Disclaimer: Jane Austen's, not mine :(

Ch 14

With little more than a week leading up to his wedding, Darcy was absolutely elated. Never did he think he would even find someone who made his heart race. Not only had he found her but also he actually got to marry her. Quite a rare occurrence at his level in society.

'Elizabeth will be mine. She will have all my heart. I only hope that one day I will have all of hers,' thought Darcy.

Bingley had sent his sister to town for a couple days under the pretence of getting a new dress made for the wedding, when in all actuality it was to give Darcy a few days of peace. Ever wanting to show up the bride, Caroline took the bait racing to town to order a new puce dress (the last fashion according to Caroline).

Darcy was ever so thankful to his friend for this reprieve. Even if he did still have to deal with Richard.

"So cousin, have you told her yet?" asked Richard.

"I don't know what you're talking about," sighed Darcy.

"Oh! you know that you love her and can't wait to marry her and make half a dozen little Darcys with her," smiled Richard.

"Could you be more crass or irritating?" asked Darcy. "Anyways, till I know how she feels I won't make a fool out of myself. End of discussion!"

Richard sighed and lowered himself into a chair next to Darcy. He watched his cousin pour over stacks of correspondence. At one time, he was very much jealous of his brother and cousin for having their own estates. But now having grown up and seeing how much time, effort and work they put into it, he was rather glad to be the second born. A life of soldiering and marrying an heiress was definitely for him.

"Darcy, stop working for five minutes and let us get Bingley and go shoot," wined Richard.

"Richard, for the tenth time in the last hour I will say it again, I want to get through all of this so I wont have much to do on my honeymoon," sighed Darcy rubbing his temples trying to ward off a headache.

"Oh! trust me. You'll have plenty to occupy you," smiled Richard wagging his eyebrows.

Darcy sighed again and trying to hid his sheepish grin turned back to his pile of papers.

For the next two hours, the cousins continued in a similar way. Darcy tried to work while Richard tried to provoke him. He was currently wadding little balls of parchment and throwing them into Darcy's hair.

A sudden knock at the door brought both men out of their pursuits.

"Forgive me Mr Darcy, sir, but there is a gentleman here that says he has some urgent business with you," said the footman.

"Of course. Show him in. I wonder what this could be about," asked Darcy turning toward his cousin as Richard shrugged his shoulders.

The footman returned with a short plump man of the cloth with a sweaty face and rather greasy hair.

"Mr Darcy I can't tell you what an honor, nay, privilege to meet someone of your high standing. A true honour. Yes, I must say how wonderful this meeting is," gushed the plump man.

Before Darcy could thank the ridiculous man, he continued.

"It is my duty and my station to meet with your graciousness on this fine day. Yes indeed, my honor and duty have brought me from my humble abode to meet with you and you so kindly agreed to meet with me."

Darcy was truly dumbfounded. The fat idiot continued on in a similar manner for 15 minutes not truly saying anything or making any point. He just kept speaking of family and duty. Darcy had just about totally blocked out the imbecile and readied to have him thrown out when a phrase finally broke through the dim.

"...my esteemed patroness Lady Catherine De Bourgh..."

"Wait. What did you just say?" asked Darcy. Richard was now leaning in too.

"Oh! I was just saying that I informed my esteemed patroness Lady Catherine De Bourg when she returned home early from the continent of your impending marriage to my cousin Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But you needn't worry. I will take her off you hands for you so you will be free from this entrapment and be able to marry your dearly beloved Anne," smiled Mr. Collins.

Darcy was so livid he could barely speak. "Where is my aunt now?"

"Why, she dropped me off here on the way to Longbourn to explain to Elizabeth the new arrangements for her marriage. You needn't worry. I'm sure it will all be taken care of soon," grinned the fat idiot pleased to be at the service of such a great man.

"ONLY I HAVE THE RIGHT TO USE ELIZABETH'S CHRISTIAN NAME AS I AM THE ONE ENGAGED TO MARRY HER!" roared Darcy.

The plump man cowered in his chair as Darcy loomed over him. Richard however sprang to his cousin to stop him from doing anything he would regret.

