Mr. Darcy leaned back in the velvet seat of his carriage, glancing out at the passing countryside with a small smile on his face. Under his coat, the special marriage license from London was tucked securely in his breast pocket. It had taken some fast talking and more than a few extra coins pressed into the clerk's hand, but Darcy had managed to obtain the urgent license in record time.

Now, as the horses clip-clopped steadily along the road back to Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy allowed himself to relax. Surely a week or two would suffice for the Bennets to make whatever wedding preparations were necessary. Then he and Elizabeth could finally be wed, their reputations restored and the question of Longbourn's inheritance would be settled once and for all.

As the carriage crested a hill, Mr. Darcy could just make out the rooftops of Meryton in the distance. The sight filled him with relief and anticipation. Soon he would be back at Netherfield enjoying a hot bath and a hearty supper. But first, he decided, he would pay a brief call on the Bennets and put Elizabeth's mind at ease by informing her he had obtained the license. No doubt she had been anxious waiting for his return.

When the carriage finally pulled up the drive to Longbourn House, he straightened his cravat and smoothed a hand over his hair before alighting. Handing his hat to the waiting footman, he strode briskly up the front steps and presented his card.

"Please inform Miss Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy is here with an important matter to discuss," he instructed the maid who answered the door.

As Mr. Darcy waited in the entry hall, he was surprised to discern raised voices coming from a room down the corridor. A door burst open and Lydia flounced out in a huff, nearly crashing right into Mr. Darcy before she noticed him standing there.

"Oh! Mr. Darcy!" Lydia exclaimed, hurriedly dropping into a sloppy curtsy. Behind her, Kitty peered out curiously to see what had caused her sister's startled reaction.

"We did not realize you had returned from London," Kitty remarked.

Before he could respond, Elizabeth came rushing down the stairs, her face lighting up when she saw him standing there.

"Mr. Darcy! You have returned." She quickly composed her features into a more sedate expression, though her eyes shone with obvious relief. "Forgive me, I did not mean to keep you waiting."

He bowed politely, drinking in the sight of her. "Not at all. In fact, I have urgent news..." He patted his pocket meaningfully.

But Elizabeth grasped his arm, interrupting him in a rush. "First, you must come speak with my father at once. Much has happened since your departure that you should know about."

Puzzled by her urgent demeanor, Mr. Darcy allowed Elizabeth to lead him towards the study. As they entered the room, the stern visage of Mr. Bennet looked up from his desk in surprise.

"Mr. Darcy! We did not expect you back so soon. You made good time."

"Yes, I made all haste. But Miss Elizabeth said there were new developments I should be appraised of?"

Mr. Bennet sighed heavily, removing his spectacles to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Indeed. It seems while you were away, our cousin Mr. Collins became engaged himself - to Elizabeth's bosom friend, Charlotte Lucas."

Mr. Darcy tensed. "He is engaged? But does he not still harbor a claim on Longbourn should he marry before any of your daughters weds?"

"Precisely." Mr. Bennet nodded gravely. "It seems young Mr. Collins aims to secure the estate one way or another. Likely why he rushed so quickly into an engagement with poor Miss Lucas."

"This is ill news indeed," Darcy muttered. If Mr. Collins married promptly, he could still inherit Longbourn, rendering Darcy's urgent license useless.

Elizabeth spoke up anxiously. "There is more, I am afraid. Lady Catherine de Bourgh paid a most unwelcome visit earlier today, full of wild accusations and warnings that you must break our engagement."

Mr. Darcy stiffened, outrage written across his features. "My aunt was here?"

"Yes, and quite irate," said Mr. Bennet wryly. "She made quite a dramatic show of it."

Elizabeth gave Mr. Darcy an apologetic look. "I attempted to reassure her nothing improper had occurred between us, but she refused to be placated."

Mr. Darcy smiled wryly. "You give my aunt too much credit if you think she can cow me that easily. I know well how to handle her imperious moods."

Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair wearily. "Let us hope so. For now, it seems the greatest threat is Mr. Collins rushing to the altar. We must act swiftly if your marriage to Elizabeth is to supersede his claim."

Mr. Darcy nodded. "Yes, that is why I hurried back with this." He withdrew the folded license from his pocket and presented it urgently to Mr. Bennet. "With your permission, I suggest Elizabeth and I marry without delay."

He turned to Elizabeth. "What say you? It seems a hasty marriage is our only recourse now to secure Longbourn."

Elizabeth glanced anxiously between her father and Mr. Darcy. "I...I agree urgent action seems warranted," she conceded. "Shall we set the wedding for tomorrow then?"

Mr. Darcy shook his head. "Tomorrow may still be too late if your cousin acts first." His expression was resolute as he grasped Elizabeth's hands entreatingly. "My dear Miss Elizabeth, I know this is sudden, but I must ask - will you marry me this very day?"

