Apprehension and Desire

De: Ola Wegner

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Pride and Prejudice variation. What if Elizabeth Bennet had agreed to Darcy's marriage proposal offered to her at Hunsford parsonage, sincerely thinking it was the best thing she could have done in her situation? As his fiancée and later wife, can she fall in love with Fitzwiliam Darcy who is still very much arrogant, rude, and not reformed man? Will she be able to look over her own prejudice and apprehension, and see a worthy man who loves, and desires her? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I thank you, Mr. Darcy. I do accept.” It came out so quietly that it was barely heard, even to herself. She averted her eyes from him, resting them stubbornly on the ornament of the mantelpiece. She thought the silence between them lasted an eternity. Perhaps she should not have agreed so quickly, she thought in panic. She should have asked him for a day or two to think about his proposal. Her body stiffened involuntarily when she sensed him stepping closer. Her heart stopped when she felt his hot breath against her temple. “There is no need to be shy with me, Elizabeth.” He tilted her chin making her look at him. His eyes were kind and his voice gentle, but she barely registered that. All she wanted was to be left alone now. She desperately craved a moment alone to think everything through. Her eyes widened in shock when he began leaning further towards her, his gaze focused on her lips. He wanted to kiss her! At the last moment, she turned her face from him, offering him instead her cheek. “Forgive me,” she heard, and he stepped back from her. “I will go to Longbourn first thing in the morning to ask your father’s permission.” His voice sounded more formal now. “Perhaps you would wish to write a letter to your father, explaining the situation.” “I… yes.” He walked to her again. “Could you meet me early tomorrow in the grove, before my departure? Will seven o’clock not be too early?” “No, I am used to rising early.” She felt his gaze on her, but she refused to return it. He stood by her side for some time before walking in the direction of the door. At length, Elizabeth looked up at Mr. Darcy, standing by the door, but not reaching for the doorknob, as if he could not decide whether to go or stay. He was looking at her, and Elizabeth forced herself to smile at him. It was barely a shadow of a smile, which did not even reach her eyes; but Mr. Darcy had to take it for incentive, as he smiled back at her, widely, which completely changed his whole countenance. Before she knew it, he was beside her again, pulling her into his embrace. One of his hands was placed firmly around her waist, the other cradled her cheek. “I would wish to stay here with you longer, but I have to go. My aunt may have noticed my absence and guessed I am with you. It will be better for us not to mention about our understanding to her for now. You may tell Mrs. Collins of our engagement; she seems to be a sensible woman who can be trusted.” “Yes, she is,” Elizabeth whispered, her eyes stubbornly focused on his elaborately tied neck cloth, wishing him to simply go and leave her alone. “What is the matter, Lizzy?” Elizabeth’s eyes lifted up to him in surprise, her eyelashes fluttering. Had Mr. Darcy just called her Lizzy? “You look so very shocked,” he chuckled, his whole face beaming at her. “I know that you did not expect my proposal. I understand you are still in awe and cannot believe your own good fortune.” “Where is my impertinent little lady?” he asked laughingly, and when she did not answer, still staring at him as if spellbound, he sighed, shaking his head with a smile, and pressed her very tightly to himself. Elizabeth froze, feeling for the first time in her life, a hard male body next to hers. She had always known that he was tall, but in such close contact, she was more aware of how he was so very large.