Notes: I'll try to post the second half of the chapter on Thursday. I am aware that I have to improve this chapter.
PPP
Upon her second day at Longbourn, Elizabeth returned home after visiting a young couple of tenants residing near the border to Lucas Lodge. The young woman had recently given birth to a healthy child, but her life had been in grave danger during childbirth. Mary had accompanied her but chose to continue to Lucas Lodge to visit Maria Lucas – Charlotte's younger sister.
Elizabeth settled on the wooden bench nestled among the colorful foliage of the Longbourn garden, relishing the peacefulness of the autumn breeze as it delicately brushed against her skin. Just as she pondered to retreat into the house, the sound of hooves pounding against the ground caught her attention. She turned around and saw a horse galloping towards her. To Elizabeth's amazement and happiness, Mr. Darcy was its rider. A broad smile illuminated her face as she eagerly welcomed him.
For what seemed like an eternity, Darcy was unable to form a single coherent thought. The natural radiance of Elizabeth's sparkling green eyes was only enhanced by the sun's gentle embrace, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon her dark, luscious curls. It was in that fleeting moment that he became absolutely certain that his fiancée was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most exquisitely woman he had ever encountered.
He dismounted from his horse and gallantly and tenderly kissed her hand. Their eyes met with an unspoken joy, both unable to contain their smiles as they celebrated their union after being apart for ten days. Elizabeth gestured for him to sit beside her, and remarked, "What a delightful surprise. In your letter, you mentioned planning to stay at Rosings for at least another week."
Darcy nodded, his smile growing wider, and admitted, "I wanted to surprise you," then continued, "Colonel Fitzwilliam needed to travel to London to rescind his commission and obtain a special license. Georgiana and I accompanied him to London. Georgiana is staying in London with Lady Matlock and Mrs. Annesley, and I continued my journey here."
Upon learning of Colonel Fitzwilliam's impending marriage, Elizabeth's eyes widened in astonishment. In that moment, her thoughts immediately turned to her sister Mary. Elizabeth knew that Mary greatly enjoyed the company of the colonel, but she was not certain about the depth of Mary's feelings for him. Prior to that moment, Elizabeth had been quite confident in her belief that Colonel Fitzwilliam held an interest in Mary. To confirm if she had understood correctly, Elizabeth asked, "Is Colonel Fitzwilliam getting married?"
Darcy nodded and, with a slight smile, replied, "Yes, he is going to marry my cousin, Anne De Bourgh in a few days at Rosings."
Elizabeth, feeling even more astounded, remarked, "I had no idea Colonel Fitzwilliam had an understanding with your cousin. He never mentioned it."
Darcy nodded and elaborated, "It is a recent development. It is essentially a marriage of convenience. Due to her poor health, Anne is unable to take on the role of mistress of Rosings and needs someone to look after her interests. Meanwhile, Richard is going to become a wealthy gentleman and the master of Rosings - "
As Darcy continued to eloquently extol the advantages of his cousin's impending union, Elizabeth's exasperation swelled. She believed that the only person who would benefit from the union was the Colonel. The irony did not escape her: her fiancé had disparaged Jane, accusing her of being a fortune hunter, while simultaneously endorsing and excusing the actions of the Colonel. In that moment, Elizabeth could not suppress the thought of Mr. Darcy as a hypocrite.
As Elizabeth appeared lost in thought and visible distressed, Darcy gently took her hand and inquired, "Are you feeling unwell, my love?"
"Yes, I am fine," After a moment of silence, she met his gaze and stated, "I recently discovered that you intervened to save Bingley from making a hasty and ill-advised marriage because you believed the lady in question to be a fortune hunter."
Darcy's eyes widened in surprise as Elizabeth continued, "Why don't you rescued Miss de Bourgh from a fortune hunter like your cousin?"