So this isn't the greatest thing on the universe ever, but it seemed like an extremely condensed background version of P&P to me.
It kind of is...I mean, it's sorta...it's...ah, shut up.
All respective characters belong to Jane Austen, who wrote the fabulous Pride and Prejudice novel. I'm not yet sure if I'm going to introduce any OC's.
All reviews at all times are always welcome. I thrive on your praise and criticism, so be sure to leave your feedback! :)
Elizabeth Bennet's utter contempt of Mr. Darcy was no secret, and on no occasion did anyone attempt to make it so. The story was one often retold, the telling of which seemed to increase in frequency when the announcement of their engagement began to circulate.
The wedding planning of Elizabeth's sister, Jane, to Darcy's closest acquaintance, one Mr. Charles Bingley, was already fast underway when Mrs. Bennet was told of the second eldest Miss. Bennet's engagement.
Mrs. Bennet was in a frenzy; youngest daughter married, eldest two engaged, she couldn't image such good luck! Though she didn't have such tender feelings toward Mr. Darcy as she did Mr. Bingley, the prospects of Mr. Darcy's wealth were enough for her to overlook the harsh feelings and welcome him as her son-in-law.
Miss. Elizabeth Bennet was not so easily persuaded by money as her mother, and no amount of money Mr. Darcy could lay before her would change her ill regard of him.
This very fact was not lost on her mother, who urged her daughter not to be so foolish to throw another man to the wind. "Headstrong, foolish girl" was repeated several times over the course of the conversation Darcy overheard – or, rather, eavesdropped on. He couldn't help but to inquire to hear the course of such a conversation.
When the conversation concluded, and Mrs. and Miss. Bennet exited the drawing room, Darcy tried as much possible to look as if he hadn't been listening at the door, though the stare he received from the latter woman revealed he was very much caught.
"Mr. Darcy, if I may request a private audience with you," said Elizabeth in icy resentment, not looking at whom she was speaking.
"Of course Miss. Bennet."
The Mrs. Bennet left the room with an air of decided excitement, leaving Darcy watching his companion with a profound interest, and Elizabeth determined to look anywhere except at Darcy.
Taking the incentive, Darcy said, "I trust you have heard of our arraignment."
"Indeed."
"So, is it set? Do you consent to matrimony?"
After a moment's hesitance, Elizabeth's air turned dark, and gravely she stated, "I suppose. I have caused Mama enough stress and have been the sole infliction of pain on her nerves, and find myself obligated. Under normal circumstances, I would not be so easily persuaded, but I fear what the family would endure if I declined. But let it be known, Mr. Darcy, that this will be a marriage in name only, for I will never emotionally nor physically be your wife."
Though the sentiments expressed were ones of which he was already well aware, their being spoken aloud in such a manner so devoid of any civility stung like a slap to the face. Something similar to anger sneaked itself into his voice as he replied, "As you wish, Miss. Bennet."
And so it was. After a rather short engagement, the two were married merely months after Jane and Bingley, and soon returned to Darcy's estate of Pemberley.
While Pemberley was grand in its appearance and nothing short of the praise it received, to Elizabeth, its best aspect was simply the sheer number of rooms in which she may be away from Mr. Darcy.
It seemed clear to him after a time of five months that his attempts to find his way into her good graces were going in vain; his civility met with icy retorts, kind words met with cold contempt. He let his attempts gradually reduce in frequency until they altogether stopped.
Very simply, he could't be bothered to keep up a kindness when its recipient was so unwilling to receive it.