Dream

Part I

 At Longbourn

After her time there in Derbyshire this summer, Elizabeth's countenance towards a certain young man had changed drastically. Upon first seeing him, in wet clothing, she had to admit to herself that she had always found him very handsome, although proud and vain. After spending a few minutes with him in the company of her aunt and uncle, she had to acknowledge further, that he was much changed from the selfish and arrogant person she was acquainted with before. And after dining with him in his house, she had to declare even further, that he could be so attentive and sweet and hoped that maybe... perhaps, it would last beyond this night. However, after pouring her heart out to him that morning at the Inn in Lambton, she had to confess that he was everything she could wish for in a life partner, yet in all likelihood, they would never see each other again.

And that is the way things stood as Elizabeth and her relations returned home in shame and vexation at the hands of her sister Lydia. Those who observed Elizabeth, thought she cried and looked forlorn for a sister disgraced, but those that truly knew her, realized that it might be something else, and those that were with her in Derbyshire, knew it was someone else. And so it was, Elizabeth mourned for her lost love, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.

For a month or so Elizabeth was either resigned or inconsolable, her emotions were so volatile that sometimes she felt it best to be left alone, especially with the Wickhams in residence. Therefore, her wanderings through the open countryside were done more often than her usual.

After receiving a letter from her Aunt Gardiner, her spirits were in a tizzy, so to speak. She dared not hope that Darcy had righted her sister's elopement for her sake, but she could not rest easy until it was spoken from the mouth of the one she wanted so desperately to see, but knew not if it would ever come to pass. As to these thoughts, her mind could not rest, although it was tired, but sleep never really claimed her.

After a time, the Wickhams went on their 'merry' way and life began to settle down again. But without the constant and inane blatherings of Lydia and the ingratiating speeches by her insipid husband, Elizabeth's mind and her overall persona was truly in turmoil. Her thoughts were constantly on Darcy, and she could not recollect the conversation around her, nor add to it. Mr. Bennet noticed, as did Jane. However, Mr. Bennet was not inclined to do anything about his favorite's disposition, while Jane after a private conversation with their Aunt Gardiner and a letter from her thence, decided to take matters into her own hands.

Unfortunately, time would not be kind to Jane, for hither come Bingley and, to her surprise, Darcy. Jane had hoped that Bingley's friend was come back to Netherfield for her sister, while she knew after their reunion that Bingley was intending to make her an offer. But Darcy soon left again and all was for naught.

About a week after Bingley and Jane's engagement, they were all sitting in the drawing room.

"Mr. Bingley, have you written to your friend, Mr. Darcy?" asked Jane.

Elizabeth shrank in her seat.

"Oh yes, my dear! I informed him of our engagement and I await either a letter or his return to Netherfield."

"And why was he away to London?" inquired Jane.

Elizabeth nervously twisted the handkerchief she held in her hands.

"He has much business to attend to there, but I do believe he went to Pemberley after a day or two, which may delay his arrival back here in Hertfordshire."

Elizabeth quickly stood up and walked to the window facing the garden; she gazed out but saw nothing.

Tired of the conversation upon someone who she thought undeserving, Mrs. Bennet squealed, "Mr. Bingley, it is such a lovely day, would you escort my dear Jane outdoors? It does so much to improve her lovely complexion!"

"Why, of course, mum..." Bingley stood and held out his hand for Jane. "Would you be needing a wrap, my dear?"

"Yes, thank you," said Jane as she rose to leave the room.

Bingley and Jane went out into the garden and within a few minutes Lady Catherine appeared at Longbourn's door. She asked Elizabeth to escort her to the 'little wilderness' on the north side of the house, where they might chat in private.

Elizabeth was in a much-agitated state when she came back to the house and although she withstood the family's inquiries as to the grand lady's visit, she retired to her room claiming a headache.

The next evening, after Bingley left Longbourn, Elizabeth went straightaway to her room. She did, as she had for the past few months, think and dream of a certain Master of Pemberley, and wonder and ponder what it was to be his wife. But she also thought of the deliberate act of Darcy's aunt and the insolence of her cousin's letter to her father. Her own mortification was in the extreme, but she hid it well. With all these thoughts to occupy her, Elizabeth promised herself that if a letter should come from Darcy to Bingley instead of his presence, she would regret him no longer.

And this how Jane found her, in a quandary, as she entered her room. "Lizzy, whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth looked near tears, but said nothing. "You have been quite melancholy sometime now... Why do you not share it with me?"

