A/N: So here it is, the alternative ending I promised. But first a note about the original ending, reading the varied responses was 'interesting' to say the least! Whether you were disappointed or dismayed, sad or tearful or just plain annoyed by the end, from your reviews I gather you were at least not indifferent. And as a writer that's all I can ever hope for, to gain some sort of reaction. Thank you all for taking the time to read and review this story, it is very much appreciated. What you have to understand about the Darcy in this story is he is not the Darcy of the original P&P, not entirely, that Darcy had a secure loving family unit. Director's Cut Darcy was abandoned by a mother and rejected by a father, he was human, fallible and weak and suffering from depression. It was sad that he couldn't find a way out except taking his own life. Some say that is out of character, perhaps it is, but suicide is never predictable and always shocking, it is regrettable that he couldn't let it all go, he was lonely, but by the end I hope you understand he wasn't afraid.

Besides it's just a story, you can take it or leave it, you can move on, unfortunately for so many when it comes to depression and suicide that isn't the case.

Well at least this ending leaves the way open for a sequel. I do have in mind telling the story of the Darcy's strained married life under an intense media spotlight, and an unplanned pregnancy. which will involve the characters I missed out here namely Caroline Bingley and Charlotte. Finally a special mention to humor my lips who was the first reviewer for two of the stories I posted. Her enthusiasm gave me the encouragement I needed. LOL.

Part 21- 'All The Right Words...'

'No, I think that would look best on the side of the stage,' Lizzy gestured frantically with her arms. 'Yes…yes, that's perfect.' It had to be perfect; Darcy needed it. And she needed Darcy. It was a simple revelation now, one that sat a little easier on her heart. There was still the anxious worry, wondering perhaps if his attentions, his love had waned and that she, that what she was doing now, was perhaps too little and too late. Heidi's letter had in turns both soothed and added to those worries; had he sacrificed everything for her, or had he done it all in the name of propriety, a wish to finally be seen to be doing the right thing?

And inevitably it was the heart that was the enemy. It whispered words of both reassurance and doubt, and through it all would not let go, refused to let go. Because she had to know. Even if in the end he rejected her, or, as she dared to dream, loved her still, either way she would never have a moment's peace until she could ascertain whether he was her Mr Darcy still, or whether this would prove to be by far the biggest moment of regret in her young life.

So she worked diligently over the next few days, recruiting Jane and Bingley, barely having to ask Robert before his assistance was declared to be at her disposal, even recruiting Marcie to her cause and Georgiana as well, dear Georgiana who would have the most important job of the evening, that of persuading her brother to attend.

Lizzy poured all her efforts into arranging this charity dinner. Persuading the various members of the Pemberley Theatre Committee had been an easier task than she had anticipated. The prospect of a free dinner had no doubt done all the enticing, but still the speech she had to give had been one of the most difficult. She spoke passionately, pleading and persuading them all in turn that this would not only be fantastic publicity for the Theatre but also that the whole idea of the event had been conceived first and foremost by the forever charitable Mr Darcy.

She strongly suggested that with all the insinuations and rumours surrounding the Darcy family, this would be the ideal opportunity for the world to see events in a better light. Lizzy, using all her acting ability, had gone on to tell them as sincerely and as humbly as possible that Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy was anxious for the board to see him in a different light as well. Mr Darcy, she explained, was well aware of how his aloofness and his distance may have given reason for others to have the view that he was proud and, daresay, obnoxious, but he wished to assure the esteemed panel that he was far from either. It would be to his utter delight if the patrons of the renowned Pemberley Theatre would be so kind as to attend.

The speech went a long way to rendering Lizzy nauseous. That she should have to explain the actions and character of a man like Darcy to a panel that had nothing but an economic outlook on life was painful, but it seemed her efforts paid off. Every single member of the board promised to attend. If anything, they thought it curious that Darcy's co-star had gone so far to help him, given their well-publicised dislike of each other.

The charity event was all set then, and Lizzy was to be found on the day in question hastily gesturing for a sculptured artwork of flowers to be placed on the other side of the stage. She had gone back, back to the beginning, and she hoped the memory would not prove to be painful for either one of them.

She had arranged for the dinner to be held at the Herington Estate. The significance of the romantic setting was not lost on her. Celia first declared her love for Rupert here; perhaps if she were fortunate, she might be allowed to do the same. Of course that was her private longing; her avowed intent, what she allowed the world to see, was to help an actor friend who was sadly misjudged.

