Darcy's Engagement

by Suz

November 2002, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated PG-13

Author's Note: I am very, very sorry to have gone over the word limit (again.) I really do try to keep it shorter. This is a continuation of the other two (A Walk in the Park) - hope you enjoy it. Big hugs to Lady Cat for all her help.


Darcy wrapped Lizzy in his arms and with a full heart whispered, “Please, my darling Elizabeth, say it again, for truly I thought this day would never come.”

Lifting her head from the warmth of Darcy’s chest, she gazed into his eyes only to see the joy and love there which mirrored her own.

“Yes, my darling Fitzwilliam, I will marry you, and spend the rest of my life loving you.”

Overcome with emotion, he crushed Lizzy to him in a tight embrace. “You have no idea how happy you have made me, my darling Lizzy – you have honestly made me the happiest of men.”

He lifted her chin slowly, closing his eyes, and kissed her gently, softly, tenderly. “Please call me Will,” he whispered against her mouth. “It's what you call me in my dreams, and I have ached these many months to hear you say it.”

“Will,” she breathed into his ear, sending shivers through his body. He tensed – the feel of Lizzy so close was intoxicating. They kissed, much longer and deeper, his tongue whisping softly across her lips. She moaned softly, arching into him slightly – it was almost too much for William. He could feel the restraints on his resolve begin to fray. He must be the one to pull away. Reluctantly he eased his grip on Lizzy. Slowly, unwillingly, they drew apart.

“Elizabeth, would you give me leave to speak with your father? I cannot wait a moment longer.”

“Certainly Will. It would be best if I go and speak with Mama. I am sure she will be confused as to Lady Catherine’s departure.

At the mention of that harridan’s name, Darcy scowled for a moment, but resolved to put it out of his mind. He would allow nothing to overshadow the happiness he was feeling on this day. Holding hands they began to walk back to the house.

Darcy knocked at the door of the library, and a voice from within bade him enter.

“Why Mr Darcy,” exclaimed Mr Bennet, “this is a surprise. I was not aware that you had come to visit. Did you accompany Mr Bingley?”

“Er, no Mr Bennet. Mr Bingley will no doubt arrive within the hour. I left Netherfield ahead of him. I … er … have come to speak with you myself on a matter of some importance.”

“Well, well – two gentlemen within the same week. I must say that I am delighted to have had the pleasure of so much male conversation,” he said dryly. “As you can imagine, with a house full of females, I don’t often have the opportunity. So, what was it that you particularly wished to discuss, Mr Darcy? I await your leave, sir.”

“I would like to marry your daughter, Mr Bennet.”

“Capital, Mr Darcy! I still have four – did you have a particular one in mind, or would you like me to choose for you?” asked Mr Bennet endeavouring to stifle a chuckle at the younger man's uneasiness.

“You may not be aware, Mr Bennet, but I have been endeavouring for some time to garner the affections of your daughter, Elizabeth.”

“You are correct, Mr Darcy,” he said with some amusement. “I was not aware. The last I heard she was not handsome enough to tempt you. I take it you have had a change of heart, then?”

“Um, yes.” Darcy coloured. “My apologies for that remark, sir. I am afraid I am not comfortable in society, and seem to have spent the last many years avoiding attempts by ambitious mothers attempting to match me up with their ‘desirable’ daughters. I have, however, had occasion to seriously revise my initial, mis-informed opinion of your daughter, and have come to feel for her the most ardent of affections and I have asked her to be my wife.”

“Well, well, that is quite a change of heart, Mr Darcy. And Lizzy has obviously consented? Hmmm, I am surprised Lizzy told me nothing of this, but then, she is a very independent young woman, as I am certain you have come to realize. I am acquainted with my Lizzy’s thoughts on marriage, Sir, so you won’t mind I am sure, if I ask Lizzy to join us in this conversation?”

“By all means, Mr Bennet.”

Mr Bennet excused himself to call Lizzy, who was more than happy to escape the verbal barrage she was suffering at the hands of her mother.

