Pride and Prejudice Regency forced marriage scenario. While visiting her friend Charlotte at Hunsford cottage Elizabeth finds herself in a compromising situation with Mr Darcy. Forced by the unfortunate circumstances she had to reconsider his offer of marriage. Will she find happiness in a marriage to the man whom she professed to hate? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -"I wish to apologize for my aunt's behaviour," Darcy said. "It was uncalled for."She raised an eyebrow. "Your aunt's behaviour?""Yes, indeed. She has offended you gravely and you did nothing to deserve such treatment. I have never been engaged to my cousin. Neither did I ever have any romantic intentions towards her. I have never cared for the rumours that might have circulated about us. I have never denied them, though. I can see now that my attitude could have created the impression for some people, my aunt included, that I was willing to marry Anny one day. That has never been the case, I assure you. My intentions towards you were always honest."She cocked her head to the side. "Should I thank you then that you were noble enough to offer me marriage and not a position of another kind, as your aunt suggested to me?""You must be aware than many men in my position would have acted quite differently towards a young woman of your station. But no, I have never thought of offering you the position of my mistress."Elizabeth wrapped her hands around her middle and took a few steps away from him, murmuring to herself but loud enough for him to hear. "How very considerate of you.""You must be aware that you simply cannot leave for Hertfordshire before the two of us come to an understanding," he said.Elizabeth turned to face him. "Mr Darcy, I do not deny that we both found ourselves in a most unfortunate situation. My hope is that we shall come up with a solution which shall satisfy both parties.""Miss Elizabeth, I do understand that you were not expecting my initial proposal. You must see your good fortune now when the initial shock is gone. It is highly improbable either for you or your sister to ever encounter a man of my station in life willing to marry one of you."Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment. Mr Darcy was stubborn. He refused to accept her decision. "Mr Darcy, I think that your aunt would be more than willing to forget about everything if only...""If only I married Anne," he finished, interrupting her. "It is out of the question.""If only you said to Lady Catherine that you did not wish to marry me," she continued, her voice patient, "I am certain that she would be more than happy to forget about all of it and silence all the gossip about our supposed secret meetings and engagement. I will return home and no one will ever hear anything about it. My reputation shall be saved, and we shall all forget about this most unfortunate situation."She stared into his face almost pleadingly, waiting for his response."You refused the money," he said. "My aunt offered you a small fortune if only you were to leave silently. You refused. Is that true?""Yes.""Why did you do it?""Is your intention to offend me even more than your aunt did, Mr Darcy?" she asked sharply.He took a step towards her and looked deeply into her eyes. "Perhaps, after all, you did not wish to lose the very last chance of reconciliation with me."Elizabeth chuckled mirthlessly, shaking her head. "Your presumptuousness is truly astounding, sir. Do you truly think that everyone can be bought? I do not care for your fortune, Mr Darcy. I am not one to be bribed or bought."His only response was his gaze switching from her eyes to her mouth.