Disclaimer: This is a new and improved version of a story previously published under the name "Compromised." It includes new dialogue and situations, but the central plot does not vary much.
Chapter 1
Elizabeth was returning to the parsonage after walking for over an hour. She planned a pleasant walk that unfortunately became an unpleasant experience. Once again, she had the disagreeable surprise that Mr. Darcy appeared out of nowhere to join her and said practically nothing except a few rambling sentences.
Elizabeth had taken the trouble to inform him, which was her favorite route some days ago to prevent and avoid those unpleasant encounters. She was more convinced than ever that he intentionally sought her company to upset her. Indeed, when bored, he found nothing better than entertaining himself at her expense.
Elizabeth saw her friend Charlotte strolling in the parsonage garden, and she hurried to converse with her. She wanted to forget about that horrible encounter with Mr. Darcy.
For his part, Mr. Darcy was walking back to Rosings with his head even more full of doubts. The last few days had been exciting. He was pleased to have the opportunity to spend time with Elizabeth, but he did not want to make a foolish decision that could harm his family's future and prestige. He could no longer deny that he loved that beautiful woman and knew very well that he must decide soon what to do. He had only two alternatives: to forget everything about duties and responsibilities, think about his happiness, and propose to Elizabeth. Otherwise, he should forget her for good and be completely unhappy for the rest of his life.
He had never done anything inappropriate in his entire life. At a very young age, he had assumed all the responsibilities of his properties and family legacy with aplomb and managed to do everything successfully. Perhaps the time had come when he thought about his future life and allowed himself to be content with the only woman he had loved. With this new resolution in mind, he entered Rosings smiling, thinking of a better future. He went directly to his room to ponder what he had to do but, above all, to avoid his aunt and her impertinent insinuations and inquiries.
P&P
Mrs. Bennet was locked in her room, crying and unable to get out of bed. The previous afternoon had been perhaps the worst day of her entire life. Her world had fallen apart when Mr. Hill told her that Mr. Bennet was found unconscious a few feet from the house.
Apparently, the new horse he bought a month ago threw him when he wanted to gallop, and he fell violently to the ground, hitting his head hard on a rock.
The apothecary had come to see Mr. Bennet, but he said they should wait and pray for his recovery. Mrs. Bennet was deeply distressed by her husband's health, but at the same time, she could not avoid thinking about the future. If Mr. Bennet died, her family would be suddenly poor and homeless.
The situation in the house was becoming increasingly tense, and without Jane and Elizabeth present, no one could contain the crisis. Therefore, Mary felt relieved when Kitty said her uncle Gardiner's carriage was approaching. The previous day, when they found her father's body almost lifeless, Mrs. Bennet and her entire house were in complete chaos. She was the only one who kept a cool head and decided to send an express to her uncle to beg him to come as soon as possible and bring Jane to help the family.
When Mr. Gardiner received Mary's message, he immediately arranged everything necessary to leave the following day for Longbourn. He knew well that his sister would be useless in a challenging situation. He also contacted his good friend Arthur Miller, a reputed doctor, and asked him to accompany them to Longbourn to inspect the exact condition of his brother-in-law.
The moment Mr. Gardiner broke the news to Jane, she was sorrowful and started crying inconsolably. As the eldest of her sisters, Jane knew very well that her father's death would cause not only suffering but also the potential ruin of the family.
The previous evening, Mr. Gardiner invited some of his tradesmen friends to dine, and one more time, Mr. Clark showed much interest in Jane. He had visited the Gardiners often but decided to have a more personal conversation with her for the first time. He was not handsome like Mr. Bingley, but her aunt had told Jane that Mr. Clark had a lucrative import business and was wealthy, kind, and honorable.
Jane knew that if her father did not recover, she should put aside all her youthful dreams of marrying for love and seek financial stability and protection for herself and her family. So, before going to sleep and trying to control her despair at the horrible news she had received, she told her aunt Gardiner that if Mr. Clark was interested in her, she should inform him that she would gladly accept a courtship.
Mrs. Gardiner was sad, but she comprehended what Jane was trying to do. She could not persuade her not to make a hasty decision. She knew well the fate that awaited her nieces without the protection of their father. Sadly, she knew Jane was making the correct decision, seeking security in a future union with a good and honorable man like Lawrence Clark.
When everyone entered the house, Mary greeted them and recounted the day's latest events to Jane and her aunt. For his part, Mr. Gardiner and his friend Dr. Miller went directly to Mr. Bennet's room to better understand his condition.
"Dear Mary, thank you so much for reacting fast and letting us know what was happening to our father," Jane said to her sister as she hugged her. In front of her were Lydia and Kitty crying as her aunt tried to comfort them. Jane was stunned to see how her two younger sisters, usually cheerful and effusive, were so subdued, evidently suffering without knowing what to do.
Hearing her mother yelling, Jane quickly went to her room to comfort Mrs. Bennet. She knew she could not do much, but at least she would let her know Mr. Gardiner brought a doctor from London to help Mr. Bennet recover.
P&P
Elizabeth was drinking tea and chatting with her friend Charlotte in her private sitting room, ignorant of the tragedy occurring in Longbourn.
