10 – A Different Place

A/N: Thank you all for your continued comments, corrections, and kind words. Please be advised that I took liberties with Regency Era propriety in this chapter; I'm sure some will not look kindly on this, but I assure you I meant no harm.

The crisp autumn air was like a welcomed kiss on her cheeks as Elizabeth walked with Darcy away from Longbourn.

She had sat with her family and Mr. Bingley while her father and Darcy were having their "talk" in the library. Though Elizabeth was not yet ready to discuss Mr. Wickham's surprise appearance that morning, everyone else in her family seemed to have no such loss; Jane had skilfully directed the conversation so that Elizabeth would not bear questions directed at her. The man in question—yesterday known as "a true gentleman"—was now degraded to "that wretched man" in the eyes of Mrs. Bennet; how the mighty have fallen, thought Elizabeth.

Upon their return from the library, Darcy, not hiding a quietly confident smile, had reminded her that he had promised her a stroll. With his hand outstretched to her, she rose and, once she had added her outside attire, joined him outside.

They walked up the road, side by side, before navigating away up a hill, when Darcy had asked her to show him what she considered one of her favourite vistas. They climbed up a gentle hill near to its summit before finding Elizabeth's desired location. It was what she in her imagination called "her quilting place" for the landscape encompassed the many different fields, reminiscent of a colourful quilt.

Looking about, Darcy noticed a large oak tree with a fallen log rolled next to it and led Elizabeth over to sit. Their conversation had been sparse and sporadic as they had come to this place and Elizabeth, suspecting she knew what would take place, was quietly contemplating how she would answer him. Once she was seated, she made sure there was ample room for Darcy to sit as well, but when he remained standing, she looked up. His face retained its earlier smile and the look in his eyes held such warmth that she found it difficult to look away.

Still holding her hand, he leaned down, kissed it, and then placed it in her lap before stepping back, standing at attention, and addressing her.

"Miss Bennet," he started, at which she cocked her head in mock surprise at his formality. He inclined his head raising an eyebrow, with his unspoken request to oblige him, which she nodded in assent.

"Miss Bennet," he began again, "I would like to ask you a few questions," pausing for emphasis in this, their own private drama, "with your consent."

Her voice held the same smile as her eyes did as she nodded, "I am at your service, Mr. Darcy."

Bowing slightly, Darcy thanked her. "I understand, Miss Bennet, that you were recently given an offer of marriage. Is that correct?"

Rolling her eyes, she answered, "Yes, sir, that is correct."

Now pacing slowly, "And was that offer from a most revered and respected gentleman by the name of Mr. Collins, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes, sir, that is also correct, at least that is the name of the gentleman," she said smugly.

Darcy had to inwardly chuckle at her response. "Thank you, Miss Bennet, for that clarification."

"My pleasure, sir."

"Now, Miss Bennet, may I ask, what was your response to the offer this Mr. Collins made to you?" He stopped pacing and stared directly at her.

Elizabeth had only spoken to Jane about the details of her refusal of Mr. Collins and had not planned to speak further to anyone. Forcing herself, she responded, "I thanked him for his offer, but refused him," she sighed, "sir."

"I see," he replied and resumed pacing. "And why," he asked wheeling around to face her again, "did you refuse the offer of this Mr. Collins; a man with a secure future, a man of intellect," he barely could say the words, "a man who will inherit your family home at your father's passing, a man who enjoys the patronage of one Lady Catherine deBourgh. I ask you, Miss Bennet, why would you refuse him." He drew closer to her and stopped. His eyes were still playful, but an intensity was now showing.

Elizabeth, looking up, noticed the change. Quietly she answered him, "Because I do not love him, sir, nor do I anticipate that changing at any time."

"Ah hah!" was the quick response from Darcy, startling Elizabeth. He resumed his pacing with renewed energy. "And why is it necessary, Miss Bennet? Why will you not marry a man you do not, nor plan to love? Why, Miss Bennet, when it would be advantageous for your family to do so?"

Though Darcy was maintaining the mock interrogation, Elizabeth was now seriously questioning her own heart. Her demeanour was becoming more serious as she weighed the question Darcy was posing.

She averted her gaze from him as she answered. "I could not consent to be married to a man I did not love, sir." Why was this becoming hard for her? She thought she knew her feelings.

"Then may I ask of you another question, Miss Bennet"? He posed the question as he sat on the opposite side of the log, but next to her so that he faced her, their right arms touching. She nodded for him to continue.

