They stood, holding each other, their problems forgotten for some time before she felt him kiss the top of her head. “I love you, Elizabeth.” Releasing his hold, he dropped to one knee. “These past few days have beena trial, but it has only strengthened my affection for you, and you would make me the happiest man alive if you would agree to accept my hand in marriage … again.”
She giggled. “I have already accepted.”
“That was before. I am asking you now. Today, knowing what you know, feeling what you do, would you agree to spend the rest of your days with me? Please?”
Thatpleasewould have changed her mind had she not already been so firmly decided.
Tracing her fingers along his cheeks, her knees wobbling when he leaned into her palm and sighed, it occurred to Elizabeth that if she was going to shock Lydia, she might as well do a proper job of it.
Sitting on Darcy’s bent knee, she pulled him closer until her lips brushed against his. “Yes,” she whispered against his warm skin, then pressed her lips against his, sealing her promise. Hot kisses trailed down her cheek, nuzzling at her neck so that she arched her back and shuddered a moment. She purred, as content as a cat stretching after a nap.
Fitzwilliam leapt to his feet, stepping away and holding her the full distance of his arms away. He gasped for breath, his cheeks flushed. “Forgive me, Elizabeth. It is not mine to take such liberties. Not yet.”
“Then I suggest we marry as soon as it can be arranged so you may take as many liberties as you wish.”
“A tempting prospect.”
She sensed he held back. Arching her eyebrow, she prompted him. “But…”
He ran his hands down the length of her arms, sending delightful shivers curling through her. “But once we wed, I intend to give you my full attention — without distraction.”
“I find no fault with your plan.” Elizabeth could think of nothing more enjoyable than being the sole recipient of her betrothed’s attention.
Fitzwilliam’s smile made her melt — his caress left her breathless and weightless and completely secure of her place in his heart.
Darcy had thoughthe knew happiness, but his past experiences paled in comparison to this moment with Elizabeth in his arms.
His Elizabeth.
She had not yet recovered her memories, but it no longer mattered. She loved him.
He had won her heart a second time without all the adversities and misunderstandings enkindled by his pride and her prejudice. What was more, he had made peace with her family and her brilliant plan would, in time, promote peaceful relations with his. He had no doubt she would eventually win over Lady Catherinewhen he had been fixed on cutting off all association. Far from divisive, Elizabeth united.
She was magnificent.
He pulled away before the impulse to kiss her overwhelmed him again. Contenting himself with holding her hand, he looked at the most beautiful woman and wondered how he had been so fortunate to secure her love not just once, but twice.
CHAPTER 33
Time both accelerated and crawled the following week. Accelerated whenever Darcy called on Elizabeth at Longbourn, which was more often and of longer duration than propriety permitted. As though Darcy would ever be tempted to adhere to society’s strictures when his bride-to-be and her family endangered themselves to capture a madman.
His aunt, who stubbornly persisted in her claims despite the apparent success of Dr. Sculthorpe in detaining Bedlam’s director, was another matter.
Seconds dragged through molasses in her presence, but he took solace in the knowledge that Elizabeth’s scheme would offer Anne a choice. If Richard had been persuasive enough. The colonel had yet to return from London, and while he wrote to appease Darcy that all was well, his absence affirmed otherwise.
Sitting in Longbourn’s cozy drawing room, packed with Bennets and Bingleys, he noted how the dreary weather mirrored the downcast, dispirited attitude of the occupants within.
“How much longer are we to continue in this state of boredom?” Lydia complained.
Mary lowered the pamphlet she had been reading. “There are many edifying occupations with which you may entertain yourself without venturing out of doors.”
Lydia glowered at her sister. “I require others to entertain me.”
Kitty said, with excessive cheer, “You could help me trim this bonnet.”
“If I have to trim one more bonnet, I shall scream!”
“Calm yourself, Lydia,” Mrs. Bingley soothed. “We must allow enough time for news to reach Mr. Wickham.”
