by Leenie Brown
“You may if you wish,” he replied. “That is if there are things within the shops that you would like.”
“It is fortunate I am not my mother,” she said with a laugh, “or a great number of things – necessary or not – would be added to your account.”
He chuckled. “Your father mentioned that your mother likes to shop. Richard’s mother is the same.”
“And your mother? Did she like to shop?”
“She did. However, she was more cautious with her expenditures than my aunt is. In our family, it was my father who spent more lavishly than my mother.”
“Then, you got your cautious nature from her?”
“A great part of it,” he replied with a nod. “My father was so sure of himself. He was a bit like Richard in that regard, although I think Richard is more miserly. Not that my father was not a careful manager. He was wise in his decisions, most times.”
There had been a few decisions made regarding Wickham which were perhaps more heart than head, but for the most part, his father had been sensible in his thinking.
“Then you have received your wisdom from him?”
Darcy shrugged. “Perhaps.”
“Your sister is lovely,” Elizabeth said softly. “Someone is responsible for that, and I do not think it is all your parents’ doing.”
He blew out a breath and looked toward the ceiling. “How do you know she is the reason I doubt my ability?”
It was so unusual to find anyone who understood him even when he explained himself. Bingley still struggled at times to comprehend how Darcy thought about some things. Yet, Elizabeth seemed to have an innate ability to reason out things about his character that were often misunderstood. At least, she seemed to possess that skill tonight even if a few weeks ago her understanding had been clouded by his poor behaviour.
“Because I would feel the same,” Elizabeth replied. “Even if it were not my fault that one of my sisters was placed in harm’s way, I would feel as if I should have known, as if I should have seen the danger before it was present.” She shrugged. “I imagine that is how many people feel about the ones they love.”
He nodded and pulled her just a tiny bit closer to his side as they stood at the end of the hall, looking back in the direction they had come. “I love you – so very much,” he said softly, “and I would feel even more doubtful of my abilities if I could not protect you from harm.”
Elizabeth squeezed his arm and gave him a wavering smile when he looked down at her. “I would feel the same about you.”
“You would?” His heart skipped a beat.
She nodded.
“Why?”
“I imagine,” her smile turned slightly teasing, “that is how a lady feels about the gentleman she loves.”
“You love me?” Oh, he knew he was smiling in a very stupidly broad fashion, but it could not be helped. The one thing for which he had longed for since November had come true. She loved him. And when something as wonderful as that occurs, one does not refrain from showing his pleasure.
“So very much,” she replied.
He turned and took her hands in his. “Will you marry me?”
She nodded, her own smile growing with each bob of her head. “I will. Most happily.”
He dropped her hands and wrapped his arms around her. “You have made me the happiest of men,” he murmured as he held her to his heart.
Her arms wound their way around his waist. The sigh she expelled was a sound that matched the contentment which settled into his soul as he held her – his Elizabeth.
After a few moments, he released her but just barely, holding her in place with one arm.
“May I kiss you?” he asked as he cupped her cheek with his free hand.
Her cheeks glowed a lovely rosy colour as she formed the word “yes” with lips which he claimed before they had finished speaking.
Chapter 21
“Do you still wish to go see your father?” Darcy asked Elizabeth sometime later as she stood wrapped in his arms.
“I do.” She did not want to leave where she was, but she also knew that the longer she stood here, the greater chance there was of someone discovering them and their wonderful news. And that news was something that she did not wish to share with anyone just yet. She wanted to keep this quiet, special moment to herself for just a while longer.
“May I accompany you?” He looked down at her. “He will be happy to know our news.”
The smile that greeted her as she looked up at him was the sort that made her heart skip a beat. His face seemed to mirror her own feelings, for he looked completely, perfectly, thoroughly happy, and it was unspeakably wonderful to know that she was the cause of his joy just as he was of hers.
“Only him,” she said softly. “I would like for this to be our secret for tonight if possible.”
He chuckled. “I cannot promise that I will not give away something of it. Richard and Bingley will know, and I must tell them.”
She understood that feeling as well. “And I must tell Jane and Papa, but if Mama and my other sisters could learn about it in the morning…”
“If your father is amenable,” Darcy replied.
Then, sadly, he released her and, winding her arm around his, led her to her father’s room.
“How do I look?” she whispered before he opened the door. Would her father be able to tell she had been kissing and embracing Mr. Darcy?
“You are blushing, but you look lovely.” He shook his head as if he understood her thoughts. “Your father will suspect we have sealed our promise with a kiss, for that is how these things often happen. However, you do not look as if you were being improper.” He lowered his voice just a touch further. “It is not improper to kiss your betrothed,” he added.
That last comment did nothing to cool her cheeks, but the thought of being able to kiss him again did cause her smile to grow. Oh, how she loved him. She squeezed his arm tightly, and he bent to kiss her lips quickly.
“Ready?” he asked as he turned the handle to open the door.
She nodded as she blew out a breath. Happy anxiousness fluttered in her belly.