His voice was quiet as he asked, "Miss Bennet, do you know the difference between feeling gratitude and being in love?" His eyes were gentle, but there was a plea in them – asking for the deep honesty she had always shown. She leaned back against the tree for support, as though an arrow had pierced her.

Still studying his eyes, she slowly answered, "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I know the difference."

Satisfied she was being completely honest with him, he quietly asked, "Then, Miss Bennet, I must ask you" she braced herself as he asked her; "do you love me?"

Why did her chest feel tight at that moment? Why was it hard to breathe? As she took a deep breath, she reasoned out her words carefully before answering, "I believe that I am very open to loving you, Mr. Darcy." She saw him physically relax before her, as he was further assured of her truthfulness. "I am, as you say, very grateful to you and cannot help but hold you in high admiration for your bravery on my behalf, as well as the kindness and generosity you've shown, especially at high personal cost, even when received by an undeserving party." She paused, trying to evaluate her next words before continuing while Darcy silently watched her face.

"I believe, sir, this is the beginning of love," she looked him carefully in the eye, "but, as no one has inspired this in me as you have, I am at a loss to be certain."

Darcy's gaze was growing in intensity, but before Elizabeth could be fearful, his face broke into a smile of such kindness she'd never seen.

"Then Elizabeth," he said, drawing closer to her, "allow me the opportunity in assisting you to be certain." He was still studying her eyes as he leaned forward and, gently touching her chin, he brought his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

The feel of his lips against hers, his taste filling her mouth, his hand moving to cradle her head, his scent once again – Elizabeth was lost in everything Fitzwilliam Darcy and hoped never to be recovered. Yet as lost as she was, she needed more. Her hands were clasped together, restrained from reaching out to touch him; she felt her body reacting to him in ways that were new to her. She was both frightened and excited by his intimacy.

Darcy reluctantly released her lips and pulled back, studying her reaction and thinking if he removed his hand, she would fall over. He saw her hazy expression, as though waking from a dream. No words were coming from her lips and her eyes shifted their gaze from his eyes to his lips, lingering longer and longer on his lips each time. He smiled, knowing what she preferred his next action to be, but he would not be hasty.

"Elizabeth?" She was not responding yet, still gazing at his lips with a hidden smile alighting on hers. "Elizabeth," she was finally showing awareness, "are you alright, my love?"

She raised her eyes to his and gave him a lazy smile. "Oh William," her voice barely above a whisper, "I think I shall be in love with you soon … and forever."

His amusement at the usually articulate Elizabeth was quite evident as he brought her to him again for a kiss before nestling her head against his shoulder. They sat quietly contemplative, she in his arms resting her hand against his chest, mindlessly fingering a button on his vest as he placed soft kisses on her forehead.

"You did that yesterday, didn't you?" Elizabeth asked quietly, not moving her head.

"Of what are you speaking?" Darcy responded, looking down at her.

She now shifted up out of his embrace so that their eyes met. "When I fainted and thought I was floating; I thought I felt something brush across my forehead." She looked into his eyes for confirmation. "You kissed me then too."

"I was trying to bring you around from your swooning, but was not very successful," he said matter-of-factly. "Although," and with this he smiled smugly, "now that I have seen your reaction to a kiss, I believe I was in error and should avoid the action next time you faint."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed playfully, "As long as you do not avoid the action altogether, Mr. Darcy."

He brought her toward him again, "Indeed, my lady, I shall not," and kissed her again.

She pulled back, maintaining her playful attitude. "Now, sir," she started, in a tone imitative of the one he used with her when they first arrived at what was now 'their' tree, "You posed your questions to me, which I answered truthfully and honestly." Darcy nodded silently. "So," she continued, "does it not seem right that I be allowed to do the same with the same cooperation?"

"I am your humble servant, madam." He nodded in mock humility for her to proceed. However, where Darcy had remained a formal distance from Elizabeth when he began his questioning, Elizabeth felt no such compunction and remained close to the embrace of Darcy, should the need for further contact arise.

"Then, Mr. Darcy," she began with a tone of faux haughtiness, "since you questioned my affections for you, my opinion of marriage, whether to Mr. Collins or some other unnamed gentleman," her hand waved in the air in a gesture similar to her mother's, "I must ask you, sir," and with this she settled herself and gave him the same pleading look of honesty he gave her, "do you love me?"

His words did not come straightaway, as his answer was shouted through his eyes and spreading across his face. Reaching his hand to stroke her cheek, he quietly answered he, "Oh yes, Elizabeth, I do, ardently and passionately do I love you." Such a pronouncement could not be made without a mandatory kiss.