'Do you really think this is going to make any difference?' The voice suddenly calling out behind her seemed to expose every private fear she was having, and she half-wondered if the sound was actually real or her mind playing tricks. She turned around. It was no trick, no laughing matter, and certainly not where Lady Catherine was concerned.

As she studied the fearsome matriarch, Lizzy wondered how she could have ever compared her to her nephew. The older woman wore a condescending expression, with her arms crossed and not a crease in her trademark grey suit.

She smiled cruelly. 'Miss Bennet, it has been a while, but I see you're as ambitious as ever.'

Lizzy refused to be intimidated and smiled sweetly at her. 'Lady Catherine, what a surprise seeing you here. I forget; were you actually invited?'

The older woman's smile slipped a little and she pushed her glasses further up her nose. 'As a member of the committee my invite was already a given, as you well know, or perhaps you don't, seeing as how you saw fit to call a meeting in my absence. Imagine my surprise when I found what Miss Bennet had planned.'

'Imagine…' Lizzy repeated with some incredulity. She smiled and shook her head. 'I don't suppose your Ladyship has come to offer her help and her unwavering support?'

Lady Catherine didn't return her smile. Instead she held up a newspaper for Lizzy to inspect. 'I suppose you must think very well of yourself.' She didn't bother to wait for a reply but handed the paper to Lizzy, who set about reading the article in earnest. Lady Catherine waited until she had finished, choosing to be wholly disbelieving at Lizzy's clearly puzzled expression. 'You probably congratulate yourself on quite a coup, Miss Bennet.'

Lizzy, confused and flustered, had not a clue what to make of her feelings towards what she had just read, and replied with some impatience, 'Lady Catherine, believe me I have no idea what you're referring to.'

Her Ladyship snatched the paper back from her. 'Do you expect me to believe that this…this rumour isn't something that you and your family have no doubt industriously circulated by yourselves?' Seeing Lizzy adamant still, she began to read:

'Barely a few days after the scandal of his father's affair with the renowned Diva Carmen Rosetta, and the consequent revelations regarding his parentage, it seems Fitzwilliam Darcy has become embroiled in a scandal of the heart of his very own.

Rumours regarding the sensational break-up of the engagement between Elizabeth Bennet and Edward Collins point to a third involvement in the affair: Darcy. It appears the co-stars became passionately involved, a matter which led the young actress to break off her prior engagement. By all accounts a new engagement may have already been formed by the two…'

'Do you deny it?' Lady Catherine demanded of her.

Lizzy shook her head. She honestly did not know what to make of the article; she knew it was a falsehood but her heart screamed for it to be true. She wondered how all her wishes could be printed so clearly in black and white for the world to see. Had it been so clear to the rest of the world, was it so apparent to everyone else? Had they seen what she had denied her heart for so long? And could it be his interest was valid enough still, enough to warrant a newspaper article and a visit from his deranged aunt? She supposed for a few moments that was what it could surely be and for those moments hope flooded her senses once more. But reason, sanity and logic brought her back down to earth. The story had no doubt been inspired by the fact that her sister and his best friend were engaged, and where there was one marriage left the romantics clamouring and eager to quickly ensure another.

'Have you broken off your engagement to Mr Collins?' Lady Catherine's insistent tone finally grated enough to make her crash landing into cold reality complete.

'In all truth, your Ladyship, I hardly see how that is any of your business.' Lizzy grew flustered once more and walked away hoping Lady Catherine would become as indignant at her rudeness as to simply give up on any further conversation. But Lizzy ought to have remembered Lady Catherine was as resilient as her own mother and equally as abrasive.

Her Ladyship hurried after her. 'You know it won't work, any of this. It won't help …you can't get him back.' Lizzy stopped dead in her tracks, and her Ladyship was triumphant; she believed she could interpret perfectly the slight tremble that now affected Lizzy. She strode purposefully and slowly covered the short distance between them, circling Lizzy carefully before coming to stand once more before her.