"Oh, Jane," sighed Elizabeth; she was about to tell all. But what good would that do?! So instead, she bit her bottom lip and said, "'Tis nothing. Nothing at all."

"Lizzy," said Jane as she sat on the bed next to Elizabeth. "I know you have not slept well for the past month or so. Please do tell?"

"There is nothing the matter with me!" said Elizabeth a bit too quickly and louder than she had intended. Jane raised an eyebrow but did not refute her claim. "Nothing that a wedding would not cure!" she chuckled, trying to change the subject.

I know you too well, dear sister! "As much as I would wish to talk of my wedding, Lizzy, I will not be dismissed as you are want to do... I have been hoping that you would come to me, but..."

"Oh Jane, I will miss you so much!" squeaked Elizabeth as a tear ran down her face.

Jane reached and took Elizabeth's hand in hers. "I will be but three miles away. You, most of all, should be able to reach me daily, I think." They both giggled. "But that is not what is troubling you... You have been anxious and downcast and... and miserable these last few months. I beg of you Lizzy, please tell me of your troubles? I will help you in anyway I know how."

Elizabeth sat quietly for a few moments. "I will not burden you with my sorrows, my dear sister," she wiped more tears as they fell. "I thank you and appreciate your concern, but... but this is something that I must reckon with on my own."

"You are certain, then?" Elizabeth nodded. "Well... Goodnight, Lizzy," said Jane as she kissed Elizabeth's tear-stained cheek and quit the room.

Waiting to hear the click of Jane's bedroom door, Elizabeth quietly blew out her candles and cried herself to sleep. I love him, yet he loves me never more!

After tossing and turning for a bit, Elizabeth soberly threw her bed covers from her, put on her boots, lit a candle, walked down the stairs, grabbed her coat and walked out the door.

 

 

Part II

 At Netherfield

Bingley had returned home and was informed by the butler that he had a guest waiting in the library. He went quickly to the room. "Darcy! I'm so glad that you have come back!"

"I have come to offer my congratulations to you, in person, as requested," smiled Darcy as they shook hands.

"I hope you have not been waiting long?"

"No, I have only returned a few hours ago."

"Well, I spend most of the day with... If I had known you were to come today, I would have sent for you directly! Why did you not come to Longbourn instead?"

"I, er, I felt that... Rather, I thought that... I did not want to interrupt your day, Bingley. I knew you would be home before long."

"Yes, yes. I fear that I tend to stay longer than I ought. But, well..."

"I'm sure the Bennets mind you not, Bingley." Me, however... "And how is the 'dear, lovely Miss Bennet?" Oh Lord, those are my words for Elizabeth! I have to think of something better. Um... Dearest... Loveliest...

"Splendid! Wonderful! A jewel beyond measure! The Bennets have been so very attentive..."

"And are they all well?" Darcy interrupted.

"Yes, thank you. Mr. Bennet invites me to his study for a spell and Mrs. Bennet flits about attending to my every whim and Miss Elizabeth is, um, well, um... she has not been herself as of late."

"She is... unwell?" Darcy tried to hide his anxiety.

"No... Just a little out of spirits." Bingley waited to see Darcy react and was pleased to see his eyes flash although his face was as impassive as usual. "I believe she will miss her sister, deeply. But I have assured her that we will remain at Netherfield for a time."

"I would think Miss Elizabeth was pleased with that fact?"

"Oh she is! She is indeed! But I have been monopolizing Jane's time with her for the past week and she feels it keenly, I suppose."

"You suppose?"

"Yes... Well, Jane did say that her sister's spirits have been low for at least two months."

"Ah..." was all that Darcy could offer; his mind whirling at this possible revelation.

Bingley poured himself a drink. "Oh Darcy! I forgot to mention that your aunt, Lady Catherine, came yesterday to visit Miss Elizabeth!"

"Did you happen to see her?"

"No, Jane and I crept away to the shrubbery for fear it was another well-wisher. But according to Mrs. Bennet, your aunt and Miss Elizabeth took a turn outside... I suppose it was to congratulate her on her sister's engagement, but that could have been done by letter. Then I supposed that she might have brought news of Mr. and Mrs. Collins... But Mr. Bennet received a letter from Mr. Collins this very morning... But whatever your aunt's purpose, Miss Elizabeth was not to tell. Come to think of it, she remained in her room most of the time since. Darcy, do you know of what they spoke?" Darcy did not answer, he could not lie to his friend, but he also could not tell him the truth. "Hmm, well perhaps your aunt was trying her hand at matchmaking, eh? It would seem that Miss Elizabeth was a favorite of hers to condescend to such a visit."