In the library, Lizzy looked quizzically at Mr Darcy, but he just smiled cryptically at her. “I have had a rather curious request from Mr Darcy, Lizzy. It would appear that I am to lose not one daughter, but two. Hmmm? You have apparently been conducting a clandestine courtship under our very noses. What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?”

“Mr Darcy has asked me to marry him, Papa, and I have accepted.”

“So it would seem, my dear, for I hardly think he would have come to me without some sort of tacit approval on your behalf. I need to know though, that you are consenting to marry Mr Darcy for the right reasons. And be truthful with me Lizzy, for I shall know if you are not.”

Unable to conceal her feelings, she looked at Darcy, happiness suffusing her expression. “He is truly the best man I have ever known, and I love him deeply.”

Captured by the look on Lizzy’s face and moved by the sincerity of her words, Darcy looked at her with such love and heartfelt delight, that no further words were necessary. Mr Bennet - like Lizzy, a keen observer of human nature, gazed affectionately at the couple in front of him. A blind man could see the current of emotion between the two.

He coughed discreetly to break the moment, bringing Lizzy and Darcy back to the subject at hand.

“Very well, Lizzy, you have convinced me, my dear. You have my consent Mr Darcy," said Mr Bennet, shaking his future son-in-law's hand. "My Lizzy is a perceptive and intelligent young lady – you would do well to remember that. Now, when would you like us to announce this engagement to your mother? I fear she may go distracted at the thought of not one, but two weddings,” he said with a smile on his face.

“Papa, with Mr Darcy’s permission I would like to wait until Jane and Mr Bingley’s announcement has been made – I would not wish to detract from the happiness of their occasion.”

Darcy nodded. Elizabeth would be his wife. It was more than he had dared hope for these past months. Mr Bennet turned at the sound of Bingley arriving and thought the moment propitious to join the others. They left the library in time to meet Bingley in the foyer. Mrs Bennet, who knew nothing still of Mr Darcy’s earlier arrival, was left to presume he had arrived with Mr Bingley.

Later that night at Netherfield, the house was quiet as everyone else had retired to bed. Darcy and Bingley were having a companionable glass of port in the library prior to turning in.

“I must admit, Darcy, I was a little surprised to find you at Longbourn ahead of me today – and I confess I am a little curious as to why …you had business with Mr Bennet perhaps?

“Bingley, I have something of great import I wish to tell you, but I must insist that it go no further than this room at this time.”

“Good god, Darcy! What is it, man? Has something happened?”

“No, no, Bingley. It is nothing bad, I assure you. Quite the contrary.” A smile creased his features. “I have just this day become engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I am so delighted I feel a need to tell someone about it.”

“Why, Darcy! You sly devil, I had no idea. You really do play your cards awfully close to your chest, don’t you? Naturally, I congratulate you,” he said as he pumped Darcy’s hand. “I am sure you will be as happy with Elizabeth as I with my beautiful Jane. But if you don’t mind me asking, why do you wish to keep this a secret? There isn’t something else I should know is there? You must have a good reason for wanting to keep it quiet?”

“Don’t jump to conclusions, Bingley. Elizabeth requested that we keep the engagement private for now so as not to detract from the occasion of your engagement to Jane, and I agreed. In fact no one knows except you and Mr Bennet. I must insist you keep it that way for now, if you will.”

“Certainly, Darcy. You have my word on it. But once again, my heartiest congratulations,” he said smiling.

Darcy’s eyes crinkled in amusement as he said, “Then I have your blessing, Bingley?”

“Do you need it?” Bingley laughed. “I am holding a ball at Netherfield on Saturday to announce mine and Jane’s engagement, so you won’t have to wait too long at least."

Keenly anticipating their happy futures, the gentlemen finished their ports and retired to their rooms for the night. For the first time in many months, Darcy slept soundly, no longer haunted by dreams of the unattainable.