'I know the tabloids. They may not always be sacrosanct, but I also know there's never any smoke without fire.' She roved her satirical eye over Lizzy's still form, sizing her up, assessing just how much of a threat this girl really was. 'Darcy is foolish enough to wear his heart on his sleeve, no doubt enough to ask a girl to marry him before he's even asked her on a date, and before he's even sure of her feelings…' Lady Catherine actually allowed herself a small chuckle, and never had Lizzy been more inclined to violence towards this woman than now, when every single one of her words was cutting like a knife through her heart.

'But you see I've already spoken to him, considering the revelations in the papers and the part he has played in dragging the noble Darcy name through the filth. He very well knows the precarious position he now finds himself in. As such he's already assured me that he will do whatever it takes to make things right… whatever it takes.'

Lizzy honestly did not know what to say. It seemed as if Lady Catherine's triumph was complete. She knew how the old matriarch felt towards her, and for Lady Catherine to be so assured about Darcy doing whatever it took, he must have confirmed to her what Lizzy always dreaded: Darcy had given up on her.

'You're right, Miss Bennet; the flowers do look better on this side of the stage.' The smile Lady Catherine wore could not be mistaken, it was akin to an old war general who was happy to sound a trumpet and raise the victory flag…no matter how dirty she had fought.

Darcy lazed back in the car, sighed tiredly and half-closed his eyes. Georgiana sat beside him and was equally well rested. 'You know taking that break to Scotland may have been your best idea yet.' Darcy turned his smiling gaze towards his sister.

She beamed back at him. 'I know. All that peace and quiet, no televisions, no radio, no newspapers…just gentle slopes, dense thickets and Loch Dundreggan, pure bliss.' She named their holiday spot for the last weekend with a poor attempt at a Scottish accent.

Darcy's smile faded and he pulled at his black tie disdainfully. 'And then you had to go and spoil it all by agreeing to a stupid dinner party. Would an emigration to Scotland really have been such a bad idea?'

Georgiana sat up and taking her brother firmly by his tie pulled him to sit upright as well. 'I'd already accepted the invite before we went away, and, besides, you don't have to be so grumpy about it. You never know, dear brother, you might even enjoy it. It is for charity, and everybody'll be there.'

Darcy snorted his reply, 'Yes, everybody, anybody who's got their latest single to promote, or a book they've just published or a new film just about ready to premier. I'm sure they'll be there, doing their bit, slapping each other on the back for just how 'charitable' they're being.'

Georgiana smiled and shook her head. 'You know, Darcy, cynicism is such an ugly emotion.'

Darcy turned to look out of their window just as the car pulled into the long driveway of the Herington Estate. 'So is pretence,' he muttered under his breath.

He remembered the first time they had filmed at Herington Estate. He had been impressed by it then, but now its beauty almost floored him. He had never seen the place look like this. The front of the building seemed aglow, bathed in an almost ethereal light; the view to behold was spectacular.

'Darcy, hurry up! It's cold. Let's get inside.' It was only Georgiana's insistent tugging of his arm that brought him back to the present. And then it was the all too familiar habit of hurrying past the army of photographers parked outside, with head bent and only the slightest strained smile. Try as he might, he was certain he was never going to get used to the sound of flashing bulbs.

If Darcy had thought the outside was special, the inside exceeded all expectations. The Herington Estate had a particular layout: all entrances from outside of the house opened up to the spectacular entrance hall, a magnificent hexagonal structure with black and white geometric patterned marble floor and flanked with imposing stately columns, and every interior door from here led further into different wings of the house. The hall, built entirely to leave a lasting impression on its viewer, was less like a hall and more akin to a ballroom.

And tonight that same hall was magical, filled to the brim with everything that was elegant. The whole place was awash with colour, a thousand different shades of a thousand different dresses, red, purple, black and gold, but even as he scanned the room his eye was only ever going to settle on one particular shade, one particular dress, and one very special woman: Lizzy.

She saw him enter almost as soon as his eye had sought her, standing with Robert. She allowed Robert to escort her to where both he and his sister stood. She looked amazing; it was all Darcy could do to stop his jaw hitting the floor. Wearing a thin-strap satin green dress, the material flowed with every step she took; she looked unearthly with the long dress adding to her seamless radiant elegance. He gulped down his surprise at seeing her here. Having heard of her breaking off the engagement, he had in turns lived in hope and disappointment, but all the time finding himself too much of a coward to go and find out what her answer would be if he asked again.