Darcy cringed, but said nothing. That was not her intent!!!

Bingley went on to tell Darcy of his day with his fiancée, every once in a while throwing in Elizabeth's name and secretly laughing at his friend.

A short time later, dinner was served. While Bingley ate his meal like it was the Last Supper, Darcy pushed his food around on his plate and pondered on Elizabeth's mood. Is this a sign of a woman in love? Or is it a foreboding pretext? Darcy did not know.

The gentlemen found themselves in the drawing room after supper. Bingley sat by the fire and watched as his friend paced the entire length of the room.

"Darcy, I hope your habits have not changed much?"

Darcy straightened, but kept walking. "Whatever do you mean, Bingley?"

"Your habit of rising early!" he laughed. "I am always at Longbourn no later than 9:00 a.m. Would you care to join me tomorrow?"

"I think that might be agreeable," he smiled slightly and paced onward.

"Good, good... But since you are ruining my floors, might I suggest a walk outside this night?" Darcy turned and nodded, but kept pacing; he was not really listening to his friend. "You have been cooped up in a carriage all day and undoubtedly this room provides no scenery," Bingley chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure you would not mind a nice leisurely walk." Darcy nodded again. "Perhaps you might run into a wood nymph?" Darcy nodded again, but now paced in a circle in front of Bingley and the fire. "Perhaps one with fine eyes..."

Darcy stopped dead in his tracks at that last statement, but did not look upon his friend. "How long have you known?"

Bingley smiled. "I suspected as far back as this summer. Your cousin told me of the Collinses visitors while you were both in Kent. But I was too miserable myself to notice anything, other than your absence of mind in my presence. However, it all came to light when a certain young lady came to Pemberley."

"You never said a word."

"What was I to say?" Darcy shrugged. "Darcy, I have known you for several years now, but in all that time, I have never seen you so attentive as to Miss Elizabeth and her relations. Not even with Georgiana!" Darcy straightened and went to pour himself a drink. "And when I saw the look in your eyes toward her that evening... I knew! I knew you were smitten! And all I could do was laugh and applaud and say 'Absolutely Marvelous!'" Bingley laughed heartily.

Darcy chuckled. "I have been... smitten, for months," he sighed. "Desperately in love and at the same time, truly humbled by her... Elizabeth has opened my eyes to so many things!" He sat down heavily in a chair. "To see myself for what I had become and was destined to be..." Here, Darcy lowered his head.

"Jane told me of your proposal..."

"Argh! Do not remind me! I was arrogant, preposterous, presumptuous..."

"Darcy, do not make yourself uneasy."

"Why not, Bingley? You should have been there..." Darcy did not finish his sentence, he just placed the glass to his forehead and lay back in the chair.

"When I told Jane of Pemberley, she was quite mystified as to why Miss Elizabeth never mentioned it. We first assumed, of course, because of my presence there, but later we talked of other conclusions and., well... we made plans."

"Plans?"

"Plans," Bingley said firmly as Darcy raised an eyebrow. "Darcy, I do not believe you should worry so."

"And why is that, Bingley?"

"Well, because every time I would bring your name up in conversation, Miss Elizabeth would turn away and blush or wring her hands nervously."

Darcy stood up quickly. "But that means nothing!"

"To Jane, it means a great deal! Who better than her closest sister should know?" Darcy shook his head in denial. "Darcy, sit and listen." Darcy sat as told. "Since when has the mere mention of you made Miss Elizabeth blush or not join in on the conversation? And since when has she been quiet, reserved, and demure in your presence?" Darcy stood again and paced. "Whatever affect your letter had, Jane and I believe it may have helped your cause..."

"Bingley please?! Do not raise my hopes any further than they have been for these last two days, I beg you!"

"You came here intent on pursuing her, then?"

Darcy nodded. "My Aunt... My Aunt Catherine was not here on any mission of good will. She had heard a rumor that I was already engaged to Elizabeth and she came to seek to... to try to... to intimidate her." Darcy looked to his friend and chuckled at his silent question. "Actually, my aunt infuriated her. Elizabeth made some statements that... well, that taught me to hope as I scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before." Here, Darcy smiled a brilliant smile. "My aunt could only limp back to London to inform me of her visit."