"How was your walk around the park, Eliza?" Charlotte asked her friend.
"With the same uncomfortable company as yesterday and the day before, Charlotte. I was walking on my favorite path when I met the disagreeable Mr. Darcy again. The worst part was that he asked my permission to walk with me, and after that, he hardly pronounced a word except for a few odd questions that made me feel uneasy. I am convinced he enjoys seeing me distressed in his presence," Elizabeth laughed.
"I believe he admires you, Eliza. But I also believe that he does not know what to do with his feelings for you," Charlotte said in the same humorous tone, thinking she was probably correct. "Dear friend, if a man like Mr. Darcy, handsome and wealthy, propose to you, what would you say?" asked Charlotte, curious.
Elizabeth responded without thinking, "I would thank him first, and after, I would say no. I could never connect my life to a man as cold and implacable as Mr. Darcy. But I do not know why I took the trouble to answer your ridiculous question. If you could see his scornful face every time he looks at me, you would not have those silly ideas in your head," concluded Elizabeth.
"You are probably correct, my dear friend," replied Charlotte. She preferred not to add anything else. She knew how obstinate and blind her dear friend could be sometimes.
After five more minutes of a trivial chat, Maria entered the room, and they changed the topic of the conversation. Charlotte reminded them that they were invited to dine at Rosing the following evening, which made Maria anxious, wondering what clothes she should wear so that Lady Catherine would not look at her reprovingly.
P&P
Jane managed to calm her mother, and after giving her herbal tea, she made her fall asleep, so she went to the drawing room to talk with her aunt.
Madeline Gardiner was still accompanying her three younger nieces. She was heartbroken seeing them still visibly affected by everything happening at their home.
Unfortunately, Jane, Mr. Gardiner, and Dr. Miller entered the room with faces that revealed they were not bringing good news.
"My dear, maybe we should go to Thomas's study to speak more comfortably," Mrs. Gardiner said. She did not want to distress her younger nieces.
"No, aunt. My sisters should be aware of what is happening," added Jane with a trembling but firm voice.
Mr. Gardiner looked at his nieces, who were sad and nervous but agreed with Jane's decision. They needed to know Mr. Bennet's actual condition. Mr. Gardiner explained how he saw Mr. Bennet and asked his friend to speak to the family. "Dr. Miller, please give us your opinion."
"I am sorry I cannot give you good news, but your father's situation is critical. I cannot say he will not recover, but it is highly improbable. I believe he might pass within a few days."
The Bennet sisters and Mrs. Gardiner could not help crying. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did their best to reassure them, especially Lydia and Kitty.
"Uncle, what will become of us?" Mary asked as she held Jane's arm tightly.
"My dear, this is not the time to talk about that. We shall face whatever is necessary together. We shall always help you in any form we can," said Mr. Gardiner, unable to avoid shedding a few tears.
Mary became calmer after listening to her uncle, and Kitty and Lydia did not quite understand what was happening. But Jane was aware that if what the doctor said came true, all of their lives would change drastically.
Despite Jane's despair and fear at that moment, she remembered something and said to Mr. Gardiner, "Uncle, we must let Lizzy know about our father's situation at once."
"Yes, you are right, my dear. Please, do not worry, Jane, I shall send her a message immediately," replied Mr. Gardiner, overwhelmed by the sad situation.
Mr. Gardiner went to Mr. Bennet's study to write the message for Elizabeth and ask one of his servants to send it as soon as possible. Jane and Mary went to Mrs. Bennet's room to accompany their mother, and Mrs. Gardiner convinced Kitty and Lydia to go to her room to rest.
P&P
The following day, Elizabeth went for a walk, but this time, earlier than usual. That morning, she was more fortunate and could avoid encountering unwanted company. She only ran into Colonel Fitzwilliam. They conversed pleasantly until he unwittingly revealed some information she had suspected for a long time. The affable Coronel confirmed that Mr. Darcy helped to separate her sister Jane from Mr. Bingley. After that, she could not continue speaking in the same friendly manner with the colonel and excused herself, saying she was fatigued and desired to return to the parsonage.
Hours later, when Charlotte and Mr. Collins were waiting for Elizabeth to go to Rosings, she informed them that she had a severe headache and preferred to stay to rest.
Mr. Collins did not like the idea of Elizabeth rejecting his steemed patroness generous invitation because of an insignificant headache. Still, he did not want to insist either because he knew Lady Catherine did not like ill people around her daughter. After all, she was a sickly young lady.
Immediately after Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Maria left, Elizabeth sat in the main room to reflect on Jane and her relationship with Mr. Bingley.
'I always knew that Mr. Bingley's sisters never had any real affection for Jane. And my poor sister, so beautiful and so good, did not deserve to be treated this way. Oh, how I loathe that man. If I had Mr. Darcy in front of me, I would tell him everything I think of him without hesitation,' thought Elizabeth as she looked out the window.
But her musing was abruptly interrupted when a servant entered the room. "Miss, a messenger brought this for you. He said it was something of the utmost urgency."
"Did he not tell you who sent it?" Elizabeth asked a little nervously. But when the maid handed her the message, she saw her uncle's name and wanted to read it immediately. "Thank you; you may go now."
