Groundhog Day, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction

Section I,

Posted on Monday, 26-Oct-98

Groundhog Day!

In which Mr. Darcy has to live the same day over and over until he gets it right.

Fitzwilliam Darcy awoke with a yawn as his valet, Jenkins, bustled into the room.

"Good morning, sir," said Jenkins. "Is it not a fine day? Will you be wanting the green coat or the black one this morning?"

"Urgghhh…" said Fitzwilliam, still not entirely awake.

Jenkins pulled open the curtains and sunlight streamed into the room. Darcy hid his head under the pillow at first, then realised the futility of that and got up.

"I'll wear the black coat today, thank you Jenkins," he said, and got dressed.

He went down to breakfast a little later than usual, as the night had been spent sleepless after the dinner party the previous evening. Try as he might, he had not been able to get images of Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his head. He usually slept well at Rosings, as sleep was the only respite from his aunt's nagging voice, but for some reason this visit had not been as restful as usual. He would toss and turn, with disturbing thoughts running through his head. He was afraid he was well on the way of falling into the same trap as his friend Bingley had a few months earlier.

'At least,' thought Darcy, 'I was there to save him. But who will rescue me from my folly?'

He sat down at the table opposite his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was heartily tucking into some kidneys and tomatoes. Darcy shuddered and sipped some tea. The Colonel noticed something was amiss.

"Darcy, you are unwell?" he asked.

"No, no, I am quite well," replied Darcy.

"To be sure, I have never known you to refuse a hot breakfast before. What's gotten into you, man?"

"Fitzwilliam, may I tell you something in the strictest confidence?" Darcy asked his cousin absent-mindedly.

"But of course, what troubles you?"

"Last summer, I noticed that a friend of mine had formed a serious attachment on a certain young lady. She herself seemed not affected by him. Besides her indifference, her connections are terrible. So I persuaded my friend to give her up. I fear that he has never stopped thinking about her, however, and I dread falling into the same trap. For I have begun to have… feelings… for a young lady in, well, almost identical circumstances. I know not what to do. An alliance between us would be a highly reprehensible connection. Our dear aunt would disown me…"

"Maybe you should follow your heart, in that case," said the Colonel. "I wouldn't happen to know the lady, by any chance?"

"No, not at all," replied Darcy hastily, grabbing the paper and hiding behind it. "Hmm, I see that the French have suffered a severe blow near ---------. Jolly good news!"

His cousin smiled knowingly and returned to his breakfast.

The rest of the morning Darcy spent in writing a letter to his sister, in which he disclosed nothing of his feelings, but instead gave lengthy descriptions of the guests at the Parsonage. After luncheon, he and the Colonel went for a walk around the park, but parted near the pond--Darcy wished to sit in silent, solitary contemplation for a while. The fact that he had sometimes seen Miss Bennet strolling in that area had no bearing on his decision. He was not to be so blessed on this occasion, however, and after battling the midges and mosquitoes for an hour or so, returned to the house.

The party from Hunsford was expected for tea at five, so it took Darcy longer than usual to dress. Running late, he hurried down the stairs just in time to see the guests arrive.

"… and it is with great distress that I tell you we shall be deprived of my dear cousin Elizabeth's company this evening. She has, unfortunately, been taken ill, and I assure you, madam, feels the pain of the loss of your company most exceedingly, indeed…" Mr. Collins was saying.

'What!' thought Darcy. 'No Elizabeth! I must think of an excuse…'

"She has probably been walking too much. Ladies are not built for taking extensive walks. Make sure that she does not over-exert herself again, Mrs. Collins, and if she is not recovered by tomorrow send for Mr. Smedley, the apothecary. Mention my name, and he will come immediately, though it is not an emergency."

'Oh blah blah blah,' thought Darcy impatiently, wishing that a thunderbolt would strike down his aunt, and preferably Mr. Collins as well.

"Excuse me," he said abruptly, bowing, and left the room.

Walking briskly in the direction of the parsonage, Darcy had no definite plan in his mind. He only knew that this must have been a heaven-sent opportunity to tell Miss Bennet of his feelings. He decided to take Fitzwilliam's advice and go for it. Forming some sentences in his mind, he rang the bell. A servant showed him to the parlour, where Elizabeth was sitting, hastily putting aside some papers. She looked a little tired, but as beautiful as ever. Her delightful eyes had a touch of sadness in them. 'Ah, soon that expression will turn to happiness,' Darcy thought jubilantly, 'when she hears what I have to say!'

