Beth Wood [Wood - Fitzwilliam Darcy Elopes

As Fitzwilliam Darcy paced the sitting room in the Inn at Lambton he reflected on the speed with which everything in life could change. Again. He was struck by the fact that the last time his life had been thrown into such chaos had been during a private interview with the same young lady that was now sobbing in a chair across the room. He realized, though, that just as his last private interview with Elizabeth Bennet had launched him on a journey of self-discovery, he would now be on a journey to bring happiness back to the woman that he loved. His feelings made it impossible for him to do otherwise.

Elizabeth had already made it clear that she felt a marriage between her sister and Mr. Wickham would be undesirable, but it was the only possible solution to their dilemma if the family was to escape without ruination. Mr. Bennet was already in London searching for the couple, and Miss Bennet's letter had begged for the quick return of Mr. Gardiner to assist in the search.

As Darcy contemplated the best way to track George Wickham and Lydia Bennet, he failed to recognize that his pacing was causing additional distress to Elizabeth. Glancing in her direction, he realized the level of her unease and excused himself from the room. He was almost out the door when he looked back. What he saw in Elizabeth's eyes amazed him. With some shock he realized that his departure was causing additional heartbreak, not relieving her anxiety.

With barely a half formed idea of what he was doing, he abandoned his plan to leave Elizabeth to her grief and found himself kneeling by her chair. As Elizabeth looked at him with relief and confusion, Darcy pulled her hands into his own.

Miss Elizabeth, please do not be distressed, Darcy whispered. I will not allow Mr. Wickham to succeed in bringing lasting misery to your life.

I am afraid that it is too late for that, Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth replied, crying. Even if my father and uncle are successfully able to locate Mr. Wickham and my sister, I do not see how a happy ending is possible. If Mr. Wickham can be coerced into marrying my sister she will be miserable for the rest of her life with such a man as her husband. If Mr. Wickham cannot be convinced that marriage is in his best interest, Lydia will have ruined her reputation, along with that of her entire family.

What if there were another way? Darcy asked. He was well aware of the fickle nature of gossip, and contemplated the idea of diverting the attention away from Elizabeth's sister.

What other solution could there possibly be?

First, I need to know if your feelings toward me are still the same as they were in April. My wishes and desires are unchanged. Since coming upon you at Pemberley I have felt as if you have softened toward me, but I no longer trust myself to accurately interpret your feelings.

Elizabeth tried wiping the tears from her eyes, but her handkerchief was so sodden that it was not doing its job properly. Darcy quietly exchanged her wet handkerchief with a dry one from his pocket. After some moments of silence, Elizabeth finally answered, though it came out as barely more than a whisper.

Why would you ask me this now, when all hope of a connection between us must be lost?

The actions of others will never affect my opinion of you. There is nothing, beyond your marriage to another man, which could cause me to cease hoping to win your hand.

Elizabeth took a shaky breath, then responded so quietly that Darcy had to lean closer in order to hear her voice.

My feelings for you are quite opposite to what they were in Kent.

Darcy reached one hand to cup Elizabeth's face, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb.

Do you feel that you could be happy married to me? he asked.

Yes, Elizabeth whispered, closing her eyes. As she did so, more tears spilled down her cheeks.

That is all that I need to know, Darcy whispered bringing her hands to his lips for a tender kiss. He began speaking again, forming a bit of a desperate resolve. As I am sure you are aware, gossip can be dreadful, but can also be very inaccurate. All that we need is a diversion. If we were to elope, but not return to Longbourn until we were able to locate your sister, we should be able to convince your neighbors that they had misunderstood which sister had disappeared. It could be circulated that after you ran off from the care of your aunt and uncle, Lydia was taken from Brighton to London to be with family. She would then remain with your aunt and uncle until you returned. When we all return to Longbourn together, you as a married woman, most of your neighbors would have all the proof that they need. Our story would be believed.

But what if we are unable to find them? Elizabeth asked.

Then I still get the pleasure of having you as my wife, while we work together to come up with another plan.

Are you certain that you still want me?

I will always want you. The look in his eyes convinced Elizabeth that he was speaking the truth.

Then, I suppose I had better begin packing. If we are for Scotland, I will need something to wear. The half-smile showing between her tears did much to lighten Darcy's heart. My aunt and uncle should be returning at any moment. I would like to be ready to leave as soon as we explain the situation to them.

I need to return to Pemberley to make my excuses to my guests, and explain my coming absence as best as I can without raising suspicions. I will return with the carriage within an hour. If we leave as soon as possible we will hopefully be able to make it to Scotland and be married by tomorrow night. We could then begin the journey to London the following day. You should also write a letter to your elder sister explaining the situation. She will undoubtedly be worried when your aunt and uncle arrive at Longbourn without you.

There were many other thoughts going through Darcy's mind, such as the need to write a letter to Colonel Fitzwilliam explaining the situation, and how much of the truth to tell Georgiana, but time was of the essence. Darcy bade Elizabeth farewell with a kiss to the palms of her hands, then left for Pemberley. He needed to work quickly in order to accomplish everything that was needed before his hasty departure.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were enjoying a leisurely stroll around the church in Lambton when a rather flustered maid from the Inn found them. Although the maid gave them no details, they knew that something serious must have occurred for Elizabeth to have them called back to the Inn earlier than planned, especially considering the fact that they had planned a relatively short walk before returning to collect her. They only needed to give her time to read her letters.

As they drew closer to the Inn, it was with some unease that they witnessed Mr. Darcy hurriedly mounting his horse and galloping away in the direction of Pemberley. If they would have been close enough to hail him, they would have done so. Unfortunately, they were not close enough to draw his attention. With feelings of great apprehension they entered the Inn and made their way to their rooms.

They were completely unprepared for the sight that met their eyes when they entered their rooms. Elizabeth was in her bed chamber, haphazardly packing her things. It was clear from her red, puffy eyes that she had been crying.

When Elizabeth saw her aunt and uncle, she immediately handed them Jane's letters, telling them they had much to discuss, then returned to packing her belongings. By the time they had finished the letters, Elizabeth had packed the basics for a week's worth of travel in one trunk, with everything else placed where ever it would fit in her other luggage.