The abbey bells rang.
Elizabeth sidled closer to Darcy’s side. “I have heardthat the stained glass and stonework of the abbey are second to none.”
Ready to pick up where he had left off before Wickham’s interruption, Darcy held out his arm. “Shall we see?”
Doubts soon encroached on his bravery. Every step made Darcy increasingly aware that he had yet to ask, and knowing that she was aware of it only increased his nerves. What if he bumbled the whole thing again? What if he did not meet her expectations?
By the time they reached the abbey, he was more nervous than when he had spoken with Mr. Bennet earlier. He had used his library as a buffer, knowing that the well-stocked shelves and original printings guaranteed a more favorable conversation. Darcy was not above using the manipulative arts when it came to his future with Elizabeth. He needed every advantage.
He had Mr. Bennet’s approval and blessing, but by the time they had admired the windows and the bell tower, Darcy had received no strike of romantic inspiration.
But he had to say it. He could not go another day holding in his heartfelt desire.
Miss Rothschild suggested a walk through Guildhall Market, and Darcy seized the opportunity to part from their company in favor of the River Avon. They would meet at Pulteney Bridge.
The bridge offered a beautiful backdrop of the river with its crescent-shaped weirs formingrings into the running water. As loud as the rushing river was, Darcy’s heartbeat was louder.
He had survived kidnapping, keelhauling, sword fights, and cannon blasts, but all of these combined paled in significance compared to the task before him. He would propose—again—to Elizabeth Bennet.
Pulling the bit of rope from his pocket, wishing it was his mother’s sapphire and diamond ring, he dropped to his knee before he lost his nerve. Clearing his throat, he said the words he had been practicing since Elizabeth had given him the first glimpse of hope that starry night on the foretop. “Will you marry me, Elizabeth?”
That was it. His throat dried, and he looked up, unable to speak another word. He shoved the rope he had woven into a ring in front of him.
He felt her hands on his cheeks, pulling him up. “You made this for me?” she asked, sliding her slender finger into the circle, then wrapping her arm back around his neck. “It fits perfectly.”
She was kind to praise his simple ring, but as he looked at the roughness of the rope against her soft skin, his embarrassment grew. “As soon as we return to London, I shall replace it with one more worthy—”
She covered his lips with her fingers. “This is my favorite ring, and no fancy jewels you can give me shall convince me otherwise.”
Darcy let out his breath. He ought to have known she would not demand fineries. Not his Elizabeth. Hetightened his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. More confidently, he asked, “Will you please marry me?”
“Aye,” she answered, rising to her toes and keeping his lips too busy for any more speech.
CHAPTER 38
Bright colors competed with vendors, all clamoring for their attention. Nick lingered behind with Richard while the ladies flitted from one stall to the next. He wondered if Richard had seen Connell yet. The thief-taker stood, partially hidden, behind a length of cashmere.
Richard jabbed Nick with his elbow. “He is not subtle, is he?” he observed, nodding at the cashmere.
Nick twisted his lips. He ought to have known that a trained soldier would be as alert to danger as he was. “He’s been following us since we left the house. I thought for certain he’d arrest me when Elizabeth tossed that ne’er-do-well over her shoulder.”
“Had you been the one to put Wickham in his place, I have no doubt Connell would have found his excuse to take you back to Newgate.” Worry etched Richard’s brow.
Nick was worried, too. Any little mistake, and Connell would close in on him. Had he overheard Alex’s foolish blunder? If he knew he could bag not only one, buttwo, renowned pirates, Connell would jump at the opportunity. Nick was grateful for Lord Matlock’s protection, but he could not presume that his relatives would extend their protection to Alex, too. They’d already done so much.
And what could he do for them in return? How could he possibly repay them?
Concern weighed heavily on Nick. He’d do what he could to lighten the load on his family, but it’d never be enough. Turning so his back was to Connell, Nick grinned. “We’ll give Connell a mad tour of England before we’re done with him.”
Richard seemed to understand his need for levity. With a nod, he smiled, and they continued walking until they joined the ladies.
Alex held up a gold earring, and Nick provoked her agitation when he paid for the earrings without any attempt to barter. He’d pay twice the sum just to see her happy … once he unburied one of his caches. What was money to him when his ill-got gains could be used to help the family selling their wares? At leasttheyearned an honest living. Everything Nick possessed had been taken at some point.
Leaning into him, the smell of jasmine in her hair swirling Nick’s senses, Alex asked, “HasConnell given up yet? Or is he still followin’ us like a gull eyein’ a picnic?”
Nick scowled at her. He’d almost forgotten about Connell. Now he had to start all over again. “Ye saw him, eh?”
“Since we left Darcy’s house.”
