You absolutely don’t have to do this, but I would love to know what the carriage ride was like on the way home after that dance <3

Oh I can write a little bit of fluff and pining!

Here's what happens after the dance scene in chapter sixteen...

~~~~~

It was a struggle for Mr Darcy to bother with civilities to anyone else for the rest of the evening. He kept finding excuses to touch Elizabeth, attempting to recover that spark when their hands pressed together as they twirled on the dance floor. Elizabeth had begun to show her tiredness, yet when he leant in to whisper in her ear “Should I summon the carriage?” She protested that she could wait a little longer.

He attended to whatever conversation his wife engaged in, loathe to leave her side. Elizabeth had always stunned him with her ease in socialising. There was no awkwardness in her manner, or struggle to know what to say. Even the most tedious of topics and… boisterous… of people gave her joy in their ridiculousness. Normally, he would retreat from such conversations entirely, for his tolerance was not as high as hers. But tonight, Mr Darcy was held in place by Elizabeth’s arch smile and quick dart of her eyes towards him whenever she needed to share her amusement at the folly of others.

His wife laughed so freely, how had he once not done justice to her beauty? She was the most radiant woman he had ever met. He was transfixed by the curve of her neck, and the way she arched her brow as she whispered some witty thing to her sister which earnt a smile from Miss Bennet. Then she returned her gaze to him and took his arm. “My mother begins to again complain of Charlotte becoming mistress of Longbourn one day; which seems as good a sign as any we should retire for the night.”

Moving her hand to the crook of his arm and covering it with his own, he said “I should think that the first sign was your yawning. And the second your proclamation of tiredness.”

She laughed again. “You are right, of course,” she smiled. “But have we not enjoyed ourselves tonight, Mr Darcy?”

The gentleman had never enjoyed a dance more, and he could not stop himself returning Elizabeth’s smile. She was so full of happiness. How he loved her. How he wished she had married him for affection and not necessity.

They gave their leave and departed Lucas Lodge. Mr Darcy handed his wife up into the curricle before joining her and taking the reins and urging the horses forward.

“I think it is safe to say we cannot continue any lessons in carriage direction, tonight,” Elizabeth said, surveying the moonless sky. “The landscape is far too obscured by darkness for me to attempt it. I shall leave it to the expert among us.”

“The roads are good, so there is no need to fear danger. I shall keep the horses at a moderate pace. Regardless,” Mr Darcy said, glancing at her, “At present, even were the moon full, I should judge you too tired to function at the best of your abilities.”

“That is true,” Elizabeth said, punctuated by a yawn. “I may have overexerted myself – but did we not enjoy ourselves tonight, Mr Darcy?” Her gentle smile up at him made colour rise to his cheeks, but the night protected him from it being noticed.

 “We did,” he whispered, thinking of how they had drawn together and spun apart during the dance.

It appeared she was doing the same. “I shall have to force you to the floor more often.” Before he could reply that force was unnecessary, Elizabeth laughed. “I think Sir William will support my endeavours, he seemed to enjoy it just as much” That gentleman had naturally felt the urge to compliment them, after the music ended, and Elizabeth now launched into an imitation of him. “Capital dancing!” She said in a deep voice which had Mr Darcy smiling. “Some of the finest dancing I have ever seen! By my reckoning it would not put even St James’s to shame.”

“The highest compliment Sir William knows to give,” Mr Darcy replied. Despite enjoying absolute privacy in the dark countryside, he still leant in close to whisper “Do you think he mentioned the Court often enough?”

Elizabeth laughed, turning to him fully, their faces very close. “Oh, not at all,” she said in a conspiratorial whisper. “Why, by only mentioning St James’s thrice we are in great danger of misunderstanding which place he speaks of!”

Her smile and sparkling eyes were ample reward for his boldness in drawing so close to her unnecessarily. She seemed in no hurry to distance herself, either. As another yawn overtook Elizabeth she dropped her head to Mr Darcy’s shoulder, content to rest it there.

He felt it could not be comfortable – with the bouncing of the carriage – but if Elizabeth was not complaining than he would not move. The overwhelming emotion in his breast declared that he would be happy to never move again, if that was what it took for her to remain there forever. His agitation was his alone; when he slowed the carriage before Netherfield Elizabeth did not stir, and he gently roused her into wakefulness.

She blinked at him, slightly frowning, and he waited until she gained her bearings before helping her from the carriage. Mr Darcy maintained hold of her hand, looping it through his arm as the ascended the steps of Netherfield. They spoke little before he bid her goodnight before her bedroom – which he had promised never to enter – and left her with the waiting maid.

