Wow, I cannot believe it has almost been a month. I wrote and rewrote this chapter many, many times. I hope it is worth the wait. At this point, Marianne and Richard are still absent, Mr. Williams and Dr. Anderson are present, as are the Darcy's and the Gardiner's. Although I see the estate from the 1995 series, I couldn't help but add the pond from the 2005 movie. See it as you will.

Birthdays tend to be rememberable days. This was apparently going to be true for one Kate Westfield. She had just witnessed Mr. Darcy tackle Mr. Williams into the pond. Things had been tense between the two friends since the Darcy's had arrived two weeks before. Mr. Darcy had apparently taken offence to the fact that Mr. Williams and Elizabeth Bennet had struck up a bit of a friendship in his absence.

Upon their arrival in Hertfordshire, the Williams' and Dr. Anderson were quickly accepted within the local families, thanks to their connection with the Bennet's. His daughter's love of the outdoors and people led Mr. Williams to bring her into the village frequently, and exploring the land surrounding Purvis Lodge. So, it was not uncommon for the Williams to run across their acquaintances. More often than not, it was Miss Elizabeth and her good friend Miss Charlotte Lucas.

It happened, that the day the Darcy's arrived, Mr. Williams had crossed paths with the friends outside the milliners. Georgiana was the one to take note of their friends as they drove through on their way to Netherfield. Miss Lucas was bent over, speaking with Miss Amelia, while Mr. Williams and Miss Bennet smiled at the two. Darcy didn't like how close the two stood together. He especially didn't like seeing his friend lean over to speak to his interest, or that whatever he said made her laugh. Darcy had grown broodier when he later got to witness their 'friendly' banter at a dinner hosted by Bingley. Georgiana and Kate, having noticed Darcy's new habit of glaring at Mr. Williams, tried to think of how to rectify the situation. It was clear to them that Mr. Williams was not lavishing his attentions on Elizabeth, but on her friend, Charlotte. Elizabeth was giving the great majority of her attentions to the brooding man. Georgiana and Kate were going between anxious and amused at the scene before them. They debated as to what they should do. Upon conferring with Lydia, it was decided to they should let things play out. After all, it was not often such forms of entertainment arose.

Kate now regrets that decision. The gentlemen had all arrived with very strained smiles. Bingley and Dr. Anderson had, after trying to soothe the atmosphere, managed to drag all the unmarried gentlemen to the edge of the pond for a 'debate'. The older gents seemed to know something was going on, though the older ladies were completely oblivious, fawning over the Mrs. Bennet. The children were all running about. Kate, her sisters, and friends were all keeping an eye on pond.

"Does anyone know what that is all about?" asked Jane.

Kate, Lydia, and Georgiana shared looks. This action did not go unnoticed by Lizzy.

"Alright, explain," she said.

"Fitzwilliam believes that Mr. Williams is trying to form an attachment to Elizabeth," said Georgiana.

"He will not hear otherwise," said Kate.

"Even though it is glaringly obvious that he and his daughter have formed an attachment to Charlotte," said Lydia.

Charlotte looked positively shocked. She looked at the guilty yet amused looks from their friends. She allowed a minute to let this new idea settle. She looked at her truest friend.

"Lizzy?" she asked.

Lizzy simply gifted her friend with a wide smile and a hug. They looked back to the pond in time to see Mr. Darcy lunge at Mr. Williams.

The Gentlemen

"Alright, Darcy, Williams. You both need to work out whatever it is that is going on, because no one here needs you doing this right now. Today is about Kate, and my wedding is in two weeks. There is enough stress going around here without the two of you adding to it," said Bingley with a strained smile. His eyes were hard and he fists were clenched.

Darcy glared at his friend. "Since when did you start calling Miss Westfield by her Christian name?"

"Stop trying to change the subject. And since she is soon to be my sister, she has expressed her desire for me to do so, as have all of Jane's sisters, and I am just upset enough to let it slip in front of company!"

"I don't have a problem with Darcy. He is the one who has developed a problem with me," intervened Mr. Williams.

"I have no problem with you," sniped Darcy.

"Of course not, Darcy, you regularly treat me as though I am something you found on the bottom of your shoe. What could I have possibly done from the time we last saw each other in Town, barely three months ago?"

"You know what you have done!"

"You stubborn, brooding, pain in the arse! How can I know what I have supposedly done if you refuse to tell me?"