Elizabeth was distraught and thought something had happened to Jane. So, she sat down, opened the letter with great curiosity, and read it immediately. By the time she had finished, she could not help crying and wished more than ever to be by her father's side.
'I must travel to Hertfordshire at once. I cannot lose another minute,' said Elizabeth, not knowing what to do.
P&P
Mr. Darcy was impatiently waiting to see Elizabeth. The previous night, he finally decided to declare his love and ask her to be his wife. He knew that by doing that, he would go against his family's expectations and his own good judgment. But he was determined; he needed to marry and have an heir and did not want to do it with anyone else. Only Elizabeth could fill the emptiness and loneliness that had been present in his life since he was very young.
So, when the Hunsford party arrived without Elizabeth, he was disappointed. Nevertheless, when Mrs. Collins reported that Elizabeth could not attend because she was ill, his disappointment turned into concern.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, with his good humor and interesting conversation, along with his aunt and her impertinent comments, kept the guests occupied so no one noticed when he left the room—or at least, he thought that.
Once outside the mansion, he hurried toward the parsonage, full of concern but at the same time pleased to know that he could soon finally be with his Elizabeth. After he proposed, they would be together forever.
Elizabeth was still uncertain about what to do; she just wanted to open her eyes and discover that everything was a nightmare. So, when she heard someone entering the house, thinking they could be her friend and cousin, she decided to wipe away her tears and hide her current state of mind as much as possible.
She wanted to explain the situation to Charlotte and ask her to conceal the sad news for at least a few days. She did not want to alert Mr. Collins and have him start making plans as the future Master of Longbourn. But Elizabeth's surprise was great when she saw that the one who entered the room was Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and realized that she was unwell. She was pale but as pretty as ever. He hesitated, but finally, after pacing nervously for a few seconds, he started talking without being able to stop.
"Miss Bennet, I was informed that you were ill. Are you feeling better? Miss Bennet, I came because I need to discuss something very important with you. But are you certain you are well? You look a little pale. Perhaps it would be best if you sat in this chair. Would you like a glass of water?"
Elizabeth was increasingly confused. Mr. Darcy looked intensely at her, pacing like a caged animal and saying things that confused her even more than she already was.
"Sir, I am well, only a little tired." Elizabeth did not wish to appear weak before such a proud and implacable man. She had never desired his good opinion, much less his pity.
Mr. Darcy was so nervous that he did not weigh Elizabeth's words and much less noticed her distress. Before his courage abandoned him, he decided to say everything he had planned, and without hesitating for a second more, he confessed his love.
Elizabeth could not believe what she was hearing. After everything she had been through the last hour, that was like a nightmare. But as if that were not enough, after declaring his love, Mr. Darcy made her a detailed report of why a gentleman like him should not marry a lady like her and that he was making a great sacrifice, offering his hand. He said all of this without the slightest consideration for her feelings.
She was hurt and emotionally exhausted without knowing how her father and family were. She only wanted to be with them, and now that gentleman insulted her in that dreadful manner. But she did not have enough strength to tell him everything she thought of his proposal. Instead, she stood before him, and unable to control herself anymore, she cried.
"Sir, I am sorry. I do not know what to say... I," Elizabeth could not say anything else because her anguish was so great that she only wanted to cry.
Mr. Darcy was baffled by Elizabeth's reaction and thought his sacrifice greatly touched her; maybe she had lost hope that he could propose to her. "My dear Miss Bennet, please do not cry. I know you are unwell, so let me order some tea, and then you must rest. Tomorrow, we shall discuss the details of our engagement."
Without knowing why, Elizabeth gave him the message that her uncle had sent her. Mr. Darcy took it and read it immediately.
When he finished, he looked at Elizabeth compassionately and hugged her tightly. She took refuge in his arms and cried with more intensity than before. It was good to feel that someone was comforting her, even if it was Mr. Darcy.
"Please do not cry, my sweet Elizabeth. Everything will be alright," explained Mr. Darcy to a heartbroken Elizabeth, who continued crying in his arms as he stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.
Both were absorbed in their thoughts and did not realize that a maid had observed the intimate scene.
P&P
To all my loyal followers and all those who have never read any of my stories: In the last few months, I have taken on new responsibilities at work that consume much of my time. The little free time I have had, I have used to rest and exercise. For this reason, I have not been able to finish the last story I published, and I have not been able to start two new projects I have in mind.
Writing helps me relax and entertain myself. So, considering I do not have time to write new stories, I have decided to edit and rewrite this one I published long ago. Its original title was "Compromised" because that was my first idea. But as I wrote it, it transformed into something very different from a story of "forced marriage," so I changed the name as well.
This was the first of my stories to surpass a thousand comments, and many followed faithfully. At that time, we were in the pandemic, and many of us left the house very little. I suppose that for that reason, we had more time to read and, in my case, to write.
Also, this is the most controversial story I've ever written and the one I liked the least, although I must admit that over time, it has become one of my favorites. I hope you like this improved version with more dialogue and new ideas.
Greetings to all, and I thank everyone who follows the story and leaves comments.