Disclaimer: Jane Austen's, not mine :(

Ch 16

The Wickham incident, as it came to be known, was the talk of the town for the next few days.

Lydia was of course determined to go into mourning for her lost love. That lasted a little more than a day, when she realized that black did little for her complexion.

In town, the story quickly went from 'what a tragic thing to happen to one so young' to 'that scoundrel receiving his just desserts' once word got out about his debts and manhandling the tradesmen's daughters.

The town also had nothing but the highest praise for Mr. Darcy. What a kind soul he was for covering the debts and funeral for such a sinner.

Also between settling all of Wickham's debt right, readying the funeral, comforting Georgiana and avoiding Caroline Bingley, it left a scarce amount of time to spend with Elizabeth before the wedding.

Wickham's death did help Darcy to see just how important those people close to him were. He was determined to finally listen to his cousin and tell Elizabeth how he felt. He wanted to do it before their wedding but finding time alone was even more impossible than finding time together.

Elizabeth was wrestling with similar demons. Wickham's letter to Darcy had really opened her eyes and her heart. There was little doubt in her mind that Mr. Darcy loved her, even Wickham thought so. He was willing to put his family name into the scandal sheets just to save hers and attach himself to a truly despicable man. She was finally able to admit it to herself that she too was in love with him.

But, where to go now? She had no time to speak with her betrothed and with the wedding in two days, had little time to speak with anyone privately.

Elizabeth's days were filled with last minute dress fittings, food tasting and entertaining her neighbors and relatives. She was, however, very happy to have her Aunt Gardiner there to help distract some of her mother's over exuberance.

In addition to that, her aunt gave her a far less frightening explanation of what would take place on the wedding night. She felt only a minor nervousness after her aunt left her room.

But that still left the problem at hand. She was bursting to tell someone her feelings but even at night when Jane and herself usually poured out their thoughts to each other, both were so tired they'd fall asleep before even hitting their pillows.

Not only that, but her dear friend Charlotte was arriving today for the wedding and bringing over her new husband for Elizabeth to meet. When would she get time to talk to Jane? Or Mr. Darcy for that matter?

Elizabeth was quickly brought out of her musings, while pretending to mend some lace, when she heard Charlotte's entering the house.

Elizabeth stood quickly and made for the door, embracing her friend before she could even fully enter the room.

Charlotte laughed at her dear friend's antics, "Oh Lizzy how I've missed you too! Please allow me to introduce my husband Mr. Brown."

Charlotte stepped aside to allow her husband to also enter.

Mr. Brown was a little taller than Charlotte but several years older, and while not handsome, had a kind face.

"I am so glad to finally meet you, sir. Charlotte has written me how happy she is and I am glad to meet the man who has made her so," smiled Elizabeth.

"Thank you," Mr. Brown said in a small meek voice.

Jane joined them for tea and both sisters were happy to reconnect with their old friend and neighbor.

Elizabeth was not quite as happy with her friend's choice of husband. He was not unkind or unintelligent, nor was he well read or lively. He sat quietly through most of tea, talking only when a question was directed at him. How could her friend have chosen someone so bland?

The couple was shone out a little while later and Lizzy and Jane finally had an opportunity to talk undisturbed in the garden.

It was at the same time that Darcy had decided to drop everything and head to Longbourn. Richard was taking care of Georgiana; Bingley was hiding from his sister, so it was a perfect time for him to escape. He would tell Elizabeth his feelings and longed to be correct about her feelings for him.

Upon nearing the house, he heard his beloved's voice coming from the garden. Excitedly he dismounted and rushed toward the hedge.

He knew he should make his presence known, but didn't think listening to her lovely voice for a few moments undisturbed would hurt anything. After all, last time had given him so much hope of her love.

"So tell me," said Jane, "What is your honest opinion of him?"

Darcy tensed. They were speaking of him.

"Honestly? He is dull. A little too soft spoken. Not lively enough. I suppose he does offer security. And a girl could definitely do worse. But do I 'love' him? No," answered Elizabeth.

Darcy felt suddenly sick to his stomach he couldn't listen to any more. He turned and mounted his horse that was waiting close by, to ride back to Netherfield, exiting as quickly as he had come.

He had never had his heart broken so completely. Even when his father died, he knew he would at least laugh again. But this. This was different. He knew he would never again find anyone who filled his heart as Elizabeth did. With a heavy heart, he rode back trying to decide what to do now.

If only he had stayed to listen to the rest of the sisters' conversation.

"But if he makes Charlotte happy then I like him well enough," sighed Lizzy after a long pause.

