A Role to Play

by Peg

December 2002, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated R - Mature audiences only. Login required.

Netherfield - the library...

There they were, sitting on the floor, behind the desk enjoying each others company and their new developed intimacy.

Elizabeth was sitting on Darcy's lap, her face turned towards him. She felt so right in this place so close to him. All her worries, about the time of courtship and the awkward feelings that might arise when they would be together, were forgotten. While she was studying his handsome face she realized, they were bound to become the happiest of couples.

This picture of a perfect couple was still to be delivered to all the people who didn't know of their engagement yet … Just as this thought entered Elizabeth's mind, she heard a noise from the hallway. Elizabeth looked slightly alarmed.

"It's just the servants, Elizabeth, they won't disturb us." Darcy said.

"And if they did, you'd have to marry me. This is a most compromising situation and my reputation would be lost forever."

"Let us become even more compromising, so I might rest assured of your acceptance of my hand." With this he pulled her closer and his mouth captured hers. They were lost to their surroundings until a most familiar voice was heard and the door was opened.

"What do you mean, you don't know if he is at Netherfield…" it snarled from the door.

Darcy and Elizabeth held their breath, which was at bit of a challenge since they've just been sharing a most passionate kiss and air was scarce in their lungs… Elizabeth buried her face in Darcy's shoulder as if to hide from the scene.

When the door was shut they started breathing again, but Elizabeth seemed quite distressed.

"Elizabeth, dearest, nobody saw us." He said in a soothing voice.

Elizabeth looked up on him again an unreadable expression on her face.

"We've got quite an efficient hiding place," he went on and then tried to kiss her again. Elizabeth stopped him by laying a finger on his lips.

That was the picture, Miss Bingley had to take in, when she bent over the desk to discover where the sound came from.

"Miss Eliza, a husband-hunter! Who would have thought it! But be assured, I won't tell anyone, so Mr. Darcy you don't need to marry her. My lips are sealed."

Darcy struggled for composure and helped Lizzie up as he got up too.

Miss Bingley was sure, Darcy was greatly indebted to her. She remained her haughty self until Darcy laid his arm round Lizzie's waist and smiled at her.

"Miss Bingley, may I introduce the future Mrs. Darcy."

"Darcy, there is no need to marry her. I just said, you may be assured of my secrecy."

Now Elizabeth couldn't hold her tongue any longer, her compassion for poor Miss Bingely changed into a slight feeling of irritation.

"Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy and I are engaged, I've accepted his hand in marriage but yesterday."

Miss Bingley was all astonishment. "So you were found in a similar situation before…" she concluded.

That was enough for Darcy. "Miss Bingley, there was no reason to propose to Miss Bennet beyond the fact, …" now he turned his glance away from Miss Bingley straight to Elizabeth and all the while his expression softening as did his voice,"…that she's the loveliest, liveliest, dearest girl in the world and gained all my affection, respect and admiration, and I do want to spent my life with her."

Lizzie was moved by his declaration, she didn't care that Miss Bingley was with them, when she answered him. "Fitzwilliam, I'll be yours forever."

They had to fight the temptation to give in to the moment, when Miss Bingley rescued them by making an effort to protest.

"Darcy, but ... but, Darcy, this is highly improper!!!"

"Miss Bingley, I thank you for your kindness to honour us with your best wishes. ... We have to go now."

Darcy bowed to a completely baffled Miss Bingley, took Lizzie by the hand and they left.

Copyright held by Peg - 2002