"How are you, I hope you are feeling better," he said awkwardly.

"A little, thank you. Will you not sit down?" she replied.

Darcy sat in the nearest chair, and said nothing, trying to get his nerve up. Then he decided that it would be better if he stood by the mantelpiece. No, perhaps the window would be better. He paced the room for some time, before going towards her and saying-

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Her eyes widened with surprise, her cheeks turned red. Her mouth opened a little, but she remained silent.

She is surprised, he thought. Little wonder, all things considered. I must explain.

"I know it is a surprise. The whole idea is farcical. I mean, one of your family forming an alliance with the Derbyshire Darcys! The idea of me having in-laws in trade--my family will be shocked. I am shocked that I have allowed my feelings to become so overwhelming, but they have done so. For almost as long as I have known you, I have admired you, despite your family. The embarrassing behaviour of your younger sisters has long been an obstacle to my affections becoming stronger, but here in Kent with only your odious cousin as reminder to your family's shortcomings, I have become impassioned. Miss Bennet, I cannot sleep for thinking of you, and I beg you to consent to marry me."

There, thought Darcy, if that confession doesn't make her want me, I don't know what will.

Elizabeth cleared her throat, and said-

"In such cases as these, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned…"

..... (From here on their conversation is as written in the book--I cannot improve on it, and to add in little bits of thought here and there would mean reproducing it all, which I don't feel like doing..... )

"Forgive me for taking up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness."

He left, and if he had been the one shutting the door, rather than the servant, he would have slammed it. He walked quickly down the path, beheading daisies with his cane. Wickham! That two faced, slimy sleazeball! She would rather take that worm's word than his own! I really must have been repellent, thought Darcy, if that is the case! If only I could live this afternoon over, how different it would be!

As he entered Rosings, he was detained by his aunt, and forced to make polite conversation to make up for his absence this afternoon. A couple of hours later he went to bed, his mind numbed, and fell into a fitful sleep.

Day Two

Posted on Tuesday, 27-Oct-98

Fitzwilliam Darcy awoke with a yawn as his valet, Jenkins, bustled into the room.

"Good morning, sir," said Jenkins. "Is it not a fine day? Will you be wanting the green coat or the black one this morning?"

"Urgghhh…" said Fitzwilliam, still not entirely awake.

Jenkins pulled open the curtains and sunlight streamed into the room. Darcy hid his head under the pillow at first, then realised the futility of that and got up.

"I'll wear the black coat today, thank you Jenkins," he said, and got dressed.

He made his way down to the breakfast room where Colonel Fitzwilliam was busily tucking into some kidneys and tomatoes. Darcy shuddered and sipped some tea. The Colonel noticed something was amiss.

"Darcy, you are unwell?" he asked.

"No, no, I am quite well," replied Darcy, absent-mindedly. "Do you have to eat kidneys and tomatoes for breakfast every morning?"

"What do you mean, man? Yesterday I had kippers and a boiled egg. The day before… lets see… it was fried eggs and bacon. On Monday it was…"

"Oh, enough, enough," groaned Darcy, reaching for the paper. "It's just I could have sworn that yesterday you were eating kidneys and tomatoes, too. Is this today's paper?"

"Yes, why?"

"Didn't the French suffer a crushing blow at -------- yesterday?"

"No, yesterday they were at ----------. Are you sure you are not ill, cousin?"

"Hmm…" said Darcy, thinking, 'No, I'm no longer sure. I think I'm going crazy. First of all Jenkins wakes me in the same annoyingly cheerful fashion as he did yesterday, then you're eating the same breakfast, then the paper is the same. It does not make sense!'

The Colonel shook his head and smiled knowingly.

"It's a girl, isn't it? A man in love…"

Darcy, annoyed at his cousin's good humour, control of the situation, and partial insight, did not answer, but buried his head in the familiar paper. He was very confused. It was almost as if he was reliving the day before… but that could not be so. He decided he would go and finish the letter he had started to Georgiana the day before.

There was a small problem with this course of action, however. The letter was nowhere to be found. Let's see, thought Darcy, I was at the secretaire, and I put the letter in my blotter… but I've shaken it and nothing's come out. This is getting curiouser and curiouser!

He decided to start the letter over, and did so in much the same way as he had done before, with perhaps a little more description of Miss Bennet. His thoughts were with her constantly. What must she think of him?