His conversation with Lady Catherine had put away all hope for a while and he had gladly made his escape to the Scottish highlands. Her words haunted him still, 'She's not the girl for you, Darcy, but she's already made that clear, hasn't she?' His retort that she knew nothing of the matter had only earned him an infuriatingly false sympathetic gaze, 'Come on, Darcy! Anybody can see the way you pined after the girl. Have you really convinced yourself she feels anything for you? But if you find my words difficult to believe then go, tell her how you feel. There's no Mr Collins now, nothing to stand in your way. But ask yourself this: could you handle the disappointment a second time?'

And there it was, the question that stayed his hand and checked his emotions: could he stand her breaking his heart once more? Maybe he was about to find out.

'Georgiana, what's going on?' He turned to his sister for an explanation.

She smiled sweetly at him. Robert and Lizzy had reached them as well and he looked at each of them in turn before casting his eye over the hall once more. Georgiana pressed his arm. 'Welcome to your charity dinner.'

'Mine?' Darcy replied, rightly confused.

'Yes, an event thought of, organised and orchestrated with a little help from his friends, by the selfless, benevolent and community-spirited Fitzwilliam Darcy to provide the disadvantaged troubled youth with an outlet in the creative arts,' Georgiana finished with a flourish.

Darcy couldn't help but be frustrated by it all. 'I'm sorry, but will someone tell me exactly what is going on here?' Georgiana was set to speak again and explain further but Darcy stopped her with a look and a pointed raising of his finger. 'And without the confusing amateur dramatics, please.'

Lizzy wisely stepped in and, kissing Georgiana lightly on the cheek in greeting, smiled. 'Let me take over, Georgiana. You've done fantastically. Thank you.' Georgiana, taking the hint, smiled and moved to take Robert's free arm, but not before throwing a final comment to Darcy over her shoulder, 'You could at least compliment her on how well she looks instead of just staring at her like that.'

Lizzy allowed herself a small chuckle while Darcy turned an uncomfortable shade of red.

'She's right, of course,' Darcy spoke in a hushed tone.

With the devoted way he looked at her, Lizzy was convinced they were the only two in the whole room.

'You look amazing, Lizzy.'

'Thank you.' She smiled shyly, aware that his gaze was uniquely intense. She gladly took the arm he offered and moved forward with him into the crowd.

He spoke close to her ear, 'Will you please tell me what this is?'

She pressed closer to him so he could hear her over the noise. 'Given all the negative publicity you've gotten over the past weeks, and the fact that none of it is your fault, I wanted them to see what you're really like.' She nodded and smiled in greeting to the various guests as she spoke. She could see the surprise in their eyes in seeing her practically clinging to the arm of Darcy. As well as their wonder she believed she detected a furthering of their respect, and all because of just who Darcy was.

Darcy smiled as well, albeit a strained smile. The whole situation was still as confusing as ever, but he knew what facing a crowd meant; the smile had to be a constant. 'What I'm really like?' he questioned.

'Yes,' Lizzy replied eagerly, 'how generous and kind, and truly selfless, and nobody ever knowing that because you take such pains to hide it. Which in turn means naive young women end up making rash and harsh judgements because, like so many others, they've failed to look beyond the surface before it's too late.'

Darcy looked down at her; she was speaking to him and him alone. Her hand she had removed from his arm and instead had slipped further down to hold tightly onto his hand. Her perfect, slender fingers wound tightly within his fingers, and looking close into her adoring face Darcy believed he had never been so close to happiness. But doubt weighed heavily on his heart and he disbelieved still.

'This is all for you, Darcy; just go with it.' She looked up at him, encouraging him all the while.

But he shook his head. 'I can't, Lizzy. I don't know what this is. Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to save me?' The questions caught Lizzy by surprise; was he really still unsure of the change in her feelings towards him, or was he just waiting for her to confirm it and make it all real?

'After what you did for my family, what you sacrificed, exposing your family history like that to save us from humiliation, this is nothing.' His reaction to her reply was so very far from what she could have ever hoped for. His face fell and he looked ill, carefully extracting his hand from hers. Shaking his head, he took a step backwards.

'Why that? It would have been so perfect if only…' he stepped close once more and whispered in her ear, 'if only you had said anything else but that. God, Lizzy, why did you ever have to be so bloody grateful?'

His words she barely had time to understand before he stepped back once more and melted into the crowd. Soon he was completely hidden from view and Lizzy was left standing alone and afraid. Was she too late?

