Free To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P. O. Dixon Page A

However, I do not dare until I have undeniable proof that Mr. Darcy did not awaken this morning to realize that he had made a mistake and change his mind.”
    Elizabeth could hardly blame her mother for her skepticism. There was a moment in the middle of the night before where she did not believe that Mr. Darcy had proposed to her either. Everyone expected that Jane would be the one to marry one of the handsome, wealthy gentlemen from town. No one expected it to be Elizabeth—not even Elizabeth herself.
    She owed it all to an innocent half hour or so in Netherfield’s library. A pang of guilt overspread her being. What happened this morning at Netherfield was anything but innocent, even if they were engaged to be married. The tender brush of his fingers along her back as he loosened her laces, the subtle whiff of spice and sandalwood when he stood so close to her, and the sweet taste of his lips when they kissed flooded her mind. Mr. Darcy had awakened desires in her that she had only read about.
    Pray he does not regard my conduct as wanton when I merely meant to challenge him. I would not like to think I need to change my high spiritedness in order to maintain his good opinion, but I suppose a little temperance will not hurt. Elizabeth resolved that a bit more guardedness on her part was exactly what was in order.
    The sound of a gentleman clearing his throat prompted her mother to spin around on her heels. “Mr. Darcy!”
    She hurried to him, took him by the hand, and clutched it firmly in hers. “Oh! This is a happy day indeed. Come, sir. Make yourself comfortable. Pray you will join us for dinner this evening. I shall invite all the best families, and I shall order Cook to prepare all your favorites.”
    Releasing his hand, Mrs. Bennet took hold of one of his arms and commenced leading him to the parlor. “That is to say, once you have advised me of your favorites, sir. I assure you that Cook will do a splendid job. Although, I suppose you have two or three French cooks at least. However, you will not be disappointed.” Mrs. Bennet glanced over her shoulder and saw Elizabeth was still standing in the exact spot as when her betrothed arrived, her mouth agape. Mrs. Bennet’s eyes then flew in the direction of the stairs in a not so subtle hint to her daughter to run along and change into the lovely gown in her room.
    After dinner that evening, Mrs. Bennet was in very great spirits. She made it her business to accept the glad wishes of all those invited to celebrate her good fortune in the spirit of a proud mama who had done her duty in seeing her daughter make such an excellent match.
    Her sister’s commendations were somewhat less flattering than Mrs. Bennet might have hoped, although she could not say she was surprised. She always suspected her dear sister, Mrs. Agatha Philips, who had married a Meryton attorney as opposed to a gentleman of leisure, and whose youthful beauty was not to be compared to her own handsome looks, was rather jealous.
    Mrs. Philips said, “It is my understanding that Mr. Darcy had no choice but to marry our Lizzy if he wished to retain the right to call himself a true gentleman.”
    The other woman arched her brow. “What are you saying, Sister?”
    “Surely you are privy to the fact that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy spent a prodigious amount of time alone in the library at Netherfield – just the two of them - when she and Jane were guests. Rumor also has it that they were known to take long walks to the exclusion of the rest of the Bingley party. Need I remind you that Lizzy was the only young woman he danced with at the ball, save his friends from town? But wait, for I’ve been remiss in not telling you the wickedest part of it all.” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “A servant who could be overheard remarking upon the affair was dismissed shortly thereafter.” Resuming her former attitude, she said, “Now that you have heard it all, what say you about that?”
    It would take more