Chapter 8

"E lizabeth! What in the world has happened here?" Mrs. Bennet's shrill voice cut through the silence as the door to the abandoned manor was flung open.

Elizabeth, still on the floor with Mr. Darcy's arm around her, looked up in shock. Standing in the doorway, drenched from the rain but wide-eyed with horror, were her mother, her father, Mr. Collins, and Lieutenant Denny, all with mouths agape at the scene before them.

Mr. Collins's eyes widened as he took in Elizabeth's dishevelled state, her shift partially exposed and her skirts rumpled around her thighs. "This is most improper, cousin Elizabeth! To be found in such… such a compromising position... Your shift is in the open, and your thighs have been seen. It demands immediate rectification to save your honour!"

Elizabeth, struggling to her feet with Darcy's help, protested with little respect, "Mr. Collins, this was not planned. It was an accident!"

"Miss Bennet strained her leg when the carriage overturned, and she screamed when a snake attacked her. I was merely assisting her." Darcy, steadying her, added.

Mr. Bennet stepped forward, his concern evident from his furrowed brow. "Elizabeth, are you hurt?"

Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Collins puffed up with self-righteous indignation. "I must say, it is quite the coincidence that you left the assembly and shortly after, Mr. Darcy followed. It raises questions of propriety and intent."

Elizabeth's face flushed with anger. "I assure you, Mr. Collins, there was no such arrangement. I left because I was distressed, and Mr. Darcy found me by chance."

Mr. Darcy, his eyes boring into Mr. Collins with a steely intensity, said, "Surely, you do not think so lowly of your cousin. She was in distress, and I offered assistance as any gentleman would."

The coachman, who had followed closely behind, added, "As I mentioned earlier, Miss Bennet strained her leg, which is why I left her here to fetch help. I can assure you, none of this was planned."

"Sir, we must ensure Miss Bennet's well-being. The storm is worsening, and she needs proper care." Lieutenant Denny stepped forward, his voice firm yet understanding.

Mrs. Bennet, still recovering from her initial shock, didn't wait for her husband to respond before saying, "Mr. Darcy, you must understand what this looks like. For the sake of my daughter's reputation, you must do the honourable thing."

Elizabeth's heart sank. The words "honourable thing" echoed in her mind, filling her with dread. What is Mama saying? What honourable thing? She looked at her mother, the truth dawning on her with a chilling clarity. Her mother was suggesting... marriage. A wave of fear and hot shock coursed through her veins. Her future, with Mr. Darcy of all people? The man who had insulted her family and caused her so much distress? The proud man who wouldn't even fulfill his father's promise? Never.

Mr. Collins, ever eager to assert his moral superiority, nodded approvingly. "It is indeed the only course of action, Mr. Darcy. You must do the honourable thing to protect my cousin's and her family's honour. Lady Catherine de Bourgh would surely approve of such an honourable action to protect a lady's reputation."

Hearing Mr. Collins support her argument, Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled with a mixture of relief. "Oh, Mr. Darcy, you are a noble gentleman indeed! However, a scandal would ruin all of my daughters' prospects."

She wasn't going to let that happen especially with Mr. Bingley showing such interest in Jane. Yet, beneath her concern, Mrs. Bennet couldn't help but think of the advantage of having a son-in-law with a fortune of ten thousand a year.

Elizabeth could hardly believe what was happening. She glanced at her father, hoping for some reprieve, but his resigned expression told her there was none to be found.

Mr. Bennet addressed Darcy, his tone grave. "You must understand, Mr. Darcy, that a rumour of this nature would severely damage the honour of my daughters and affect their standing in Meryton. It is not just about the family but also others who might spread such rumours." His gaze flicked to Lieutenant Denny and the coachman, both of whom looked uncomfortable but nodded in agreement.

"I assure you, sir, that we have no intention of spreading gossip. Our only concern is Miss Bennet's well-being." Lieutenant Denny said, clearing his throat lightly.

Mr. Collins, however, could not resist another remark. "It is most fortunate that Mr. Darcy is still here, and therefore should rectify the situation. Lady Catherine de Bourgh often speaks of the importance of maintaining one's reputation and honour." A coy smiled danced on his lips, "Perhaps Miss Bennet, not having partners to dance with at the event, was desirous of male company. If she had been patient, which is a virtue, I had the intention of proposing this very evening."

All eyes turned towards Mr. Collins, who puffed with pompous abandon as the attention centered on him. However, aside from Lieutenant Denny, Mr. Darcy, and the coachman, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet did not appear particularly surprised. Although choosing such a moment to announce his intention—which now would never materialize—made no sense to Elizabeth and only inflamed her temper, she could not profess to be astonished by the pronouncement. Given Mr. Collins's persistent attentions to both her and Jane, the sisters had anticipated something of the sort, especially since it seemed he would not consider proposing to any of their younger sisters, whom he had previously deemed too young. Elizabeth surmised that Mr. Collins, having witnessed Mr. Bingley's attentions towards Jane at the assembly and realizing he could not rival his handsomeness or his fortune, had consequently decided she was a more suitable prospect.