And all of a sudden Lizzy was back to remembering the last time he had abandoned her in a room, only at that charity ball she had been angry and ashamed. Now she was confused and in pain. She struggled to fight back the tears that stung and the weight on her chest that made it difficult to breathe. She was watching him slip away from her and it hurt like hell.

'Fight for him…go out there and fight for him, you idiot!' The words resounded so close and she whirled around in shock. There was no one stood behind, certainly no one close enough to whisper in her ear. No, the words were in her head, clamouring to be heard and eventually resorting to screaming. 'Don't let go of him now; you need him as much as he needs you. You're almost there. That man risked everything for you, and he'd risk it all again. All you have to do is tell him.'

Lizzy closed her eyes against the onslaught, and upon slowly opening them again saw a sight that made her sure. Her father was stood just a few metres away, surrounded by people, and instead of being filled with disdain for them all as she was sure he would be, she saw him instead smiling broadly. He was looking directly at her and, raising his glass, he nodded. In an instant his words were brought to mind, 'The right decision isn't that hard to make.' Almost subconsciously she pressed a hand to her heart and within the next instant was gone.

Mr Bennet was relieved to see her hurry off in the same direction in which Darcy had disappeared. 'Good for you, my girl,' he thought, 'a little bit of happiness is something you both deserve. I can think of worse things than having Mr Darcy as a son-in-law…like Mr Collins instead.' So pleased was Mr Bennet that Lizzy had finally chosen to follow her heart, that upon spying his wife close at hand and chattering away, he suddenly grabbed her about the waist and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. Her surprise was only mirrored by his own when she kissed him back!

'My dear, if we can work this out then perhaps there's hope for us all.' He smiled down at his wife and for the first moment in their married life, for however short a time it proved to last, he believed he finally understood her. And for Mrs Bennet the epiphany was equally forthcoming, 'I never stopped loving you, whatever I said; you must know I didn't mean it. I was angry…' He nodded and was silent. 'Over to you, Lizzy.'

She was tired of holding back. Her feelings for him were not to be dissuaded, and if through some cruel twist of fate he had not deemed it worth fighting for she would at least tell him how she felt. Explain to him how he had changed her mind and her heart at last, let him have his triumph, at least she would have some sort of peace of mind. So she hurried after him determined to speak her mind. Unfortunately for her, someone else had beaten her to it. She saw Darcy stood almost in the centre of the room talking in earnest with his aunt. He looked tired and jaded and the argument Lizzy was sure they were having was being won by Lady Catherine. She edged closer but still found it difficult to make out their words due to the noise of the crowds.

Seeing Darcy vigorously shake his head and then turn to look at her directly finally forced Lizzy's hand; she moved to intercede, she was going to save Darcy, whether he wanted it or not. But before she had moved even a few steps, she was stopped by a hand on her arm. Whirling on the interfering stranger angrily, to her surprise she perceived a determined-looking Georgiana smiling at her.

'It's my turn now, Lizzy. I've been hiding behind my brother for too long. It's time my dear aunt knew the truth.' Lizzy followed Georgiana's steely gaze towards the arguing pair.

'Georgiana, are you sure? Once Lady Catherine knows, there's no way of taking it back.' Lizzy pressed the younger girl's hand reassuringly.

'I know, and it's fine, Lizzy. Aunt Catherine will just have to live with the fact that the Darcys are a family of fallen angels.' She smiled sweetly and Lizzy had to concede this was the most confident she had ever seen young Georgiana Darcy. But it was a truth Lizzy had come to realise that impassioned like no other, the idea of saving the person one truly loved was intoxicating.

'I'm tired of this, Lady Catherine. I've already told you there's nothing between me and Miss Bennet, and as far as I can see there won't ever be.' Darcy sighed resignedly; the constant arguments with this woman were taking their toll. And every time the discussion was the same; it seemed as if they were going round in circles.

'I'm glad to hear it, that you're sensible enough to be aware of your already precarious position to avoid further 'difficulties'. I would hate to be the one to expose your dubious past dealings to the board and especially in so public a place.' Her words dripped with venom and her smile carried all the charm of a snake.