Luncheon time soon arrived, and after very carefully putting his letter in his top drawer, Darcy went downstairs and joined his aunt and cousins at the table.

"I hope you will be more punctual this evening, Darcy," his aunt said, "for we are having company from the parsonage. The minions must have a good example set, or the world could turn to chaos."

"Company from the parsonage? Again? Do they really need to come here for tea two evenings in a row?" asked Darcy, dreading the thought of seeing Elizabeth again.

"Do you dare question my judgment?" thundered Lady Catherine. "Besides, they were not here for tea yesterday, nor shall be tomorrow. I have not the pleasure (or otherwise) of understanding you."

"Indeed, Darcy, you have been very odd all day. Our walk this afternoon shall clear your head, I hope!" said the Colonel.

"We went for our yearly turn about the park yesterday, didn't we? Why do you need to go again?"

"Darcy, I am beginning to think you quite, quite mad! We have not had our walk together yet this year. It must be love, I am sure of it!" replied Fitzwilliam.

Darcy was very, very confused by now, but he was beginning to remember…'If only I could live this afternoon over…' what if my wish has come true? Oh my G-! Am I reliving yesterday? How can this have happened? It must be for a reason…Will I have a chance to get things right? If I ask Miss Bennet to marry me again, will all be well? Do I still want to ask her to marry me? I acted on the impulse of the moment--she still has those horrible sisters, and the mother!

"All right, I'll admit it," he said to the Colonel. "There is a girl. But I don't know what to do. When a friend of mine was in a similar situation earlier this year, I did all that was in my power to prevent the match. The lady's family… yes, well, anyway, what do you think I should do?"

"I think," replied the Colonel, "that you should act as your heart tells you. You would not be marrying the family, remember."

"Yes, you are right. And besides, Pemberley is so far away from Hert… where she lives."

The Colonel smiled at his cousin's slip.

"I wouldn't know the lady by any chance?" he asked.

"No, not at all. Never heard of her in your life," responded Darcy, and turned towards his cousin Anne with a query after her health (for there is little else to talk to Anne about).

After lunch he went for his walk with the Colonel. Trying to keep things as much the same as possible, Darcy parted from his cousin at the pond again. As he knew that he would not have the pleasure of Elizabeth's company, instead of looking out for her he spent the time planning what he would do differently. He really wanted his proposal to go right this time. What was it she had objected to? It was hard to remember, he had been so emotional at the time. Well, there was the Wickham thing, and his arrogance, and his "selfish disdain for the feelings of others". But he could not change the past. Oh, well, he'd try and act less as if he was expecting an affirmative reply. He could not change what Wickham had said to her, but at least if he behaved less arrogantly he would have a chance to be heard on the subject. The time flew with these and similar reflections, and soon he judged it was about the time he had left the day before. He returned to the house and got dressed for tea.

Once again he rushed down the stairs to hear Mr. Collins' slimy voice.

"It is with much regret that I tell you that my dear cousin, Elizabeth, will not have the pleasure of your company this evening. She is, unfortunately, feeling a little under the weather, as they say, and…"

"Yes, yes," said Lady Catherine. "But this is all extremely vexing. You must call for the apothecary in the morning, so she should not be detained so again. I suspect she has been too long in the fresh air. It quite takes my spirits away, and Anne would never have enjoyed walking, even if her health permitted it. I am quite put out!"

They had begun to walk towards the drawing room, so Darcy decided this should be his cue.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but I find I have some urgent business that will prevent me from having the pleasure of joining you. Will you excuse me?" he said, thinking, Oh G-! I sound like Mr. Collins!

His aunt, proud of her nephew's business engagements, graciously allowed him to depart, on the provision that he spent the next day accompanying Anne to the village. Despite the fact that he would rather attend a piano recital given by Mary Bennet, he agreed.

He soon arrived at the parsonage, and got shown into the parlour again. Elizabeth looked up expectantly as he came in, but this changed to surprise when she saw who it was.

"Good evening, Miss Bennet, I trust that you are feeling a little better?" he asked cordially.

"Yes, thank you, I am. Will you not sit down, sir?" she replied.

Darcy sat down in the chair directly across from her, and began his speech almost straight away...

Day 2 Continued

Posted on Friday, 30-Oct-98

Darcy sat down in the chair directly across from her, and began his speech almost straight away.