"Fine. Since you want to play on ignorance, I will tell you. It's your continued advances towards Elizabeth. Everywhere she goes, you are there. My back is turned and you decide to chase my lady!"

Williams stared at Darcy for only a few seconds before laughter took over. Darcy, growing angry at his rivals apparent amusement, lost his head, and it was at this moment they he hurled himself at his friend. Both gentlemen found themselves wrestling in the lake before they were pulled apart by their other friends, who pulled them from the pond. Williams gathered himself first.

"Blast it all, Darcy! It wasn't Miss Elizabeth I sought to spend time with, it was, and is, Miss Lucas!"

They once more found themselves staring at each other.

"You... are…. umm, in pursuit of Miss Lucas?"

"Yes."

Darcy looked to the ground. "I… am an arse."

Upon that declaration, Bingley, the doctor, and Williams laughed. Never had their friend been so out of control. Darcy had always prided himself on having a high level of self-control. Darcy wasn't long in joining them. A voiced brought their attention to the fact that they had an audience.

"Well, hasn't this been exciting," chuckled Mr. Bennet.

The ladies, the fathers and older gents, and the children had all gathered round. For the most part, everyone seemed amused. Darcy could help but take note that Elizabeth was not among them. She glared at him before turning and making her way towards the house. Darcy acted quickly.

"Mr. Bennet…"

"I suggest you make haste, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is quick, and Mrs. Bennet will not be pleased if you drip on her floors."

Seeing he was dismissed, Darcy took Mr. Bennet's advice and ran after Elizabeth.

"Papa, why are you all wet?" asked Amelia.

"Oh, ah, Mr. Darcy and I tripped into the pond, dearest. Nothing to worry about. Miss Westfield, I am sorry such an unfortunate event has taken place at your birthday celebration, and that I have apparently been an instigator."

"I take no offense, Mr. Williams," said Kate, pure glee shinning from her eyes.

"If you will all excuse me, I believe I should take my leave. Amelia, darling, come on."

"But Papa, it's not time to leave yet! Can't I stay? Miss Lucas can take me home, can't you, Miss Lucas?"

Charlotte had been watching Mr. Williams during the course of events and was thanking heaven that she turned her attention to the little girl before he noticed. She wasn't quite sure how to answer that, not that she had to. Mr. Williams cut in before she could make a reply.

"Amelia, that was rude and a show of bad manners. Apologize to Miss Lucas."

"I am sorry, Miss Lucas."

"It's quite alright, Miss Amelia, and I do not believe it would be out of the question to take you home," she said looking to Sir Lucas, who nodded his consent, "as long as your father is ok with it?"

All eyes were on Mr. Williams. He cleared his throat. "I am alright with her accompanying you and your family."

Amelia squealed in delight and took off to play, once more, with the other children.

"I see that I shall not be missed. Thank you, Sir Lucas, Miss Lucas, for offering to take her home. She has not had many chances to play with other children, and she seems to have grown quite fond Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's."

"It is no problem. She is an absolute delight," said Sir Lucas.

"Well, good day then. Happy Birthday, once more, Miss Westfield."

Meanwhile

"Miss Elizabeth! Miss Elizabeth, please wait."

"Mr. Darcy, I believe it is best that you take your leave," said Elizabeth, coming to a stop. She was utterly fuming.

"Miss Elizabeth, I know that I deserve your anger, but I beg of you, please, let me explain."

"Explain what exactly? Explain why you decided you could no longer trust your friend? Explain how you could believe my heart could be so easily swayed? Or are you going to explain why you thought my sister's birthday celebration would be a good place to resolve any of this?"

"It was Bingley's fault. He wouldn't leave us alone about it."

Elizabeth shook her head at him and turned to continue to the house.

"No, Elizabeth please! I love you…. most ardently."

Elizabeth stopped and looked at him in shock. Seeing that he once more had her attention, he continued.

"At Pemberly, you were everywhere, and yet, nowhere. When I walked my gardens, I thought of how you would enjoy the paths through it and the woodlands nearby. In my library, I wondered which books you had yet to read. I listened to Georgiana play, expecting to hear your clear voice accompany her. I tried to keep myself busy, and thoughts of you continued to pour into my mind. Mrs. Reynolds didn't know what to do with me. When she'd ask me anything to do with the household, I could only think about if you would be pleased with any decision I would make, or if you would do it differently. You invaded my every thought, and it pleased me. For the first time, in a very long time, I realized I was no longer driven by duty alone. I had to make myself stay. We were not there a week before I desired to make for Netherfield, so that I could be near you."