Caroline Bingley, concerned over Darcy’s frequent excursions to Longbourn with her brother, suspected that his attendance on that family may have been due to the enticement of a certain pair of ‘fine eyes”' … Alert to the threat of competition, she determined to escalate her long and calculated campaign to become the Mistress of Pemberley.

In her effort to lure Mr Darcy into an appropriate disposition to propose, Caroline Bingley had thus far used almost every ploy she knew to entice him: intelligent conversation (showing the benefits of a well rounded education), a display of good breeding and manners (as would be required of the Mistress of Pemberley), a constant solicitousness regarding his person (to indicate a kind and caring nature), and an affinity with all his opinions (to indicate a compliance with his thoughts). That a country upstart should usurp her, with few of the qualities that she herself possessed, was insupportable! It was time now to fight fire with fire. Miss Eliza Bennet would not win the prize she had laboured so long to win! She went to find her maid – there were preparations to be made and no time to lose.

Caroline waited patiently throughout dinner and an obligatory evening at cards for the right time to put her machinations in progress. Eventually, most of the family retired to bed. Caroline lingered in the drawing room, knowing Mr Darcy to be having a quiet nightcap in the library. She sent the footman, Johnson, to ask Mr Darcy if he would be so kind as to attend her. Darcy groaned inwardly upon receiving the request, but being unable to invent a reasonable reason not to comply, strode off to the drawing room, annoyed and not a little suspicious as to what Caroline may be up to. Her frequent jibes about Elizabeth lately had been enough to set his teeth on edge.

“Please be seated, Mr Darcy,” smiled Caroline, leading him to the nearest settee. She proceeded to pace leisurely in front of him. “I have a matter of some importance to discuss which directly involves you.”

Wondering what on earth Caroline could possibly have to say that could remotely be of any importance or interest to him, he gritted his teeth saying, “As you will, Miss Bingley,” grudgingly giving her leave to continue.

“I am excessively concerned about dear Georgiana,” she pronounced as she continued her pacing in front of Darcy.

“How so?” He had received a post from his sister only yesterday, and she had seemed to be in good health and fine spirits at Pemberley.

“It is high time she was presented to society, Mr Darcy. Have you not thought on this?”

With his betrothal to Elizabeth now confirmed, Darcy had thought on this indeed. Elizabeth, with her lively manner and ease in public, would be the perfect person to help Georgiana overcome her natural reticence in public. Still unsure where this line of questioning was heading, he waited not so patiently for Caroline to continue, twisting the ring on his little finger is a mild display of exasperation. He was therefore completely confounded by Caroline’s next statement.

“You know how fond I am of dear, sweet Georgiana, and I would be more than happy to assume the duties of her chaperone myself in this regard. Mrs Annesley is a suitable companion, I suppose, but she has none of the qualities required to prepare Georgiana for her entrée into society.”

“Such as you 'possess'.”

“Exactly,” smiled Caroline.

Darcy by this time, was starting to feel a little claustrophobic for Caroline’s pacing was now being conducted a mere foot in front of him, leaving him little room for escape.

Endeavoring to be diplomatic, Darcy restrained himself from his initial response that he would prefer Caroline and her 'qualities' to stay as far away from his sister as possible – lest she scare every last eligible young man away from his sister, as she had done for herself. Her lack of success in her own case spoke volumes to Darcy about how ill-equipped she was for the job.

Attempting to hide a grimace, he said, “I appreciate the kind offer, and I agree she will need the guidance of someone with more experience in these matters than her companion. I can assure you, however, that Georgiana is not yet ready to come out.”

Misinterpreting his grimace for a smile, Caroline smiled inwardly, mistakenly feeling she had achieved a small triumph.

Rising to his feet in front of her, Darcy made to move around her, saying, “If that is all Miss Bingley?”

At that moment Caroline ‘appeared’ to trip slightly on the rug and ‘fell’ into Mr Darcy’s arms, the momentum driving them both back onto the settee in a melee of arms and legs.

