Posted on Friday, 10 October 2003
She looked upon him curiously, and seeing him walk exasperated away from her cottage; she pondered the idea of approaching him. She bit her lip nervously, and ran her hand through her dark locks. He was making a mistake. As he walked away and kicked a few branches along his path, she knew that he would never speak to her friend again. His pride had been wounded, that was obvious.
Yet, she knew Elizabeth. For the ones that you love are almost like an open book. When they open their heart to you there is something that you sometimes catch without them realizing it. Elizabeth was so adamant of refusing him; so carelessly spilling violent feelings upon this man like water cascading upon a rock in a waterfall. She was naturally hot-blooded and passionate, but there was something else there. The want displayed whenever she thought no one was looking. A need for just one kind word said about her from him, and how easily she threw off anything positive in his manner illustrated from him towards her, for the fear of it.
She took a deep breath and sighed. Then, she made her decision.
Dear Elizabeth,I love you and you are my best friend in the world. Never forget that I want nothing but happiness for you. You are like a sister to me, but like all good friends of long companionship we have trifles and disputes."
"Excuse me," she calls out, losing hope against hope that he might not have heard her. There was also that threat he might lash out his temper on her. She had already encountered the de Bourgh temper much to the dismay of her husband. Little did she know that although the Darcy temper was indeed worse, they can maintain theirs.
He abruptly stops, and surprise lights upon his face when he sees whom it is.
You are the passionate one, while you chide me that I am the ole cold mountain. I envy you in your ability to show your emotions, and the privilege you are able to have in following your heart.
"Forgive me, sir," she says to him, nervously clutching her bonnet in her hand. "But, I see you are under some distress."
"I am quite well, thank you," he replies while carefully putting his hat upon his head.
"So, I see," she said with a teasing smile on her face. "Do you kick around branches for no apparent reason, but only because you are well?"
His face turned gloomy with her teasing manner for it greatly reminded him of someone he had just recently spoken to. He fiddled with his hands at loss to what to say without appearing rude. "I apologize for my manner if it had distressed you upon seeing it, but my concerns are not yours."
"No, Mr. Darcy," she retorted. "That is where you are wrong."
Elizabeth, I know you said that you would be perfectly happy being the favorite "Aunt Lizzy" to your many sisters' children someday. You also said that you never needed anyone. But, you are playing your heart false.
"Excuse me, Mr. Darcy," she said defiantly. "Please hear me out and then you can leave." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Do not give up all hope. She just wants you to be a better man."
"I am a good one," he protested.
"She does not merely want a good man, sir," she reply and hesitated. "She wants a great one ... for only a great one can keep her."
You want someone for keeps, Lizzy. Someone you can love, but also respect. Not all marriages are like mine, and your father's. We chose our fate. Do not be afraid. It is not like you to be afraid, but to receive what you want, you've got to take a leap of faith.Friendship in essence is not a competition of who the better friend is or who cares more, but something else. It's like love, only different. So please forgive me for caring too much for I only did what I thought was for your happiness.
"You must understand her," she took a deep breath. "There isn't a good example of married couples around her. I, myself, am not a good example. Why, sir, should she trust you when you have made it obvious in your discourse with her you disapprove of her family?"
He closed his eyes and sighed, "And so, the mantle of the pride fell."
She stood half-afraid of him in silence.
He cleared his throat and said huskily, "I do love her."
I went and gave a man too much hope. For I had faith in him and you.
"Then prove it, and remain constant to her," the woman spoke softly. "For time will display your worthiness."
I write you this on the eve on your wedding day for I could not hide what I did to you any longer. I betrayed your trust in knowing you too well, and gave it to the man you most distrusted and loathed at the time. As he is to be your husband, I sincerely hope you will forgive me for I indeed had your best wishes at heart. You are my best friend, and shall as ever remain in my prayers. For remember, it is not an end, but a wonderful beginning.Best wishes,
Charlotte Lucas Collins.