Posted On: Friday, 22 November 2002, at 1:04 p.m.

"Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, ma'am" announced the maid. Darcy and Bingley came in, the last walked straight to Jane and sat beside her. Darcy took a position by the window.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. This was the way it was going for weeks now. When had Jane and Bingley become engaged... about four weeks ago? And though Darcy had paid much attention to her, and had showed most exceedingly that he did love her, she just didn't understand why he wouldn't do something! They talked, laughed, gazed lovingly into each others eyes, but the man just didn't proposed! It was all very vexing. Not that Elizabeth would normally expect any man would just propose to her... but Darcy... he had showed her he loved her. And then... he did nothing. Very strange indeed. She was determined to act herself, if he would not do something soon.

"What a beautiful day, is it not?" Darcy said

"Yes, you are right. Shall we walk to Oakham Mount?" Elizabeth asked.

Darcy nodded, and they were on their way. They were both silent as they walked along the path. A few times Elizabeth caught Darcy staring at her, and she felt her hopes rise. Would he do it? Would he get over that foolish habit of not saying anything?

But faith was playing a cruel game on her, or so at least she thought. Darcy remained silent the whole way, and only said something when they were standing on top Oakham Mount, admiring the view.

"Very beautiful indeed", he said, while gazing into her eyes.

Elizabeth felt her heart jump. Was this it?

But Darcy turned away again, a light red colour rising in his cheeks.

Elizabeth sighted again. She proposed to Darcy to return home, and there, she safely figured out her plan

There they were again, a day later, Elizabeth and Darcy walking side by side. Elisabeth was very nervous about how he would take it. Would he be mad? Would he laugh? Would he... accept?

"Mr. Darcy," she said, reminding herself to breath and stay focused on what she wanted to say, "I am sorry, but I can no longer pretend. Are your feelings still what they were in last April?"

They had both stopped moving, and Darcy was staring at her like an idiot. It seemed like he could not form any words for a little while, till suddenly a little 'Pardon?" came out of his mouth.

Elizabeth smiled sweetly at him.

"Sir, you must forgive me my forwardness. But I have to say this, and I will do so now, without any ceremony." She took a deep breath "Sir, stop turning around me. I have watched long enough, and I want to solve this. I'll give you a choice: marry me or leave." She put on her best smile after her speech.

If Darcy had been surprised a moment ago, that was nothing compared to his feelings now. He looked really dumb, with his mouth hanging open and a rather foolish stare directed at Elizabeth.

"Sir?" Elizabeth cautiously inquired, afraid she had offended him.

"Hmm.. y... yes?" He managed to get out, and closed his mouth fast after he had realised it had been hanging open.

"Have I offended you?"

A smile broke through on Darcy's face. It looked like he finally understood what was happening.

"Elizabeth... I... I can't believe it! Do... do you mean it? Really?"

Elizabeth was quick to assure him, and it was there that Darcy took her in his arms.

"No! I can't believe it! I really thought you were a hopeless case Darce!" Bingley cried. They were in the carriage back to Netherfield, and Darcy had just told his friend the happy news.

"And, if I may dare to ask, how did you finally solve this?" Bingley asked.

"Elizabeth made me an offer I couldn't refuse." Darcy grinned

THE END!!!