“Oh! Mr Darcy!" With the element of surprise on her side, Caroline managed to securely trap Darcy on the settee. A minor struggle ensued, from which Darcy was unable by the sheer weight of Caroline's presence, to escape. Caroline smiled silkily to herself. Things were going very well indeed. "Why, I had no idea you felt this way…” she gushed, wrapping her arms even more firmly around Mr Darcy and planting a kiss on his mouth. “Oh my dearest Fitzwilliam!” she cried, before once again trapping his face as securely as she had the rest of his body.

Wrenching his face free and resisting the urge to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand, he exclaimed, “Miss Bingley!” Darcy was beginning to feel ill and looked up at Caroline in shock, wondering if she had lost what little was left of her mind. Curiously, Charles – who had been sent to fetch him by Caroline’s maid, chose that particular moment to enter the room. Upon seeing Darcy and Caroline stretched out in such a compromising position on the settee, he was temporarily at a loss for words.

“Darcy!”…. “Caroline! What the …?”

“Oh Charles, you will never guess! Mr Darcy has quite literally swept me off my feet! I have suspected for some time that he was developing feelings for me.”

Using Caroline's momentary distraction brought on by the entrance of Charles, Darcy was finally able to effect his escape from the dead weight tethering him to the settee and stood abruptly, causing Caroline to slide off his lap, and land with a thud on the floor.

“I assure you Charles, I did no such thing!” he seethed.

“Come now Mr Darcy, Fitzwilliam…” gushed Caroline, standing a little unsteadily after her dumping and grasping his arm for effect. “I am afraid we have been discovered,” she said, motioning to Charles. “Don’t be shy now, Sir. I can assure you my answer is yes.”

“Your answer? Your answer to what?” spluttered Darcy. He was beginning to feel a sense of unreality about the whole episode.

“You can’t mean what I think you’re meaning, Caroline?” said Charles in shock.

“Why it is quite proper, Charles. Mr Darcy, by his rather novel way of declaring his intentions is seeking my affections. Naturally a gentleman would not declare himself thus unless he had matrimony in mind. So, yes Mr Darcy, I shall marry you.”

“But it was an accident Caroline,” growled Darcy “and besides, I am already promised to another.”

“Promised? To whom?… “ After a small moment of panic, realization dawned. “Your cousin, Miss De Bourgh? Oh, Mr Darcy. I know you never had any intention of agreeing to your Aunt’s demands in that area. Your cousin, poor frail creature that she is, wouldn't marry you as she could never cope with the demands of running Pemberley, as I am sure she realises. So you see, you shall be able to marry me after all.” And with that, she swept smiling and satisfied from the room.

Darcy and Charles stared after her, both dumbfounded.

Darcy spent a fitful night, sleeping little. Nightmares of Caroline Bingley in full bridal regalia chasing him through Netherfield screaming, “I do! I do!” woke him in a cold sweat. Ugh! He shivered in revulsion at the thought. He had known for some time of Caroline’s designs on Pemberley but never had he believed she would employ such desperate measures to achieve her aims. Dreading the prospect of facing her, he bathed and dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. As he approached the parlour he overheard, much to his horror, Caroline enthusiastically relating the situation of their ‘betrothal’ to her sister, Louisa and Mr Hurst. The ladies tittered excitedly, much to Charles’ consternation.

“You are not engaged to Darcy, Caroline. What occurred was an accident. You are presuming too much, and looking quite foolish into the bargain. You must desist with these wild delusions.”

“Charles, you saw with your very own eyes what occurred. I admit, I had perceived Mr Darcy’s growing feelings for me for some time, but it is understandable that you, as a man, would have been insensible to it.”

Charles sighed deeply and shook his head, at a loss as to how to handle a situation that was rapidly escalating out of control. Darcy, unable to deal with Caroline after the disturbing visions that had plagued his sleep, used the advantage of having not been observed, to flee the house to walk the grounds, in an attempt to think of some way to deal with Caroline’s pronouncement before serious damage could be done.

