A/N: Hey y'all! What's up? I'm currently enjoying med and eagerly anticipating the end of this story, as I'm sure you all are. There's not much to go, just two or three more chapters. I might start a new one if everyone wants it but I thought I'd try some original fiction. Never mind, here's the new update!

Disclaimer: Me, own P&P, I wish.

Elizabeth flushed dangerously and turned her crimson features away from her amused father. Darcy too, had the grace to blush in the current circumstance and reluctantly let go of his precious burden and straightened only to incline his head with a polite nod towards who was surely to be his future father-in-law.

"Mr. Bennet."

Said gentleman inclined his head in return and chuckled dryly. "Mr. Darcy."

An awkward silence followed. Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy felt inclined to vocalize their thoughts while Mr. Bennet was simply taking the moment to enjoy the novelty of having such a powerful gentleman cornered in a less than favorable position.

After several moments, Mr. Bennet raised his hand and gestured for his daughter to join him by his side. Elizabeth shot a fleeting glance at Darcy and reluctantly began to comply.

Darcy's eyes flashed with worry. After having fought so hard to attain Elizabeth's hand and consent, he was albeit a little reluctant to have her taken away from him by a protective father. Almost without thought, Darcy's hand shot out and grabbed Elizabeth's, pulling her protectively to his side, casting an anxious glance towards the other gentleman.

Mr. Bennet could barely contain his laughter at this protective gesture. Observing Elizabeth's expression, he could discern an inner struggle to obey her father and comfort her wayward fiancé. Shaking his head, Mr. Bennet waved at them absently in dismissal.

"Mr. Darcy. Perhaps you could release my daughter so that we could have a long overdue conversation. After all, you have most grievously compromised my favorite daughter and a situation such as this calls for permission of some sort, am I not correct Mr. Darcy? As a gentleman, I would assume you are familiar with the custom." Mr. Bennet paused then added as an after-thought. "Unlike that Wickham fellow."

Darcy flushed at the insinuation but conceded himself to a little teasing from his future father-in-law. Reluctantly, he turned to face a stunned Elizabeth and stared. Never taking his eyes from her countenance, he placed a lingering kiss on her palm before grudgingly releasing her hand and nodded for her to walk away.

Mr. Bennet rolled his head heavenwards. The dramatics of youth. Waving his hand towards his daughter, he sent her off back towards the house and almost sighed with exasperation when she exhibited similar signs of reluctance. It seemed that love had destroyed the mind of his most reasonable child.

Once Elizabeth was safely out of sight, both men turned to face the other, one with trepidation the other with ill concealed glee.

"Mr. Darcy, I believe you have something of importance to say."

Darcy ran a nervous hand through his ruffled locks. Taking the deep breath and clearing his throat, Darcy attempted to swallow his nerves. "Mr. Bennet…I would like to request your daughter's hand in marriage."

Mr. Bennet felt a rush of sardonic amusement.

"After you compromise my favorite, you have the audacity to ask for the hand of another one of my daughters. Mr. Darcy, you ask too much."

Darcy almost choked at this speech, but before he could clarify his words, Mr. Bennet plowed on.

"Well, I'm eager to be rid of them as it is so I give you my consent. Which will it be then, sir? Kitty is all shrill laughter and frivolity, I'm quite sure she would spend all your fortune on ribbons and bonnets. Or is it to be Mary, she will make a martyr of you yet, no one knows Fordyce's sermons quite like my Mary."

Darcy was stunned speechless. At least for one moment, when Mr. Bennet made to move away, Darcy found his voice with great ease.

"Sir, you are mistaken. I meant you daughter, Miss Elizabeth."

With a pretense of sudden comprehension, Mr. Bennet nodded thoughtfully. "Oh yes, of course. You sir, must be more specific. Elizabeth is not only a daughter but my favorite." The amused smirk immediately dropped from Mr. Bennet's face. "And you would do well to remember that sir. A woman like Elizabeth is not to be mistreated. She is a rare gem, one in a million. You appreciate that, do you not?"

Darcy nodded. "Yes. Yes…I do."

Mr. Bennet eyed his future son-in-law with approval. "Good."

Elizabeth was wringing her hands. Elizabeth never wrung her hands. Never. Period. The nervous action reminded her far too much of her mother's behavior, but in such a situation, what is one to do but relieve the stress by wringing your hands.

Near her, Mrs. Bennet was quietly napping, Jane was studiously embroidering a handkerchief for her newly acquired fiancé, Mary was perusing another volume of endless sermons and Kitty was sighing disinterestedly against the windowpane, praying, just praying that something of interest would drop from the sky.

