He looked up, scarcely daring to hope that this was an acceptance. “How might I …?”
She shook her head. “I know I shall have to tutor you, for a gentleman such as you can hardly have considered what a young lady receiving such an offer would like to hear.” Her light laugh was music to his ears.
He smiled uncertainly. “Could you inform me of the wishes of such a lady? I would not like to disappoint.” Her lightness of spirit, and her sudden happiness, had raised his spirits, and his hopes, too, and if she was accepting him, he was perfectly happy to accommodate her wishes.
Her smile lit up her features and her eyes were laughing, too. “I will tell you, and if you cannot give those assurances, then you may consider yourself free to act as if the whole thing had never happened.”
“But I don’t wish it had never happened, Miss Elizabeth.”
In an instant, she became serious. “Mr. Darcy, I think perhaps my playfulness might have caused you confusion. Let me speak plainly, it is clearly not yet the time for such games between us.” She reached out and took his hand again, and her eyes were on those hands, not uncomfortably staring at him.
“Mr. Darcy, I always vowed to myself I would wed only for love. Wealth, comfort, and security are wonderful things to have, but definitely not at the expense of not being able to respect the man I would agree to marry.” Her hand tightened on his. “I speak plainly to you now that I will wholeheartedly be able to declare my wedding vows, for I love, honour and cherish you.” She leaned closer. “I pray that you reciprocate those feelings.”
Was that what she wanted to hear? Darcy thought so. What had Richard said when he had talked to him so long ago? He’d used Georgiana as an example, saying she wanted to be told that she is loved, doted upon — to have love, affection, and attention showered upon her
“Miss Elizabeth, you know I am not easily able to say my feelings, nor understand those of people around me. But I can truly say that I am determined to have you beside me, because I wish to protect you and do everything in my power to make you happy. That is the most important thing to me. I want you close beside me; I desire most ardently that I can be with you always. If that is love, then I love you most dearly.”
For the first time, he wanted to meet someone’s eyes, for the first time, it was not uncomfortable, and he saw the luminous beauty in them as she gazed at him.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I accept your offer with delight and happiness.”
Chapter 53
Elizabeth lifted her hand, and he pressed his lips to it, his eyes immediately returning to her face. The delight in his expression, and the passion beneath, assured her of the depth of his feelings, and her heart sang. This man might not be able to express it in the accepted way, but he truly loved her.
Now he was sitting a little closer to her, and her heart fluttered with the excitement of knowing that quite soon, her life would change forever.
Papa would miss her, and that thought brought to mind all she would be giving up.
“Dearest Elizabeth, what troubles you?” His voice was anxious, and she smiled at him.
“You can read my expressions very well for a gentleman who acknowledges difficulties in the skill,” she teased him. “It is nothing, Mr. Darcy, I just had the thought that Papa will miss me. With both me and Jane married, he will be left with just what he calls the silly sisters, and Mama.”
Mr. Darcy picked up her hand again, as if he could not believe his good fortune that he was now able to do so. “It is the expected pattern of life, Elizabeth. And you must ensure he knows he may visit us, as we will be free to call at Longbourn.” His fingers traced hers. “And — might you call me by my given name soon? My family call me William.”
“William.” His name felt so right for him.
“Again. I like to hear it.” He chuckled, a rich, warm sound that made her shiver with delight that she would be able to hear it often once they were married.
“William,” she repeated, and he sighed.
“I never want to leave this place, or your side, Elizabeth. But I must go at once to see your father, and gain his consent. There will also be the licence to obtain and the settlement to arrange.” He looked at her. “Marry me very soon, Elizabeth. I feel as if I cannot wait a moment longer.”
She looked him full in the face. “Whenever you wish, William.” Then she laughed. “But you will find that Mama will insist on enough time to ensure the best wedding clothes.”
“I will send a seamstress and her team to Longbourn. Gowns for the whole family will not take many days,” he declared.
