***
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, I thought I might be seeing you. Where is Lizzy?”
“She is dancing with another gentleman,” said Darcy, ignoring his slight jealousy.
“I see, well Mr. Darcy, it is clear to me that Elizabeth is ready to enter an engagement with you.”
“Forgive me, sir, but I disagree.”
Mr. Bennet dropped his voice, “Let me phrase my words differently. After what I witnessed earlier this evening it no longer matters if she is ready. The rules of propriety have been violated. I have always thought that Lizzy’s passionate nature would induce her to bend the rules once she found a man she could love and respect.”
“I would wish that you not force her into anything, Mr. Bennet,” said Darcy stiffly.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Darcy, but given the circumstances I will have to exercise my authority as her father. I will allow you to discuss it with her on the morrow before an official announcement is made, but I must insist.”
“If that is how you feel, sir, then I cannot object.”
“Do not worry, my boy,” said Mr. Bennet. “I believe that Elizabeth was well on her way to accepting you on her own in any case. This will just shorten the process.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Darcy. “I shall speak with Elizabeth about it when I come to call. I can only pray that she has no qualms.”
“Very good, now enjoy the rest of the evening.” With that, Mr. Bennet walked away to converse with Sir William Lucas.
Darcy wandered over to a row of chairs near the floor. He took a seat, which provided a good vantage point of Elizabeth. She was still on the floor with the gentleman with whom Darcy was unacquainted. It was not that this threatened Darcy, but he could not ignore the slight envy he was feeling in his heart. It was nothing against the other gentleman per se. It was the fact that any man who divided Elizabeth’s attention would always annoy him. He knew he was a possessive man, but Elizabeth did not. He knew he ought to tell her, but he decided it could wait until they were officially engaged, which according to Mr. Bennet, would be very soon. This was another point of worry. He had no wish to rush Elizabeth, her opinion of him had only changed recently and he knew that Elizabeth did not love him as of yet. He could not afford to lose her because of a misstep. He could only pray that by some miracle she would not reject him again. He could not bear it if that were to happen.
Elizabeth could feel Darcy’s eyes on her. It was as if they were somehow connected. She had been enjoying her time with her partner, Mr. Johnson, a childhood acquaintance, but now she looked over and discovered that Darcy’s gaze was fixed on her. She smiled in his direction, noticing that he wore a solemn and somewhat haughty expression on his face that bore a striking resemblance to how he looked at the last Netherfield Ball. He softened slightly at her smile, which allowed her to look away, but for the duration of the set she could still feel him watching her. Oddly enough, it made her heart beat a little faster. Was this how it would always be? How could she be so affected by his eyes upon her?
Recollection of earlier this evening made her remember her father’s discovery. She knew that her father would now force her into an engagement, just as she knew that Darcy would make no objections. At this moment though, she realized that she would not argue. She was ready to be engaged. This realization led her to the greater discovery. In the months since Kent she had fallen in love with Darcy. Why else would she miss him even when he was only a few feet away or be so attuned to his feelings? Then it was decided. She would make her confession on the morrow, for that was surely when she would become engaged.
When the set ended, Elizabeth appeared at Darcy’s side. She placed her hand on his shoulder, “Why so gloomy, Mr. Darcy?” she asked.
“I am contemplating Mr. Bennet’s directions to me, but let us not interrupt tonight’s pleasantries,” said Darcy, “come sit beside me.”
Elizabeth did so and placed her hand in his. They spent most of the evening together, Elizabeth only leaving his side so dance a set with Bingley and her father or another childhood acquaintance. She and Darcy danced two more sets over the course of the evening. If any of the other guests noticed that they were quite inseparable no one mentioned it. Mrs. Bennet was far too busy doting over her eldest and praising the match she had made to every guest. Mr. Bennet kept his eyes on them, but nothing improper happened. Darcy was cognizant that they were in public, and he still remained a firm believer of upholding propriety, even if he had bent the rules for Elizabeth every so often.
