Decisions

De: Ola Wegner

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Pride and Prejudice Regency forced marriage scenario. Mr. Bennet suddenly dies in a carriage accident. Elizabeth is faced with a chance to save her family with a renewed proposal from someone she considered the last man in the world whom she would ever marry. ----------------------------------------------------------------- On seeing her, he stood immediately to his feet. “Allow me to help you,” he said. Darcy took the heavy tray from her. Elizabeth cleaned her father’s desk from the books and Darcy put the tray there. Elizabeth was silent as she fixed the tea for him. “Milk and sugar, if I remember correctly,” she said. “Yes, thank you.” He took the cup from her, touching her hand lightly in the process. “I am afraid that we can offer you only a plain cake,” she said apologetically. “It is quite enough, I assure you.” Darcy drank his tea, his dark eyes wandering over the room. “I can see that you are in the process of moving,” he stated the obvious. “Yes, we are,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I am still looking through my father’s personal archive. Mr Collins plans to move here before the end of the summer and my mother is determined to move out before it happens.” “That is perfectly understandable.” They enjoyed their tea in silence. Elizabeth was hoping that the visit would come to an end soon. After what had transpired between them that afternoon at Hunsford, she had not thought to see Mr Darcy ever again. His visit today was utterly unexpected. “I trust that your family is in good health taking into consideration the circumstances,” he said. “They are. We are slowly accustoming ourselves to our changed circumstances. My mother does not admit guests for the time being.” He nodded his head. “Of course. I expected no less.” Elizabeth bowed her head, allowing herself a small smile, hearing relief in his tone and expression. She could easily believe that Mr Darcy was not eager to see Mrs Bennet. “May I ask what are your plans after leaving Longbourn?” he asked. “That is not a secret. My mother owns a house in Meryton which she inherited from her father. It is adequate for us.” “May I ask for some more tea?” he asked. Elizabeth smiled. She refilled his cup. “Thank you,” he said. He took a sip before putting the cup back on the tray. He rose to his feet and began pacing the room, raking his fingers through his hair. Elizabeth watched him from her seat. A feeling of unease filled her heart. What was the true purpose of his visit? “Miss Elizabeth, I cannot be silent. You must allow me to speak freely. I cannot allow you to live in poverty. Neither can I allow myself to live without you.” Elizabeth opened her pink lips, staring up at his towering form, standing over her. “Allow me to resubmit my offer of marriage, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his features etched with determination and resolve. Elizabeth felt that all the strength momentarily left her body. The teacup which she held in her hands fell onto the carpet, spilling the rest of the tea on her black dress. She watched Darcy, who knelt in front of her, picking up the cup and saucer, which were thankfully not broken. “Have you burned yourself, Miss Elizabeth?” he enquired gently, gazing into her eyes. She shook her head. He sat back on the opposite chair. “I am awaiting your answer,” he reminded her. She cleared her throat. “I am not certain if I understood you correctly, sir,” she spoke weakly. He leaned forward and reached for her hand, encompassing it very gently within his. “I will speak more plainly then. I still love you and wish for you to become my wife.” Elizabeth looked at her hand, lying in his. She shook her head. “It cannot be,” she whispered. “I assure you that I know my mind very well. I beg you to consider my offer once again.” Elizabeth swallowed, looking up at him. “I cannot give you an answer now.” “I understand. May I return tomorrow?” “Yes. No.” She shook her head. “Let us meet at Oakham Mount,” she proposed. “At midday."