"I would like, Miss Bennet, to put to you a question that I have been thinking of for some time now. But before I do, I would like to lay before you some facts that I think you may be interested in. I thought that your sister was not in love with my friend Charles, or I should never have attempted to separate them. Despite the fact that your family connections are appalling, I believe that true love should overcome all barriers. Some members of your family really are embarrassing. Your sisters are extremely silly, your uncle is in trade, and your mother is shocking. These considerations helped me, it is true, justify not telling Bingley of your sister's being in town, and can you really imagine him visiting Cheapside? It defies imagination. Nevertheless, if it can be proved to me that your sister truly does love him, I believe that they should be together and I will do all I can to remedy my mistake."

During this oration Elizabeth's face grew very red, and several times she attempted to speak, but the words would not come. Darcy continued.

"My second point is that Mr. Wickham is not all he appears to be. I cannot tell you more, but just know that what he says about me is not true. I did not defy my father's wishes, I am not a blackguard, and I am not going to marry my cousin! I wish to marry another… I wish to marry you. Miss Bennet, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

Elizabeth swallowed once. "Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed. "You have certainly gone the wrong way about asking me. What on earth did you expect to gain from telling me all this? You have insulted my family, and through them myself. You want proof that my sister loves your friend? How about the fact that she did not eat properly for days when he had left Netherfield? What about the tear-stained letters that reached me from London when his sisters snubbed her? I have the letters right here, if you wish to verify. And how did you know what Mr. Wickham had told me? You have no evidence to support your claims, and I intend to continue thinking as I had before!"

Darcy was shocked at her response. He had poured out his heart to her, and she had still refused him. In such terms!

"You want proof? You want proof? You can't handle the proof! Mr. Wickham, my dear Miss Bennet, nearly ruined my family. He pleaded with me not to honour my father's wishes, he took three thousand pounds instead, gambled it all away, and then attempted to seduce my sister in hope of getting her fortune of thirty thousand pounds. And this is the man whose word you would take over mine! You can confirm all I have said by asking Colonel Fitzwilliam--he knows all the particulars, and I know that you trust him implicitly." He took a deep breath. "There is no hope of changing your mind, now?"

Elizabeth was appalled. "Maybe I was wrong about Wickham. But you have still insulted my family, behaved rudely while at Netherfield, and even if you do regret it now, you were the cause of my sister's unhappiness. Mr. Darcy, there is no way you could ever tempt me to marry you."

Darcy felt like crying. "You have no idea how hard it is for me to say these things to you, do you? It's nearly as hard as introducing myself to strangers, or mixing well at a party. I do not have your happy knack of getting along easily with people, Miss Bennet. It has always been hard for me, segregated as a boy, pursued by irritating fortune hunters as a young man…" She was silent. "Forgive me for taking up so much of your time, Miss Bennet. I will not trouble you again," he said. Well, not again today, he thought. He left without waiting for a reply.

D--n it, he thought as he left the building. Screwed it up again. I said all the wrong things. I shouldn't have said that about her family--in retrospect, it's hardly even true. I wouldn't have to have anything to do with the sisters, and I don't even know the uncle in London. Heck, Bingley's father was once in trade! Poor Bingley! Jane Bennet really did love him. I have been a fool all around. If I get another chance, I will go about it completely differently. But a third chance at happiness is hardly something I can expect. Oh, well, even if I don't get another go, at least I will still have the memory of her angry… gosh that was beautiful.

Once he reached Rosings he went straight to his bedchamber, making a flimsy excuse about business to his cousin. He wanted to think about what he had done.

Day Three

Posted on Thursday, 05-Nov-98

Darcy woke up as Jenkins came in his room, and thought, if he says "Good morning, sir. Is it not a fine day? Will you be wanting the green coat or the black one this morning?" he would scream. Jenkins did, but Darcy settled for hitting his pillow as hard as he could instead. He got dressed in his black coat, and went downstairs to be confronted by the delightful smell of fried kidneys and tomatoes.

"How long is this going to keep on going?" he muttered to himself. Fitzwilliam overheard.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing," said Darcy. "I think that I'll just have tea this morning, however."

"Are you ill? You usually eat a hot breakfast."

"No, I'm not ill at all, I just had a bit of a hard night last night. You know how it is when our aunt is talking and there is a whole bottle of red wine in front of you…"

The Colonel laughed. "Yes indeed, for I have often fallen into the same trap myself. I suppose you will want the morning to yourself now."

"Yes, peace and quiet is just what I need. Are we still on for that walk this afternoon?"