It took Mr Darcy an uncharacteristically long time to fall asleep as his thoughts dwelt on Elizabeth’s allure and joy as they danced, and the pleasant weight of her head upon his shoulder. He missed the warmth of her resting against him.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Fifteen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Elizabeth's wedding night has arrived, but as her marriage to Mr Darcy is anything but normal, why should this be different? Though they have adjoining rooms he has promised never to cross that threshold, and Elizabeth is realising just how much she trusts in his word and goodness towards herself.

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "Incredible chapter, as always! You seem to be able to catch the spirit of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy effortlessly, which makes this story seem so real to me." "Oh my god the pining. I am yearning." "Another very lovely chapter." "Love this fic so much, everytime I see a notification for a new chapter I get so excited!" "I discovered this fic today and immediately read the whole thing; it's so good! You've really captured their banter and conversation and omg the pining I love it. Can't wait for the next chapter!" "Wonderful chapter I can’t say enough how much I am enchanted by your writing and your story telling. You’re truly the highlight of my Fridays!" "I literally love this fic so much!! I want to squeal every time Darcy and Lizzie have a moment." "Amazing chapter and story by the way. I discovered it yesterday and it has quickly become one of my favorite pride and prejudice fanfics."

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Sixteen coming out on the 20h October.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Twenty-Eight

The Elizabeth/Darcy Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Chapter Twenty-Eight: It seems everyone Elizabeth or Mr Darcy has ever known are calling on 'Mrs Darcy' now she is in London. Colonel Fitzwilliam is eager to meet her, and the Earl is curious about his new niece, but Elizabeth is most curious to see how Mr Bingley acts. They haven't seen each other since the Netherfield ball, and she wants to know whether he even remembers Jane. His sisters, jealous and ingratiating in turns, must also be endured. But Mr Darcy is glad there is one thing he is not yet called upon to endure... the embarrassment of having such low connections as tradespeople paying a social call at his house has been delayed.

Read on Ao3 here

Some reviews of last chapter: "I found this story yesterday and had the loveliest time reading all 27 chapters! Thanks for your writing, I cannot wait for the next one." "As always your attention to detail astounds and your writing is beautiful. I often feel as if I'm truly reading an alternate version of the same book." "This has taken me six days to read... You are one of my favorite writers of ANYTHING. Your prose is to die for, I adore every moment of it. I NEED MORE. 💞💞" "This whole story is super delightful and I love that you’ve managed that tinge of Yearning(tm) (that I suspect will only strengthen as we continue) while keeping the characters very true to themselves and to the time period. " ""Awwww such a lovely chapter, funny and sweet and romantic all at once."" "I loved the way they bantered, lost to the world" "Their walk in the rain is so romantic and actually kind of hot! I love that Darcy instinctively pulls her closer so as to shield her from the chill and the rain" "Amazing story! Characters so well written and really enjoying the plot. Feel very lucky to have found this one; can’t wait for the next instalment!"

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Twenty-Nine coming out on the 19th April.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapters Twenty-Three through to Twenty-Seven

(yeah, I haven't been great at posting on tumblr)

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Chapter Twenty-Three: Mr Darcy follows a happy Elizabeth to Longbourn, but their morning takes a turn when they arrive to find Lydia acting quite wild, and with Mr Wickham present, no less. Elizabeth tries to prevail on her father to exert some control since his health is improving, and he accepts, though not without his characteristic bluntness which Mr Darcy doesn't know how to reply to. Then there is also Jane to worry about, who has recieved another letter from Caroline Bingley.

And then the tensions over Mr Wickham are set to explode in the very next chapter...

These chapters feature: tension, arguments, learning how to communicate, and then getting caught in a London rainstorm with only one umbrella.