But tonight was different. Darcy was resolute this time, and she wasn't going to intimidate him. For far too long he had been pushed to the brink by her. He had lost too much already. He knew what it was Lady Catherine truly wanted: Pemberley Theatre. And if it would free him of all her interference, her constant sniping and having to answer to her for every decision and at every aspect, he would give the place to her. Anything for a little peace.

'You know it really doesn't matter; I don't care anymore. I'm tired of the board, tired of you and tired of the lies. No, I am not a true Darcy, and in your eyes I have no right to be associated with Pemberley Theatre, so if the place means that much to you to resort to this, then take it, have it and be damned.' The last words he spat at her before an air of calmness washed over him as he realised what he was saying.

To Lady Catherine the offer seemed too good to be true. 'What are you saying, Darcy?'

Darcy smiled at her. 'We both know what this is about, what's it's always been about. You want to own Pemberley Theatre? Fine, I'll sell you my share as well as handing over my position on the board. You can have it all,' Darcy concluded, and felt a little lighter; the heaviness so long pounding on his chest was lifting just a little. 'I'll have my lawyer draw up the papers tomorrow. Congratulations; you've won.'

It dawned on Lady Catherine at last that perhaps Darcy was serious after all. She smiled widely, 'You know I never really believed the stories in the papers. My sister would never have consented to raising another woman's child.'

Darcy laughed outright, surprising her with his reaction. 'It must be very comforting, Lady Catherine, to live in such blissful ignorance. You tell yourself that if it makes you feel any better. The fact is they are true, I am the bastard son of Percival Darcy and Carmen Rosetta, and the only truly glorious thing about that is it absolves me of any relationship with i you /i .' He turned to walk away only to come face to face with his sister.

Georgiana was pale and shaking with anger. Darcy at first thought her rage was directed towards him but he was wrong. She took hold of his hand and turned him around to face Lady Catherine once more.

'You know, Aunt, my brother may not be a true Darcy, whatever that means, but I am, and if anybody is going to be inheriting Pemberley Theatre it's going to be me. And if that is the case, if the board out of some madness decides they want me in charge, I know the only other person I'm going to want by my side is my brother Fitzwilliam Darcy.' Georgiana spoke passionately, almost breathlessly.

But Lady Catherine, having already smelt victory, was not about to give up without a fight. 'That's very sweet, Georgiana, that you would defend your—your …brother,' the word seemed to stick in her throat, 'but I do not think you would be as eager to come to his defence if you knew of some of his past misdemeanours.'

'If you're referring to the twenty thousand pounds, Aunt Catherine, I know all about it. It'll surprise you to know, Aunt, that he didn't take that money for himself; it was for me.'

'For you?' repeated Lady Catherine disbelievingly.

'Yes, for me. He took the money not because he had a problem but because I made a mistake. He risked everything to save me from unwelcome press attention, from their sordid, twisted stories, and he saved me from you. All these years, Darcy was selflessly putting up with your blackmailing, manipulative ways to save a sister who through her cowardice has never been strong enough to free him and allow the blame to be rightly apportioned.' Her voice wavered, but only for a moment.

'Georgiana…' Darcy attempted to intercede; it pained him to see her being forced to relive the whole sorry Wickham incident.

But like him Georgiana had found strength, and she longed for the truth to finally be told. 'It's alright, Darcy. It's time she knew. It isn't fair that she hold this over you any longer, because if anyone deserves to be happy, it's my brother. You see, Aunt, it doesn't matter that we don't share a parent. The bond that we have goes beyond merely a bloodline. Whatever you say about our mother, you never truly knew her, not if you believe that she didn't or couldn't love Darcy. She loved him as much as any son like him deserves to be loved.'

Darcy couldn't help but be touched by her words. For far too long he had been used to believing the sins of a father would be visited upon the son. But whatever his father had lacked in the paternal sense, his mother, the woman who had adopted him and brought him up as her own, had proved more than adequate. She had soothed where his father had hurt, had calmed when his indifference had cut Darcy to the core. Anne Darcy had proved more of a mother to him than any woman. It had taken his sister to finally make him see that, callously disowned by a mother, painfully rejected by a father he may have been, but loved he was still.

Lizzy saw it all and despite all her fears of having lost Darcy, she couldn't help but smile at the way Lady Catherine had been so thoroughly dismissed by Georgiana, of all people. It was too delicious a moment of poetic justice.