***
As soon as the carriage had set off, Mrs. Bennet went into raptures about the events of the evening. “Mr. Bingley was hardly ever separated from Jane. Oh my dear Jane, I have never seen you look more beautiful than you did this evening,” cried Mrs. Bennet. “It was such a perfect evening, I am sure everyone is envious of the conquest you have made!”
“Mama,” said Jane, “I am not marrying him for his money.”
“Of course not, dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, “but it is just as well that you fell in love with a rich man. Now the family will be saved!”
The ride seemed much longer than three miles to Elizabeth and all the rest in the carriage, and words did not fail Mrs. Bennet for the entire course of their journey. It was a relief to all when they reached Longbourn and could retire for the evening.
Of course, as per usual, Jane and Elizabeth stayed up long into the night conversing with one another. “Oh Lizzy, I am incredibly blessed to have Mr. Bingley in my life,” said Jane, “Do you think that you and Mr. Darcy shall ever get engaged?”
“Truth be told, Jane, I think Papa will insist on it.”
Jane wanted to know more. “Whatever do you mean, Lizzy?”
“Darcy and I were behaving improperly before the dancing began, and Papa discovered us,” said Elizabeth, chuckling softly.
“Oh Lizzy,” said Jane, coloring, “Although I will admit that I am hardly surprised. Bingley and I observed the two of you in the garden only a few days ago.”
Now it was Elizabeth who was blushing “Jane, I apologize.”
“You need have no worries, Lizzy. Bingley knows Darcy as well as I know you, and neither of us found it surprising. But in all seriousness, would becoming engaged to Mr. Darcy be all that bad?””
“I believe not,” said Elizabeth. “I like him very much.”
Jane raised an eyebrow, “You just like him?”
“Jane, I cannot conceal my feelings from you. Though only a few months ago I detested the man, I now believe I do love him, but I did not fully accept it until this evening.
“Truth be told, Lizzy, I never thought your feelings towards him were so severely negative. Forgive me for saying this, but perhaps you were blinded by his slighting comment.”
Jane said what Elizabeth had been thinking for quite some time, and she had to admit to it, even at the cost of her pride. “I trust you are correct, Jane. I have been so blind.”
“Do not worry, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy is clearly deeply in love with you, and I am sure he will be relieved that his feelings are reciprocated.”
“Indeed he will be,” agreed Elizabeth.
***
Elizabeth was nervous about Darcy coming to call on her. After further discussion with Jane, Elizabeth had determined that honesty was the best course. She knew that Darcy was truly in love with her and that he had been longing for the privilege to call her his fiancée. The thought of making Darcy happy did warm her heart, but she was not one to express her feelings so openly. However, she took comfort in the fact that she had confided in Darcy once before and he had been sensitive to her needs. She was sure that he would not rush her into marriage, but her anxiety about confessing her feelings and entering an engagement was still great.
That morning Elizabeth dressed with particular care. She chose one of her favorite dresses, a light blue frock with a dark blue sash, and half sleeves. It was one of her more flattering dresses, and she hoped Darcy would appreciate the effort.
She splashed on her signature scent; essence of lavender, and fastened a hairpin adorned with a blue flowers, over her right ear. When she felt that she looked her best she went downstairs to join her sister in waiting for the gentleman to arrive.
Darcy was equally as nervous about seeing Elizabeth; only his thoughts were of a bleaker nature. All night he had been haunted with dreams of Elizabeth disappearing forever and proclaiming that she would never love him. Of course these nightmares resulted in very little sleep, and although Darcy had risen with the sun for an early morning ride to calm his nerves, it had not brought on the desired effect. His heart was pounding wildly and he was impatient to arrive at Longbourn so he could steal Elizabeth away to propose to her. In his pocket he had the engagement ring that had belonged to his mother. It was a thin and delicate gold band set with a large sapphire, his mother’s favorite stone, accompanied by a petite diamond on each side. For many months now, Darcy had been picturing it on Elizabeth’s dainty finger. He had the ring with him on that wretched day at Rosings and ever since his return to Hertfordshire; it had remained in his pocket from day to day. Now, he hoped, it would finally be where it belonged.
