What if Were Different Yet Again.

What if Mr Darcy had no opportunity to propose to Elizabeth Bennet at Rosings Park? What if he had made the worst fault and compromised her reputation instead? Would he attempt to repair such a fault or allow the Bennet family to fall into disgrace?

Chapter 1 - Rosings Park

Mr Darcy pounded toward Rosings Park in agitation. He did not take in the scenery around him, his mind was too engaged. He had suddenly, yet unknowingly, made the most paramount escape of his bachelorhood. I am a fool! Why should I have presumed that she would hold any affection for me? For her to speak so freely to her acquaintance concerning my character, and with such a false pretence! She has of course, been ill informed by George Wickham! I will ensure that my character will be restored without mention to her of any feelings which were previously to be expressed. Those feelings which I will now never express, I finally understand her opinion of me, happily without the embarrassment of refusal!

Darcy raced up the grand staircase of Rosings Park, ignoring the calls of his cousin from below. As his chamber door slammed into its frame his valet appeared.

"You are not required, Barnes. I have an urgent matter of business which cannot be delayed. You may bring extra candles and retire for the evening."

"As you wish, Mr Darcy." The valet stated as he bowed slightly to his Master.

As Darcy sat in the chair at the writing desk he untied his restrictive cravat and allowed it to drop onto the table. He closed his eyes and sat in silence for a long time relaying the conversation he had overheard.

Elizabeth Bennet had taken her usual walk of the park that morning and returned to the Parsonage in an unusual state. Charlotte, who sat in the garden alone saw her approach from the road and understood immediately that she was in a state of distress.

"Lizzy!" Charlotte called as her friend entered the garden. Elizabeth, appearing reluctant approached her and took the seat alongside her. "You appear unwell, Lizzy."

"No, not at all Charlotte. I am only upset by some disturbing news!"

"Mr Collins has only now left for Rosings Park and my sister is in her room sewing a new bonnet for dinner with Lady Catherine this evening. We are all alone Lizzy, you may inform me of what displeases you so!" Elizabeth smiled with hesitation before nodding. Charlotte therefore, found it an opportune moment to call for tea.

Elizabeth took a sip of her tea and set the cup on the saucer before turning to Charlotte.

"I was taking my usual morning walk around the park when I came upon Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was of course very attentive and kind, he was also insistent that he joined me on the walk. We had walked for a short time and discussed many topics before he mentioned Mr Bingley."

"Is the Colonel acquainted with Mr Bingley?" Charlotte asked in surprise.

"Not well I fear. I came to understand that the Colonel thought him a kind man but knew nothing more of him. Mr Darcy also gave him great insight on the journey into Kent.."

"That is understandable, Mr Darcy is a good friend to Mr Bingley." Elizabeth laughed sarcastically.

"The Colonel however, informed me that he was not informed of Mr Bingley's character. He was however, informed of Mr Darcy's rescue of his friend."

"Rescue?" Charlotte asked in confusion.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam insists that Mr Darcy insinuated that he was responsible for the rescue of Mr Bingley from an imprudent marriage!" Charlotte gasped slightly.

"Jane." Elizabeth nodded in confirmation.

"Mr Darcy made it perfectly clear that my sister was not a respectable match for Mr Bingley. He therefore, persuaded Mr Bingley to travel to Town and not return."

"I cannot believe it of Mr Darcy! I agree that he has never been gentlemanlike in his approach in company, but to meddle with the happiness of his friend. And due to nothing more than social status!"

"I know nothing of Mr Darcy's intentions or why he did not understand my sisters feelings. We are aware that she is a shy girl but she would never falsely impose upon Mr Bingley. I do feel that Mr Darcy had more sinister reasons to intervene!"

"We do not know that, Lizzy. We should not judge Mr Darcy when we do not understand his initial intentions. He may have a very understandable explanation!" Elizabeth laughed again.

"No Charlotte, Mr Darcy has made his character known to us! He is the proudest and most disrespectful gentleman of our acquaintance! I can think him very capable of such intervention!"

"Is this because he slighted you at the Meryton assembly, Lizzy? Or was this the foundation of your worsening opinion of him?"

"I have to say that his slighting me was only the beginning of my dislike. From his rejection of me to his past dealings with Mr Wickham! To think that he reduced Mr Wickham to his present state of poverty! And now he has meddled with my sisters happiness! Hateful man!"

"You should not be so keen in your rebuke of Mr Darcy, he has shown you particular interest during our visits to Rosings Park."

"I do not wish to look upon him again! Mr Darcy has insulted me beyond every possible measure. I only wish that he would return to Derbyshire, then I would never have to think of that hateful man again!" Unknown to Elizabeth and Charlotte, Mr Darcy stood alongside the parsonage, sheltered by the picturesque house. He had heard everything, her opinion of him, her opinion of Bingley's rescue and most importantly, the lies of George Wickham!

Darcy did not know where to begin. How would he see it safely delivered into her hands while minimizing injury to her? What would he do if they were discovered in the meantime? Darcy knew that it was a risk he had to take. He begun.