A/N: I am behind on literally all of my stories, so why I'm starting a new one is beyond me. But this story won't stay inside my head! Story-wide trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, rape, some language, mainly physical/sexual abuse.

Prologue

Fitzwilliam Darcy

It was the fact that she was in conversation with Elizabeth that drew me to Caroline Bingley's shrew voice in the first place, but it was the words she was saying which made me hate her all the more. Not that I ever needed a reason to despise her attentions.

"When are we to officially wish you well, Miss Bennet?" What in the hell did that even mean? Because it sounded as though Elizabeth had gone and gotten herself engaged which I knew for a fact was impossible. I knew this, because up until very recently, I had been trying to find a way to let her know that I could not offer for her, and that she would need to let loose any intentions she'd had in my direction. Elizabeth was not the sort of woman who would allow the affections of more than one man. It was insurmountable.

"Official or not, you may as well wish them. The banns are to be read beginning this Sunday."

"And the date?"

"One month from this Sunday, as well. As soon as possible."

"Eager to begin married life then!" Caroline needed to be silenced. She spoke gibberish often, but today she made even less sense.

"My mother seems to agree. She is furious I will not allow her longer to plan a more elaborate ceremony, but I hardly think it appropriate to begin life as the wife of a parson with an extravagant party when the money might be better spent on those in need, do you not think, Miss Bingley?"

"It is a credit to you that you think so, Miss Elizabeth." The anger in Caroline's tone towards Elizabeth was seemingly gone. The pair used to fight in a battle of wits, a battle in which Caroline was often unarmed. Yet now... she flattered Elizabeth.

"I thank you, madam." Elizabeth nodded in return. I could feel how deeply my brow was furrowed, but how could it not be? For all the education I'd received as a gentleman of the highest standard, I was hopelessly lost in this conversation.

"Well Mr. Darcy?" Caroline interrupted my thoughts. "Aren't you going to wish Miss Elizabeth joy?"

"I'm afraid I haven't the privilege of understanding you, madam." I finally managed to eek out.

"Oh! But you must have heard the news!"

"I've been riding all morning. If the news is recent, I am afraid I have not." I glanced at Elizabe- MISS Elizabeth, dammit man - and noticed that she was flushed a shade of peach and her eyes were decidedly pointed away from me.

"Miss Elizabeth! You must tell him at once!" Was Miss Bingley incapable of telling me then? Was such a simple explanation for what this confounded conversation was about beyond her?

"I am to be married, Mr. Darcy."

.

.

.

"You are..."

"To be married." She finished for me, her words short and succinct. Wickham. This had his name written all over it. He would promise to marry her, make a show of their engagement, and then break it off at the last minute, not only wasting all of the Bennet's money, but also spreading a story that would ruin poor Elizabeth, making it impossible for a man of my circle to marry her - not that I was of course. I had just listed all the reasons that I could not wed Miss Elizabeth. Still, he was doing this to get back at me. I would have to protect her, protect her honor. Perhaps it was my duty as a gentleman to offer for her instead and to-

"Mr. Collins is a lucky man indeed, Miss Elizabeth." Miss Bingley stated gregariously. "You will make him a fine wife."

"Mr. Collins." I spat out. It was now that her eyes shot to mine, a source of anger behind them.

"I beg your pardon, sir." She spat back. "But it quite sounds to me as though you are disparaging a member of my family. My cousin if naught else, but now, my betrothed. I shall have to assume that you did not mean to express such a tone." That fire in her eyes. The odious fool did not deserve to bask in it's heat, let alone to possess it.

"You must forgive me, Miss Elizabeth." I bowed shortly. "No offense was meant. There was something caught in my throat and I am afraid my address came out more harshly than it was intended."

"Perhaps Miss Bingley might fetch you some water then." She replied, not believing a word of it. Miss Bingley, of course, was all too happy to serve me, and as such, rushed off to do just that, all the while Miss Elizabeth's eyes bored into mine angrily.

"We are alone sir. Perhaps you might tell me what you might have meant by your outburst earlier." She spoke quietly, so that her sister and Charles would not hear from where they sat on the settee across the room.