When the gentlemen arrived at Longbourn they were led into the sitting room. Darcy immediately went to Elizabeth’s side after a rushed greeting to Mrs. Bennet and Jane. “Elizabeth,” he said, dropping his voice, “I must speak with you in private.”
Elizabeth had not expected to be taken away so quickly, but she stood and announced that she and Darcy would be in the garden, in full view of the house. Mrs. Bennet was so shocked by the announcement that it took her a moment to fully recognize Mr. Darcy’s reasons for a private audience. With a barely stifled cry she ran into Mr. Bennet’s library just as the couple exited. “Oh Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy is in the garden with our Lizzy! I believe he intends to propose! Did you know of this?”
“Of course I did,” said Mr. Bennet, his visage reflecting a supreme calm.
“Why did you not tell me?” cried Mrs. Bennet, “You allowed him to call and completely take me by surprise.”
“Calm yourself, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet, who delighted in vexing his wife, “Mr. Darcy spoke with me just yesterday regarding his intentions towards Elizabeth. I wished to save you from making the rounds and informing everyone that you had yet another daughter soon to be engaged.”
“Oh Mr. Bennet, you have no consideration for my poor nerves,” she said indignantly, “Now I must return to Jane and dear Bingley. I wish to be present when my Lizzy enters the house as an engaged woman.” Then she scurried away, leaving behind an amused husband.
***
“Elizabeth,” said Darcy, taking her hands in his. They were sitting close together on their usual bench.
Elizabeth looked up at him through her long lashes, a faint blush on her cheeks. “Yes, Mr. Darcy.”
“You must know how deeply I love you,” he said. “Every day without having you as my fiancée is painful. I know I said I would not rush you, but after the events of last night, your father made his expectations of me very clear.”
“Mr. Darcy, please, before you say anything more, you must allow me to speak.” Before she continued, she brushed a kiss upon his lips. “This is not easy for me to say.”
Darcy was immediately worried by the trouble she had in her lovely eyes. “Elizabeth,” he said.
She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Hush, Mr. Darcy. I am trying to confess my feelings.”
Darcy’s eyes widened at her words.
Elizabeth smiled, for she had depended on Darcy’s intuition to ease her discomfort. “I love you, Mr. Darcy, and I have no reservations about an engagement.”
“Elizabeth,” breathed Darcy, before drawing her in for a deep kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her into his lap. This continued for several long moments, before the broke apart, only for Darcy to scatter kisses across her face and neck, murmuring in between caresses, “My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, you have no idea how incredibly happy you have made me. There are truly no words to express my abounding joy.”
After a few moments of wonderful passion they were both breathless. Elizabeth was able to surrender to his passion in a way that had never been possible before. Now that she had confessed her love, her heart felt lighter, and she was happier than she had been in a long time. “I am glad to be of service, but just because I spoke first does not mean that I do not wish to be asked.”
Darcy smiled brightly at her, before withdrawing his mother’s ring from his pocket. “Never fear,” he said, “Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes! Yes I will marry you!” To speak these words was incredibly liberating for Elizabeth.
Darcy took great pleasure in slipping the ring onto her finger, its rightful place. Elizabeth was to be his at last, and soon all of his dreams would be realized. “Elizabeth, I love you so.” Then he stood up, lifted her into his arms and whirled her around. No sooner were her feet touching the ground than he was kissing her once again, holding her tightly in his embrace. When they broke apart their eyes were identically shining with joy. “My beloved fiancée,” he whispered, kissing her again. “I can hardly believe this is real.”
“I assure you, sir, I am very real, and now that you have committed yourself to me, I shall not be easy to get rid of. I hope you realize what you have gotten yourself into, Mr. Darcy,” she said playfully.
