Author's Notes: I was inspired to write this weekend, wondering what would have happened if Jane's letters had taken longer to reach Elizabeth in Lambton. I hope you enjoy this.

Sir Darcy, the Determined

Posted on Monday, 12 February 2007

The morning promised sunshine and mild weather. A sign, Darcy thought as Rogers fiddled with his cravat until it was perfect. Donning his green topcoat, he adjusted the sleeve as Rogers continued to remove non-existent lint.

“That will do, thank you.”

Rogers discreetly vacated the room. Darcy stared at his reflection wondering if today would be as momentous as the butterflies in his stomach suggested.

To meet her again, and have her more amiable than when last we spoke gives me cause to hope as I have not done these past months.

Gathering his hat and crop, he headed out the door. Pulling on his gloves, he mounted his horse and galloped in the direction of the Lambton Inn where Elizabeth said were her lodgings. Sending the maid to inform her of his presence in the common room, Darcy did not have long to wait for her descent to greet him.

Elizabeth curtseyed. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

He bowed, smiling. “Yes, it is. I thought to accompany you and your relations on a walk through the village, if it pleases you.”

“Well, as my aunt and uncle are already gone to visit a friend from when they lived here, I can only offer myself at your disposal for a walk.”

He offered her his arm, and they started down the street not realizing what gossip would begin when the most illustrious gentleman of the surrounding area was paying this young lady much attention.

Coming to the tree behind the smithy, Darcy motioned for her to sit on the nearby bench. Pacing a bit, as she had seen him do at Hunsford, she sensed his thoughts were grave and kept silent, waiting for him to begin.

“My sister…my sister was in great spirits after your dining with us the other evening. She told of her delight to all of us last night.”

“The feeling is mutual. She is a sweet girl although a bit shy, not unlike her brother, I think.”

Darcy actually blushed and dropped his gaze at her knowing this of him in place of her prior lower opinion. “Yes, well, I admit not giving her the best example in that respect.” Getting back on point, he added, “She wishes me to extend an invitation to dine tonight, if your relations are not already engaged…”

Elizabeth smiled. “We have no fixed engagements, I assure you, Mr. Darcy. We would love to dine with you again if it is no imposition.”

“None at all, Miss Bennet, in fact…” His eyes told her he had more to say.

She smiled to encourage him.

“I know this is too early to ask, but…I need to know if your feelings are the same as they were last April. Your demeanor implies not, but I would know your thoughts on this subject.” He swallowed. “My feelings have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever…”

Closing his eyes, he knew he had said more than he ought, but his heart was full and his hope so great. When she did not reply, he opened his eyes to see her still smiling at him, giving him cause to smile in return.

“I must admit the feelings I harbored in spring greatly diminished after reading your letter. To have my own discernment so in error over so many things, I know not where to begin to apologize to you.”

“There is no need,” he insisted, sitting next to her. “It was wrong of me to make my offer to you in such a deplorable manner. I should be the one to apologize.”

She shook her head and giggled. “We are a pair, are we not, each insisting on taking the lion's share of blame for that which we are both heartily sorry. Let us allow forgiveness of the other and move on.”

“Yes, that would be acceptable.” He paused. “And so, you no longer feel I am the last man you could marry?”

“No,” she affirmed, succeeding in not laughing again at such insecurity in a man of the world, sensing he was growing serious once more.

“Then…should I ask you again, would you consent to an understanding?” His eyes were imploring her to answer in the positive.

Before she knew what she spoke, the words came tumbling from her mouth, “Yes, Mr. Darcy. Oh!” Her cheeks were crimson as she jumped from the bench and away from him to give her time to recover her senses.

How could I have spoken so rashly? What has come over me?

Darcy stood when she did, but waited to have her repeat herself before he would believe his own hearing. “You…will accept me? Elizabeth, turn and face me, please.”

With his hand on her arm, Elizabeth turned round to show him that she was indeed serious in her answer. “I have said so, though I…did not think long on it, but if your feelings remain as strong in their regard for me as they were when you proposed at Hunsford, then, yes, I will accept you.”