But now it was her turn, her moment with Fitzwilliam Darcy. She couldn't, she wouldn't give up now. Her feet carried her over to stand in front of Darcy before she even knew she had moved, and it killed her to see that even as she stood before him he turned to walk away.

'You know, Darcy, you're too damn proud and too stubborn for your own good. How long are you going to keep running away from me?' she called out after him.

He stopped in his tracks. Turning around, he slowly looked up and smiled sadly at her. 'How did you even find out about what I'd done?' He slowly stepped towards her.

'Heidi. What does it matter? Don't you know what I'm trying to say to you?' Lizzy struggled to contain the emotions overwhelming her senses.

'I know what you're trying to say, Lizzy, but…' he stopped and passed a hand through his ruffled hair.

'But what…what?' she demanded of him. She couldn't understand his reluctance to explain. If he no longer felt anything for her, why didn't he just say it instead of torturing her like this?

'I don't want you to think…I didn't want it to happen like this. That's why I didn't want you to know, because you're doing all this through some sense of gratitude. Saying things you don't mean because you feel as if you're in my debt.' He finished at last and turned to walk away again.

'Is that what you think, saying things like what, that I love you?'

Darcy interrupted her before she got any further, 'Why would you want to? I'm hardly the easiest person to live with, I get angry and depressed, and I push people away. Lizzy, you can't ever know how difficult it gets.'

Lizzy pleaded with him, 'Do you think any of that makes a difference? My feelings for you, all that changed long before Lydia and her affair. I started falling for you before, long before. And then when I thought that maybe I'd lost you, it nearly killed me because I knew that if it was true, I'd lost the love of my life…'

'What…?' Darcy hurried up to her and took her firmly by both arms. 'Say that again.'

Lizzy knew at once what he meant, and she gladly repeated the words, 'Darcy, you are the love of my life.' It was all Darcy really needed to hear. Pulling her close to him, he kissed her fiercely. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing one hand against his cheek and feeling utterly blissful in his crushing embrace.

It was then in that opportune moment that Bingley saw fit to call for his friend, selfless benefactor that he was, to join him on the stage and deliver a speech. Down shone the spotlight on the couple in the middle of the room, utterly lost in each other and completely in love. Suffice it to say the night was a triumph for all.

'The Framed Rose opens today amid much speculation into the personal life of the two stars. Far from a heated and pointed mutual dislike between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, there are even rumours suggesting that they are in fact engaged to be married. Of course there are those who will maintain that the whole rumour of a rift was a calculated publicity stunt as planned and as cynical as this sudden 'engagement'.

But those of us who saw the couple's interaction firsthand all those months ago even then had to wonder. Yes, there was the apparent discomfort and unease from both parties; one only has to recall the painful tango at the charity ball, during which Fitzwilliam Darcy's clear dismissal of his co-star led to many an embarrassing headline.

But isn't there a saying, 'Never did a truer love spring than that which was born from hate'? Well, perhaps the reports are all wrong, but nobody truly wants to dismiss the romantic within them and allow the conjecture to stand, because after all who's to say the love lives of the rich and famous can't run like a famous novel?

Darcy opened his eyes slowly and smiled widely. The head resting next to his and the few strands of dark hair that fell on his shoulder only served to confirm what a success the evening promised to be. He turned to look out of the window as familiar sights of London passed.

'What, Darcy, what are you smiling so widely about?' Lizzy raised her head from his shoulder and looked closer at him.

Darcy turned to look at her. 'It's nothing, just the papers had some had pretty interesting headlines today.' Darcy smiled knowingly at her.

Lizzy knew he was referring to the rumours of their engagement. 'I know, I read the same paper.'

'So what do you think?' He spoke in such a careful whisper, Lizzy would have struggled to hear him had she not already known what he was really asking. She decided to be a little mischievous and tease him all the same.

Feigning indifference, she shrugged her shoulders. 'The story was written well enough,' she began. 'Don't know where they got their sources from, though it could be the fact that we've just spent a week in the Bahamas together…' She could get no further as Darcy stopped her with a deliciously lingering kiss that sent shivers down her spine.

Reluctant to break the contact, they were both breathless when he at last broke off the kiss. Pressing his forehead against hers and with his lips only inches from hers, he whispered, 'Lizzy, you know what I'm asking.'

She smiled and nodded, 'I know, but it'll still be nice to hear you say it.'