Read on Ao3 here

Reviews of Chapter Twenty-Three: "I'm loving the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. They are growing more and more comfortable together." "You just convey emotions so well, precisely yet lightly 🥰" "Oh, this is such a lovely story. the amount of work and attention to detail is just incredible, i'm so glad i found this♥️♥️♥️" "Still trying to leave more kudos here..." “You do not want to see any little Mr Collinses unleashed on the world?”/“One is quite sufficient.” Aksjsk well said Darcy, this made me laugh. ... You think it deficient in length?”/“I think it deficient in sincerity.” Heck yes call her out, Lizzy!" "I adore this fic! It's so wonderful!" "Oh wow. I have speed read the whole story to date on the last few days and now have wait for the next chapter. Wonderful writing!" "I know this is quite far from the usual plot of p&p and you're writing as close to the original style and characterisation as possible, BUT , have you considered writing Darcy punching Wickham in the face. Just once is fine. But like a real solid hit and then I'll be happy. I think it could do wonders for Wickhams character arc. Amazing chapter, thanks for the update!!!!" "Darcy is so in love with her and it's so obvious. Elizabeth is falling for him so hard and she doesn't realize it. ... I'm really really enjoying this story. I'm so happy I stumbled upon it <3" "The slow burn is killing me! It's really nice, though, to see the little moments between Darcy and Lizzy. ... Caroline Bingley always makes my blood boil. I can't believe she had the audacity to say that when she's fully aware how her brother feels for Jane! ... Awesome chapter, as always <33"

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Twenty-Eight coming out on the 5th April.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapters Twenty-One and Twenty-Two

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Chapter Twenty-One: The twelfth night festivities of Lucas Lodge brings Christmastide games, conversation, society, and merriment. If only Lydia was acting with more propriety in those games, Mr Collins was a little less prone to talk, Mr Wickham was not one of that society, and Mrs Bennet was just a little less merry. Well, at least Elizabeth has the distraction of teasing Mr Darcy and noticing that Mary seems to be blushing a lot when the doctor moves by the piano...

Chapter Twenty-Two: Elizabeth's horse riding lessons commence, as does unexpected emotional turmoil. Which is not helped by Charlotte paying her farewell visit before she marries Mr Collins and leaves Hertfordshire.

Read on Ao3 here

Reviews of Chapter Twenty-One: "ok.... this is now moving to the top of my list of favorite fanfics. ... Keep writing. For my sake :)" "Another lovely chapter! The banter between Darcy and Lizzy was charming." "I love this so much! ❤️ thank you, it's a wonderful treat!" "This chapter warmed my heart! Dr Gibson and Mary are so cute together, I hope they can have their happy ending. ... The whole "handsome and tempting" thing was the sweetest thing ever, is love like this even possible?! *sobs* Thanks for the update!" "Loved this chapter, and love this fic in general! You write so, so well. I love the general tone of it— just the right amount of pining, if such a thing is possible. ... Thank you so much for writing this fic and sharing it with us." "I feel like a few of these traditions should make a comeback. A few of those games sound fun!" "Excellent chapter! Loved the discussion about Mary and Dr Gibson! I'm enjoying seeing how this relationship grows. I love any conversation with Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy! ... Darcy apologizing again and their banter! Oh their banter through the chapter was amazing! Thank you!!! :D" "This is a lovely fic and I'm absolutely in love with your writing style. Thank you so much for taking the time to write." "This is fantastic, and I hope for more soon."

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Twenty-Three coming out on the 26th January.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Seventeen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Mr Darcy will not break his word, so must go to London to host Mr Bingley for Christmas, but he is loathe to leave his wife. At least in town he gets to see Georgiana. Elizabeth finds she does not want him to leave either... but is soon distracted by the arrival of her aunt and uncle Gardiner.

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "Yeaahhh, new chapter!" "Wonderful update, thank you so much for sharing!" "It's sweet how Darcy couldn't seem to let go of her hand.." "loved this chapter!! can't wait for the next one in all its "monstrosity" haha, i love love love long chapters :'D" "Ohhh this was just lovely, their goodbyes in the cold warmed my heart ❤️ ... you know how to spoil your readers!" " I’m taking a class on Jane Austen this semester and I told my prof about this fic and she thought it was AWESOME so I’m passing on her kudos as well! It makes my day to see when this updates. You write so well and I adore the way you construct character relationships." "I love this chapter! Woohoo to the Gardiners! ... I’m more hyped than ever for a chapter to be posted!"

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Eighteen coming out on the 17th November.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

So I told my husband my fic reached 1,000 kudos and he gave me this last night

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Sixteen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Elizabeth must stave off the impertinent questions of Kitty and Lydia the day following her wedding, and it seems half of Meryton has converged on her to pay their respects now she is Mrs Darcy. Everyone has opinions, Mr Wickham has requests, and Charlotte tries to keep a straight face as Elizabeth declares she now believes she and Mr Darcy are friends. Especially when an impromptu dance at Lucas Lodge hints at a great deal more than friendship between Mr Darcy and his new bride.