“Ah, my Lizzy and Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet greeted. “I was hoping for a bit of distraction this evening, but knowing Mr. Bingley is here, I thought I might not be so fortunate.”
“We could not leave you alone all evening,” Mr. Darcy said as he pulled a chair close to where Elizabeth had taken a seat next to the bed. “Although I must admit it was Elizabeth’s idea, I was happy to join her.”
“Elizabeth is it?” Mr. Bennet asked with a chuckle.
“Yes,” Darcy replied.
“Then you have happy news for me?”
“Only if you can keep a secret from Mama until tomorrow,” Elizabeth said.
“I kept our trip to London a surprise until we were nearly gone,” he replied. “Are you betrothed?”
“Yes, if you will allow it,” Elizabeth replied.
“I would not like to be the one to explain my refusal to your mother! She has taken as strong a liking to your Mr. Darcy as she held a disliking for him after the assembly.”
Darcy shook his head. “A foolish, ill-thought-out comment, and utterly untrue.”
“Yes, that would be how my wife would describe it,” Mr. Bennet agreed with a chuckle. “However, she would not say it so concisely. I do believe she went on about it for a quarter hour upon her arrival home from the assembly and that was not the only time I heard it. But,” he scooted up a bit in his bed and grimaced as he pulled his leg along, “that is the past. I am pleased to give you both my blessing. Though I do not like the thought of losing my Lizzy, I know that there is no better gentleman to whom I would see her tied.”
“Thank you,” Darcy mumbled.
Elizabeth smiled at his apparent embarrassment in being praised. “In this, my father, I do believe you are perfectly correct, for I can think of no gentleman better suited to me,” she bit her lip and ducked her head, “or that I could love ha
lf as well as I do Mr. Darcy.”
“It does my old heart good to hear it, my dear, for you know that your mother and I would do anything to see you girls happy and loved.”
“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “Now, how can we entertain you?”
“You have guests,” her father cautioned.
“We will return to them in a few minutes,” Darcy assured him. “For now, we would like to be of service to you.”
“A game of chess then?” he asked.
Darcy willingly obliged and arranged the chessboard. “I have suffered defeat enough today. Perhaps Elizabeth would like a turn.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “What say you, Elizabeth? Shall we play as we talk about weddings and such?” He held up a finger. “But no lace, I will not speak of lace.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Mama did find a lovely piece of lace for me today.”
“I know,” her father said with a pointed look. “I heard all about the lace, the slippers, the gloves.” He shook his head.
“And Mrs. Salter?” Elizabeth asked quietly.
His brows drew together. Apparently, her mother had not mentioned that part of their trip to her father.
“Who is Mrs. Salter?”
Elizabeth tipped her head. “Maybe I am not supposed to tell you.”
“My curiosity is not going to be satisfied until you tell me more.”
That was something Elizabeth had in common with her father. They were both curious creatures.
“Mama said that her name was Miss Foster before she married.”
Her father’s eyes grew wide. “Miss Foster, you say?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“Well, that could not have been pleasant. Miss Foster was always disagreeable.” He shook his head. “Excessively disagreeable. Especially when she did not get what she wanted.” He looked at Darcy. “Far worse than Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley appears to have some redeeming qualities should she be directed properly. Miss Foster was not so fortunate.” He motioned for Elizabeth to begin playing.
“She was cunning.” Again, he shook his head. “What did Miss Foster have to say? And there is no need to tell me of her greeting and such. I just want to know how she attempted to disparage your mother.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Will Mama be angry that I have told you?”
He shook his head. “She will tell me later.” He smiled softly at Elizabeth. “After she has had time to put her shame and hurt away.”
Unexpectedly, Elizabeth felt tears gather in her eyes which caused her to blink. Her father was so understanding of her mother. It was not something that was always displayed, but it did appear now and again. To hear him speak so softly now when her understanding of love for another was greater than it had ever been, she could hear that same love she felt for Mr. Darcy in her father’s words.
“She has two sons and one daughter,” Elizabeth began.
Her father sighed. “And your mother has five daughters.”
It was stated as fact, but there was a small amount of pain in his voice as he spoke. Again, Elizabeth was struck by the love he held for her mother.
“She mentioned that and hoped that your estate was not entailed.”
Mr. Bennet looked at Mr. Darcy. “The lady is from Hertfordshire and knows full well that Longbourn is entailed.”
Darcy shook his head. “Some ladies can be vicious.”
“Miss Foster – what did you say her name is now, Lizzy?”
“Mrs. Salter,” Elizabeth replied.
“Mrs. Salter is among the champions of such ladies,” he continued speaking to Darcy. “Did she say much else?” he asked, turning back to his daughter.
Elizabeth bit her lip.
Her father groaned. “She mentioned something about an indiscretion.”
Elizabeth nodded. “And Mama had Jane tell Mrs. Salter her birthday.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “That woman! Was that the extent of it?”
“No, she began to say that Jane’s birthday was not proof that an indiscretion had not occurred, but she did not complete the full thought, though anyone listening would know what it was. Speculating in such a way, she said, was not what well-bred people did. Mary agreed with her and pointed out that well-bred ladies prefer to gossip in private.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled.
