Assumed Engagement Read online

  Assumed

  Engagement

  By Kara Louise

  © 2001 by Kara Louise

  © 2006 by Kara Louise

  Cover image by Kara Louise

  Published by Heartworks Publication

  Printed in the United States of America

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication my be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -- for example, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording -- without the prior written permission of the publisher. An exception would be in brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Kara Louise

  Assumed Engagement

  Note from the author~

  This was the first "novel" I wrote based on

  Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

  It started out on paper to be only about seven chapters,

  but as I began to write, it grew and grew.

  When I first posted this story, it was done without any editing.

  To put it in book form, I had the excellent help of Mary Ann,

  who helped edit my first two books.

  I thank her immensely. She does a great job!

  I owe all my inspiration to Jane Austen,

  who gave us her story and characters

  that continue to touch the hearts of people today.

  As with my other stories, I hope you find this enjoyable.

  Chapter 1

  This story begins at the conclusion of Chapter 36 in Pride and Prejudice.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy paced around his room in a highly agitated state. He was packed and more than ready to leave and wondered of his cousin's tardiness. They had both gone to Hunsford Parsonage to bid their farewells to the Collinses and their guests, but Darcy had not remained to wait on Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who was, they assumed, out on one of her favoured walks. Darcy knew for a fact that she was. He had encountered her earlier and had presented her with a letter, explaining the facts of his dealings with Mr. Wickham and the reasons for his interference with her sister and Mr. Bingley. He departed the parsonage quickly, not wishing to encounter her again. His heart still stung from the fierceness of her words in refusing his proposal. His cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, apparently had remained at the parsonage, hoping she would return so he could see her once more before he left.

  Darcy remained in his room, steadfastly intent on avoiding his aunt's merciless ranting. His only hope for sanity was to keep himself sequestered in his room until it was time to depart. His plans were to go north with Richard where they both had business. From there, he would go to Pemberley for a short duration before returning to London, where he would be reunited with his sister once again. He ached inside for the return of sanity to his life, his own home and surroundings, and his closest living relative, his sister, Georgiana.

  Ever since coming to Kent and to the home of his aunt in Rosings, he had been tormented by the presence of Elizabeth Bennet, whom he had been trying to put out of his mind these past few months. Her unexpected presence there at the home of his aunt’s clergyman unnerved him greatly. He found himself conflicted in his heart and mind. His heart had ached for the sight of her, for the light, playfulness of her nature, her fine, attractive eyes, her sparkling reason and wit. His mind had argued with assiduous reason against her station in life, how she was so decidedly beneath him. Then there was her family…

  Durnham, Darcy's manservant, and Winston, his driver, had the carriage packed and waiting. He watched from his window, anxiously keeping an eye open for Fitzwilliam. Where is my blasted cousin? He wanted nothing but to depart.

  He finally spied him coming down the lane and gathered his composure to venture out of his chambers and face him, his aunt, and his cousin, Anne, as he set out to take leave. As Fitzwilliam entered, he could hear his aunt's voice raise two octaves in her distress at them having to depart so soon. Darcy knew that if he waited just a few moments before joining them, his cousin would be more than ready to depart immediately and thus be free from his aunt's invectives.

  When he finally took the stairs down to join them, he steeled himself for another onslaught, but quickly came to his cousin's rescue and sent him off to some last minute preparations before leaving. Darcy walked out with his aunt, expressing his gratitude for her gracious hospitality during their visit and assuring her that he would come again as circumstance allowed.

  "Oh, my dear nephew, please make it soon and plan to stay longer next time. I know how much you love spending time with Anne and me. Please do not make yourself so scarce around here. You know you are welcome anytime and next time you must bring Georgiana!"

  "Yes, Aunt, thank you."

  Fitzwilliam finally returned. They both kissed their aunt goodbye, and quickly climbed into Darcy's carriage. The façade of friendliness and a smiling face was beginning to take its toll on Darcy. He settled into his seat and his head turned instantly to the window. He knew this was going to be a long ride and only hoped that his cousin was not in a very talkative mood. He trusted his body posture would indicate to him his desire to be left alone.

  As the carriage pulled away, Fitzwilliam sighed. "What a wonderful time we had here, Darcy! I must say that it was surely made a bit livelier by the presence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Would you not agree?"

  "I cannot say that it was."

  Fitzwilliam cocked his head and gazed upon him curiously. He is in one of his moods again, I fear. This is going to be a very long ride. "Unfortunately I was not able to bid her farewell this morning."

  Darcy had looked away and had not heard what he said. "Excuse me?"

  Fitzwilliam shook his head. "Miss Bennet. She never returned from her walk. It is unfortunate we were not able to pay our respects before we left."

  Darcy's only response was a "hmmph!"

  Fitzwilliam recalled how animatedly Darcy had spoken of Miss Bennet before they arrived in Rosings and how surprised and uncollected he became when he found out she was but next door. Something must have happened in their time here to have brought about this change, but knowing Darcy as well as he did, he knew he would not disclose anything to him unless he really wanted to. There was no sense in even trying to pry it out of him. He would have to wait.