Elizabeth gasped softly. Marry so soon? Could she truly take such a drastic step, and with so little time to reconcile herself to it? But she read the grave urgency in Darcy's eyes. Nodding slowly, she acquiesced, "If you feel it imperative, then yes, I will marry you today."

He pressed a fervent kiss to her hand in gratitude, his posture relaxing in relief. "I know it is fast but we haven't much time."

Mr. Bennet stood. "I will find my coat and hat and walk separately to the church to alert the parson of the urgency."

He turned and left the room calling for Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth stared at Mr. Darcy in disbelief. "Truly, you wish to marry this very moment?"

He nodded solemnly. "Every minute we delay, your cousin draws nearer to the altar with Miss Lucas. We must beat him there first to secure your claim on Longbourn."

Elizabeth took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Then let us make haste. I must change into my best dress."

She moved towards the door but Mr. Darcy gently caught her arm. "We have no time for you to alter your gown. You look lovely as you are." His voice was soft, his eyes warm with admiration.

Blushing, Elizabeth nodded. "But what of rings? We have none prepared."

Mr. Darcy considered a moment. "Might your parents lend us their wedding bands for the ceremony? We can have new ones made in London later."

"An excellent idea. I will ask my mother right away." Elizabeth hurried from the study to find Mrs. Bennet, who was bustling about in happy excitement making arrangements.

After securing her parents' rings, Elizabeth went upstairs and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair was mussed and her everyday gown rather plain.

"Lizzy! You look quite flustered, has something happened?"

Elizabeth quickly explained the events of the past hour - Mr. Darcy's dramatic return, the special license, and his insistence that they marry that very moment.

Jane's eyes grew wide. "This evening? Dear Lizzy!" She rose and embraced her sister. "I can scarce believe it, but this is happy news. Mr. Darcy clearly cares for you deeply, to take such urgent measures."

Elizabeth flushed. "I cannot deny he is acting honorably. But oh Jane, I am utterly overwhelmed! My feelings are such a tumult - relief that Longbourn is secured, yet trepidation over marrying a near stranger in mere hours!"

Jane squeezed her sister's hands comfortingly. "I understand, Lizzy. But take heart - you shall be gaining not only a respected husband, but a treasured confidante and partner. I know you and Mr. Darcy will find contentment together."

Elizabeth managed a tremulous smile, drawing courage from her sister's calm assurance. "You always know just what to say, Jane. Now, let us find a dress suitable for a last minute wedding!"

Rummaging through the wardrobe, Jane unearthed a lovely ivory gown that was casual yet still pretty enough to serve as a wedding dress. Hill was quickly summoned to help wash and dress Elizabeth's hair and lace her into the gown.

Mrs. Bennet came rushing in, overjoyed that her second eldest would be married that very day. "Oh my dear Lizzy! What great fortune! Married to the master of Pemberley. And Longbourn saved!" She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"There now, let me look at you." She grasped Elizabeth's hands once her toilette was complete, eyes shining with emotion. "How beautiful you look! Any man would be proud to call you wife. Are you quite sure you have everything you need?"

At Elizabeth's assurance that she was prepared, Mrs. Bennet bustled off to finish readying herself.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Elizabeth descended the stairs, Jane following close behind. As she reached the foyer, she saw Mr. Darcy pacing anxiously near the door. He was still dressed in his rumpled green traveling tailcoat and breeches, having not taken any time to change after his rushed journey from London.

Elizabeth did not mind in the least that he was not in his finest attire. She knew they were united in this impulsive act, both swept up in the urgency of the moment. When Mr. Darcy turned and saw her, his eyes lit up as he took in the sight of her in her pale wedding dress.

"You look radiant, my dear Elizabeth," he said warmly, offering her his arm. She smiled and took it, giving his hand an affectionate, reassuring squeeze. "Come, it is time."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet had gathered Lydia, Kitty and Mary, hastily explaining that Elizabeth was to marry Mr. Darcy within the hour.

"La! A secret wedding?" Lydia exclaimed. "How delightfully scandalous!"

Not wanting to arouse suspicion around the village that a sudden wedding was taking place, Mrs. Bennet instructed Lydia, Kitty and Mary to walk to Meryton as if on an ordinary stroll.

"Be sure not to mention the wedding to anyone you see," Mrs. Bennet warned. "We mustn't risk word getting out before Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are safely wed."

The three sisters nodded in understanding and set out down the lane arm in arm, appearing to all the world as though headed on a regular afternoon walk.

Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth into the carriage, then climbed in after her. Mrs. Bennet entered next, sitting onto the rear-facing seat with Jane. As they rode hurriedly to the church, Elizabeth glanced at the gentleman by her side who was soon to be her husband. What a whirlwind of drama and haste had brought them to this moment! She could scarcely believe that in mere minutes she would be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Then they were off, the carriage trundling down the road towards the church in Meryton. Inside, Elizabeth sat silently gathering her tumultuous thoughts during the short ride. She clutched the bouquet of wildflowers Jane had hastily gathered from the garden just before they left.

Every now and then, she stole a glance at Mr. Darcy seated beside her. Once their eyes met and he gave her a small, intimate smile that made her blush and look away. Elizabeth's heart fluttered at the implication that soon he would be her husband.

Too soon, the carriage rolled to a halt outside the ancient stone church. Mr. Darcy hopped down first then turned to hand Elizabeth carefully out. As he grasped her hand to assist her, a thrill went through them both at the touch. Their eyes locked, sensing the gravity and intimacy of this hastily planned wedding ahead.

Mrs. Bennet bustled over urging them along. "Come now, you two, quickly inside! We mustn't dally!"

Elizabeth blushed at her mother's urgency as Mr. Darcy helped her up the steps into the church. Mrs. Bennet shooed the couple down the aisle to where Mr. Bennet and the parson waited.

"My, I did not expect your wedding this soon! And in quite a rush it seems," he remarked with raised eyebrows. Turning to Mr. Darcy, he added meaningfully, "I understand you obtained a special license for this...urgent wedding. May I see it?"

Mr. Darcy stiffened slightly, but handed over the document for inspection.

"Very good, all looks in order," the parson said, returning it. "Of course such special measures do not come cheaply. But I am certain a gentleman of your means and generosity would be happy to show his appreciation."

"I intend to make a sizable donation to the parish," he responded evenly. "However, I prefer my charitable acts to remain private matters."

The parson looked slightly abashed but nodded. "Of course, of course. My apologies, it was not my place to ask."

At that moment, Lydia, Kitty and Mary noisily entered the church, letting the heavy oak door slam behind them.

"La! Are we late?" Lydia called out loudly as they hurried down the aisle.

"Hush now, child!" Mrs. Bennet scolded in a harsh whisper, hurrying over to them. "Not so loud. We don't want the whole town hearing of this."

Lydia rolled her eyes but obligingly lowered her voice as they took their places. Mrs. Bennet let out a relieved breath, then scurried back to stand beside Mr. Bennet in a pew, shooing the parson to begin.

Elizabeth bit back a nervous laugh as she took her place beside Mr. Darcy at the altar. What an absurd, chaotic rush this all was! She glimpsed Jane out of the corner of her eye, smiling at her reassuringly.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth focused on the handsome gentleman before her who was so soon to be her husband. Mr. Darcy met her gaze, his eyes warm and steady, bolstering her amidst the haphazard proceedings.

The parson cleared his throat and opened his prayer book. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."

As the ceremony commenced, Mr. Darcy glanced over at Elizabeth standing beside him. She felt a rosy blush bloom on her cheeks under his intent gaze. Behind her, she could hear her mother's frantic whispers urging the parson to hurry along with the vows. Her younger sisters stifled giggles at the absurdity and scandalous excitement of it all.

But Elizabeth kept her attention fixed solely on Mr. Darcy, blocking out the surrounding chaos. When it came time to speak her vows, she pronounced them clearly and sincerely, meaning every word. This man before her would soon be her lawfully wedded husband.

As Mr. Darcy slid the cool metal band onto her finger, she shivered at the gravity of this union. His hands trembled slightly, revealing a vulnerability beneath his stoic facade.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Darcy leaned in slowly. Elizabeth's pulse raced wildly. Surely he did not mean to...? But his lips found hers, the contact brief but gentle.

Elizabeth froze for an instant, shocked by the intimacy of her first kiss. Then a spark of electricity seemed to course through her. His lips were soft and warm, sending a dizzying rush of sensation down to her toes. She felt herself flush, a giddy tingling taking hold.

After the initial surprise melted away, she found herself leaning into the kiss. It seemed to last both an eternity and no time at all. As Mr. Darcy finally pulled back, Elizabeth met his gaze, her heart still fluttering like a wild bird in her chest.

As Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth pulled back from their tender first kiss, Mrs. Bennet bustled over in excitement.

"Oh excellent! Now quickly, you must sign the marriage lines to make it official," she urged.

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth moved to the vestry table along with the parson and two witnesses. With the scratching of quills on parchment, they signed the special license, affirming their union as husband and wife.

Just as they were finishing up, happy smiles on both their faces, the church doors creaked open. Turning in surprise, they saw none other than Mr. Collins shuffling down the aisle.

You're not going to believe this, but my left shoulder is killing me. I haven't even done anything to warrant this pain!