizabeth slipped back to her seat.

They ate in silence, both casting glances towards Darcy's empty chair.

Georgiana shot angry and frustrated looks at it. Why did William have to be so stupid? Couldn't he see that Elizabeth was in love with him? He just left her hanging, and went off tromping across England. Perhaps Elizabeth might think he did not love her after all. Men, she thought disgustedly.

Meanwhile Elizabeth would cast sad and confused looks at Darcy's vacant place. Questions as to why Darcy would leave their company, without telling his sister personally, jumbled her thoughts. She knew it must be something related to her. Did he regret what he had said to her in the garden, and wished to put distance between them? What had she done?

Yay! There it is…I will try my very hardest to put up one more chapter before going to bed tonight, but no concrete promises.

Once school starts up again, I'll probably only manage a chapter a week, so bear with me, please. Thank you for your comments and encouragement. I really appreciate them!

After I settle Darcy and Elizabeth's story down, I was thinking of doing a part 2, mostly based on Georgiana's coming out and Darcy and Elizabeth's married life. If it interests you, please let me know, so I can start thinking about ideas for it.

Once again, thank you!!!!!