Darcy with proud resolve took her chin firmly in her hands and spoke in a clear voice, 'Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I love you. Will you marry me?'

Her only response was to nod vigorously, and she gladly melted into his arms as he kissed her again. Having thoroughly ravished her lips they took up their former positions in the car, Darcy leaning back onto the seat and Lizzy snuggled closely in his arms.

It was Lizzy's turn to laugh quietly now. Darcy naturally questioned her, to which she replied, 'It's hard to believe you still love me after all I put you through.' She grew serious then as painful memories threatened to undo all her present mirth. 'Darcy, the way I spoke to you after the first time you proposed, the things I said…I'm so ashamed of myself.'

Lizzy sat up and looked at him earnestly and pressed a hand tenderly to the side of his face. 'Everything with Lydia and Wickham and you having to reveal your past, your family secrets, just to save me—it's a wonder you're still here with me, now.' Lizzy struggled with her emotions and a slight tear formed at the corner of her eye.

Darcy, reaching up, brushed the tear away and pulled her into an embrace. Holding her close, he whispered in her ear, 'You can believe that I love you, that I've long loved you and that I always will love you.'

She smiled at the way he comforted her; he always had all the right words.

Pulling away, he kissed her lightly. 'Never mind what you put me through or what you said. I was an ass then and I probably deserved all of it and more.'

Lizzy laughed slightly, 'Well, I'm not going to argue with that!'

Darcy laughed along with her before leaning back again and pulling Lizzy with him to take her place by his side. She nestled her head in his neck and wrapped her arms about his waist, determined not the smallest gap would remain between them.

'Did my letter change anything of what you thought about me?' Darcy spoke again at length.

Elizabeth sighed. 'Your letter broke my heart, Darcy. Reading it and knowing what you had gone through, as well as all the things I had said to you, I felt awful.'

'Well, I certainly didn't mean for that to happen. I needed to explain myself. I couldn't bear the idea of you thinking so ill of me, or that Wickham could have lied to you so completely.' Darcy kissed the top of her head lightly. 'And I really wanted to make things clear about Jane and Bingley. The fact is I really didn't know how she felt about him, or I would never have…'

Lizzy pressed a hand to his chest. 'Darcy, I know. It's alright; I understand.'

Darcy shook his head. 'It's funny, being an actor you'd think I'd have figured out how to read people's feelings by now, especially seeing as how I mimic them all the time. But in all truth, when it comes to reading the feelings of those I'm close to, I really am useless!'

Elizabeth pulled away from him and sat up. 'You're useless…?' she remonstrated, ' I got so confused and scared about how I felt about you I almost ended up marrying another man!'

Darcy sat up alongside her and kissed her. 'And you can't imagine how glad I am that didn't happen.'

Lizzy smiled. 'I don't think I would have gone through with it, not really.'

Darcy instead of replying leaned forward and knocked on the screen that separated the passengers from the driver. He spoke low a few words that resulted in the car taking a sharp right and heading away from Leicester Square, the venue for their premiere.

Settling himself beside Lizzy once more, he took one of her hands and began to fiddle with her long, slender fingers. 'I really have a lot to be thankful for to you, Elizabeth Bennet.'

'Really…?' Lizzy enquired. She looked at their hands. It pleased her how perfectly his grasp fit hers; it really seemed as if they were made for each other, two pieces of the same puzzle.

Darcy nodded, 'You see, if you hadn't come after me that night at the dinner and told me how you really felt, I don't think I'd be here today.' Lizzy knew he was referring to his depression, the same illness that had plagued so many of his years. Likewise she knew that however much she wanted to think otherwise, she herself could not prove to be that miracle cure he needed. The long road back from his feeling so low at times would be slow and no doubt painful. But she was with him now, and there was no way she would let him face such darkness alone again.

'It was that bad?' she tentatively inquired of him at last.

Darcy nodded, 'It was worse.'

Lizzy's only response was to pull him into her arms and hold on for dear life. She stroked the back of his neck comfortingly while he buried his face in her hair. They stayed this way for a while, until another turn in the road alerted Lizzy to their change of direction away from their intended destination.

'Darcy, where are we going? We're going to be late; Marcie is going to kill us.'

Darcy smiled mischievously, 'Never mind Marcie. So we're a little late. We can't make an engagement announcement without an engagement ring.'