Darcy went on to tell Bingley of his unexpected mid-day visitor and the gentlemen went to their rooms after a good long talk.

Darcy never did take that walk, instead he dressed for bed as the effects of the drinks were lulling him so. He tried to sleep, but sleep did not come easily. So, in the still of the night, he went to the library to fetch a good book. Maybe this one will do the trick? After reading a few chapters, finally, he fell into a restless, fitful sleep in the chair.

A little while later, Darcy mechanically got up from his chair and quit the room. Almost the entire house was dark, but he managed to find his great coat and boots from the hall closet and strolled outside to take that elusive leisurely walk.

 

 

Part III

The night had a slight chill in the air for October, but the coolness never touched Darcy, because his mind was otherwise occupied on the morrow's meeting. Led only by the moonlight, Darcy strolled for quite a while and found himself, surprisingly, in an open landing surrounded by trees. Actually, it was Oakham Mount, but he did not know that. It is quite beautiful here! He stood in wonder, until he heard footsteps in the distance. He thought it only the wind, until the footsteps and rustling of leaves came even nearer.

Darcy carefully crept slowly over to the sound and he heard a faint whimper. As he moved closer to the disturbance, he heard soft sobbings. And as he moved closer even still, he saw his beloved, leaned against a tree, holding some papers and wiping her tears away. His heart wrenched in his chest.

"Please God," Elizabeth whispered. "Please bring him back to me... If only he knew how much I love him and need him. If only he knew..." she sniffled. "I would make him a good wife... To be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy would be the only thing I'll ever ask of you for myself again... Please bring him back to me, so that I may tell him so?"

Darcy stood paralyzed, but his courage had risen at hearing her words. "I am here, Elizabeth," he said, but it only came out as a whisper. Elizabeth froze, but did not turn around, as she thought it was the wind and her mind playing tricks on her. He repeated, "I am here, my love."

Elizabeth heard it this time and turned in shock and disbelief. When she realized that the man she was just asking Providence for, was before her, she rushed into his awaiting arms without another thought. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she murmured over and over again as she fervently kissed his face and held onto him for dear life.

Darcy, although in shock of her display, willingly accepted her kisses and returned them with ardor. In between kisses, he breathed repeatedly, "I love you! I love you! I love you!"

And Elizabeth's 'thank you's' turned to the same sentiments as her lover's.

And then their lips met and all the desire and heat and passion that drowned them before, now consumed them. Sweet whisperings they exhaled in between kisses. Elizabeth put her hands inside of his coat and stroked his chest and back as he pulled her as close to him as if his second skin.

At length, their passion overrode every sense of propriety; their needs were just too strong. His lips traced tiny kisses down her neck as he pushed her cape from around her shoulders. Elizabeth, feeling the need to return the favor, nearly ripped his coat from his body, but Darcy managed to shrug it off without any further ado. Elizabeth traced kisses down his chest as she undid the buttons on his nightdress. And suddenly, he was entirely undone. She stepped back to admire him; the patch of dark hair on his chest, the rippling abdomen muscles and that which would give her the most pleasure, stood at attention. Elizabeth gasped as Darcy pulled her close to him again and her hands found his phallus and she stroked him as though she were proficient. This action left him groping and pulling on her nightgown as though it was an immovable encumbrance, yet in the struggle he was able to lift her gown over her head. Then he ran his hands down from her cheek to her breasts, then her hips; joyfully admiring her body and sweetly caressing her quivering nakedness.

Their breathing became ragged as they touched each other lovingly, and suddenly with a thud that Elizabeth felt deep down within her, Darcy fell to his knees and ravenously kissed her belly and began to go lower. Elizabeth trembled with desire as his tongue darted and slurped along her overheated mid-section. She almost swooned as he caressed her and allowed herself to be lowered onto her previously discarded cape.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he soothed as he traced his tongue along her breasts.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he whispered as his mouth found hers again.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he uttered as he parted her legs to greet him.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he sighed as he entered her.

"Dearest..." he said slowly as she gasped in unadulterated delight.

"Loveliest..." he grunted as he undulated above her and within her.

"Elizabeth..." he shuddered as he heard her cries of ecstasy.

After such long, luxurious, intense, flame-filled minutes of passionate stroking, Elizabeth cried out. She cried out to the heavens and the merciful father who made the birds in the trees, the animals about on this earth, and man and woman to reign over them. She cried out to the stillness of the dark night. She cried out to the culmination of their lovemaking. She cried out to nothing and no one in particular of the love that she felt for this man. She shook and shuddered and trembled and vacillated under the power and weight of her lover. She cried out Darcy's name with one great orgasm and then she was spent.