The Colonel answered in the affirmative, and Darcy left him to his nauseating breakfast.

The walk that afternoon was becoming tedious. Before they got to the pond Darcy had had enough. He parted company with his cousin, pleading a hangover as an excuse. The Colonel completely understood, and Darcy returned to the house, where his aunt pounced on him.

"Darcy, my dear, how are you? Why have you come back from your stroll so soon?"

"I am a little tired, is all, aunt. I did not sleep that well last night. I was so overcome with the fact that we must leave here soon that I wanted to be awake every minute of our remaining time, so I as to enjoy it as long as possible," he said, hardly believing what he was saying. His aunt was very pleased by what he said, and let him go so that he could enjoy the pleasures of the library in the solitude he always insisted upon. In the library, Darcy soon fell asleep. It was true that he had not slept well, and besides, living the same day three times in a row was extremely tiring. He woke up as the clock was chiming 5, and realised that he was about to be late for tea, and his chance to right things with Miss Bennet. He ran upstairs and dressed himself (or rather, was dressed by his valet) as quickly as possible. He was ready with an excuse as he rushed down the stairs, but halted in his tracks as he saw Miss Bennet standing with the rest of the party in the hall.

"What are you doing here?" he could not help but blurt out.

All faces turned to him in astonishment. He felt his face going red.

"Why, I was invited, sir. I was not aware that I needed your permission as well. I am most sorry- I shall go, if my presence offends you," Elizabeth said, and turned as if to go. Mr. Collins looked as if he was about to speak, but Lady Catherine got in first, and asked him to go with her to look over some fabric that she thought might do for curtains for his study. He acquiesced immediately, and left Darcy, Lizzy and Fitzwilliam on their own, continuing the conversation.

"No, please stay," Darcy said gently. She turned to look at him, surprised at his change in manner.

"It is just that I thought you were ill," he continued.

"No indeed," she replied. "I had a most enjoyable walk with the Colonel this afternoon. It cleared my head completely. There is nothing in the least wrong with me, I assure you."

Darcy was confused. What had he done differently, so that she was not ill? And how could she go on a walk with the Colonel? "Well, that certainly is good news," he said, offering his arm to her. "Shall we go into the drawing room?"

Surprised at his civility, Elizabeth took his arm. After they had sat down, small talk was made in which Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth took the chief part. Darcy tried to be more agreeable, but found it difficult to change the habit of a lifetime in one evening. Their conversation ranged from books to music to the walk that Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam had enjoyed that afternoon.

"It is a lovely walk, your aunt is very foolish not to make the most of it," said Lizzy. "Although if she knew of it she would probably cause all the trees to be cut down because they spoilt the view."

The Colonel laughed. "You are probably quite right. Do you remember, Darcy, the time she came with us on a drive around Pemberley? She wanted you to get rid of the lake and put in a huge concrete fountain with a statue of Zeus or something in the middle."

Darcy shuddered. "Heaven forbid," he said. "At least she hasn't followed it up. I don't know why she hasn't, she usually follows things like a hound on the scent, but I'm thanking goodness she hasn't."

Darcy was interested in the fact that Elizabeth obviously did not remember anything that he had said in his disastrous proposals. What he did had no ramifications the next time around. And as the day seemed to want to repeat itself until he had a successful proposal, he thought he could have a lot of fun with the situation. Infinite possibilities opened up to him.

After Miss Bennet and the others from Hunsford had returned home, in Lady Catherine's condescendingly offered carriage of course, Darcy returned to the library to think some more. He could not remember what it was that had changed the course of the evening, so he could not change it back. An idea was forming in his mind, however, involving his afternoon walk. If he continued on with Fitzwilliam, he could meet up with Miss Bennet and show her how affable he really could be in a less formal situation. Pleasant thoughts on his mind, he said a (very) quick goodnight to his aunt on his way to bed, and had a night full of pleasant dreams of the morrow.

Day Four Part 1

Posted on Tuesday, 10-Nov-98

As Fitzwilliam Darcy's valet, Jenkins, bustled into the room and drew the curtains open, Darcy mouthed to himself "Good morning sir. Is it not a fine day? Will you be wanting the black coat or the green one this morning?" Imagine his surprise when from his servant's mouth came the exact same words. What a strange coincidence, he thought sarcastically. He got up, washed his face (aaah…wet Darcy…) and went downstairs.

When he remembered that Fitzwilliam would once again be eating tomatoes and kidneys, he groaned. Sure enough, there was his cousin, noisily eating a fried tomato.

