“It sounds as though, if you are successful with the contract, we could be married in a week. Do you think that is rushing things too much?” asked Catherine.
“I would marry you tomorrow, if it could be done in a way that made you happy,” said Stephen. “I think you are the only one who could say whether this all feels too rushed.”
Catherine thought it over, but she could think of no reason to delay their plans. She had most of her belongings that she cared about, and anything else could be sent from Longbourn later. As for her own feelings on the matter, after knowing what it felt like to be kissed by Stephen, to be loved by him, she quite looked forward to being married.
“I think I can be ready in a week,” she said.
“Perfect,” he said. “One week from today, assuming the contract meets with your approval.”
Stephen kissed her again. It was gentle and sweet but full of the promise of so much more.
“Now, we need to figure out how to get back to the house post-haste,” said Stephen when they separated. “If we want to get married in a week, I will need to leave today, preferably within the next few hours.”
“There is only one way to get back,” said Catherine. “We will simply have to run for it. This downpour doesn’t look like it is going to let up anytime soon.”
“Are you certain?” asked Stephen.
“If running through the rain means I can marry you, I will do it with a smile on my face,” said Catherine.
Stephen laughed and took her hand. “Then, let’s go.”