Darcy felt a low rumbling inside of him as he stroked and that took hold of him and spread through his body like wildfire, his pace quickened out of control with each of her exclamations and he joined her, unceremoniously. He called out to the great unknown, to the most worthy on high. He praised all the goodness and beauty beneath him. He whispered hoarsely through gritted teeth, that all was hers but for the asking. He exclaimed his good fortune and blessings and his gratefulness to God. He cried out of his undying love of this woman. He cried out the name of his beloved and with one last push, he exploded in her and with not an ounce of strength remaining, he fell softly against her.

They lay that way, still, for quite sometime, letting their breathing catch up to them. All the while murmuring 'I love you's' to each other. After a while, Elizabeth noticed the very top of the gray sun rising just over some distant hilltop; she gasped and pointed to the rising of a new day, and quickly Darcy turned his head to see what the matter was. Hurriedly and timidly they dressed and put themselves into some decent order.

Not knowing quite what to do, Darcy brought her roughly against him and kissed her like it was his last. He said hoarsely, as he ended the kiss, "You must go back by yourself or we will be seen, but I shall come for you this morning." And with that he let her go and walked quickly away.

Elizabeth stole away back to Longbourn and was able to quietly creep into the house, unnoticed. Darcy stealthily maneuvered his way back to Netherfield, unseen. Each to a deep and dreamy sleep.

 

At Netherfield

"Darcy! Darcy! Wake up old man!"

"Bingley what are you doing..." Darcy looked around, astonished at his surroundings. "What am I doing in the library?"

"I was about to ask you the same question."

"I must have... fallen... asleep here." It was more of a question than a statement.

"What is this drivel you've been reading?" Bingley took the book from Darcy's hand. "Ah..."

"Ah what?" Darcy asked and grabbed the book away from Bingley. He looked at the title and turned a deep shade of crimson.

"I see by the rise in your nightdress that this book has done its purpose!" Darcy opened his mouth, but no words came out. "Come man!" Bingley chuckled. "You must be ready in half-an-hour, for we are off to Longbourn!"

Darcy blushed profusely and strode quickly from the room. And all the way to his room, and as he washed and dressed, Darcy pondered this one question. Was it just a dream?!?!

 

At Longbourn

"Lizzy! Lizzy! Wake up dear!"

"I am awake Jane," she yawned as she stretched her aching muscles. As Elizabeth looked around, she gasped. "How did I end up in Papa's study?!"

"I was about to ask you the same..."

"I must have... fallen... asleep here," Elizabeth questioned as her eyes were wide open now.

"It must have been a very good book?" Jane asked as she looked at cover of the book in Elizabeth's lap. "Oh!"

"Oh?" Elizabeth looked down at the same book. "Oh!!!" She jumped up from her chair, her eyes were now as round as saucers, and she ran from the room in embarrassment.

Jane, with slightly blushed cheeks, placed the hallowed book back in its revered place on the top shelf and quit the room.

Elizabeth hurriedly washed and dressed, but questioned herself as to why. Was it just a dream?!?!

 

Later that morning

 INSTEAD OF RECEIVING any such letter of excuse from his friend, as Elizabeth half expected Mr. Bingley to do, he was able to bring Darcy with him to Longbourn...

Darcy, anxious to know whether he was mad, looked intensely at Elizabeth as he entered the room. Elizabeth was so surprised that she maintained his gaze with one of her own and after a few moments, each feeling the heat from the other, dropped their attentions and parlayed them to Bingley as he proposed their all walking out together.

Darcy and Elizabeth finally found their voices after Kitty left them for Lucas Lodge. They were finally able to put all the misunderstandings and mishaps beyond them and reassure each other that their affections were, indeed, desired.

As they walked on, talking, all thoughts of their imagined tryst the night before were pushed to the backs of their mind. They talked of his letter and how it had removed her former prejudices.

Darcy told Elizabeth that she was justified in her beliefs of his arrogance and pride. "Such as I was, from eight to eight-and-twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth..."

Elizabeth inhaled deeply and they both blushed at the last reference and each turned away their faces from the other. For several minutes, they could not speak, but walked on incoherent of their destination; each wondering. Was it just a dream?!?!?!

 

The End

 

 

 

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