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "I love this story so much, it's mutual pining but they're married so they get to bypass so much of the awkward conversation restraints but still have enough in place that the oh my gosh I like him like him realisation hasn't hit Elizabeth yet and Darcy is just there doing the hand clench scene internally each chapter. Perfection." "You wrote the dance so well! The anticipation, the tension, and the growing chemistry between the two was palpable." "*soft chanting* kiss kiss fall in love already." "Thank you thank you thank you for this lovely installment of THEY'RE SO IN LOVE, YOUR HONOR" "Every chapter I exclaim at least five times to myself how well you've got the characterization down." "You’re the highlight of my weekends ... You’re being very generous sharing your beautiful writing and this amazing story I couldn’t thank you enough for it <3" "I adore this narrative, just as the original story it covers that excitement you feel when reading a new romance ... I’m like Lydia over here giggling." "I literally had to pause my reading to turn away from my scream and do a little silent scream." "I loved all of this."

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Seventeen coming out on the 3rd November.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Elizabeth/Darcy Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are, half-accidentally, hosting a dinner party. Miss Bingley soon attempts to catch the notice of Colonel Fitzwilliam, and has varied success with hiding her bitterness and jealousy at Elizabeth and her own prospects. The husband, jewels, and notice from the nobility that she had all sought for herself are gone - and she has no suitor to equal him.

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews of Chapter Twenty-Nine: "Love it!" "I cannot tell you the delight I feel when I see your updates. Love this slow burn of Elizabeth feelings for Darcy." "God, I almost feel bad for Miss Bingley, having to sit there and listen to everyone praise Lizzy’s beauty and then hear about her new jewels. I’ll just have to keep reminding myself what a terrible person she is." "This is a lovely chapter and I felt myself calming from my stress as I read it 😌"

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Thirty coming out on the 3rd May.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Thirteen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Finally, the wedding day has arrived. Elizabeth begins the morning as a Miss Bennet, and ends it as Mrs Darcy.

"Elizabeth can be forgiven for taking a moment to lie in bed and stare blankly at the ceiling after Jane moved away. Her wedding. To Mr Darcy. Even now, it beggared belief. That she would reconsider her opinion of him enough to not dread the fact was surprise enough; that he had not reconsidered and intended to go through with the ceremony was what she could not comprehend. He must truly love her a great deal."

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "Oh my god I smiled through all of that!!! I can’t with the constant looks!! Just absolutely amazing, you love to see it, no notes no comments." "Oh my, oh my, OH MY. ... I'm so excited for this story, and I immediately open any new chapter I see. Hope you are having as much fun writing it as I am reading it." "What a lovely chapter!" "Oh this was really well done." "Thank you for uploading and sharing this new chapter, you're the best!"

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Fourteen coming out on the 22nd September.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Fourteen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

So, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are officially married - or what passes for married, given their peculiar arrangement. The wedding breakfast proceeds as well as even Mrs Bennet can hope, but it's the detour in Mr Darcy's carriage on the way to Netherfield which will stick in Elizabeth's memory.

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "*sighs dreamily* this fic is just so.....*another dreamy sigh* I'm in love with it and I eagerly await each update!" "I am SWOONING by their banter." "I love them, your honor 🥺." "This was really, really sweet." "Wow!! The deep passion burning through their gentle interactions was intense ... Every little touch and look and comment...😘." "The exploration of their thoughts is excellent." "God this chapter is just so sweet I love the fluff I’ll eat all of it!! I do love how you write their dialogue. They’re so true to character, ... its so satisfying (specially to someone who practically has the book memorized) and really speaks to your skill. Simply amazing." "So sweet, so so sweet." "This chapter was so adorable omgggg." "I LOVE IT!" "That was very well done." "The way you capture each person so perfectly is astounding to me ... Ahhhhh I think it might be my favorite chapter so far!" "Amazing chapter!! Oh the banter was delightful!"

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Fifteen coming out on the 6th October.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Twelve

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

The dinner at Lucas Lodge gives Elizabeth a chance to understand why Charlotte was willing to marry Mr Collins - but soon is diverted by the wonder of Mary wanting to dance! Even that new development cannot long hold Elizabeth's interest as she learns Mr Darcy will be returning in a matter of days...

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "This slow burn is absolutely wonderful," "Lovely chapter," "Wonderful update, thank you for sharing!" "Darcy and Elizabeth's interactions were also wonderful," "I’m eating up all their interactions, thank you for stretching the chapter until their reunion! ... The way you craft everyone interactions keeps me so immersed ... Thank you for building such an amazing story and sharing it with us! You should be very proud of your writing!"

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Thirteen coming out on the 8th September.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapters Nineteen and Twenty

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Chapter Nineteen: Mr Darcy visits some maternal relatives in London, which does little to solve how much he misses Elizabeth. Receiving her letter only makes the sensation worse, and he makes a resolution. Meanwhile, his wife has been putting some of her aunt's advice about Mr Wickham into practice, with differing results.

