Chapter 1
After her Aunt and Uncle left the Inn to explore the church Elizabeth sat down and prepared to read the two letters from Jane, but before she could open them a young servant opened the door and announced Mr. Darcy's presence. They briefly greeted each other and began to engage in conversation.
"I hope that I have not disturbed your solitude, Miss Bennet. It appears that you were about to read some letters."
"Yes, but they can wait until later. It is a lovely day though, would you be inclined to take a walk with me?" she inquired.
"I would love to Miss Bennet," he replied sincerely.
As they started out on their walk they began their apologies to one another for their past behaviors in Kent.
"Miss Bennet, please allow me tell you how ashamed I am of my past conduct toward you. My conceited proposal at Hunsford has brought me particular remorse. I deserve your scorn and censure."
"There is no reason for you to apologize to me, Mr. Darcy, for it was I who so rudely abused you to you face, and was foolish enough to believe Mr. Wickham's abominable lies. Can you forgive me, sir?"
"What did you say of me, that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations were ill founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behavior to you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence. As for Mr. Wickham's lies, there was no way for you to know the defects in his character, and I do not fault you for trusting him."
"We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening," said Elizabeth. "The conduct of neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, we have both, I hope, improved in civility."
"I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollection of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget: "had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner." Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely conceive, how they have tortured me; -- though it was some time, I confess, before I was reasonable enough to allow their justice."
"I was certainly very far from expecting them to make so strong an impression. I had not the smallest idea of their being ever felt in such a way."
"I can easily believe it. You thought me then devoid of every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget, as you said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induce you to accept me."
"Oh! Do not repeat what I then said. These recollections will not do at all. I assure you that I have long been most heartily ashamed of it."
Darcy mentioned his letter. "Did it," said he, "did it soon make you think better of me? Did you, on reading it, give any credit to its contents?"
She explained what its effect on her had been, and how gradually all her former prejudices were being removed.
"I knew," said he, "that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. I hope you have destroyed the letter. There was one part especially, the opening of it, which I should dread your having the power of reading again. I can remember some expressions which might justly make you hate me."
"If you wish then the letter will most certainly be burnt."
"Miss Bennet, my feelings and wishes are unchanged. No, that is not right for I love you now much more than I did then. I do not expect for you to enter into an engagement with me on this day, for we have only recently become reacquainted, but are there some hope that you will eventually consent to become my wife? Will you do me the honor of allowing me to court you?"
"You are correct, it is to early for me to know the full extent of my feelings toward you. I will tell you that I have grown very fond of you, and in fact, am quite convinced that I am in the process of falling in love with you. I would be delighted to be courted by you, Mr. Darcy." She said full of embarrassment as her cheeks turned a bright crimson, which Darcy found most attractive.
Suddenly Elizabeth caught sight of a pistol from atop a roof aimed directly at Mr. Darcy. There was no time for her to think; calling out she turned and grabbed him using her body as a shield to protect him as the shot rang out. The bullet tore into the upper part of the back of her and she instantly fainted.
Chapter 2
Darcy's mind was in utter chaos as he heard the gun shot, and felt Elizabeth collapse into his arms. Feeling the warmth of her blood against his hands which were wrapped securely around her waist he realized that she had been hit. Comprehending that they were still in immediate danger he quickly lifted her up and carried her to safety, and with a trembling voice called for someone to get the doctor without delay. Though he would not relinquish his hold upon her, he gently lowered her to the ground as he examined the lifeless form, which he held close to his chest. It was horrible in every way; the blood was flowing too quickly from her wound, and her breathing was ragged. He was overcome with mental anguish as it became clear that his beloved was dying. Convinced that if he had been paying better attention to his surroundings that Elizabeth would have been spared injury, Darcy began berating himself. Silently he vowed never to allow himself a moment's happiness if she were not made well again.
Finally Doctor Hacket appeared, assessed her condition, then began giving orders to Darcy who quickly obeyed the commands.
"She may have a slight chance of survival, but we must move her immediately. I suggest to the inn ; it's close, and I can do the work easiest from there."
Unfortunately she awoke before they were able to move her.
"Are you in much pain Miss Bennet?" asked the doctor
"A little, but it is not unbearable," she lied for Mr. Darcy's sake.
"We are going to move you to the inn Elizabeth, but first the doctor must stop the bleeding. I promise, It will not take long, Please stay with us." Pleaded Darcy
Every thing had to be done as quickly as possible, allowing no time to involve the servants in the matter . Once they made it to the inn Doctor Hacket instructed Darcy to make sure that the room was well lit, to turn Miss Bennet onto her stomach, and to cut away the top of her garments as he prepared his equipment. Elizabeth let out a faint whimper as she caught sight of the sharp instruments that were to be used to extract the bullet from her body .
"Please, don't leave me, Mr. Darcy,"
"I will not," he answered trying to remain calm in an effort to be brave for her.
"You will stay with me when it's over?" she asked
"Yes,"
"You must tie her down with this rope, Mr. Darcy, and hold her down. " She must be kept her as still as possible; the slightest movement could be fatal.
Taking a deep breath Doctor Hacket began to carry out the painful procedure, knowing that in all likelihood his patient was probably not going to make it. He had never seen anyone survive an operation after losing such a great amount of blood. Most of his colleagues would have refrained from the performing the surgery, and simply allowed her to die in peace. He would have done the same, but for some reason the love and determination reflected in the young man's eyes gave him hope.
In an instant all the pain and suffering that had engulfed Elizabeth's body ceased, and an overwhelming sense of tranquillity filled her being. No fear was felt as she found herself hovering above the shell in which she had resided for over twenty years, only sadness at the torment that Mr. Darcy was experiencing. Tears were running down his eyes as he began to sob uncontrollably, calling her name trying to get her to come back to him. Others were calling her to from a brilliant white light which emanated love, peace, and a sense of wholeness; it's seductiveness was almost irresistible. Then there was the gentleman down below who needed her so very much, who she knew would be lost without her. Torn between the two she knew there wasn't much time; she had to make her choice.