Mr. Darcy…
The world fell away from him as he watched her go, her hair tangled and her lips still rosy from their encounter. He wanted to hate himself and found he couldn't. She was right. He had wronged her. Had constantly belittled her and made her feel inferior. He wasn't in love with Stephanie. Never had been. She had just been a way for him to hide. But he was done with hiding. He wasn't sleeping at night, wasn't functioning because his brain was constantly consumed with a fiery, petite brunette that stood up to him like no other before her had. The road less traveled by…what did that mean? Taking chances? Skipping the worn path borne of security in order to seek something new, something outside a pre-ordained box? Because he was actually considering that now. He was actually starting to think that she was right. But he had managed to run her off—to disillusion her. And now it was time to fix that.
"There you are." A female voice said cheerfully from the side of the room and Will sighed. He knew who it was. And he knew he needed to tell her. He needed to tell Stephanie that he was using her. He needed to take the first step to correcting his mistakes.
"Come back into the parlor." She insisted as he turned toward her sullenly.
"Not yet, Stephanie. I think it's time we talked." Will commented as Stephanie's eyes grew hooded. He knew she knew what he was going to say by the way she held up her hand and shook her head.
"I'm not discussing anything with you, Will. I saw 'her' leave this room. I've seen the way you look at that improper creature, and I'm willing to accept the fact that you are attracted to her. But I won't let you ruin yourself and embarrass me by leaving me for her. Do you hear me, Darcy?" She cried as Will stared at her sadly. He had made too many mistakes by letting pride blind him.
"I'm sorry Stephanie." He commented, knowing that the simple statement could be viewed as a 'break-up' comment. Her face distorted with fury.
"Damn you, Darcy! I won't leave. I won't let you do this. I will find a way to keep you." She retorted as he shrugged. He was done fighting.
"And while you stay here trying to find ways to seduce me, Stephanie, I'll be trying to find ways to seduce and keep Elizabeth Bennet." He replied before turning to leave the room, listening as Stephanie murmured that 'this wasn't over.' For him, it was just beginning.
Author's Footnote: Just a note to point out that this is the part of the story (just like in the book) where Darcy has realized he does love Lizzie and starts to find ways to prove it to her following the huge blow out they have after he proposes the first time and while he doesn't propose here, it is still a declaration. And yes, he has already declared his attraction to her once when she was drunk, but ran away after that. I think it's time he quit running. What do you guys think (laugh). Hope you guys are enjoying!
Here's an overview of where we are at this point:
They are all gathered at Pemberley now. Lizzie is angry and disillusioned by Darcy and his actions. Jane and Charles are at a stand still. Darcy has broken his engagement with Stephanie. Stephanie has vowed to find a way to keep Darcy. Darcy has vowed to find a way to garner Lizzie's affection despite the way he has treated her until now.
Now we start to ask ourselves:
What will Catherine DeBourgh do to help Stephanie keep Darcy?
What will Georgie do to help her brother stave off Stephanie's attention?
Who are the twins, Lydia and Kitty, talking to online?
What will Darcy do to prove himself to Lizzie?
What will happen with Jane and Charles?
What will happen with Mary and Lord Devon?
Will Mary and Devon end up embroiled in the conflict that will surely arise between Stephanie (Lord Devon's sister) and Lizzie (Mary's sister)?
Please keep reading guys. We're at our turning point!