"I agree," smiled Jane. "After all not everyone can fall madly in love. I think Mr. Brown's quiet disposition suits her."

Elizabeth had gone silent. This was the moment, the moment she was going to say it out loud.

"Jane... I have a confession to make... After all the complaining and fretting I've done over the past few weeks, I find myself to be ... very much in love with Mr. Darcy. It's been coming on so slowly, I can't remember when it began but that is where I am now," exhaled Elizabeth.

She felt as though a large weight has been lifted from her. Jane was still silent so Lizzy raised her eyes to meet her sister's.

Jane stood looking at her sister completely calm. "Oh! I'm sorry. Was I suppose to act more shocked?" asked Jane.

Narrowing her eyes Elizabeth asked, "but how did you know?"

"Because, dear sister, I have eyes and I can see! Mr. Bingley and I talk about it all the time."

Elizabeth was astounded. Was she really that open with her love for a certain man from Derbyshire?

"Do you think he knows?" asked Lizzy.

"Well, he'd be a fool if he didn't," smiled Jane.

"I was so nervous about telling him. What a relief! I should head there now for I have little doubt about his feelings for me," blushed Elizabeth.

"Yes, few do," laughed Jane. "But Lizzy, I insist you wait till tomorrow. It is getting late and it will not be a proper visiting hour when you arrive."

"You are right. Oh Jane I didn't even know one could be this happy! Tomorrow I will tell Mr. Darcy that I love him then become his wife the day after. Jane, I only wish you could be this happy."

"Don't worry dear sister. I think I already am," said Jane giving her sister a small wink.

The two sister walked arm in arm back to the house merrily discussing their future happiness. Unaware of the turmoil brewing at Netherfield.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Darcy paced his room. He had already sent away Georgiana and Richard when both came to see what was wrong, noticing his abrupt arrival back. He had little doubt Bingley would be up shortly too.

He had to figure out what to do. He did love her. He could still marry her. But would that be fair to her? She clearly stated she did not love him.

How could he have been so wrong about her regard for him? He had been so sure...

Well what did it matter now? Darcy sat at his desk and started a note to Elizabeth. If he didn't do it now, he might not have the courage to do it later.

He gave it to the servant with instructions to have it delivered first thing tomorrow morning. Then went to bed early with express instructions not to be disturbed.

As he laid there in bed, Darcy thought of the life he could have had with Elizabeth and how lovely their lives would have been at Pemberley. He shook his head. This kind of thinking would do him no good. He was doing what was best for his Elizabeth. No. Just Elizabeth, never his Elizabeth. With that thought, he closed his eyes hoping his broken heart would finish him off. Just like it had his father.

Elsewhere in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth was also readying for bed early. She couldn't contain her excitement for tomorrow, so thought it was best to try and rest, hoping tomorrow would come sooner. An added bonus was it removed herself from her mother's constant nerves.

With an image of Mr. Darcy's stormy eyes in her mind, Elizabeth fell into an easy restful sleep.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Elizabeth was up and ready by dawn, pacing in the morning room. She wanted to get to Netherfield as early as was proper but having eagerly woken up so early, now she had to wait.

She sat down and anxiously tapped her foot watching the clock and waiting for time to pass when a footman entered with a letter baring her name.

Elizabeth eagerly opened the letter and on seeing whom it was from, broke out into a huge smile. But her happiness was short lived as she read what her heart's desire wrote.

My Dear Elizabeth,

I know not how to begin such a letter. Please know that all I want in this world is your happiness.

It is with a heavy heart that I am breaking off our engagement.

Worry not about your reputation. I will take on all the gossip. It will be something along the lines of your father found I have numerous mistresses and refused to marry his daughter off to such a rogue. So, if you hear such nonsense, just play along.

You will have my end of the buyout by next week. The contract will be broken and you will be able to find true happiness. I hope you do.

Know this Elizabeth, you will always have my heart and I hope one day you find someone worthy of yours.

I am leaving first thing this morning so worry not about ever having to see me again.

May God Bless and Keep You,
Fitzwilliam Darcy

AN: Hello again all! I can't believe I have over 500 reviews! You guys are awesome. Thank you again for your time to review my story. And as always thanks to my beta Tennis girl 1731.

Don't hate me over this ch. I warned you. Plus it's not that angsty. Just Darcy jumping to the wrong conclusion as men will do. Also I hope you're not mad over me marrying Charlotte to a boring guy she wasn't wildly in love with. But I always thought she was a practical woman for her time and would marry for comfort (as most women did back then).

Anyways have a great week and I'll be back about this time next week :)