Exhaling a stale breath, Darcy took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Elizabeth,” he whispered, “I will do all in my power to make you happy.”

Tears sprang to her eyes at such an endearing promise as he gathered her in a warm embrace, resting her head on his chest.

Whatever gossip the village had before was nothing to what the smithy saw when he pushed his wheelbarrow to the back of the barn to spy Mr. Darcy kissing a young lady in a most ardent manner.

“Whoa!” The poor smithy dropped the handles of his conveyance and ran back the way he had come.

Neither party paid him any mind, but finally pulled apart to take breath. Elizabeth came to her senses first. “We need to speak with my uncle.”

“Yes,” agreed Darcy, smiling. He offered her his arm to walk the short way back to the Inn.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, having just returned, stood in the common room wondering of the whereabouts of the niece when she appeared in the doorway with Mr. Darcy, both smiling in contentment.

“Mr. Darcy! It is good to see you again so soon. Will you join us for a tea?”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I would love to. However, I wish to impose on your husband for a moment of his time.”

“Of course,” Mr. Gardiner nodded, motioning the young man to a corner table out of ear shot of anyone.

Mrs. Gardiner sat down, staring wide eyed at her niece as they ordered tea. “Lizzy, do you know on what Mr. Darcy wishes to speak to your uncle?”

Elizabeth nodded, blushing to give her aunt an inkling of what was to occur. Mrs. Gardiner covered her mouth as she guessed at the possibilities, but had no time to question Elizabeth further as the men returned to join them at the table.

“I am sure my brother Bennet would allow me to act in his stead for the time being to give consent.”

He hugged his niece and then shook Darcy’s hand again.

Mrs. Gardiner wept for joy, dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. “Oh, Lizzy, this is wonderful news! I know not what to say.”

“Say that you are happy for me.”

“Of course, my dear! When I could not reconcile all you told me previously with the glowing accounts we had by all my acquaintances here in Lambton, I wished to apprise you of the discrepancy.” She gazed at the young couple, smiling as she added, “But I see you have already worked it all through on your own.”

Hearing her words, Darcy was reminded of the derogatory opinion of himself by many of those in Meryton that he had refused to dissuade when Wickham told his lies, and wondered what Mr. Bennet would say when he asked for Elizabeth’s hand.

Would he refuse me? Would he believe Wickham’s slanders over my word?

Sensing his dilemma, Elizabeth offered, “Perhaps we should keep our understanding to ourselves until you can speak with Papa.”

To this Darcy readily agreed, thinking too, of the news reaching Pemberley before he could inform Georgiana himself, and while the Bingleys were still in residence. How upset Miss Bingley would be was a matter for only the gods to know, but Darcy reasoned that it would be extreme. Still he was eager to have Elizabeth and her relations agree to join him for supper, and was again speaking of the invitation when Hannah came up to the table.

Handing Elizabeth letters from Longbourn, she said, “Miss, the post just come.”

“Oh, they are from Jane, although…” Elizabeth examined the earlier missive, remarking, “she wrote the address very ill!”

All three other adults remained silent, trying to decide if they should give her privacy to read her letters, but Elizabeth insisted on reading it aloud.

Her voice faltered, however, when she got to the part, “…something of an alarming nature has occurred…” “Lydia has run away! She has eloped with one of Colonel Forster’s officers!” Her voice was a whispered when she spoke the name, “Wickham,” Hearing her aunt gasp Elizabeth gazed at Darcy, wondering his thoughts.

Mr. Gardiner brought them both back to the presence by asking, “What does her latest letter say, Lizzy? Perhaps, this is all some misunderstanding, or the crisis is now averted by their having returned from Greta Green man and wife.”

Hurriedly, Elizabeth tore the seal and began to read, tears forming in her eyes as she handed the letter to her uncle to read it through. Darcy could guess.

Mr. Gardiner threw the letter on the table. “They are not married, and according to Jane she now doubts as to it ever being the man’s intentions.” Sighing in disgust, he added, “Had we only known his character sooner, this could not have happened.”

Darcy shook his head.

This is all my fault.