Elizabeth was almost sure her legs would give out. She didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. Darcy walked towards her until he was standing right before her.

"I can bear this no longer. Dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth, I beg you to end my agony. If you do not desire my affections, pray, tell me now."

"Your affections are not undesired, sir," she said softly.

"Elizabeth, you own me body and soul, and I will expect no less in retuned. Marry me, so the world might know that you are mine."

Tears were streaming down Elizabeth's face. She took a breath to calm herself, and she smiled at Darcy.

"Yes, but only so the world will know you are mine, as well."

Darcy smiled wide and embraced her, not caring if anyone came across them. His Elizabeth had said yes!

"I must go," he said and he wiped away her tears. "I must make myself presentable. I will be back, straight away, to ask your father for your hand. And just so you know, I intend to make you mine before a month is gone."

"Then it shall be so, sir."

Darcy smiled, laid a kiss on her forehead, and headed for the stable for his horse. Elizabeth, beaming, headed back towards the party.

"How romantic!" gushed Lydia.

"Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy. I could scarcely believe that anyone could be happier than I was when Charles proposed, but you are positively glowing."

"It just seems so hard to believe. I was so angry with him, but the moment he told me he loved me, it all just melted away."

"Better not tell Fitzwilliam that, he might try to use that every time you grow cross with him," said Georgiana, who had managed to secure an invite to stay with the Bennet's, to help with the weddings of course. The sisters all laughed with her.

"Fitzwilliam," said Lizzy, scrunching her nose. "I am not sure I will like calling him that, but I do not want to call him Mr. Darcy all the time."

"How about Will?" asked Lydia.

"No, Will hardly suits him. He is far too serious," said Mary.

"I know!" exclaimed Kate. "William. He looks like a William."

"William," tried Lizzy. "I do like that, but what about Mr. Williams? Do you think that might be a bit confusing?"

"No, because you call him Mr. Williams, not Williams, and out in society, you will still be calling your William Mr. Darcy."

"William. I shall try it tomorrow and tell you all how it works out." The ladies giggled.

"Are you sure you do not want Charles and I to postpone our trip? I do not want to miss your wedding."

"No, Jane. You and Bingley deserve your trip."

"Oh! I just had a thought!" exclaimed Kate. "A double wedding!"

"But the banns must be read for at least three weeks," said Lizzy.

"Not if you have a special license. And no one could make it a scandal. Our family has so much going on, with the wedding and the baby. No one would blink at it. You want your eldest sister there, and you do not want to wait until after the baby, and there is not much time before she must enter her confinement."

"Kate! I do believe that would work! Oh, Lizzy, it's like we always wanted!"

"Everything is going to be simply perfect!" cried Lizzy.

"Does this mean you will take your wedding trip now instead of after the baby?" asked Georgiana.

"No, I want to continue with our plans."

"What are your plans?" asked Mary.

"Nothing elaborate. He wants to take me to see Pemberly, and I admit, I desire to see the estate. Mr. Dar.. William, wants to take me to the continent, or at least the coast, after Mama delivers, but I really have no real desire for it. I hope to talk him out of it."

"Most women would be ecstatic about it, but then, you are not most women. I believe that is one of your characteristics that drew him to you," said Georgiana.

"Are you truly not upset with being left behind?"

"Do you really need to ask? I will be here with Kate, Lydia, and Mary. I am positively delighted about it!"

"That's what I thought, but I wanted to be sure."

"Ladies, I believe it is past time for you to retire."

"Yes, Aunt Gardiner."

So, that happened. My characters rebelled once more. I had wanted Darcy to wait a little, but he disagreed. I thought it was a little funny that it ended up being a kind of mix of the two proposals from the 2005 movie. Everyone loves a wet Darcy. Don't lie. I had also wanted them to have separate weddings, but, yeah. Next should be the wedding. I really hope this wasn't a disappointment. I think this one may be winding down soon. I am already working on a sequel that focuses on Georgiana and Lydia. It will start during their first season, since Georgiana is going to wait for Lydia, so they can enter Society together. It looks like I may also have a short story focused solely on Mary that will fit in between the two. By short, I mean like four or five chapters.