"I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand."

His words hung in the air. Rain beating them down. Lizzy wished the rain could erase his revelation, to blot it out, to cover it, to hide it away back in the secret place that was his heart. Yet there it was, his heart ripped open, gaping in the rain. Waiting for her acceptance.

She sought out his eyes. Was he being honest? He thought there was even a chance that she reciprocated him? His blue eyes seemed as broken as his declaration. She could not hurt him more. Even with all the wounds he had caused her, she dare not bring him any more pain. She could not plunge him further into darkness. She knew his heart now. She was his heart. Suddenly she realized the vital piece of herself that had been missing. Could she give him hope though? Was it possible for her to accept his proposal?

Taking a step closer to the waiting man, she murmured, "Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done." Lacking the knowledge to continue with what to say, she faltered.

Mr. Darcy met her silence, "Is this your reply?"

Startled she uttered, "Yes, sir."

Taken aback he questioned, "Are you laughing at me. Are you...rejecting me?"

Lizzy took a step nearer to him wishing to console him, but she did not understand her own feelings toward him. Not knowing what to say she meet his eyes hoping she could convey her confusion through her expression. The rain continued to pour down around them. Mr. Darcy mirrored her step and she soon found herself to be wrapped in his embrace.

"Miss. Elizabeth, you cannot understand my torment. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you... I had to see you. Now that I am here I cannot find the strength to continue distancing myself from you."

Pulling her tighter into his embrace he backed her up against one of the columns holding up the ancient building shielding them from the storm. The frenzy within his chest however was about to finally be released. Ever since his confession a few minutes previous, he had felt himself becoming consumed by the emotions he had for so long worked to keep at bay. "Lizzy, you must stop me now." Groaning into her forehead he kissed her damp hair. "I fear I won't be able to restrain myself much longer."

Lizzy bit her lip, looking into his darkening eyes, she made her choice. "Mr. Darcy you dare not stop now!"

She pulled his head down, meeting his lips almost cruelly. Startled his mouth parted, taking advantage of his shock, Lizzy kissed him with fervour. The emotions hidden within was finally released, and both found it impossible to hold back their feelings now that they had finally been voiced.

Mr. Darcy tugged on her lips gently putting all the love and devotion he had kept hidden into the gently nibble. She moaned into his mouth...

Starting awake, Lizzy threw the blankets off of her. She lay panting trying to remember where she was. What on earth had possessed her dreams? Looking about her she was glad to find that it was still early morning. She quickly dressed in another gown sent from her home. Walking through the silent home, she made her way outside to calm her mind.

Why was she having such vivid dreams of Mr. Darcy? Her conscience should be plagued with the task at hand, the sorrow for her sister should blot out any ideas concerning Mr. Dary, but there he was, possessing her dreams. He had been so considerate towards her. Caring for her as she wept for Jane, but she hadn't been weeping for Jane. She had been weeping for herself. Usually Lizzy wasn't one to allow herself to be overcome by self pity. In that moment alone with Mr. Darcy however, she had been overcome by emotion. Letting it pour forth as she had never allowed before. He had pulled her into his chest letting her cry, patting her back and when she had stopped sobbing, he tenderly wiped her tears with his handkerchief. Then he told her to go rest until she was better. Apparently she had fallen asleep once she got back to her room. Exhaustion making her sleep through the day and the entire night. Plagued by dreams of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy had no idea what to make of her situation.

Strolling through the grounds at Netherfield, Lizzy allowed the mourning air to cleanse her mind. The tranquillity of dawn was broken, by the heavy pounding hoofbeat of a horse racing towards her.

Hey guys! I tricked you with that dream didn't I! (wink wink)

Thank you so much to all of you that added this story to your favorites and added comments. This is my first story, and I greatly appreciate any comments, suggestions, anything! I'm sorry for that wait, but I have been rather busy this past week. I will try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible. I hope you are having a lovely July.

Until next time

- Superfluous -