"Come cousin. We must make for Longbourn quickly. Who knows what Aunt Catherine has said to Miss Elizabeth," spoke Richard hurriedly.

Darcy nodded, shaking the rest of the parchment from his hair, as both men swiftly left the room leaving a tremble pudding of a man in their wake.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Meanwhile at Longbourn...

Elizabeth sat alone in the parlor while her sisters and mother went to town to buy more unneeded things for her wedding. Jane had planned the trip to give Elizabeth some alone time for which she was grateful.

She was currently working on a handkerchief for her future husband with his initials in a rather intricate pattern. She never thought of herself as being very accomplished at embroidery but she was rather proud of how it was coming along.

'I do hope he likes it. I'm sure he is rather used to the best money can buy," though Elizabeth coloring slightly at the thought of giving it to him. She was, however, quickly brought out of her musings by a booming voice in the hall.

"I wish to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet now."

The footsteps got closer as Hill showed in a rather distinguished looking older lady into the parlor.

"Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Miss Elizabeth," said Hill bowing out of the room.

"So, you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet," said Lady Catherine coldly.

"Yes ma'am," answered Elizabeth standing up. She knew she had heard that name mentioned in passing but couldn't, for the life of her, think of where or why this woman would wish to see her.

"I wish to speak to you in private Miss Bennet," glared Lady Catherine.

Elizabeth glanced around the room as if to say there was no one else in it, but thought this conversation might be better to have away from the house.

"There's a rather lovely garden next to the house where we won't be overheard," suggested Elizabeth.

Lady Catherine nodded and followed Elizabeth from the house.

Once in the garden Lady Catherine wasted no time on getting to the point.

"Miss Bennet, you can not be at a loss as to why I am here. A rather disturbing report has reached me that Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley is to be married to you shortly. I must contest this to be untrue for Darcy has promised marriage to my daughter Anne. Now what have you to say to that?" asked the older lady.

"I'm sorry. Who are you?" asked Elizabeth.

"I am Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's aunt and future mother in law. From his infancy he has been promised to my daughter," huffed Lady Catherine.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow suspiciously at that. She had little doubt, knowing the kind of man Mr Darcy was, that he would be betrothed to two different women.

Crossing her arms in front of her, Elizabeth surveyed the woman standing before her.

At this point, Darcy and the colonel arrived just in time to hear the rest of the conversation. Darcy was about ready to storm into the garden and set his aunt straight when Richard stopped him. Putting a finger to his lips, Richard indicated to Darcy to stay quiet.

Elizabeth continued, not knowing she had now drawn an audience.

"So, I am correct to presume you brought the betrothal contract with you," said Elizabeth lightly.

"No, course not silly girl! It was a betrothal that wasn't talked about but always expected," said Lady Catherine rather put out.

"Well, that is a shame. Because I actually have a marriage contract between your nephew and myself written by both of our fathers. Perhaps, that's why no one spoke of yours. Mr Darcy was already promised to me," grinned Elizabeth.

"Impossible! My brother would never have connected his wife's family to a woman of such inferior birth or low connections," wailed Lady Catherine.

"Clearly Mr Darcy found no fault in marrying me and, at the moment, the only fault I find about marrying him, would be gaining certain relations. If he wanted out he could have bought his way out. He has not, so I can safely assume this wedding will take place shortly," stated Elizabeth rather firmly.

"That's it!" exclaimed Lady Catherine. "It's all about his money. Very well, then. I'm a wealthy woman. What will it take?"

Here, every muscle in Darcy's body tensed. If Elizabeth wanted out here was her chance.

"What are you talking about?" sighed Elizabeth.

"How much money will it take for you to break things off with my nephew? 10,000 pounds? Make it 15 and everyone is happy," bargained Lady Catherine.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. She had never been so insulted. Even when Mr Darcy gave her his first opinion of herself. How dare this woman thought she could be bought like a common street girl?

"Listen here you old bat (Richard jammed his fist in his mouth to keep from laughing)! I've had just about enough of you and your money. I will marry Mr Darcy and I promise you it is not for his wealth. My reasons are mine own. I think we are both very pleased to be entering into this union. In addition, there is nothing you can do. Contracts have been signed, banns have been read, so I think it best you leave, NOW!" snapped Elizabeth, hands now clenched at her sides. She was not about to pour out her feelings for Mr Darcy to this old witch.