Elizabeth felt breathless. This man had wealth enough to push aside any obstacles which might stand in his way. And Papa need not worry about the cost. His fingers tightened on hers, and he rose to his feet, offering his arm.
“We must go indoors, Elizabeth and speak to your aunt. Then I must be on my way to Longbourn. Once I have spoken to your father, I will return to London, and, with your permission, call on you tomorrow morning.”
* * *
Aunt Gardiner was waiting for them, her face wreathed in smiles. She embraced Elizabeth as soon as she had stammered out the news, and smiled warmly at Mr. Darcy.
“Welcome to the family, Mr. Darcy. I’ve rung for more tea.”
As they sat down, he sat beside her on the sofa, as was now permitted, and Elizabeth could feel his closeness. It was as well that engagements didn’t last too long, she thought; it was much too tantalising to be close and yet not too close.
“I’m sorry?” she looked up, startled. Someone had been talking, and she’d been inattentive.
“I was just saying that I will take my leave in a moment, Miss Elizabeth, and go immediately to Longbourn to seek your father’s consent. Then I will return to London. Might you be free to call at Darcy House with your aunt tomorrow morning? I would like to announce our engagement to Georgiana and Richard.”
She was surprised. “Surely you cannot get there and back in a day, Mr. Darcy? You will be journeying back in the darkness.” She mustn’t seem too anxious, but she was. “It will be a slow journey back.”
He frowned slightly. “I would not wish to be too long away.”
She shook her head. “I received a note from Jane this morning. She and Mr. Bingley are returning to Netherfield today. Why do you not stay there tonight, Mr. Darcy? Then you might start back very early, if you wish.”
He looked thoughtful, and she spoke again. “Indeed, I would like to go home, I think.” She turned to her aunt. “Might Uncle Gardiner spare the coach tomorrow? I’d like to see Mama.”
Mr. Darcy turned to her. “I’ll send a coach for your use. I’ll send my steward with you to ensure your safety, and — perhaps you might obtain the assistance of your aunt this afternoon to appoint a suitable lady’s maid? Then you will have a chaperone whenever you wish.”
“Oh, but …” Elizabeth stopped. She told herself she was going to have to get used to Mr. Darcy providing for her every need, so she might as well become accustomed to it. She took a deep breath. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“William,” he reminded her, and she felt herself blush.
“It is a lot for you to get used to, Lizzy.” Aunt Gardiner was quite collected. “I think it’s a good idea for us to find a good maid for you — at least you haven’t got Lydia at home to make jealous comments to you.” She smiled, and turned to Mr. Darcy.
“Perhaps you might stay overnight at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy. It might be that you will decide to return to London with Mr. Bennet so that you can prepare the settlement.”
Elizabeth watched him as he nodded thoughtfully. Then he turned to her. “Would you prefer to go home and speak to your family before I call on your father, Elizabeth? I’m sure you would like to give them the news.”
Chapter 54
And now the wedding was only ten days away. Elizabeth could barely believe how much her life had already changed.
The coach was taking her to Netherfield Park for dinn
er. Today, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam had travelled down to join William and stay at Netherfield at Jane’s invitation until the wedding. Elizabeth had been looking forward to getting to know them better.
It was unfortunate that Miss Bingley and the Hursts had journeyed down two weeks ago, with Jane and her husband, when they had reopened the house.
Elizabeth smiled out of the coach window. Poor William had discovered the fact after he had seen Papa to gain his consent. Jane had told her of his dismay when Miss Bingley had seen him arrive, and tucked her hand into his arm to lead him into the drawing room for tea, with loud protestations of his having failed to call upon them in London.
Elizabeth knew she shouldn’t have been so cheerful when Jane had told her that he had immediately disentangled his arm, turned to Charles Bingley and handed him the note he’d carried from Elizabeth to Jane. When Jane, puzzled, had opened it, she’d laughed in delight and wished him much joy. Caroline Bingley had apparently gone white and rushed upstairs.
But she hadn’t gone back to London, and when Elizabeth had called two days later, after journeying home, Miss Bingley was still there, making cutting comments to Jane and also to Elizabeth.