By refusing to become mired in Meryton’s gossip to correct their impression the character of both himself and Wickham, he had allowed this event to take place.

How can Elizabeth ever forgive me for causing the unhappiness of yet another of her sisters?

Taking the letter up and reading it through to the end, Mrs. Gardiner lamented, “What are we to do, Edward?”

Her husband patted her hand, formulating a plan. “Jane wishes us to return to Longbourn as her father has gone to town to search for the couple. I will continue on to London to be of what use to my brother I cannot even imagine.”

They all then stared at Darcy who had been silent for the entire time of discovering Wickham’s scheme, all of them wondering if it he would think it prudent to rescind his offer to Elizabeth.

Finally he spoke, “I have to return to Pemberley, but I shall return shortly.”

Before Mr. Gardiner could refuse his offer, Darcy stood and hurriedly departed. They all watched him leave, Elizabeth realizing she would most likely never see him again.

Why would he want to associate with a family who harbored such warm feelings for a man so vile as to elope with a girl of fifteen?

Mr. Gardiner shook his head, assuming the young man would rather be as far away from them as possible, begrudging him his cowardice not a little for wishing distance between himself and the scandal. Instead of remarking on those feelings, however, he ushered his family with, “We must leave as soon as possible to get to the halfway point by nightfall.”

They all rose from the table, spirits much lower than when they sat down only a short time ago. They knew all would be ruined if they did not succeed in finding the two elopers in due time. Each sister’s tarnished reputation would not allow them any suitable husbands if Wickham were not found and the scoundrel be made to marry the girl he had abducted.

Having paid the bill, and had their belongings packed quickly, Mr. Gardiner handed his wife and then Elizabeth into the carriage, trying to remain encouraging as to the prospects of finding the couple. “We cannot be so glum as to think the worst, my dears. I am sure Colonel Forster has put into action ideas of his own. All will be well when we reach London. Have no fear.”

“I wish I could believe you, uncle,” lamented Elizabeth without a hope in the world as to how such a man as Wickham could be worked on. She knew from Darcy’s letter that it was out of their reach to think of a positive outcome. Lydia would be the ruin of them all.

Stupid, stupid, Lydia!

When Darcy returned to Pemberley to write a quick note to his sister explaining why he had to leave on important business, and that he would return as soon as he could. He also apprised Bingley of all that had occurred, and to request his return to Netherfield while Darcy traveled further to London, Bingley was livid at the audacity of Wickham to impose on such an impressionable young girl.

Darcy could not forget the man’s previous imposition upon Georgiana, who had been the same age as Lydia, but tried to keep to the topic. “It is of no matter, Bingley. Will you offer your assistance to those at Longbourn as my proxy fiancé to Elizabeth?”

“Of course, Darcy, but,” here Bingley paused before adding, “I have to ask you, Darcy. When did you ask Elizabeth to marry you?”

“It was only this morning when I took her for a walk.”

“How is it that you may ask Elizabeth for her hand while you denied me Jane?”

Darcy was torn between wishing to return to Elizabeth’s side to lend his support and knowledge, and wishing for time to formulate a true apology to his friend for the subterfuge had been done to Bingley.

Placing his hands on his friend’s shoulders, knowing this would probably be the last conversation they were ever to have, for how could our friendship survive what I would say?

Darcy spoke in a somber tone. “Bingley, I have been so wrong about so many things of late, I wonder that you could still call me friend after I tell you…” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “…when I tell you how I failed to inform you of Miss Bennet’s being in town all last winter…”

“What? She was in London, the whole time, and you deliberately kept it from me? Why? If Elizabeth is good enough for you, why do you think Jane not good enough for me?”

“I thought…at the time that she did not care for you, but that she would accept you because her mother would insist upon it. If I had known she cared for you, I would never have stood in the way no matter what your sisters said…”

“Louisa and Caroline knew of her being in town? Why did they never tell me?”

“It is my understanding that they even visited Miss Bennet at her uncle's in Cheapside.” Darcy chastised himself inwardly when he saw Bingley’s disbelief of the betrayal perpetrated on him by all those he held dear. “Bingley, I am so sorry for all the hurt I have caused both you and Miss Bennet-

“Both of us?”