In deep contemplation of the situation in which he was immersed, he wandered aimlessly until he realised his feet were leading him along the road to Longbourn. He stepped up his pace. He must speak to Lizzy and inform her of what had transpired before she found out from someone else. He encountered Lizzy, who was returning from her morning walk, near the Longbourn chapel. Her face lit up with delight at the unexpected appearance of her fiancé. She was surprised as he silently and quickly directed her into the chapel.

He wrapped her in a firm hug. "My darling Lizzy, you have no idea how happy I am to see you at this moment."

"Why William, this is a most pleasant surprise. I had not expected to see you until later today."

"Dearest, there is something urgent I must tell you – I cannot risk you hearing this from anyone else but me."

Curious, Lizzy looked at Darcy silently, unsure as to what had provoked such serious and strange behaviour in her beloved. Darcy guided Lizzy to one of the pews, and sat next to her, taking her hands in his. As his explanation of the events of last evening unfolded, Lizzy was at first incredulous, then angry, and finally amused. To Darcy's surprise, she actually laughed!

"I fail to see the humour in the situation, Elizabeth. The woman is clearly deranged! What, pray tell, do you find so amusing?"

"I have been aware of Caroline Bingley's designs on you from almost the first moment of our acquaintance, William. I am a little amazed that she has felt the need to take such desperate steps, but not surprised really. Anyone who knows you well though, would find it a little hard to put credence to her claims. You are not the type of man who goes around throwing women on settees and ravishing them. Although I must admit, I would not be averse to that myself," she laughed, eyes twinkling.

"Really, madam. I am glad you find this situation so amusing. Perhaps I should show you just what I am capable of?" he enquired with an arched eyebrow.

"You will recall I have experienced quite a few of your 'capabilities' Mr Darcy – perhaps our betrothal would have not been quite so long in coming if I had taken similar liberties myself?" said Lizzy teasingly.

"You may take all the liberties with me you wish, Lizzy. If it were not for the fact that we are in a church, I would not be above taking a few myself. But then, we are all alone, are we not?" Darcy moved quickly to trap Lizzy, but she squealed and quickly slid out of his reach on the smooth, wooden pews.

Under Lizzy's playful banter, Darcy's good humour returned. Miss Bingley would find out in good time just how ludicrous her assertions were. They discussed how best to deal with her, then each went their separate ways, parting company with a quick kiss.

Back at Netherfield, Bingley, who was becoming increasingly embarrassed by Caroline’s attempts to convince everyone that she and Darcy had come to an “arrangement”, felt it was time to confront his sister and attempt to make her see reason. To this end, he called her into his study and nervously asked her to sit. He paced tensely, hesitant to broach a subject that he knew would set his determined and obstinate sister off.

“Caroline, I must insist that you listen to me! Your attempts to entrap Darcy into marriage just will not work! And it is exceedingly unbecoming watching you flounce around the house putting yourself in his way at every opportunity. He doesn’t love you Caroline, can’t you see that?”

“Oh, Charles, do not worry so. I know that Mr Darcy does not love me, but love is not necessary in marriage. A fondness and a mutual regard will suffice. I know he was temporarily infatuated with Miss Eliza Bennet,” she spat, “but he has come to realize that I will make the ideal mistress for Pemberley. All will be well, you shall see.”

“But Caroline, he is already affianced. He has tried to tell you that.”

“To Miss De Bourgh? Oh Charles – that is of no consideration,” she dismissed. “He has never made any secret of the fact that he has no intention of marrying her.”

“But Caroline, you don’t understand ….”

“No Charles, it is you who doesn’t understand! I simply will not stand for any more of this conversation. Mr Darcy and I shall be married, and I shall be Mistress of Pemberley. Enough!”

Caroline swept from the room in a huff. Charles really is becoming most tiresome – but everything is going according to plan. It won’t be long now, she thought. And smiling to herself, Caroline went off in search of the housekeeper to see how preparations were coming along for the ball.