Now Elizabeth was going back to dine there, hoping she would not forget her manners and tell Miss Bingley what she really thought. After all, she had won the hand of the gentleman that Caroline Bingley had wanted above all else. Surely she could be magnanimous?
But as the meal progressed, her temper was sorely tried. Miss Bingley’s drawling whine was over the whole table, and Elizabeth could see William’s face becoming more and more stern as he attempted to ignore the comments. Elizabeth was sitting beside him, and she leaned over.
“Do not be discomposed on my behalf, William. I have all the happiness I want, and Miss Bingley will never spoil it for me.”
His voice was very low. “But look how much distress she is causing your sister. Georgiana, too, looks most discomfited.”
Elizabeth glanced at her sister at the foot of the table, and then at Georgiana, opposite her, on Bingley’s other side. She leaned back to William. “I hope you trust me, William. This, too, will pass.”
“Of course.” But his expression was doubtful.
“And, of course, I’m glad you came by coach tonight, Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley’s voice echoed down the table. “You are able to have nicer gowns now, and I hope you wouldn’t dream of muddying them in the way you did back in November.” She looked at her sister. “Six inches deep in mud, do you recall, Louisa?”
“I do indeed, Caroline.” Mrs. Hurst’s malicious snigger kept the whole table silenced.
Elizabeth put down her knife and fork carefully. She must be careful not to mortify her hosts.
“On the other hand, Miss Bingley, sometimes it is very necessary not to be afraid of a little mud. You remember, of course, Mr. Darcy’s heroic action to save my sister and myself from the river.” She smiled brilliantly at her. “It is the most wonderful feeling in the world, to know there is a gentleman who’d risk his life for me.” She dismissed the other woman from her gaze and turned to William, whose darkening features indicted embarrassment.
“Be calm,” she whispered, and then raised her voice. “Have you discovered how the kitten is now, William?”
He kept his gaze determinedly on her. “He is much grown, Elizabeth. Perhaps when you call tomorrow, you can see him again.”
She drooped an eyelid at him in a tiny wink. “And now we ignore her completely,” she murmured, before raising her voice again. “I’d like that.” She turned to the girl opposite her.
“Have you made the acquaintance of this kitten yet, Georgiana?”
Georgiana blushed. “Not yet, Elizabeth. I want to, tomorrow; William says he’s very affectionate.”
Elizabeth worked hard at keeping the conversation going strongly enough to keep no space for Miss Bingley from joining in. She was sorry that Jane was so far away, though. Miss Bingley probably thought Jane did not appear too distressed by her muttered complaints. But Elizabeth knew Jane’s nature.
She was interested to see Mr. Bingley’s usually amiable countenance darkening, and wondered that his sister wasn’t being more discreet.
She was exceedingly relieved when the dinner drew to a close. Although the time after the ladies withdrew might be difficult, she would not have to watch William’s struggle with his impulse to call out Miss Bingley’s rudeness. But it was for Mr. Bingley to take any action necessary, and Elizabeth wasn’t sure he would do anything. She felt acutely sorry for Jane.
The gentlemen rose to bow as Jane prepared to lead the ladies out. But Mr. Bingley stepped out from his place at table.
“Excuse me just a moment, gentlemen. I will return shortly.” His face was serious, and Elizabeth thought he was angry.
In the hall, he spoke. “Caroline, a word, please.” Elizabeth saw Jane glance at him, and he shook his head at her, so she led the way to the drawing room. Trays of tea awaited them, but Elizabeth was very curious as to what was being said outside in the hall. She wondered if she would ever know.
But at least she could talk quietly to Georgiana and help her to relax a little.
Jane came to join her when Louisa Hurst sat discontentedly in a seat by the fire and refused to look any of them in the eye.
Elizabeth wondered how long they would have until Miss Bingley came into the room, but she pulled her mind to the present and smiled at Georgiana. “I wonder how long the gentlemen will talk before they join us? Should we perhaps decide who should play for them first?”