Chapter Twenty: Mr Darcy returns to Hertfordshire, eager to see Elizabeth. True to her word, she gave him no hints on what Christmas presents she may like, and he's had to make some educated guesses.

Read on Ao3 here

Reviews of Chapter Nineteen: "Love this fic so much! Can't wait to read the rest of it <3" "Wonderful update, thank you!" "I just want to say that your interpretation of Jane Austen’s writing style is so incredibly impressive. It feels like a slightly more modern version of Jane Austen and I seriously don’t know how you do it! Wonderful job!" "I’m loving the story." "I loved the interaction between Darcy and Bingley at the start. Such different perspectives, and I think, wisdom in each." "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️" "Lovely chapter! Enjoyed the Bingley and Darcy discussion at the ball." "Really enjoyed this, this story just flows so nicely. I love the dialogue and the sense of place, you just never drop the ball."

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Twenty-One coming out on the 29th December.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Eighteen

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Elizabeth's anticipation for Mr Darcy's letter is well rewarded - hearing how her husband dislikes half his acquaintance is deeply amusing. It also helps her reassure Mrs Gardiner that she does care for her husband... without resorting to lies about the peculiar arrangement of her marriage. Mrs Gardiner sees enough to be concerned, however, especially when she notices how attentive Mr Wickham is to Elizabeth...

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "I really enjoyed Mr Darcy's letter. Such dislike for his general acquaintance! How satisfying :-D" "I love this chapter, as I love all the others. A fortnight can't pass swiftly enough! ... But, thank you an unfathomable amount. I am too invested in this fic at this point for it to be healthy." "Wonderful chapter!! I adore that letter so much! Hilarious and adorable!" "As always, wonderful chapter!" "Darcy's letter was a treat! ... I love this fic so much and can't wait to read more! <33" ""Really fun read, so full of interesting details and depth of character. Loved it, thank you." "I loved this chapter!!! Darcy's letter was especially adorable, you can really tell he really misses Lizzy and that he's trying his best to make her smile with his writing. Also with all due respect I want to bash Wickham in the head with a lead pipe."

Story updates on Ao3 fortnightly, with Chapter Nineteen coming out on the 1st December.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Trying to Tread Water: Chapter Eleven

The Marriage of Convenience fic no one asked for

Mr Darcy is confronted by his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and ordered to end his engagement. She is just an angry as Mr Collins feared, and claims Mr Darcy's honour and credit will be forfeit if he marries Elizabeth. But Mr Darcy is just as proud and stubborn as Lady Catherine, and insists he will not break his word as a gentleman. "Even were I forfeit of every virtue I would not give up Elizabeth – I want this marriage.”

Read on Ao3 here

First reviews: "Love this!" "So sweet so cute! He loves her so much 😭😭😭" "I always love Lady Catherine being included in fics because then I get to see Darcy cut her down so many times. This one was particularly exquisite! ... I super enjoyed Elizabeth’s whole letter." "You wanted to summarise Elizabeth's letter? That would have been a crime against literature! It was so delightful to read."

Story updates fortnightly, with Chapter Twelve coming out on the 25th August.

Story tags: Elizabeth/Darcy, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love, Not Really Unrequited Love, Slow Burn, Pining, Pining Despite Being Married, Mr Darcy thinks his worst enemy is Wickham but maybe it's himself.

Wait, why can’t Darcy get a special license?

So there were requirements a person had to meet to request a special license, the main ones are either being titled or in parliament. There were a few others, like the children of nobility (but not knights or baronets) and some other important jobs. Wealth (even Darcy levels) was alone not enough.

Darcy's parents could have requested a special license but even though they could doesn't necessarily mean they would've. Very few (5-30 if I remember right) were given out yearly. Given the only real practical advantage (other than status) was being able to marry anytime, anywhere, a lot of those who qualified for a special license didn't seem to find them worthwhile.

A common license allowed you to marry about a week after aquiring one (special licenses were ornately detailed and took awhile to create) and simply required you to marry at the bride's parish church one morning. Not exactly a horrible requirement, unless you were someone incredibly famous whom might expect your wedding to garner plenty of gawkers. Even if Darcy could get a special license, I'm not sure he'd want to. Despite his pride he's not one for unnecessary pomp and ceremony and in my fic he wouldn't want to waste the time acquiring a special license would take.

I think Jane Austen was making fun of Mrs Bennet when she said Lizzy and Darcy would marry by special license. She might consider him 'as good as a lord' but he is not actually a lord and doesn't actually have the special privileges. Just another case of Mrs Bennet not understanding how things work.