A/N: you will surely note the influemce BBC miniseries.
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Jane was able to eat a bit before retiring for the night and although she stayed abed the next morning, Elizabeth brought some breakfast up to her. She ate less than usual but enough yet that Elizabeth was not overly worried as long as Jane's appetite returned by the evening she would have no ill effects. The difference in her sister in such a few months was extremely evident, and although the fate hanging over Jane's head had not changed, her ability to bear the burden at least physically proved to Elizabeth that Jane did not need saving but she still yearned to release her elder sister from a marriage out of necessity. When Elizabeth returned downstairs to break her own fast, she was informed that both Mr Collins and Mr Bennet had left together to walk towards Rosings. This was indeed a surprise but as she felt she must stay inside this morning in case Jane had any need of her she was grateful that the serenity usually only afforded on a morning walk was present as the sole servant returned to her duties and no other person was below stairs.
Elizabeth was thoughtful as she had her morning meal. Her comfort was that if she was unable to do anything to prevent the engagement, which was unfortunately likely as she saw no way to do so, she was confident Jane could withstand it and would continue to grow stronger in herself. If this was all that was accomplished by her scheme for the Kent visit, it would be effort well spent for Jane had had months to recuperate and now would be able to endure if she was indeed to marry Mr Collins.
She settled into the morning room as she desired to be at hand should Jane find herself wanting her for either assistance or company. Settling onto the chaise and arrange the window dressings to allow the dappled sunlight to bathe her seat, she began to read one of the very few books she and her father had brought with them. She was sure he had read them at least twice over during the course of the visit and was no doubt loathe to touch them again for months. How he would subsist without any worthy reading, as none of Mr Collins's meager collection met their shared criteria to be considered as such, she knew not.
The maid of all work entered then and announced Mr Darcy. Elizabeth was all astonished as it was not yet visiting hours and he had come without his amiable cousin in tow as he had before. She curtsied and greeted him politely and with some curiosity, welcoming company even of one of such a taciturn nature as she was not one to enjoy long stretches of solitude even spent reading.
"My father has joined Mr Collins on his daily trek to Rosings, it seems, and my sister is still resting. You find me alone this morning." She explained,smilingly, while indicating he should join her in the room not caring overmuch regarding the impropriety that could be assumed, for she knew Mr Darcy had the sense to avoid gossip involving a young woman "not handsome enough to tempt" him. He inquired with sincere kindness and concern whether her headache which had indisposed her the prior evening had resolved which she confirmed by saying she felt very well this morning.
He proceeded to pace the room, only to sit a few moments in evident discomfort. He was silent save for his breathing and the sounds of his clothing as he moved in an anxious manner. She looked at him expectantly with no little undisguised amusement at such a display but did not provide him the relief to rescue him from himself by further carrying the conversation, if it could be called such. He stood again, approached the mantle, upon which he rested his forearm, before turning to her with an incredible fervor in his eyes and a determined set to his mouth.
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
In declaring myself thus, I am fully aware that I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and, I hardly need add, my own better judgment.
The relative situation of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection. Indeed, as a rational man, I cannot but regard it as such myself, but it cannot be helped.
Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance, I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard, which, despite all my struggles, has overcome every rational objection, and I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife."
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A/N: please let me know your thoughts!!