Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy moved away, leaving Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy standing together. The noise of the gathering seemed to fade into the background as they turned to face one another, the air between them charged with unspoken words.
“Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice quieter now, his expression gentler than she had expected.
“Mr. Darcy,” she replied, meeting his gaze steadily. Suddenly, she felt nervous.
“I trust you are pleased with how the morning has unfolded,” he said, his voice low enough that it did not carry beyond her.
“Very much so,” Elizabeth replied, matching his tone. “Given the time of year, Jane and Mr. Bingley could not have asked fora more perfect day. Having you here must have made it even better for Mr. Bingley.”
“Did you truly doubt I would return?”
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she met his gaze with a faint smile. “I was not doubtful, exactly. But you left it so late.”
His expression softened, and for a moment, she thought she saw regret flicker in his eyes. “The delay was unavoidable. But I regret if it caused concern.”
Elizabeth was tempted to probe further but decided against it. “Well, we are all very pleased you are here.”
“Are you?” he asked. “I too am pleased to be here. And to see you.”
Elizabeth could scarce believe her ears. She felt the heat of his gaze, and just as when she had first seen Mr. Darcy in the church, her heart began beating a little faster.
“Miss Bennet,” he said at last, his voice steady but carrying a hint of something more. “Bingley has agreed I might remain at Netherfield when he and your sister leave for London tonight.” He paused, then asked, very distinctly, “May I call on you?”
Elizabeth blinked. Had he just asked . . . “Call on me, sir?”
“Yes,” he said, his expression resolute. “If you would permit it.”
Her mind raced, but she found herself nodding before she could overthink the request. “I would not object, Mr. Darcy.”
He smiled. “Thank you.”
Their moment was interrupted by Mamma’s voice calling for Elizabeth. Evidently, she had forgotten that Elizabeth was to make Mr. Darcy comfortable. Reluctantly, she said, “It seems I am needed elsewhere.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “I shall not keep you, then.”
Elizabeth smiled at him before moving away, her heart racing and her mind awhirl. The loud, happy chaos of the wedding breakfast surrounded her once more, but she felt curiouslyremoved from it, her thoughts fixed on the man who had just asked to call.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Darcy entered the drawing room at Netherfield. The colonel was leafing through a slim volume of poetry he had found, while Georgiana was working diligently on her embroidery. At his entrance, they both looked up, Georgiana with a smile of warm affection and Fitzwilliam with an arch of his brow. Both seemed to be awaiting an announcement.
Well, he would not disappoint them. He cleared his throat and clasped his hands behind his back. “I have a matter of some importance to discuss with you both.”
Fitzwilliam set the book aside with exaggerated care, stretching languidly before gesturing for Darcy to continue. “Go on, then.”
“I have decided,” Darcy began slowly, choosing his words with care, “to call upon Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“You have decided,” Fitzwilliam repeated. “Does Miss Bennet know?”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “Of course she knows. She has agreed to it.”
Georgiana's eyes widened with delight, a bright smile spreading across her face. “Oh, Brother! How wonderful! Miss Elizabeth—I mean Miss Bennet—she is everything amiable and clever. I had hoped—I suspected—but this is splendid news!”
Fitzwilliam, however, leaned forward, his expression more measured. “A fine choice, Darcy. I must assume you have considered the impediments?”
His cousin was speaking of family and friends who might wish him to make a more illustrious match. Neither he nor Georgiana knew to whom the eldest Bennet daughters were related or the state of that relationship. Darcy had promised his discretion, and he had kept that promise. However, he had considered how best to approach the Earl of Essex situation and had decided that he could seek his uncle’s assistance if required.
It did not matter, in the end. He was at last free to pursue Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he meant to do so without delay. Everything else could be dealt with, ideally with her help.