"Good morning, Darcy," he said, looking up. "Do have some tomatoes, they are most delicious this morning."

Sounds it, thought Darcy very quietly aloud. The Colonel did not hear him, fortunately, but started slurping on a bit of kidney. Darcy had soon had enough. He walked deliberately over to the sideboard, seized the dish of tomatoes, and put it over Fitzwilliam's head. Fitzwilliam looked extremely funny with tomato juice running down his nose and his mouth slightly open. Darcy laughed, feeling a lot better, and sat down to some tea and toast.

At that moment, Lady Catherine walked in.

The shock she displayed at seeing her second most eligible nephew covered in tomato juice cannot be described in words. Let us just say she was shocked, surprised, disgusted, angry, appalled, offended, and angry again.

"Richard Fitzwilliam!" she scolded. "You have got tomato stains all over my carpet. I hope that you have a reasonable excuse. Such behaviour may be tolerated in the Army, but this breakfast parlour is not a mess hall and I do not wish it to be treated so. You should have more respect for your family. Darcy here would never dream of ever doing such a thing…"

Darcy was annoyed by his aunt's stupidity. For one thing, why on earth would someone stick a dish of tomatoes on their head? And of course he would dream of doing such a thing…

"Excuse me, aunt," he interrupted. "But it was I who caused this mess. And do you know what? I think I feel like causing some more." And while saying this, he picked up the basin of kidneys and stuffed them down the back of his aunt's gown.

His aunt was too astonished to speak. Darcy took advantage of the preoccupation of the other occupants of the room and ran outside, heading towards Hunsford…

Oh no! Darcy has gone completely and utterly inane! Can he be stopped from doing something completely rash and stupid? Find out in the next enthralling episode... ;-)

Day Four Part Two

Posted on Thursday, 12-Nov-98

Darcy ran almost all the way to the Parsonage, but stopped before he reached the gate, as he was a bit out of shape and did not want Miss Bennet to see him panting. He didn't want her to think him more eager than he really was. He walked in without knocking, and went down the hall to the dining room, where the Collins' and their guests were at breakfast. Everyone looked up, shocked, as he walked into the room. Mr. Collins hurried to stand up.

"Mr. Darcy, I can't tell you how honoured we are to see you here at our humble abode. Indeed, words cannot express our gratitude in your generous condescension in paying us this unexpected visit. It is almost as magnanimous as your aunt's most kind and frequent attentions to us, and sir, I know that…"

At this point it seemed as if Mrs. Collins was going to interrupt her husband and ask what Mr. Darcy was doing, but Darcy was too quick. Having discovered the usefulness of breakfast foods as a weapon, he picked up some of the tea that was on the table and poured it down Mr. Collins' shirt, and then rubbing some scrambled eggs into his hair. Elizabeth started laughing, Maria sat in amazement, and Mrs. Collins hastened around the table to assist her husband.

"Be quiet, you insignificant toad," said Mr. Darcy. "I actually came to see Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet, will you do me the honour of walking with me this morning?"

Miss Bennet was all astonishment, but in her surprise she agreed to meet him by the pond in an hour's time. As soon as he had gained her assent, Darcy bowed curtly and left the room, leaving chaos behind him.

The day was warm, and after all of Darcy's walking and running he had been doing that morning he was quite hot. So he decided to pass the time with a dip in the pond- there would be time enough to dry off before Miss Bennet arrived for their walk. He took off his cravat and boots, and dived in. The time passed quickly, and he was floating on his back when he noticed a figure walking towards him in the distance. He hastily got out of the pond and attempted to dry off a little, as the figure drew closer.

Day 4 Part 3

Posted on Friday, 13-Nov-98

When Darcy could see the person more clearly, he ran. This was not Miss Bennet. It was Colonel Fitzwilliam, intent on revenge, carrying a tub of fermented cabbage. Darcy ran for his life. Cabbage was his least favourite vegetable.

He ran down the hill, looking over his shoulder to make sure that the Colonel wasn't following him, and bumped smack-bang into Miss Bennet who was making her way to their rendezvous.

"Miss Bennet!" he exclaimed in embarrassment.

"Mr. Darcy!" she responded, shocked. Darcy grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the woods.

"Forgive me, but there's no time for explanations," he said, as he forced her down to the ground beside him.

They peered through the undergrowth to see the Colonel romping past, still clutching the cabbage.

...