She never did get her wish as nothing fell from the sky but the day's entertainment was strolling determinedly by her father's side into her range of vision and without a thought for her sisters' welfare, let out a startling scream and leapt from her seat.

Mrs. Bennet fell from the chaise, Jane pricked her finger, Mary tore the page she was turning and Lizzy squeezed her hands so tightly that she nearly broke a finger. All four ladies looked towards Kitty, one with increasing anxiety, one with serenity and the other two with bemusement.

"Look! Mama! Look, that tall, proud fellow has come to call!"

Mrs. Bennet cast Kitty a scathing look, somewhat irritated to be woken so abruptly from her dreams of wealthy, titled husbands for all her daughters and finally marrying off her most difficult daughter, Elizabeth, could not help but snap at the girl. "What nonsense, who would call at this time."

Kitty pouted petulantly. "Mr. Bingley's friend. Oh, what's his name? The one from Derbyshire."

Mrs. Bennet leapt to her feet. "That man. Oh, he has some nerve, coming to call on us. He certainly has done us no favors. I am determined not to like him, proud man, slight one of my daughters…"

Jane rushed to her mother's side and gently calmed her nerves by mentioning his connections to the very amiable Mr. Bingley (charming man!) and keeping a worried eye on the ever-paler Elizabeth.

Hill knocked politely and opened the door of the parlor. "Master Bennet and Mr. Darcy."

The two gentlemen entered and both immediately sought the gaze of a pair of very fine eyes.

Elizabeth's eyes shot upwards and quickly found Darcy's happy gaze fixed upon her features. She was immediately reassured but quickly sought the eyes of her father for confirmation. When he nodded somewhat reluctantly, a radiant smile spread across her countenance.

She could not help but beam. She smiled for her fiancé, she smiled because she could, she smiled because finally she had all that she could desire and it all came in the convenient package of one very handsome man. Once more meeting the eyes of her beloved, she silently sought permission. When a nod met her request, she stood abruptly and turned to face her mother and sisters.

The other four ladies turned towards her with a somewhat startled expressions.

Elizabeth took no heed. "I am engaged!"

Silence.

More silence.

A strangled question emitted from Mrs. Bennet. "To whom?"

Elizabeth's smile broadened and went to stand by her fiancé's side. "Mr. Darcy."

Silence.

More silence.

Thud.

Elizabeth watched with ill concealed amusement as her mother slid unconscious to the floor and shared a mildly exasperated look with her father before joining her sisters by Mrs. Bennet's side.

Jane held the smelling salts close to her mother and waited for the lady to come to.

Mrs. Bennet slowly opened heavy eyelids and surveyed her surroundings. She was gently helped to her feet and steadied by her husband. Barely a moment later, a shrill scream filled the parlor.

"My Lizzy! Engaged! To such a rich man! Ten thousand a year, I'm sure I will go distracted! Oh, my child, I knew you refused that odious Mr. Collins for a reason! All this time, you knew you could be the mistress of such a grand estate as Pemberley. Cunning girl! Why did you never tell me of your plans? I could have been of great help…"

Elizabeth's eyes widened and she blushed to her roots. Quickly, she cast a glance surreptitiously at Darcy.

Darcy, while alarmed at the words spurting forth from the lady's mouth, knew that Elizabeth's intentions were always pure. He sent her a reassuring look and took her hand gently. "Let us take a stroll in the garden shall we?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, lets."

Elizabeth sat on Jane's bed, her chin propped on her knees.

"Lizzy, are you quite sure you want to do this. I thought you had always despised the man."

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, no, I love him. I have for a very long time."

Jane shook her head in disbelief as she ran her hands through her blonde curls. "Did you really refuse his proposal thrice?"

Elizabeth could not help the giggle that escaped her lips. "Yes. Thrice. He is a very determined gentleman."

Jane could only nod. "I want to know all about every single proposal."

Lizzy raised a curious eyebrow. "All three?"

The elder sister nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, and do not forget the successful one."

Slowly, Elizabeth relayed the entire tale to her sister, pausing on the painful moments as well as the sweet memories. Jane relived every stunning moment with her sister. She sobbed gently about Kent, rejoiced quietly in Pemberley and laughed gently on Oakham mount.

"You should write a novel, Lizzy. The tale is simply beautiful."

Elizabeth pondered the suggestion with care. "You know. I think that is quite a wonderful idea. I would not consider myself a novelist, but such a story needs to be recorded."

Jane's eyes lit up. "Will you include me?"

"Oh Janey, how could I not record your epic struggle to win the affections of Mr. Bingley!"

Jane laughed. "Epic? How very…romantic."