Chapter 55
Hurst was staring fixedly at his glass, scowling at having to wait for the port. Darcy shrugged at Richard, wondering what Bingley might be saying to his sister.
Richard smiled across at him. “I thought Miss Elizabeth did very well in keeping the conversation flowing, Darcy.”
He nodded. “I wish she had not had to, but I knew she wished me to remain civil.” He cast a wary glance at Hurst, who was paying them no attention, and continued. “It might be better for Georgiana if I take a house in Meryton, if there is going to be tension here.”
“I hope you do not, Darcy.” Bingley’s voice from the doorway made him turn in his seat. Bingley had a satisfied air about him, and he came back to sit at the table and grasp the port. Pouring his own, he passed the decanter to his left, and the gentlemen each poured their own in turn.
Bingley looked directly at Darcy, who looked down. “I’m very sorry about Caroline’s behaviour, Darcy. I hope very much the ladies were not too disturbed by it.” Bingley twisted his glass in his hands. “I have told her she is not welcome to remain downstairs tonight, and that she will need to leave here tomorrow.” He looked across the table at Hurst.
“Please escort Louisa and Caroline back to London in the morning, Hurst.” He shrugged slightly. “I was going to say you needed to leave next week, anyway, to allow me to host Darcy’s family, but now — Caroline will not be welcome here until she has learned to accept my choice of bride, and her family.”
Darcy was impressed once more at the change in Bingley’s character since his marriage. But it was all most unfortunate. “I am prepared to take a house in the town if it will prevent a family rift, Bingley.”
His friend shook his head. “No. She has been poor company for Jane for too long now.” He sighed. “I would have thought she had learned her lesson after you arranged that she return to London after our wedding, but it appears not.”
Richard was watching the conversation, but not contributing. Of course, he didn’t know the family well, and probably felt it was not his business.
Bingley poured himself another drink. “I can understand her position, of course. First of all, she was convinced that I should wed Georgiana, and also that you would undoubtedly make her an offer.”
Darcy shook his head. “I do not think I gave her any hope, Bingley.”
“I am not blaming you at all, Darcy. The hope was all in her own mind.” B
ingley ran his hands through his hair. “I told her often that she was foolish to stake everything on such a whim, but this last week she has realised that she is six and twenty years old, and despite her fortune, she is past the ideal marriageable age.”
Darcy felt uncomfortable; perhaps he should have stayed away from his friend until Miss Bingley was convinced he would not offer for her.
Richard was watching him. “You must not let this incident spoil these days of being with Miss Elizabeth and looking forward to the wedding, Darcy.”
“Indeed not!” Bingley sat up straighter. “My dear Jane has planned all manner of things for you to do during the next week, to fill the time until the day itself.”
Darcy turned appalled eyes on him. “What sort of things?”
Bingley laughed outright. “Don’t worry, Darcy. Much of it involves allowing you time with Miss Elizabeth, while touring local places of interest.”
It was not as bad as he had initially envisaged, although Darcy would rather just take a turn around the gardens than have organised events. Still, Georgiana would need to be entertained, and Elizabeth would enjoy spending time with her sister, as well.
“Very well.” He glanced at the clock. Bingley saw it.
“Yes, we can rejoin the ladies, if you would like to.”
* * *
Darcy followed Bingley through to the drawing room, and saw that Elizabeth was with Georgiana and her sister. They were laughing merrily at something or other, and he found himself smiling, too. It seemed they had not allowed the strained atmosphere to affect them for too long.
He crossed the room with Richard, noticing that Mrs. Hurst was sitting alone, turned away from the other ladies. He tightened his jaw. She was as ill-mannered as her sister.
He smiled at Georgiana, and turned his attention to Elizabeth. “Is the joke something that can be shared, Elizabeth?”
She moved along the sofa slightly, in an unspoken invitation, and he sat down beside her, thankful that he no longer needed to hide his regard for her.
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 22