Free Fault or Virtue: An Imaginative Retelling of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' by April Karber Page B

she did not hear the approach of her
cousin until it was too late.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I am glad to find a moment alone with you,” Mr.
Collins preached.
She shuddered as his eyes combed over her figure. She grieved that there was no
proper reason she could deny him a dance at the ball in two day’s time, for she was sure
that was his aim. She could not bring herself to reply, and so said nothing.
“In light of the upcoming ball, Miss Elizabeth, I would like to secure your
hand…”
“I’d be honored, Mr. Collins, of course I’ll dance with you. I’m sure my sisters
will be honored as well,” she said it quickly so as to end her agony, but Mr. Collins was
taken aback by her answer.
“Dancing, yes, Miss Bennet, but I have a more…permanent question on my mind
this morning. I had hoped, well, I would be delighted if you would allow me to introduce
you at the Netherfield Ball… as my intended.”
“What!” Elizabeth let her surprise escape before she could help herself.
Darcy remained sick with frustration. The only solution he could live with was
warning Miss Elizabeth of Wickham’s character. Surely he would not offer the entire
    !
$%!
story of his dealings with Wickham, that was too personal, but he could at least reveal the
account of the man’s debts and gambling. He set off to Longbourn right away, unable to
wait.
    When Darcy arrived, Collins was well into detailing the kindness of Lady
Catherine, his intention of coming to Longbourn to secure one of his cousins as his wife,
and assuring Elizabeth that he was not hurt by her refusal at all, as he well understood
that ladies do not seek to seem too eager at the prospect of matrimony in order that they
maintain their natural delicacy.
    Darcy had walked to Longbourn in order to collect himself and regain his calm
before an interview with Miss Bennet, but found his attention roused by an argument on
the side of the house between the lady and her cousin. Not wishing to eavesdrop, he
attempted to skirt the scene and head towards the house, but was forced to hide from
view when Miss Elizabeth stood up and began pacing.
    “I am not the sort of person that says one thing and means another, Mr. Collins!”
“Elizabeth, I did not mean that at all.”
“Mr. Collins, kindly remember that I am Miss Elizabeth or Miss Bennet to you,
and just so I am made perfectly clear, will never to you be anything else!”
    Darcy could feel her anger from yards away. If the situation had not been so
trying on Miss Elizabeth, he would have rather liked to enjoy seeing Mr. Collins thus put
down. He considered stepping between them if things got more heated but did not for a
second doubt Elizabeth’s ability to tell Mr. Collins off.
    “Perhaps I should have made my intentions clear to you earlier, Miss Elizabeth. I
had not intended to propose for another few weeks but with the upcoming ball I had
thought it would be a perfect time to make the announcement.”
    “As I have said repeatedly, our wishes do not align at all and if you have any
compassion, you will never speak of yours to me again.” She closed her eyes tightly and
made her way to the house, Mr. Collins in tow, never ceasing his begging.
    Darcy watched them disappear into the house and just straightened himself to
follow them, albeit a most inappropriate time, when Elizabeth sprang from the house and
made her way back to the swing, this time followed by a shrieking Mrs. Bennet and a
very stern Mr. Bennet not far behind. Darcy ducked out of sight again, cursing his luck
and hoping that he would not be discovered. He attempted to review what it was he
wished to say to Miss Elizabeth if he had a chance to speak with her, but was too caught
by the conversation between her and her parents.
“I cannot marry him! You cannot make me!” Elizabeth hissed.
    “You ungrateful child!” Her mother roared. “You will marry him or I shall never
speak to you again!”
“Father, please.” Elizabeth