A pair of dark eyes watched the young lady from the shadowed foliage. He admired the way the sun bounced from her curls and how her eyes sparkled with intelligence. He had never known a more beautiful sight, or felt more intensely towards a woman. To him, she was perfection defined and for him, the rest of his life held the sole purpose of protecting, cherishing and worshiping her.

In that moment, Elizabeth turned towards the observer. "William, show yourself."

William Darcy stepped from the shadows with a sheepish look in his eyes. "I am quite sorry, my love. I afraid I am still accustoming myself to the notion that you are finally mine."

The young lady chuckled affectionately. "Silly William."

Darcy smiled. "Entirely your doing."

Elizabeth looked jokingly scandalized for a moment before deciding to see it as a positive thing rather than an insult. She could hardly believe that they had been engaged for two months. Every moment seemed rather ethereal. She was rejoicing in her soon to be husband's every detail and her family seemed to be warming to him, especially her parents, though for two very different reasons.

Mr. Bennet was relieved to finally have some intelligent conversation with another gentleman.

Mrs. Bennet was fawning over her very rich soon to be son-in-law. Every little gift he showered on Elizabeth seemed to be a blessing from the angels to her. The stunning emeralds, rubies and sapphires, all breathtaking and in Darcy's opinion incomparable to his Elizabeth.

Darcy's footsteps roused Elizabeth from her musings. Slowly, he approached her, his arms reaching out and gently bringing her into his embrace. Lovingly, he breathed in her intoxicating scent and pressed light kisses to her curls, her forehead, her nose, her cheeks and finally her warm lips.

"Mrs. Darcy. I rather like the sound of that title for you my love."

"As do I."

Darcy sighed once more. "I have a gift for you."

Elizabeth moaned. "More? Mama spent three hours fawning over you last gift…I don't think I could take anymore."

Darcy feigned boredom as he retrieved a velvet box from his pocket. "Then I suppose you will have no use for an engagement ring."

Elizabeth gasped and stilled his retreating hand. With conviction, she turned in his arms and met his eyes. "Show me."

Darcy shook his head. "Bossy."

Slowly, he eased open the dark box to reveal a beautiful band of gold, a large, clear diamond sitting atop it like a sparkling beacon. Elizabeth gasped gently and touched it slowly. Seeing her hesitance, Darcy took the ring from the box and tenderly slid it onto her ring finger.

"It is the Darcy family ring. All of the women in the Darcy family wear it. Do you like it?"

"Yes William, nothing would please me more than to wear it. I'd be honored."

Darcy sighed and stroked the soft curls that had escaped the tight knot at the nape of her neck and they both peacefully savored the moment.

Though reluctant to interrupt the silence, Darcy could not help but utter the next few words.

"Two days."

Elizabeth nodded. "I find it rather difficult to believe that we are to be married so soon."

Darcy gasped dramatically. "Not having second thoughts I hope. For I'll have you know, I won't give up until you become my wife."

"Even if you must scale my windowsill, abduct me and whisk me off to Gretna Green?" She asked pertly.

"Oh most definitely. In fact, why wait? Let us abscond off to Scotland this moment."

Elizabeth laughed with genuine amusement. "So eager dear sir. Whatever will my father say; he would hardly want such a son as you. And what will my mother say? She has gone to such trouble to organize the most lavish wedding breakfast and you are to deny her the pleasure of lording it over Mrs. Lucas and Mrs. Long by kidnapping her daughter. I hardly think she will ever forgive you."

Darcy grimaced. "My dear, do not tempt me, for I am not above such measures."

Elizabeth grinned indulgently. "Just two more days William, and I will be all yours forever."

"I like the sound of that."

Elizabeth replied by burrowing herself further into his embrace.

"LIZZY!"

"LIZZY!"

"Lizzy…"

"LIZZY!"

"Oh…lord…oh lord. Mr. Darcy is not going to like this…"

Jane's pale blue eyes glistened with anxiety and to be honest, her mother's frantic wailings were not calming her nerves. It was their wedding day and Elizabeth had disappeared. She had not been seen since the night before and the entire house was in an uproar, even Mr. Bennet seemed somewhat distressed.

By this time, Mrs. Bennet had managed to gather her wits and notice Jane still dressed in her nightgown.

"Jane! Quick, go! If your sister will be so irresponsible as to disappear on her wedding day, I certainly will not forfeit your wedding as well. Go!" Turning from her, Mrs. Bennet turned towards the open front door. "Oh…that girl! She will be the death of me, she will."

Mr. Bennet went to stand by his wife and for the first time in years, he placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder and muttered some soothing words.

"Worry not my dear. I'm quite sure she will be found."