"I assure you, I didn't-"

"Don't insult my intelligence." She said simply. This conversation will not leave the two of us, you may as well speak frankly.

"I..." I really shouldn't say a thing. I should leave it. I shouldn't get involved. I- "I find myself surprised that you would connect yourself with such a man, Miss Elizabeth."

"My cousin, I'll remind you."

"You are hardly at an age where one must settle for kind, family connections, Miss Elizabeth."

"And I hardly understand why you take such interest in my affairs. You do not approve of me. I hardly think that warrants such censure of another on your part."

"Censure? I beg your pardon, but I haven't the slightest idea of what you are saying."

"You find me barely tolerable, and yet you have decided that I am too tolerable for Mr. Collins? I find myself confused." Her words struck me like a knife. I'd had no idea she'd even overheard me. I hadn't been thinking of her when I'd spoken. I had been so miserable about leaving Georgiana so soon after Ramsgate, that I had been determined to stay alone all evening. I hadn't meant to... wait. Did this mean that she thought I despised her? Had she not been expecting my attentions at all? Was that why she had connected herself to the abominable Mr. Collins?

"I must beg your forgiveness, Miss Elizabeth. Those words were not meant for you, only to make an excuse to Bingley. I never meant-"

"Regardless of your disdain for me, sir, I still fail to understand what Mr. Collins has done to earn such censure."

"He is a fool."

"And again you insult my intended."

"He deserves it."

"What has he done that has offended you so? His impertinence at the ball aside, I hardly think that-"

"His impertinence was in offering for you!" I hissed. She looked taken aback.

"You are... so completely above him in every way and I am confounded-"

"My eldest sister and I have sworn that nothing but the strongest of loves will induce us to matrimony." She broke in. This surprised me. I glanced at Miss Bennet and my friend, and I began to question my earlier assumption that she was only after his wealth.

"Mama was furious when the third son of a duke offered for her and she refused him, but it is a promise we have made to one another. As such, you can assume that the vow we swore was a serious one. You are a smart man, Mr. Darcy. What might you presume of that information and my subsequent promise to marry the man?"

"I don't believe you."

"I am marrying for love, Mr. Darcy. And I hope that the same can be said for all of my sisters."

"Elizabeth,"

"I don't recall giving you permission to address me so formally, sir. Please refrain from doing so."

"I've some tea for you, Mr. Darcy." Dear God the harpy was back. "Specially brewed for your throat sir."

"Forgive me, Miss Bingley." Elizab- Miss Elizabeth interrupted. "I'm afraid I must return home. Might Jane stay for another hour or two? I am perfectly capable of walking and she can use our carriage when she wishes to return."

"Of course, Miss Elizabeth. Jane is always welcome here."

And with a curtsy, Elizabeth Bennet walked out of my life.

Elizabeth Bennet

It wasn't a lie. Not really. I had sworn I was only marrying for the deepest of loves. And truly, what love could be deeper than that for my sisters? I loved my sisters dearly. I loved Longborn with all my heart. I was marrying for love - the love of my family, and that was enough for me. Collins was harmless. He convinced himself that he was the dominate one in any relationship, but in our matching of wits, I found I was able to persuade him often to think of things in my way. Knowing my love of nature, he had assured me countless times that I would find the walking paths at Rosings beyond compare.

I didn't have it in my to admit that with my father's current failing health, it was unlikely we would live at Rosings long before returning home and taking on responsibility as Mistress and Master of the house. I nearly gagged at the thought of Mr. Collins changing my father's study. But it was no matter. It was how the world worked. Things could be far, far worse. I looked down at the crisp pale dress, and smoothed my skirt. I was getting married today. Today, my life would change irrevocably. I resisted the urge to sob, set my features in a forced smile, and made my way down the stairs to meet my family. In a matter of hours I would be Elizabeth Bennet no more. I would be Mrs. William Collins.

Author's Note: Well? I know it's a shortie but it's just the prologue! I'll have the next chapter up presently! I hope you enjoy - PLEASE review or PM me! I'd love to know what you're hoping to see happen, and what you are thinking! Critique is the best way to improve writing so throw it at me! xoxo - E