A/N- Thanks to the wonderful reviewers. You all inspired me to try for an early update! JeanB, I assure you bridesmaids did exist back then, at least that's what internet said. Though Mr Collins' breaking the entail wouldn't have done much good, I think Mrs Bennet would have preferred him to do anyway.

William had watched as Lizzie glided alongside her sister, looking so perfect that he felt more in love with her than ever. And he knew that he could not control himself anymore. Whatever the consequences, Ms Eliza must be told of his feelings, for better or worse he could no longer hold it in. After the wedding, he had managed to ask her for a turn about the village, and she consented. Darcy heard Wickham and Ms Bingley agree to join them, but his mind was in a haze, and he was secretly relieved when his childhood friend ensured that he and Ms Bingley were not in hearing range. It was then that he somehow managed to blurt out the words.

'Ms Elizabeth, I love you.'

Elizabeth stopped short.

'Mr Darcy?', she asked tentatively, not quite sure what she was hearing.

Darcy's head had cleared a bit by then, and he was beginning to regret his rashness. All his life, his head had never been as messed up as it had been that morning, and Lizzie made him feel as though he knew nothing at all, even if he was one of the finest young men in the country. But now that he had started this, there was no way to back out without looking silly and insincere. Besides, he really did love her. He just wished she could feel for him what he did for her.

'I'm aware that we are barely acquainted, but you are the only woman who has ever touched me so, and believe me, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Ms Elizabeth, will you do me the honor of consenting to marry me?'

Eliza flushed red.

'Mr Darcy, I greatly admire you and am very fond of you, but...'

She was interrupted.

'But you don't love me?'

She hesitated just for a second.

'I'm sorry...'

'Love cannot be forced, Ms Eliza. Do not cause yourself anxiety, and be assured that I shall never allude to a match between us if it upsets you.'

Something like disappointment fluttered inside Elizabeth, and she told herself that it was only because she did not wish to give up Darcy's friendship. It was nothing more. And yet she couldn't see him so dejected, and she had to say the next few words.

'I know that you are sorely disappointed, Mr Darcy but allow me to assure you that you are one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. If I should ever fall in love, the object of my affections would be very like you. I am sorry I could not love you but...'

'Love cannot be forced.', he completed.

She nodded miserably, not quite sure why she felt so empty inside.

'I take my leave then. Goodbye, Elizabeth.'

She felt hollow, and wondered how girls could like having lovers and rejecting them. She found it perfectly dreadful. Somehow she found her sisters, and returned home, still feeling deeply sad, still not sure why. Had William known how she felt, he might not have been so dejected, but since he had no idea, he felt as though his world was so dark and lonely.

After returning to Netherfield, he simply shut himself in his room and said that he would like to rest since he felt that he was coming down with flu. The Bingleys accepted it, and so did the Hursts, but Anne and Georgiana had known Will for too long to buy the story. Anne was worried, but didn't pry. Not so with Georgiana, for she slipped into Will's room and demanded to be told what was wrong.

'Would you have liked a sister, Georgie?', asked Will when she angrily told him that he had no right to brood around in his room when his family was worried.

She squealed.

'Are you in love? Oh, this is so wonderful! Who is it? The prettiest Jane? Oh no, it must be Lizzy! Its is her, isn't it? Why, I would love her as a sister! She's the best friend I have! When are you proposing? You are proposing aren't you? Why aren't you saying anything Will? Isn't it Lizzy? Don't tell me you have gone and fallen for Caroline! Will?'

William smiled indulgently at his sisters rambling, but before he could reply, Anne did.

'It is Lizzy, Georgiana, and unless I am much mistaken, Will has just proposed to her. Haven't you William?'

The Darcy siblings hadn't heard her enter, and were rather startled, especially Will, who simply nodded.

'I do think you should have waited', she admonished. 'You never were so rash as a child. But well, your father was rather ridiculous when he proposed to me, even though our marriage was arranged while we were in the cradle.'

Anne chuckled at the remembrance.

'Mother!', cried Will. 'Not helping!'

Georgiana grinned at her brother. He was normally so calm and collected that seeing him this way was rather amusing. She privately decided that if she ever had the opportunity she would congratulate Lizzy for loosening up her brother. It wasn't till Anne could no longer hold in the laughter that she realized that she had spoken aloud.

William glared at the pair with mock outrage, suddenly feeling a lot better. Then he too grinned, and said wryly,

'I guess I'll just have to wait like father did!'

A/N- Aaaand here's the end of this chapter. Keep reviewing and maybe I'll manage another early update in a couple of days. I've already got Lizzy's discussion with Jane about the proposal written out, so if anyone would like a sneak peak, all you've got to do is review.