When they parted, she smiled at him and realized she was not interested in continuing their game of interrogation; however, as she still had questions to ask, she continued but in a quieter tone.

"How long have you loved me?" Her expression no longer reverting to the one of pleading, as she knew he would be honest with her as she had been.

"Elizabeth," he began, "I did not come to Hertfordshire to find a wife," he continued speaking, but as his hands needing something to occupy him, they usually found Elizabeth. "I came only to accompany Bingley in looking at Netherfield." His gaze drifted as he reviewed in his mind what his first impressions were upon his arrival to the area.

"I have been subjected all my life to the attentions of whatever society I am in for the purpose of benefitting someone other than myself, whether for business or marriage, or the two combined. It is such a common situation for me that my first acquaintance with any person or persons is marked with suspicion." Elizabeth saw he was becoming as the Darcy she first met and, not wanting to spoil this setting, she reached up and stroked his cheek, causing him to face her. He put his hand over hers, and, bringing it to his lips, he kissed her palm tenderly; he was her Darcy again.

"When we arrived at the Meryton assembly," he impulsively kissed her hand again, "I was overwhelmed first by the many sets of eyes seeming to devour me on sight. The room was full with whisperings of known details of my life and much speculation; I felt on display before them all." He looked down at the hand he was holding, turning it over, as if inspecting a new book.

"And then," looking up, but not meeting her eyes, "in this room of people I considered simple, unrefined, unsophisticated – I saw a pair of eyes that captured my heart." His heartbreaking honesty now threatened Elizabeth's resolve. "I was so sure it was the drink or the temperature of the room that was affecting me and was loathe to give any indication what was transpiring within me." He hung his head, not allowing her to see his feeling of guilt. "I believe I even told Bingley that you could not tempt me."

Elizabeth lifted her hand that he'd been holding, bringing his hand up to her lips and gently kissing it. The serenity of her smile touched him as she placed his hand next to her cheek and cradled it there. "I know, William, I heard you." His eyes went blank as he gazed at her, but before he could say any words of apology, with her smile unchanged, he heard her say, "Continue."

He smiled at her assurance before he spoke further. "I tried to deny my feelings for you, but it was to naught – they were too strong. Every time we were invited to an event where I knew you would be, I found myself anxious to see you again. And the day you came to Netherfield to care for your sister, I could not imagine any woman looking so beautiful," a glimmer sparked in his eyes, "even with mud-caked petticoats."

She slapped him across the chest, but he caught her hand before she could retract it and kissed it, followed by using it to reel her in closer for another kiss to the lips. Instead of allowing her to pull back, he kept hold and again nestled her against his shoulder in a relaxed embrace before he resumed his tale.

"If I hadn't already begun falling in love with you, Elizabeth, your time caring for your sister at Netherfield made it impossible to forestall otherwise. You were so kind-hearted toward your sister and also ready with a sharp retort for anything Caroline Bingley threw at you. You were everything wonderful." With this he kissed the top of her bonnet.

"William, you make me sound so perfect and flawless," she looked up at him with a cocked eyebrow, "and yet I know otherwise." This time he kissed the tip of her nose and smiled at her before bringing her head again to his shoulder.

"I was finding it harder to deny my feelings for you after your stay at Netherfield. And then," he paused, "And then I saw you in town with Wickham." With this said, he protectively tightened his arms around her as she had momentarily stiffened at the mention of Wickham's name. She buried her face in his chest and let out a shuddering sigh. "Oh, William, how utterly foolish I was to be taken in by him."

He silently consoled her in his embrace before he spoke. "Elizabeth, I trust there will soon be a time when the mention of his name will not bring you any sense of guilt." She turned her head sideways, not moving from his arms and quietly sighed, "As do I." They were quiet again before he continued.

"I thought you were lost to me," his voice showed the despair he had felt. "I didn't think it right for me to interfere in your life, nor could I publicly speak against Wickham as …" his words greatly faltered. Elizabeth sensed his sudden difficulty with speaking and rose from his embrace to see what troubled him. "William? What is it?" Her voice was full of concern.

After a few moments of hesitation, he said, his distress evident, "During this summer past, Wickham persuaded my sister to elope with him." Elizabeth's face turned ashen. "She was but fifteen." His statement caused both to pause, but the horror was growing on Elizabeth's face.

"Do you mean Mr. Wickham is your brother?"