Her eyes blazed with fury when she said, "Save your breath, Mr. Collins. Even if you had proposed, I would have declined. I am not so desperate as to accept an offer from a man who speaks more of his patroness than his own thoughts, and who assumes my honour is so easily compromised."

Mr. Collins' face turned quite red, clearly embarrassed. "Surely, I shall not be proposing anymore," he muttered, "but Miss Bennet being compromised requires a penance lest she affect the association of her sisters." He added when he regained himself.

Mrs. Bennet, seizing the moment, agreed. "Yes, it is only right. And Elizabeth, you shouldn't talk to your cousin in such manner. He has nothing but you good interest at heart."

Elizabeth felt a surge of frustration and despair. She did not want to be forced into marriage with Mr. Darcy. Though she felt grateful that he come to her rescue, she was furious that his actions had led to this situation. Ironically, she was more angered by those standing in front of her, insinuating that she had compromised her honour. Not when it was with Mr. Darcy—the last man in the world she would ever consider.

She looked to her father for help, but Mr. Bennet's face offered little support. He was clearly not in favour of forcing a marriage but seemed resigned to the societal pressure.

Mr. Bennet finally asked, "What do you propose, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy's heart ached as he reflected on his mistreatment of Elizabeth. He had been rude and dismissive, and now he found himself the unwitting cause of her compromised position. Though his intentions had never been malicious, the outcome was undeniable. Yet, amidst his regret, he could not banish the memory of their brief, yet vivid, encounter. Her eyes, so full of spirit and intelligence, had captivated him from the first moment he beheld them. He had dismissed it as mere curiosity, but now, holding her so close had reminded him of the mystery he'd seen in her eyes. Reflecting on it under the weight of pressure now, the prospect of marrying Elizabeth Bennet did not seem entirely objectionable. Despite knowing little of her beyond those eyes and her seemingly stubborn wit, he was surprised to find the idea not entirely unpleasant.

Darcy, still wrestling with his conflicting emotions, finally spoke, "I will do what is right by Miss Bennet to protect her honour."

Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat as she watched Mr. Darcy's lips form the words. She could scarcely believe it—he had just agreed to marry her, despite his initial disdain for her family and their societal standing. Her jaw dropped, and her heart raced with a myriad of questions. How could he yield to this pressure from her family? Why would he consent to marry someone he had deemed beneath him? Or was there some other motive behind his sudden change of heart? Did he think she would agree to it? Elizabeth could not shake off the shock and confusion as she looked into Mr. Darcy's earnest eyes, wondering what kind of man he truly was beneath his reserved exterior.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest. "This is preposterous! I cannot—"

"Hush, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy is doing the honourable thing." Her mother quickly intervened.

Elizabeth began again, her voice trembling with frustration. "But Mama, I—"

Mr. Bennet raised a hand solemnly, cutting her off. "It is settled then."

"You are fortunate, cousin, that Mr. Darcy is so honourable. This arrangement will safeguard your reputation." Mr. Collins added.

No one spoke for a while, as though any voice might spark a fire. Elizabeth's shoulders drooped under the weight of everyone's silence. She wished Jane were here; perhaps she could speak to Papa and Mama and make them see reason. Yet, she doubted that Jane's presence would change much, not when her own reputation was at stake by association if word of a scandal were to spread.

Mr. Bennet however decided that the silence was enough some few minutes later. He sighed and said, "We need to get Elizabeth home soon to rest." Turning to Darcy, he added, "We appreciate your assistance, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy gave a slight bow. "You must forgive me, but I will not be accompanying you. I have some business to attend to. I shall call on you tomorrow morning to ensure Miss Bennet's well-being."

Mr. Bennet led the way, the party following in his wake. The coachman assisted Elizabeth, who moved with some difficulty due to her strain. Mr. Darcy escorted them to the carriage, ensuring Elizabeth was settled comfortably before stepping back. As he did so, Elizabeth could not help but voice her confusion. "Why would you agree to this?" she asked, looking directly at Mr. Darcy, her voice barely a whisper yet full of emotion.

Mr. Darcy met her gaze steadily. "Because it is the right thing to do, Miss Bennet."

Mrs. Bennet nodded approvingly, her face flushed with relief and satisfaction. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. We shall expect you."

Darcy waved them goodbye and watched as the carriage pulled away, his thoughts a turbulent mix of regret and resolve. When they were out of sight, he mounted his horse and rode towards Netherfield. The weather had eased up and the rain had stopped, but it did nothing to calm the stormy tempest within his mind.