“Bingley, I have to leave you now. I only hope one day you can forgive me.”

Darcy left his friend standing in the study not knowing what to think with all this new information.

Returning to the Lambton Inn only to discover that the Gardiner party had left several hours ago, Darcy knew it would be dark before he caught up with them. He pushed his horse as hard as he dared in the darkening night, wary of any movement along the road. Lest he meet with highwaymen, Darcy brandished his pistol one hand and the reins in the other until he reached the village halfway between London and Pemberley.

Remembering Elizabeth mentioning which inn they had stopped at on their way north, it was not difficult to locate which the Gardiners were staying. Entering the common room, he asked the proprietor to escort him to a small alcove where the three were dining. All were astonished at his unexpected appearance.

Mr. Gardiner stood, but faltered in his puzzlement, still not pleased with the man’s arrival. “Sir, what is the meaning of this?”

“I thought you understood and would await my return, that I be of assistance in finding Wickham.”

“That is kind of you, Mr. Darcy, but I think we should try to resolve this within the family.” Mr. Gardiner stared at him directly as he added, “You understand what I am saying?”

Darcy hesitated, not believing what he heard.

Had Mr. Gardiner just refuse my help?

His thoughts lurked to worsening conjecture.

Or has he withdrawn his consent on Elizabeth’s behalf because he now believes me capable of retracting my offer?

“I may have knowledge that will aid you in finding Wickham, sir. Allow me to help.”

“I thank you, no.”

Without asking for permission, Darcy turned to Elizabeth, who refused to look at him. He bent down before her, taking her hand. “Elizabeth, is this what you wish?.”

Hearing him address her niece so informally, Mrs. Gardiner grabbed her husband’s arm, their unspoken communication implying that Mr. Darcy had more than an understanding with Lizzy. Both waited to hear her words.

“It is not what I wish, sir, but rather it is what is best for all concerned. I free you of any attachment you presumed with me. After what Lydia has done with…that man, I know you would not admit to even an indifferent acquaintance with a family associated with him. I will not permit him to degrade you further” Tears streamed down her dewy cheeks. “We can never marry now.”

He stood up, incensed. “I will not allow him to wreak havoc upon me and mine again!”

Before he could say more, the others stood, wishing to depart for their rooms above stairs. “It is for the best, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner said, attempting to appease the young man’s plight of being crossed in love without the entire room hearing their conversation.

Darcy refused to have his happiness be snatched away a second time by the likes of George Wickham. Taking Elizabeth by the hand, he stood in the doorway of the alcove to have that many of the patrons notice them, asking in a clear voice, “Elizabeth, do you love me?”

She nodded, but added, “but I cannot marry you-”

He then spoke loud enough so all in the room could hear. “You said you love me and agreed to marry me.” He turned to gaze at all those in the room now gaping at his announcement. “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, and I this is my fiancée, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and these are her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.”

The room erupted with raucous shouts of cheer and clapping, much to the shock of the three adults who stood beside him.

Mr. Gardiner was the first to find his tongue after being stunned by the determination of the young man. “Well, that is one way to have your banns of marriage announced, and quite effectively too if I know how quickly gossip spreads. I suppose there is no getting out of this now, sir.”

Darcy turned to Elizabeth, wary of what she would say at being forced to remain in their engagement.

“You should not have pledged yourself to our family, sir. Even if we find Wickham, how can he be worked on?”

Knowing that would be the easy part, Darcy smiled.. “I have money enough to persuade him to do right by your sister.”

She scoffed, “to forever be akin to such a man would be your abhorrence!”

“If it must be so, then I will abide it, if it means I may have you.”

“I fear you will live to regret your so chivalrous decision.”

His hand gently lifted her chin so her eyes met his. “Never,” he whispered, adding, “Any bravery on my part comes from my own fear. I could not have lived if I lost you again, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.”

Lowering his head, Darcy kissed her in front of her relations and the entire room of inn patrons, sealing her fate to his, utterly and completely.

The End