Darcy reached for her hands and held them in his. "No, Elizabeth, do not be alarmed," he quickly said, trying to settle her. "By divine chance, I was able to disrupt his plans and put a stop to it before his plan was complete." Her relief was evident as she gave out a deep sigh. Darcy studied her countenance as she looked away, deep in thought.

He eventually leaned closer to her, capturing her attention before addressing her further. "So you see, when I saw you yesterday, walking with him, and then surrounded by the duke's men," as she visibly shuddered at the memory he raised his hands to her arms to steady her, "I could not stop myself." He looked at her intensely as his lips struggled to say the words. "I should have warned you sooner; if I had, you would not have endured the confrontation with the duke yesterday." He gathered her further in his embrace. "I shall ever regret not telling you sooner of Wickham."

Elizabeth's compassion for his remorse surfaced as she stroked his cheek. "But, William," capturing his attention, "had yesterday's unfortunate occurrence not taken place, would I be in your arms today?" She brought her hand down to rest against his heart as he gazed upon her.

"Elizabeth, I will always be grateful for any opportunity to hold you in my arms," he said, but his voice sounded cold as he added, "but never to Wickham."

"Then," she said after recovering from his sudden change in demeanour, "Perhaps it would be best we not speak of him further. We have much more pleasant things to dwell on, I think." Her sly smile helped Darcy recover his previous congenial manner. While still holding her with one hand, he reached and took the hand she rested on his chest and brought it to his lips. "Perhaps, you are right," he replied with a creeping smile.

"However," Darcy started, "I am afraid there is another issue we must discuss as a result of Wickham's recent actions." Elizabeth was now at a loss as to what he referenced.

"I have discussed with your father about taking you away from here for awhile, for your safety, until this business with Wickham can be resolved."

Elizabeth was stunned. "What do you mean by 'taking me away,'" she asked, almost fearfully. "My father has consented to this without consulting me?"

"Elizabeth, please," he said trying to allay her anxiety. "I offered to take you with me to Pemberley or to London to stay, with a chaperone of his choosing." She settled herself as his words registered in her head. "Did you think you were to be locked up in a room at Bedlam or a nunnery?" His question was purposely farfetched, but she realized a similar thought had crossed her mind causing her to smile at her own gullibility. She looked at Darcy who reflected the same smile.

"So where am I to be transported, sir," she asked in a much more relaxed tone.

"An express is being sent to your uncle in Cheapside, even as we speak." She subtly inclined her head. "If he is agreeable, then my carriage will be brought here on the morrow to take you to London until Christmas, by which time, we hope everything may be resolved with Wickham."

"Then it seems, sir, that I should be making myself ready for the morning." Elizabeth was indicating her intent to rise.

Darcy rose first and extended his hand to her to assist. Rising herself, she found herself in his arms once again.

"Elizabeth," she thought his voice especially mesmerizing; "I believe I have overstepped the limits of propriety with you during this time." It was true, he had, conceded Elizabeth, but she wasn't bothered by the idea. "Since yesterday, due the situations we were in, I found it necessary to be physically close." He paused for her to comment, but with none coming, he continued. "Having done so, I have not felt the need to maintain the strict formality normal to a couple not yet engaged."

"As we are 'not yet engaged', William, what status are we then," she asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.

"We are," he said, trying to sound officious, "with your father's blessing, courting."

"I see," she replied, "and how long are we to be 'courting' then," she asked maintaining her playful attitude.

"I shall court you until the time you tell me you are in love with me and cannot live without me. At that time, I shall ask you to make me the happiest man that ever lived." He kept his eyes on her as their smiles mutually broadened.

"However," he quickly added, "should anyone observe us, as now, and question your reputation, then, we shall immediately become engaged and marry swiftly." This he said to ensure she understood the seriousness of his intentions. "For you see, as I said yesterday, I could not force you into anything; the dictates of society, however, may."

"I understand you, William, very well." She looked up into his eyes. "I think I shall enjoy being courted very much – for years perhaps."

"Oh Elizabeth," he said softly, drawing her close one last time before they returned to Longbourn, "You would not be so cruel, would you?"

"William, I think it shall be not long at all."

He kissed her once more and then began their walk to Longbourn to prepare for London and what awaited them there.

The End of Book I

A/N: Do not fear, there will be more; I am only taking a break from this story and will continue it in London. Remember, I was planning to end this after chapter 5 and leave the rest to your imaginations, but since you paid me the ultimate compliment of wanting more, I acquiesced (and am very grateful). In the meantime, I need to think through the plot of the next part, as well as get a couple of other stories off my chest. Thank you all so much for making my first P&P so much fun! Eb