Mr Darcy's Reluctant Wife

Mr Darcy is not getting any younger, and at eight and twenty years old, he has decided it is high time he began looking for a wife in earnest. The day after the Meryton dance, Fitzwilliam Darcy sets out on a morning ride. When he comes across a young woman lying on the forest floor, he assumes she has either fainted or suffered an injury. Concerned there is no one with her, he dismounts and goes to offer her his assistance. As Darcy bends over her still form, he is surprised to see it is none other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet. When the sun rays that were warming her face disappear, Elizabeth slowly opens her eyes, and is shocked to find a man's face only inches from her own. Scared but defiant, she delivered a sharp set down and struggles to her feet. But when she realises who it is, and why he is there, she realises she owes him an apology. Over the next few days, their friendship blossoms, and Mr Darcy finds he is looking forward to their meeting more and more. Then, quite by accident, he learns that Mr William Collins intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Seeing his chance of happiness slipping away, Mr Darcy decides he must give Elizabeth an alternative bridegroom, namely, himself. But while Mr Darcy is in London seeking a special license from his uncle, the bishop, Elizabeth meets George Wickham. He is handsome and charming, and flatters all the ladies, but once he knows who Elizabeth is engaged to, he singles her out with one purpose in mind. He proceeds to regale her with his tales of woe, blaming Mr Darcy for all the ills that have befallen him. With no Mr Darcy to contradict Wickham's lies, Elizabeth is now desperate to break their engagement. But there is no going back for Mr Darcy. Elizabeth agreed to marry him and marry him she will. Is there any way they can be happy now Elizabeth is convinced Mr Darcy is not to be trusted? Can Mr Darcy convince Elizabeth that he is the one wronged by George Wickham? And what happens when Mr Wickham turns up at Pemberley late one night?