  Darcy pulled out a book, hoping that would dissuade Fitzwilliam from any unwanted conversation. But as the carriage drove through the woods past Hunsford, he could not help but look out the window, hoping to get one last glance at Elizabeth. What was she thinking now that she had read the letter? Are her feelings against me stronger than ever or have they softened? He shook his head, feelings of remorse filling him as he recalled the scene from yesterday.

  As they passed the parsonage, he took a last look and wondered if she had indeed returned. He caught Fitzwilliam's eyes, which held a knowing gleam in them. The look Darcy returned to his cousin gave him every determination not to inquire of his thoughts at the moment.

  Darcy returned to his book, trying to recall what he had last read in it. What was the plot? He looked at the last few pages and finally recollected the narrative. His eyes followed the words down the page, but as he found himself at the top of the following one, he realized he had not comprehended anything from it. He went back to the top of the former page and began again.

  Fitzwilliam knew the degree to which Darcy enjoyed reading and how he devoured a book. He was quite amazed at the length of time he was spending on one page. He sat back and watched, contemplating what was unnerving this man!

  Darcy felt uneasy under Fitzwilliam's scrutiny. He finally looked up and grumbled, "Richard! Would you be so kind as to refrain from staring! I find it extremely difficult to concentrate on this book with you eyei
ng me in that manner!"

  Fitzwilliam could no longer hold his tongue. "What is this, Darcy? You have appeared quite disturbed all morning! What is weighing on your mind? We have quite a long ride ahead of us and I would be more than willing to lend my ear."

  "There is nothing wrong with me that a bit of silence will not cure! Now, if you please, let me get back to my book, and you… you do what you wish, but leave me be." With that, Darcy returned to his book, intent on grasping each word on the page and losing himself to the story before him.

  Fitzwilliam smiled. Oh, to be a man tortured by love!

  The day's travel was interrupted only by a stop in a small town for a quick meal and to freshen up. There had been few attempts at conversation and Fitzwilliam was grateful that as the day drew on, Darcy became slightly more agreeable in returning a discourse. Whatever had been distressing him was slowly dissipating, at least on the surface. His eyes still betrayed the struggle that was going on inside of him.

  The sun disappeared from the horizon and Darcy was glad for the darkness that began enclosing them. It soothed his soul, as he felt it was somewhat akin to the darkness inside him. He cast a glance at his cousin and was grateful to find that he had dozed off. He knew how to put on a mask around people with whom he was not acquainted, but found it very difficult to do so around those he knew well, and Fitzwilliam was one he knew and admired greatly. He was convinced, though, that he could tell no one, not even his cousin, of his proposal to Elizabeth and her subsequent refusal.

  His only concern was that blasted letter he had written to Georgiana just three days prior, eager to tell her of his intent to ask for the hand of his beloved Elizabeth in marriage. He anticipated in his letter to her that he would return to London in a week or two and would impart all the pleasant details to her then. His greatest joy was that she would be getting an admirable, new sister!

  He had requested that she keep this a secret at present as things would probably not be finalized yet, not being certain when he would have the opportunity to meet with her father. But even with the assurance that Georgiana would keep silent, he greatly feared that someone might somehow find out. How could he face anyone, knowing he had been slighted; and by a woman who should have been most grateful for an offer of marriage by a man of his means?

  On proper reflection, however, he realized that Elizabeth's refusal was the very thing that confirmed in his heart that she was the woman he wanted for his wife. She was not, by any means, persuaded to love, or even accept him, because of his wealth. It was almost due to her indifference to him that he was so attracted to her; in addition there was her beauty, grace, wit…

  Oh, it is no use! he thought to himself as a frustrated moan escaped him.

  "Pardon me, Darcy. Did you say something?" asked Fitzwilliam, awakening from his light sleep.

  "No. I am merely tired and sore. I hope it is not much longer." He shifted in his seat, hoping to appear to his cousin that he was stiff from sitting so long. In reality, it was due to the uncomfortable direction his thoughts had been going.

  When they reached their final destination, both men exited the carriage and gratefully stretched their legs. Darcy and Durnham moved towards his room with his trunks, leaving Fitzwilliam to wonder what agonies his cousin was suffering. He doubted that their three days here would enlighten him much, as once Darcy began his business dealings, nothing would distract him. He consoled himself that maybe one day he would know, but now he could only conjecture that it was due to a broken heart.

  The three days passed quickly and Darcy was glad for the diversion of work. He had people with whom he had to meet concerning his properties and was also giving instruction and advice to his cousin regarding some business ventures. He found that the challenge and thrill of seeing his business transactions fruitful made his thoughts stray less and less to his days at Rosings and one particular young lady with very fine eyes.

  By the end of the three days, he was ready to depart. Fitzwilliam would remain one additional day and then leave for the country to visit his family. Darcy was anxious to get back to Pemberley.

  "Well, Darcy," began Fitzwilliam. "It has been most enjoyable and profitable for me to have had this time with you. I am most grateful for your patience with me and your generous instruction."