It was Saturday night and the ball was in full swing. As the company was mostly seated and availing themselves of refreshments, Bingley decided the time was right for his announcement. With Jane at his side and beaming with pride, he attempted to garner the attention of those present. He cleared his throat, endeavouring to be heard above the noise of those dining and talking. “Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention please?”

The noise and chatter in the room gradually quieted and they all looked at Bingley and Jane expectantly. Those who knew the announcement to come smiled quietly to themselves.

“If I may have your attention for just a moment please, I have something of great delight I wish to share with you tonight. As most of you are aware, I have been courting Miss Jane Bennet for some months now, and much to my great joy, she has consented to become my wife. I would like you all to drink to my future happiness with my beautiful Jane.”

As everyone raised their glasses and toasted the happy couple, Jane, slightly embarrassed but beaming with happiness, looked up at Bingley with a look of such adoration, the obvious signs of love between the couple touched all.

Caroline, sensing her moment had come, decided to take advantage of everyone’s attention to make an announcement of her own.

“Please friends, just one more moment if you please. Seeing how happy you all are on the betrothal of my brother and his lovely bride-to-be, you will be thrilled I’m sure, at the second announcement we have to make.”

Darcy, standing just to the side of Bingley, looked quickly at Caroline and went pale. No! She wouldn’t! he thought. Seething inside, he unobtrusively made his way close to where Caroline was standing.

Caroline looked over at where Lizzy was standing next to Jane and Bingley and smiled smugly. Completely oblivious to Darcy’s progress in her direction, she continued.

“It would appear that this is a night for announcements, and this one too, is very close to home.” She quietly chuckled to herself. “I know you will all be as overjoyed as I am to know that Mr Darcy ….”

She stopped suddenly as she felt someone’s hand on her shoulder and turned slightly to see Mr Darcy right behind her. He smiled down at her, and putting his finger to his lips said, “If you will allow me, Caroline?”

Thrilled beyond words that he had finally come to see reason, and was prepared to make the announcement she had been itching to make herself, she smiled at him mischievously and gave him leave to continue.

Yes, she thought to herself. Now, Miss Eliza Bennet, you shall see that a fine pair of eyes is not enough to tempt a man of Mr Darcy’s discernment.

Beneath his smiling visage, Darcy was furious! How dare she! Stupid woman! That she would think she could trap me in this fashion! Well, Caroline, I shall certainly give them an announcement! He glanced across at Lizzy, catching her eye and winking discreetly. As Lizzy caught on, she discreetly nodded her head in silent consent.

“My friends, I realize that many of you have come here tonight hoping, or expecting, to hear an engagement announcement. I offer my heartiest congratulations to my friend and Miss Jane Bennet. I sincerely wish them every happiness and joy in their years together. There is, however, another engagement that I was reluctant to mention so as not to detract from the occasion of Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet's engagement. It would seem though, that Miss Bingley, understandably excited by the news, has decided to pre-empt the official announcement by informing you here tonight of another joyous event which has been set.

Caroline, doing a most amazing impression of a cat that has just swallowed the canary, glanced over at Elizabeth and smiled smugly.

Darcy continued. “I have long considered Mr Bingley as the brother I never had, and it would appear that he is finally to become my brother in reality. It is my great honour and pleasure to announce that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has consented to be my wife, and we are to be married at the end of autumn."

Caroline, forgotten in the excitement surrounding the announcement, was still smiling stupidly when she finally comprehended what Darcy had said and immediately felt dizzy and ill. Miss Elizabeth Bennet? But…? As comprehension finally dawned, she fainted and began a most graceful slide to the floor, where she lay in a crumpled heap.

“Oh dear,” said Bingley, seeing the undignified pile his sister had become on the floor. “It would appear that the excitement has been too much for my sister after all. Could someone please assist me to remove her to the library where she may recover in private?”

Under Bingley’s instruction, Caroline was gently carried from the room and placed on a settee in the library. Quietly, with a silent chuckle to himself, he closed the door and returned to the ball, leaving Caroline alone to recover at her leisure.

Copyright held by Suz - 2002