HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! I know I said I would post another chapter on Friday or Saturday, so this one is only 900 words or so, so think of it as a Valentines day gift. The next chapter will be longer, promise!
And thank you all for reviewing! You guys are amazing
Enjoy!
As she spoke, her voice trembled with grief, and anger. She recounted the whole story to her father, sparring no details. Mr. Bennet was furious by the end.
"That sniveling little toad!" He roared. "And to think he is to inherit the estate when I pass! The nerve of that man!" Elizabeth touched his forearm to calm him. He patted his daughter's hand affectionately.
"Papa, what did Mr. Collins say?" She asked. "To the town, to you" She clarified.
"Lizzy, dearest, I am sorry. I was unaware that Mr. Collins and yourself had even left the parlor. After an hour, Mr. Collins came running into this very room," Mr. Bennet started. "He was red faced and gasping for his breathe. He proceeded to tell me that he had been walking about the gardens with you, when you had been taken from him by a man on a horse. He brought the magistrate and Sir Lucas from town, as he had run through there, spreading the tale of your kidnap. I apologize Lizzy; I was worried about you and your reputation. I gave my consent without proper thought." Mr. Bennet told her.
"The whole town thinks I was kidnapped" Lizzy whispered. "And now with the sudden marriage to Mr. Darcy, they will whisper awful things about you, sir," She addressed the stoic looking man. Mr. Darcy sighed.
"Miss Bennet, I do not care about idle gossip. Your father, yourself, and I alone know the truth." Lizzy felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She nodded in his direction, lest she start crying while trying to speak. "I shall ride to London on the morrow, to speak with my steward, and procure the proper licenses. We can be married within a fortnight if that is agreeable,"
Again, Miss Elizabeth nodded. Darcy noted her watery eyes, and trembling hands.
"Mr. Bennet, if that is all, I will take my leave. I must return to Netherfield to arrange my trip,"
"Of course. Lizzy, tell Hill to ready his horse, please" Lizzy bowed and left the room; obviously her father had more business with Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Bennet again turned to face the younger man.
"I do not believe I can even begin to thank you Mr. Darcy. You have saved my favorite daughter from a horrible situation."
"I assure you Mr. Bennet, your thanks are not needed." Mr. Darcy replied.
"I am curious to as of why you have taken this upon yourself however. Barely two months ago, you had stated that Lizzy was barely tolerable" At this remark, Darcy felt himself flush in embarrassment, and shame.
"I did not know that my comments were overheard. I presume Miss Elizabeth heard them?" At Mr. Bennet's nod, he blushed darker. "I must admit to being in a rather foul mood that evening, I had received a most distressing letter from home. I had not even glanced at Miss Elizabeth before speaking. Miss Elizabeth is honestly one of the most beautiful women in my acquaintance."
"I am glad to hear it, sir" Mr. Bennet smirked. The older gentleman was clearly hiding something from him. "I will not hold you any longer. Lizzy shall be back in a moment, she will escort you outside"
True to his word, Lizzy arrived a second later.
"Good day Mr. Darcy"
"Good day Mr. Bennet"
Lizzy watched him silently as they walked outside. He looked tired. He was still disshelved from the storm, and he looked quite pale.
"Are you feeling well Mr. Darcy?" She asked, breaking the silence. He looked down upon her, and smiled faintly.
"I am but a tad chilled Miss Bennet, thank you" He replied. "Miss. Bennet, I wish to clarify a matter with you" He told her. As he said this, Lizzy began to think the worst.
"Alright" She murmured.
"I wish to apologize for my abhorrent behavior at the Meryton Assembly. I had not even looked upon you when I made such a hideous remark. I was merely trying to dissuade Mr. Bingley from encouraging me to dance. I was in a foul mood, and I regret hurting you in that manner. On the contrary Miss Bennet, you are one of the most handsome women I have met" He told her slowly, looking at her face for her reaction. She flushed, causing him to smile faintly. Perhaps she had feelings for him as well?
"Apology accepted Mr. Darcy," She all but whispered. She was overcome with a swell of emotion for this man, the one who had insulted her very being a few weeks back, her savior and her current fiancé. He brought her hand to his lips.
"Until we meet again Miss Bennet" He said, pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. He mounted his horse, and rode off into the sunset.
Lizzy stood upon the lawn for a few seconds longer. She was conflicted, were her emotions for Mr. Darcy purely based on him being her savior, or did she truly feel for the man? She supposed it matter naught, she would have to marry him now, love or no.