  "It is nothing, Richard. Give my regard to your family when you see them next."

  "I will. And you do the same… especially to Georgiana."

  "Till we meet again," said Darcy as he pulled himself into the carriage.

  As he seated himself, he turned to look at Fitzwilliam. His cousin offered him a very half-hearted smile as the carriage pulled away. He knew there was something wrong, he thought. I am most grateful that he did not press me for details. When I am old and grey and can look back on this and laugh, I might confide in him.

  Darcy leaned his head back and sighed. This would be a difficult journey. The solitude would indeed give him much time to think and ponder. His mind would have little restraint and yet he felt he needed to rein in his thoughts to avoid thinking of her! He looked down at his book and felt very little inspiration to pick it up and read. No, he would wait. He opened his satchel and took out some papers from a business transaction he had just finalized. He read them over and found himself soon tiring of them and closed his eyes.

  Behind his closed eyes was suddenly a pair of the finest eyes of a beautiful young lady, beholding him and smiling. Suddenly they became dark and angry and she turned from him. Gradually she began to fade away. Could he really let her fade from his thoughts like this? Would he be able to do it? Would he be able to find some other, more suitable woman to be his wife? Certainly there was no other woman in his acquaintance now; he must set out to meet others. But he knew that he would always hold out the comparison to Elizabeth. Any other woman would most certainly fall short; would always be second best.

  Darcy let out a deep sigh, his elbow resting on the window and his fist coming up to make a rest for his jaw. Both his jaw and fist tightened as he contemplated getting on with his life without Elizabeth. If only he had listened to his own advice to Bingley in discouraging him from pursuing a relationship with Elizabeth's sister, Jane, and heeded it himself! Why could he not have done that! If he had, he would never have proposed and he would only have had to deal with some momentary disappointment in letting go of his feelings for Elizabeth instead of the horrendous humiliation at being rejected by her.

  He had been presumptuous in his thinking that Elizabeth would agree to marry him. He had not courted her in a manner that was proper; at least in any way that was apparent to her. He had so relished their sharp, witty conversations together and had on many occasions simply enjoyed being in her presence. But these feelings of delight had not been reciprocated on her part. He had been a fool! And he had no one to blame but himself.

  When the carriage stopped at midday, Darcy was amazed at how quickly the time had passed and realized they were but a few hours from Pemberley. Again, he gratefully stepped out and let his long legs extend to their fullest; then went to an inn to refresh and obtain something to eat.

  When he returned, he saw that the sky ahead was getting dark.

  Winston, who was a very capable and conscientious driver, looked to his master. "Sir, it looks like a storm up ahead. Do you think we ought to remain here for the night and wait out the bad weather? They can put us up for the night at the inn."

  Darcy considered this, but knowing how close they were to Pemberley, advised his driver and valet that he wanted to continue on.

  "Right, Sir."

  Seated once again in the carriage, Darcy determined that for the remainder of the journey he would have to regulate his thoughts. He had to begin now! He thought of his father and how he often would go to him for advice; how he wished he were still here now to advise him. Would he have been able to confide in him the particulars of this situation? He knew not, but at the moment he wished to hear his words of compassion and wisdom.

 
Within an hour of their setting out again, raindrops began to splatter around them. Darcy hoped it would only be an insignificant storm, although as he looked out through the window, he saw the dark clouds looming ahead. Soon, flashes of lightning and claps of thunder exploded around them. Darcy knew that the roads would soon be muddy and was grateful for the excellent repair his carriage was in. He regretted, though, his decision to go on ahead, as it was going to be a difficult journey. They were now fairly far into the countryside and there would be no place to stop until they reached Lambton.

  He could feel the difference in the ride of the carriage as the roads became more and more difficult to manoeuvre. He lifted up a silent prayer that they would make it through safely. Suddenly there was a tremendous bump and Darcy felt the carriage rock. It went from one side to the other and he let out a shout as his arms reached out to try to balance himself.

  A loud cracking sound was heard as the carriage suddenly turned on its side. Darcy felt a stabbing pain in his back and then, as the carriage went off the side of the road and landed on its top, Darcy hit his head and found himself in darkness, quiet, and then… nothing.

  Chapter 2

  Longbourn

  "He proposed?" Jane looked at Elizabeth, her eyes wide with overwhelming astonishment. "Mr. Darcy proposed! I can scarce believe it!" Jane shook her head in disbelief.

  Elizabeth was grateful to finally be home from Kent and reunited with her beloved elder sister, Jane, who had just returned from London herself. The first moment they had to themselves that evening in her bedroom, Elizabeth confidentially told her of Mr. Darcy's proposal and her subsequent refusal of it.

  "Yes, but remember I did refuse him. I had to refuse him," Elizabeth solemnly assured her sister. "He never showed any regard for me. His proposal was hardly a declaration of love. He made it quite clear that he had struggled in vain from the very beginning regarding our family's relative situation and poor connections and that his own better judgment advised him against this alliance. How could I be anything but offended?"