"Obstinate, head strong girl! How dare you? Wait till me nephew hears how I was treated," bellowed Lady Catherine holding her head up.

"There's no need for that aunt," said Darcy, stepping from behind the hedge.

"Nephew...I," started Lady Catherine but Darcy stopped her with a raised hand.

"Enough aunt. I have heard enough. Your idiot parson has informed me as to why you are here. I will again, and for the last time, state that Anne and I will never marry. Elizabeth is to be my wife and you can either accept that or cut ties with the Darcy family," declared Darcy.

"Well I am most displeased," humped Lady Catherine as she walked past her nephews.

"Richard, please escort our aunt to her carriage. I wish a word with Miss Elizabeth and then I will be there so we can help her collect her helper and be on her way back to Kent," said Darcy as Richard nodded and left for the waiting carriage.

Darcy slowly turned toward Elizabeth. He was truly mortified. He was always hesitant about the lack of propriety her relations portrayed. Now here his were making her relations look like well-mannered royalty.

"Miss Elizabeth please accept my apologies for my aunt's behavior," said Darcy looking at the ground. "I can't even begin to express..."

Elizabeth stopped him there by laying a hand on his arm.

"Mr Darcy, you needn't worry. I am not injured I promise you. In fact I'm quite elated that I'm not the only one embarrassed by some of my relations."

Darcy's head shot up at this to find a grinning Elizabeth. She was again teasing him and all the worry and tension that was in his chest was instantly released.

"Look at it this way, its one less holiday visit we will have to make," joked Lizzy.

Darcy smiled widely at this, "Yes, very true my dear. I must go and make sure of my aunt's departure but I am glad she hasn't caused you to change your mind."

"Not even close," smiled Elizabeth.

Darcy dipped his hat and turned to leave not ignoring the powerful beating of his heart.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Later that night, Darcy kept replaying the day's events in his head. The most important part was that Elizabeth wanted to marry him. Maybe, she did love him. Weeks ago he was sure Elizabeth would have taken the money but now...

Darcy didn't want to get his hopes up too high but he couldn't help falling asleep with a smile on his face.

The next morning, Darcy was still in a great mood.

While washing his face, a footman brought in an urgent letter for him. Darcy couldn't think of anyone who would have sent him a message that was to be delivered so early.

Taking the letter and upon recognizing the handwriting, Darcy's stomach dropped. He hastily tore open the letter.

Darcy old man,

How are you? I must say I wish I could have written this letter with your betrothed's name in it but she seems too smart to fall for my schemes anyway. Well, to catch you up on what's going on with me, last night I ran off to London with that little tart Lydia Bennet. Again, still sad it was not her sister, but she'll do. I told the little nincompoop that we were eloping but I think you know me better than that. I convinced her to meet me secretly these past few weeks to plan our escape. She'll be ruined by the time you read this letter. Do what you must, but your Elizabeth will always hold you responsible for the ruination of her sister and family. Let's see if your hearts desire will marry you after this (yes I've seen the way you look at her). Or what society will do to Georgiana if you continue with your plans and marry into such a family. Now, I will get to see you die as a lonely broken man. You will never gain her love now. Do enjoy this lovely weather we are having. And till we meet again,

Your dear friend
George Wickham

Darcy felt sick as he held the letter in his hand. After his aunt's visit, he had thought he had gained her regard. Or even her love. But he knew that was now over.

He had to fix this. He would not spend his life without Elizabeth no matter the consequences. Not only that, he would endeavour to do whatever necessary to make her happy.

Yes, she would be happy and care for him as much as he did her. With that thought in mind, he ran to the stables to saddle his horse to go to Longbourn.

AN: Hello again all. You didn't think I was going to leave out Lady Catherine did you? :) Anyways loyal readers. Don't worry too much about the impending "angst". It more like a teaspoon of drama in a bathtub of fluff.

I want to as always thank you all for your wonderful reviews. They make this story worth writing. Also thank you to my beta Tennis girl 1731 who still finds time to edit my story while writing her own. Have a great week everyone!