Chapter Text
Mr Bennet had three beautiful daughters who despite their silliness he loved dearly. Mrs Bennet and him had tried without success to produce a son and heir to Longbourn. Although he loves all three of his daughters, he has a special fondness for his middle daughter Elizabeth, who is but four years of age. Mrs Bennet is in confinement with their fourth child and fears that this one will too be a girl. He's aware that special circumstances must therefore, be put into place if he is both blessed with a fourth daughter and thus cursed with no heir.
Mr Bennet, despite his distaste for London, has business to attend and while there he intends to call upon an old acquaintance who owes him a rather large favour. Despite several years passing without speaking other than the odd letter, he intends to collect.
"Mr Darcy, how good it is to see you again?" Mr Bennet addressed his former friend, shaking his hand tightly and smiling. Despite the small graying of hair little in way of appearance had changed.
"Bennet, I do say it has been too long, old friend," Mr Darcy said in return, glad to be reacquainted.
"Yes, indeed it has been. I hope you are enjoying the ton this season," Mr Bennet enquired.
"Of course. Although, Mrs Darcy and I are rather longing to return to Pemberley with Fitzwilliam as he grows quite restless in London at his age but work must be attended to ."
"Of course. I believe mine would be quite the same." Mr Bennet said laughing to himself at the thought of his daughters with little in the way of fields and rivers to roam.
"Well come now, Bennet, let's discuss the business in which preoccupied you so, enough for you to visit an old friend after so long."
"You see Darcy, I hope you do not think me so bold but I have three daughters and I feel a fourth on the way without an heir my daughters shall be left with nothing but a small sum and dowry to their name. I fear for their future. You were blessed with a son and I, merely daughters. I believe we could form an arrangement for both and secure a future for our families together." Mr Bennet spoke nervously.
"Tell me honestly Bennet, which of your daughters is your greatest joy?" Darcy asked surprising an anxious Mr Bennet.
"My dear Lizzie, but I love all my children," Bennet said ashamed to have voiced his favourite to but an acquaintance.
"Thus it's settled, I'd be honoured for Fitzwilliam to wed Elizabeth on her 20th birthday. For wisdom is also important to gain before a spouse." Darcy said smiling.
The papers were signed by both parties and the lives of their families were officially entangled for good. Mr Bennet left London smiling and secure in the thought that at least one of his children would be prosperous, even more grateful that it were his dear Lizzie.
15 Years Later
Elizabeth ages completely ignorant to her father's plot until the eve of her 19th birthday when her father called her into his study.
"Hello Papa," Elizabeth greeted warmly placing a delicate kiss on her father's cheek.
"Lizzie darling, I have some important news which I must admit I have been concealing from you for quite some time." Bennet began softly, for this was not the first time that he had begun to regret his decision for such an arrangement. Lizzie was strong of mind and character and he knew she would not take the news well.
"Do not stop now father, you must confide this terrible secret," Elizabeth teased.
"When you were but four years old, I made an arrangement with an old friend of mine that you would join in union with his son on your 20th birthday." Bennet said, deciding it best to just be forth right with his daughter.
Elizabeth mouth dropped in shock as she took in her fathers words.
"You have just one year left my darling, before you shall be a married women," Mr Bennet said mournfully.
Elizabeth looked at her father and tried to regain what she could of her composure. "Tell me this is some terrible trick?" She spoke solemnly.
"I am afraid not."
"How could you, papa?" Elizabeth said and not waiting for an answer she removed herself from the room instantly.
Elizabeth ran straight for the garden deciding it best to seek solace alone. She ran though the neighbouring fields, across the small stream and straight to the large sycamore tree that stood at the top of the hill overlooking the small town and surrounding landscape. She climbed to her usual seat in the long hanging branch and let the news thoroughly sink in.
Her to be married, she scoffed. She would like to see them try and make her. Of all people she never expected Papa to do this, her mother she would understand. For she was desperate for each one of her daughter to be married and married well. Her beloved father had betrayed her and she refused to forgive him. He would have to earn that. The more she thought about this marriage to a stranger the more she wanted to laugh. The whole thing was ridiculous and would certainly not occur. She must object. He must object. And without a bride and groom no wedding would be capable of taking place. She was sure of it.
The first meeting between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth did not go well. Both parties were reluctant to be a part of this arrangement. However, both parties respected the wishes of their fathers. At least Elizabeth gave the appearance of such. Elizabeth was introduced to Mr Darcy two weeks before the wedding was to take place. She sulked all day before the meeting refusing to speak with anyone but Jane. Of course her mother had been delighted when she discovered the secret her husband had been keeping from her and only wish that he had made such arrangement for all five daughters. Elizabeth had refused to leave her room, when she heard about his intended visit with his dear friend Mr Bingley, Mr Bingley's sister and his younger sister Georgiana. They were to stay two weeks in Netherfield. Mrs Bennet was delighted with the prospect of another eligible young man's appearance in the neighbourhood and one they should surely be the first to acquaint. The delight of her mother seemed to only further infuriate Elizabeth. It seemed no one had any regard for her happiness.
"Look Mr Bennet a letter has come from Netherfield Park, come quick you must read it at once," Mrs Bennet beckoned to her husband from below the stairs.