“Elizabeth,” he said, “we are engaged, will you not call me William?”
“Address Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley as William?” she asked doubtfully. “It seems so informal.”
“Only those that I care most about may address me so informally, and you, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, are among that select few. I insist.”
“If that is what you wish, William,” she said, never having addressed any man so informally, not even her father. It felt strange, but natural at the same time. It was as if using his name connected them on the most intimate level.
“I love hearing you say my name,” he said, taking the time to kiss her thoroughly.
The kiss took Elizabeth’s breath away. She leaned into Darcy’s strong chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her in closer as he deepened their kiss. Currents of fire were rushing through her body. She had never felt so wonderful in her life. Kissing Darcy was so natural. At that moment she could not believe that she had ever been angry with him for kissing her. If he had not, they might not be where they were today.
When Darcy pulled away he was thrilled to see Elizabeth’s lovely eyes darkened with desire. Her beauty was mesmerizing, her beautiful lips ruddy and full from his ardent kisses.
“My father will probably come looking for us,” she said, in a somewhat breathless tone, after glancing back at the house. “We have already been caught in an embarrassing position. I suggest we return to the house.”
“Very well, Miss Bennet,” he said, kissing her one last time. He offered her his arm and together they returned to the house.
***
Mrs. Bennet immediately accosted the young couple as they entered the house. Her dislike of Mr. Darcy had been immediately overturned. Mrs. Bennet took one look at her daughter’s hand and when she saw the ring she cried, “Oh Lizzy, I am so happy for the two of you. How envious the other ladies of the neighborhood shall be when I tell them that I shall soon have not one, but two daughters so well married!” She quickly embraced her daughter, and even smiled at her future son-in-law, of whom she now regretted thinking so ill. Then she called for Hill to fetch her good coat so she could inform her sister Phillips of the joyous news.
As soon as Mrs. Bennet was gone from the house, Mr. Bennet said in a jovial tone, shaking Darcy’s hand and kissing his daughter, “All of Meryton shall know of your engagement by sundown. I offer the two of you my felicitations. I am pleased that you have finally reached an agreement, but knowing what I know, I cannot leave you without a chaperone. Fortunately, Jane
and Bingley are yet in the sitting room. I am sure you all will wish to share in the joys of being affianced.”
As Mr. Bennet returned to his library, Darcy and Elizabeth gave their full attention to Jane and Bingley.
Jane immediately stood to embrace her sister. “”Oh Lizzy, I am so happy for you. Mr. Darcy, I shall be so pleased to have a brother as well!”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy.
“Congratulations Darcy,” said Bingley, shaking his friend’s hand, “Who would have guessed that we would be brothers? Miss Elizabeth, my dear Jane and I are so pleased that you and Darcy are finally engaged!” Bingley wore his usual boyish grin, but his words were quite sincere.
The young couples passed the next couple of hours in lively conversation.
Mrs. Bennet returned from Meryton a few hours later, and immediately invited the gentlemen to dine at Longbourn, an invitation that was accepted with great enthusiasm. Both men, of course, were eager to spend more time with their delightful fiancées. When Mary and Kitty returned from town, they were surprised to discover that yet another sister was happily engaged, and to Mr. Darcy of all people. There were hugs, kisses and congratulations all around. The Bennet ladies each admired Elizabeth’s engagement ring. Mrs. Bennet voiced her opinion that this was only the beginning of the fine things with which her daughter would be blessed. Darcy, although annoyed with Mrs. Bennet’s constant references to Bingley’s wealth, and now his, knew he had better learn how to ignore her inappropriate words. In fact, he realized that he would learn to become oblivious to many of Mrs. Bennet’s ridiculous behaviors in the years to come.
Dinner was passed in lively conversation, and even Darcy joined in and was more gregarious than he had ever been before.
After dinner, Elizabeth continued her winning streak in cards and when it was time for the gentlemen to depart, the couples stood outside the house slightly apart from each other and exchanged private adieus.
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