“And then Mama told Mrs. Salter exactly how each of us is like you in some way and ended by saying if the lady could not appreciate those qualities, such as Mary’s quick tongue, then she could never have truly admired you.”
A smile spread across his face. “Ah, that is my Fanny,” he said softly.
The room fell into silence for a few moments as father and daughter took turns playing.
“Your mother had gone to visit a friend in town. Someone she had met from school. All was well and good until the young woman’s grandmother arrived unannounced.” He darted a look at Darcy. “She was a lady of quality who did not approve of the smallest tie to trade.”
Darcy grimaced. “I know some who are like that.”
“She turned Fanny out.” He blew out a breath. “Fanny cannot tell left from right when travelling. She wandered for hours with her bag in her hand. It was fortunate that I had gone to this friend’s home to call on Fanny, for upon hearing what had transpired, I was able to go in search of her.” He sighed. “I found her and took her back to my apartment since it was very late, and Gardiner was not expecting her. He was not yet fully his own man in business, you see. It was perhaps a foolish thing for me to have done, but I needed to see her safe.”
“And that was the indiscretion?” Elizabeth asked quietly.
He nodded. “There was no indiscretion aside from your mother being alone with me in my apartment, but Miss Foster heard of Fanny’s expulsion into the streets and discovered the remaining details to which she added several of her own concoction. Fanny’s father demanded that we marry within three weeks, for he could not imagine there had been no true indiscretion. His daughter was beautiful, and he himself was not above flirting with a pretty lady even though he was married.” Her father’s voice was harsh. “Just because a lady is the most beautiful woman you have ever beheld, does not mean…” His words trailed off as he shook his head.
“It is called self-control,” Darcy said firmly, “and respect for the lady you love.”
“Precisely!” Mr. Bennet said with some force. “I knew I liked you for a reason,” he added with a chuckle.
“Check,” Elizabeth said.
“Well, Mr. Darcy, it appears I can be beaten. You shall just have to ask me to share a somewhat troubling tale the next time we play.” He laughed and forfeited his king. “Will you send your mother to me when you go below?”
“You will not tell her?” Elizabeth asked.
“Not a word, my dear, but I do need to remind her that she is the one my heart chose.”
Again, Elizabeth blinked at sudden tears. Then, rising, she gave her father’s cheek a kiss before following Darcy from the room.
Chapter 22
Later that evening, after Georgiana, Lydia, and Kitty had retired to Georgiana’s room to play with Dash and discuss dresses and hats, and who knew what else, while Elizabeth and Jane had gone to visit their father once more before bed, Darcy sat in one of the corners of the drawing room with a snifter of brandy at his side and a book that he had no desire to read on his lap. Bingley had left some time ago, and Richard, who had seen the younger ladies and Dash to their room, was just returning to join Darcy.
“She said yes,” Darcy said before Richard could even take his seat.
“You offered?”
Darcy nodded. “I did.” A smile spread across his face as he considered his good fortune. “And she accepted. However, she does not wish for her mother to know until tomorrow. She wished to tell Miss Bennet first.”
“Betrothed.” There was a hint of awe in Richard’s voice as he said the word. “I knew it would happen, but…” He shook his head. “Betrothed. Mother and Father will be plea
sed to know that there will finally be a Mrs. Darcy.”
“I hope they are.” Darcy knew that Elizabeth was not exactly the sort of lady whom Lady Matlock would have chosen for Darcy to court and marry. Elizabeth was nothing like the ladies to whom his aunt had introduced him. Though she lacked the standing in society which those ladies held, Elizabeth was far superior to any of them.
“They will be,” Richard assured him. “Hopefully, Mother will then give up her notion that I need a wife.” He tipped his glass and watched the contents sway with the action.
“You do eventually need a wife,” Darcy replied. “I had almost begun to think you were considering the need now.” He took a sip from his glass as Richard glanced at him. “You were talking about giving up your commission, and I thought perhaps there was more of a reason than just seeing Georgiana through her season.”
Richard shook his head.
“No other reason?” Darcy pressed.
Again, Richard shook his head — more firmly this time. “I cannot consider such things until I am no longer married to my commission, and things are so uncertain…” his voice trailed off as if he were actually thinking about some lady and how such uncertainty would affect her.
“She is young.”
Richard’s head snapped up from his contemplation of the glass in his hand.
“Miss Lydia.” Darcy waited for Richard to say something, but he did not, which spoke far more loudly than any protest would have about where Richard’s thoughts and heart lay. “Would your mother approve?”
Richard placed his glass on a table and rose. “No. I do not think she would. She has aspirations for her children…” He ran a hand through his hair.
“She will be the sister of my wife.”
Richard pulled in a deep breath as he nodded. “She is not at all what Mother would expect. She is not even the sort of lady I would have expected to capture my interest.” He shook his head. “It is mere infatuation, nothing more. I will return to my unit. She will return to her home, and all will be as it should be.”