"My hearing is not yet impaired, Mrs Bennet. Would you like to try again?" He teased while coming down the stairs.
"Oh Mr Bennet, why do you vex me so?" Mrs Bennet said waving the letter in front of him.
"Because my dear, it gives me great pleasure," he said retrieving the letter from her tight grip.
"Well, we are all waiting anxiously what does it say?" Mrs Bennet said.
All daughters bar Elizabeth seemed to be listening closely.
"It is an invitation for us to dine at Netherfield this evening," Mr Bennet finally disclosed.
Mrs Bennet squealed in delight. "Come girls, there is much to prepare for this evening."
Elizabeth sighed but followed her mother reluctantly out of the room.
The evening seemed to come to quick. The carriage was prepared and the seven Bennets squeezed in all but three excitedly awaiting the course of the evening, for Jane was a loyal sister and friend. She felt the pain of her sister quite acutely.
"Lizzie, he may be very charming and handsome and you may love him greatly," Jane whispered to her sister in way of comfort.
"I do not think that will be so," Elizabeth replied.
Jane gently squeezed her sisters hand but said no more on the subject. Elizabeth did not blame her. She had spent the better part of the year trying and failing to make her feel happy about the arrangement. Elizabeth deeply loved her sister for her attempts and although she had come to accept the matter for what it is she has yet to find a means to escape it. Unless of course it is Mr Darcy who defaults on the contract.
"A Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet and Miss Bennet," the servant announced their arrival into the large room.
Each bowing in turn.
"Ah Mr Bennet, how delightful to make your acquaintance. I am Charles Bingley and have heard a great deal in regards to your family." Mr Bingley said breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen.
"Ah indeed. I am not surprised so," Mr Bennet answered calling to attention the coming arrangement.
"Yes, well let me introduce you all to my sister, Miss Caroline Bingley and this is Miss Darcy and of course Mr Darcy."
Elizabeth sighed when she took in the appearance of the great man who seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face and the impression that he was too good to be mixing with people of their status. His gaze was also permanently fixed to Jane. Of course he expected Jane, the handsomest of all the girls.
"These are my daughter, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and my youngest Lydia." Bennet said as way of distinction.
Elizabeth watched Darcy as he tore his gaze away from Jane and settled it on her. His face if possible, became even more disagreeable. Elizabeth was certain she should never like him.
When dinner ended, Mary ceased control of the piano much to the regret of all present. Elizabeth found herself in the company of Miss Darcy.
"I know this is not ideal but I do so hope that we shall become good friends," Miss Darcy spoke shyly.
Elizabeth liked the girl from the moment they had begun to speak and as Miss Darcy grew more confident and comfortable in Elizabeth's presence the more she opened up. Elizabeth was sure that Miss Darcy would be the one good thing that would be present at Pemberley.
"I dearly hope so," Elizabeth said honestly, much to the delight of the younger girl.
Miss Darcy's attention was finally captured by the ever annoying, Miss Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth went in search of Jane across the room. This led her past Mr Darcy and his heinous and ungentlemanly remarks.
"I do say the Bennet's are a lovely family, particularly Jane and Elizabeth," Mr Bingley said.
"I cannot agree with such an assessment. I dare say Jane is the most handsomest of the lot but the others are rather plain and do nothing to tempt me," spoke Darcy quite decidedly.
"Come now Darcy, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is quite handsome," Mr Bingley said shaking his head at the harsh critique of his friend.
It was that moment that Elizabeth had heard enough turning hastily to find her sister. In doing so she seemed to only garner the attention of both men. Her gaze was drawn to Mr Darcy's before glaring and retreating to find Jane.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr Darcy could not quite bring himself to feel regret over the incident with Miss Bennet but was quite aware of the uncomfortableness that was sure to follow. He would have to seek her out and rectify situations before the coming ceremony. It seemed that a ball at the Lucas' would be the next encounter that would befall them.
Mr Lucas was prattling on about something in London when Miss Elizabeth happened to walk by.
"Ah Miss Elizabeth I was just discussing London with your fiancé and whether you would spend much time there after the ceremony?"
Darcy watched as Elizabeth reluctantly stopped to join them.
"That would be a question I would be ill-equipped to answer, however if Mr Darcy did so choose such an option I would probably find myself spending a great deal of time with my Aunt and Uncle," she replied quite cheekily.
"Come now Miss Bennet, you would be quite unable to leave your husband so soon after marriage," Mr Lucas responded.
"Somehow Mr Lucas, I feel like I would cope quite fine with any amount of distance," Miss Elizabeth retorted.
"Ah what a beautiful song, you both must dance and stop me from ruining your fun," Mr Lucas said changing the conversation.
"I must be on my way," Elizabeth responded.
Darcy watched her curiously before repeating the offer that had been forced upon him by the intolerable Mr Lucas.
"No really, I insist I cannot," Elizabeth said before walking away.
Darcy gazed trailed after Elizabeth intrigued by his future spouse. There was something quite satisfying about the look and eyes of Miss Elizabeth in that moment. Yes she had rather fine eyes. Certainly a lot of opinion. Maybe marriage, despite her inferior position and family would be tolerable after all. Georgiana certainly seemed to enjoy her company, he thought looking over at the two speaking quite happily to each other.