"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Chapter 21
Darcy slowly made his way down the sloping path towards the stream. He thought that he heard a faint humming but could not locate where the sound was coming from as he navigated his way through the brush. Just as he emerged, a small gasp sounded and he squinted through the sunlight to ascertain who had usurped his favorite hideaway.
He released a gasp of his own once his eyes adjusted and he made out the form of Elizabeth. She was radiant as she stood in the water with a look of surprise upon her face.
"Elizabeth" he whispered.
Slowly, a smile crept across her face.
"You have found me again, sir. I am unable to escape you regardless of where I run."
He quickly approached her and took her into his arms. They both sighed at the contact. Darcy could feel the lazy current of the stream flowing over his boots.
"No, Elizabeth, it is I who cannot run away from you." Darcy said as he lowered his head to kiss her lips.
Darcy had longed for this moment, to finally act upon all that he was feeling in his heart. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
Darcy woke up with a start and quickly looked around the room to ascertain his surroundings. It was with a frustrated sigh that he realized what he had just experienced was only a vivid dream. He groaned as he fell back onto the bed and stared at the tapestry hanging above him.
"I cannot continue in this fashion." He whispered to himself.
He decided that today would be the day that he ended his agony. With a new vigor, he rang for his man to dress and seal his future. A future with Elizabeth at his side. With that happy thought, he secured the box containing his mother's ring in his pocket and descended the stairs with determination.
It was still quite early so Darcy was taken aback when his aunt called to him from the sitting room as he passed by it in the hall.
"Darcy, we must speak." Lady Catherine commanded and then turned to re-enter the room.
Darcy's surprise was evident upon his face; however, he bowed and followed her into the room. Once he saw that his aunt was seated comfortable, he stood opposite of her waiting.
"Do sit down, Darcy. My neck will not thank me for staring up at you during our discourse."
"I am quite eager to ride this morning, aunt. Could we not speak once I return?"
Lady Catherine slightly narrowed her eyes before responding.
"Yes, I am well aware of how much you enjoy your rides about my grounds. However, I must insist that you attend me. I have a most important matter that cannot be delayed."
Suspicious yet intrigued, Darcy nodded his head and then sat down to face his aunt.
Lady Catherine's normally stern countenance softened before she began to speak again.
"Darcy…you must know that you and Georgiana are quite dear to me. Nearly as dear to me as Anne."
Darcy was puzzled by this unusual show of affection but nodded and said, "Thank you, aunt."
She smiled slightly before continuing.
"It is because I care so much for you that I feel I must speak up regarding your choice in marriage partner."
Darcy now believed he understood where this conversation was headed.
"Aunt Catherine, I have told you many times that I care for Anne only as a cousin ought. I have no intention of offering for her hand; although, I hold her in the highest respect."
Lady Catherine's face pinched but she did her utmost to relax once again.
"Yes, you have spoken your feelings regarding the match that was the dearest wish of my late sister and I. However, I am not speaking of my Anne at this time. I am referring to your attachment to Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Darcy was now on immediate alert.
"Did you think that your affection for the girl would go unnoticed? Truly, I have not seen a young man so besotted in quite some time. I would not be surprised if you are on the verge of offering for her."
Darcy remained quiet which was confirmation enough for Lady Catherine.
"I see. Well, I can only hope that I am not too late. Have you already made an offer for her hand?" She questioned.
"No, I have not. However, I do not believe that my choice in marriage partner is any concern of yours, aunt." Darcy said forcefully.
Lady Catherine sat up straighter, "No concern of mine? That my own nephew would fall prey to a fortune hunter…while a guest at my estate no less! This is not to be borne. You are too intelligent to fall for such scheming."
"Miss Bennet has shown herself to be a friend to both Georgiana and myself. I have seen no evidence to conclude that she is a fortune hunter."
Lady Catherine took a moment to control her anger before replying. She knew that she must tread carefully to win her point.
"Darcy, I grant you that Miss Bennet is a lovely girl. I have quite enjoyed her lively presence during her visit. Lord knows that she had enough sense in her head to refuse Collins' offer…"
At Darcy's sharp intake of breath, Lady Catherine stopped to see the look of surprise upon his face.
"Oh! I see you were unaware that my parson made Miss Bennet an offer of marriage. Well, I assure you that he sought her hand fervently and was soundly rejected."
Darcy could not control his feelings of indignation, "He is completely ridiculous, aunt!"
"Yes, of course he is! However, you must ask yourself, why? Why would a young woman reject an offer from a respectable parson who is to inherit their family estate?"
Darcy did not respond so Lady Catherine continued in a softer voice.
"Perhaps she knew that greener pastures were ahead? Perhaps she felt that should she wait until her season in Town where her new, wealthy brother-in-law might introduce her to gentlemen of higher rank?"
With Darcy's continued silence, Lady Catherine felt that she would press on once more. Laying her hand upon Darcy's, she looked every bit the concerned aunt.
"I have never hidden my hope for you and Anne, as you well know. However, you are your own man. A gentleman with great responsibility. A man with a young sister who requires your guidance. Think of Georgiana, Darcy! What would such a match teach her? That nothing is owed to your family and you may wed any pretty face that catches your eye?"
It was this comment that was Darcy's undoing. He abruptly stood and walked towards the door. Without looking back, he merely whispered,
"Forgive me, aunt, but I must have some air."
Lady Catherine nodded her understanding but remained quiet. Once she saw that her nephew left the house, she sat back heavily in her chair. There was a small part of her that felt sorry for the dejection that she saw upon her nephew's face; however, the greater part rejoiced in her triumph.
A/U: I've had some busy months but I wanted to share this with you. I hope that you enjoyed it. Coming up next…Elizabeth & Darcy.