Moments later, still with no sign of the young bride, Mrs. Bennet was having an attack of the nerves, truly, and Mr. Bennet was beginning to feel the strain himself. With the return of the servants sent to search Elizabeth's favorite haunts with no Elizabeth, his confidence in her return was waning.

A crash suddenly echoed through the house. Both Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet rose and rushed to the back door to see what had caused the commotion and there, framed in the morning light was the lost bride.

Pure relief flooded through her parents. They moved to embrace her but stopped short when the glare of the sunlight suddenly waned and revealed Elizabeth.

Mr. Bennet's eyes darkened with anger at the sight of her. "Elizabeth, what on earth happened to you?"

Elizabeth stared at the floor, her expression vacant.

Mrs. Bennet stood behind her husband unable to see a thing, when finally she caught sight of her second eldest daughter; she nearly fainted at the sight.

There was Lizzy, out of breath and her face streaked with tears. Her dress was torn, her petticoats muddied, her hair loose and wild, yet the most shocking thing was the large bruise forming on her upper arm. A handprint. A very clear handprint, branded upon her flawless skin, visible just beneath the sleeve of her dress. On her other arm, red streaks marred her skin, bleeding slightly.

Immediately aware of the consequences of Lizzy's appearance, he ushered her from the room before the servants could see and sat her in the secluded parlor, before he could close the door however, Jane ran into the room and stopped at the sight of her sister.

Jane began to weep for fear of what had occurred. "Oh Elizabeth, please no…tell me…no…please no…"

Elizabeth barely heard a word. After all that had occurred that morning, she could no longer bare to think. As her world darkened, Elizabeth struggled but to no avail, slowly, she slumped to the floor and knew no more.

Jane screamed and clasped a hand over her mouth. Suddenly the room seemed smaller, the day darker, the air scarce. Sobbing fitfully, Jane kneeled at her fallen sister's side and shook Elizabeth.

"Oh no…no…please Lizzy…no…"

For the first time in years, Mrs. Bennet stayed calm. No tears, no hysterics and no screams. With a little effort, she lifted Elizabeth so that she rested on the chaise and placed Jane in a seat near her unconscious sister. Slowly she turned towards Mr. Bennet and met his shocked and overwhelmed gaze.

"Mr. Bennet, you need to…"

Hearing his name, the gentleman immediately snapped from his stupor and nodded silently to his wife.

"Say no more my dear."

The two bridegrooms were just preparing to set off when urgent hoof beats were heard thundering into the driveway. Curious as to the arrival of anyone with such haste and timing, Bingley and Darcy walked to the large doorway.

Mr. Bennet jumped off his steed and walked up the steps of Netherfield Park. Earlier that very morning, he had anticipated a much happier arrival at this very house for the wedding breakfast. But now, bleak faced and weary, he strode to meet the two young men who were justifiably shocked at his arrival.

Striding purposefully into the foyer of Netherfield Park, he stopped abruptly before the two men.

Grimly, he met Bingley's eyes then Darcy's.

"I am sorry Gentlemen, but there will be no wedding today. Unfortunate circumstances will forbid its occurrence."

Both men paled visibly. Bingley was the first to venture the dreaded question.

"Why?"

Mr. Bennet eyed both men carefully. "Elizabeth was…hurt and is unconscious. Jane is…very upset. She will not listen to reason and refuses to speak to anyone but Elizabeth."

Darcy's fists clenched. "Please, sir. What has occurred?"

Mr. Bennet could barely speak of it. He shook his head and attempted to swallow the lump in his throat.

"She…she is unconscious. Bruised and scratched. I know not…I can not…" Mr. Bennet rubbed a hand over his weary eyes. "I know little else. I came immediately to tell you of the change in plans. Please excuse me, I must go inform the other guests."

Then, without any farewell, Mr. Bennet turned and left hastily, unable to say or think anything more about his daughter's condition.

Bingley watched his friend carefully, fearful of saying anything or even moving. He knew Darcy was a man not to be trifled with especially in the state he was in. However, a small commotion interrupted the enforced silence.

Georgiana descended the steps with an irate Caroline Bingley attached to her arm and immediately noticed the expression upon her brother's face.

"William! Whatever is the matter? Has something bad occurred?"

Darcy turned to look at his sister. "Miss Elizabeth…she…come, we must go to Longbourn, we must go see her."

Within moments, the four people were ushered into the awaiting coach and sped off onto the country road. The unknown awaiting them at Longbourn was a phantom pain, which would haunt Darcy for the next few days.

A/N: Am I evil or am I evil? How do you like that? I'll update as soon as I can, but I'm not promising anything. However, I will be a better updater if you reviews…get the point? Besides, you all want to find out what happen next right? You know what to do, hit that little button on the left and… REVIEW!!!!

Love C.