Page 11 of My Funny Valentine

Mr Darcy lay an arm around her shoulders and bent to put the other behind her knees. In a swift motion, she was resting in his embrace, close enough to feel his breath upon her cheek. Her heart pounded in her chest as his chin grazed her forehead with the lightest touch of stubble.

All too soon, she was standing in the basket, and she stepped back to allow room for Mr Darcy.

“Will you comfort my sister if she is frightened?”

He obviously did not consider that she might be intimidated herself. The thought did not vex her but rather boosted her pride in a most unbecoming manner, and she fought the tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“I am certain the comfort of a dear brother must prevail over that of a friend.”

“Sorry, miss. Ain’t room for more than two passengers. The weight would be too ’eavy for the balloon,” the driver chirped.

Mr Darcy tilted his head and held her gaze. “Have I told you before that your eyes are full of soul? Large, clear, and the deepest of emerald-green, that turns almost black when you are vexed at me.”

“But…” Elizabeth started before she lost herself in a tangle of unintelligible stutters. Blowing out a breath of frustration, she collected herself well enough to utter a full sentence. “Then I must leave and let Mr Darcy take my place.”

“Absolutely not!” Mr Darcy exclaimed. “Release the balloon,” he ordered the man handling the ropes.

“But to give up such a novelty, the aspiration of every gentleman,” Elizabeth protested. “I cannot deprive you of an experience you so dearly wished to participate in!”

“I find that I shall enjoy the journey much better from where I stand.”

The release of the gas roared in her ears, and the balloon began its ascent. She clutched onto the railing to steady herself. Her eyes locked with Mr Darcy’s. A slow smile transformed his handsome countenance from a gentleman of haughty composure to a beau of considerable charm. That he would rob himself of the novel experience for her sake was enlightening. He was the kind of man who would give every consideration to his dependents and stop at nothing for those he loved. Charlotte had been right; it was not necessary to discover all your future husband’s flaws if you knew enough about his goodness…

“You must remember to enjoy the view!” he shouted over the din.

“I am!” she called back, still looking at his handsome countenance. How adorable he appeared when he laughed, and how warmly her heart cleaved to him.

“Marry me, my funny Valentine!”

Elizabeth forgot to breathe. The crowd cheered, and any reply would be futile to even attempt. She prised her gloved fingers off the railing, touched her lips, and blew him a kiss. Mr Darcy made a show of catching it and placed it over his heart.

The End