Georgiana nodded enthusiastically. “I agree. It was lovely, especially with the children’s company. So much laughter and joy! Did you have a pleasant time, Brother?”
“Exceedingly pleasant,” Darcy answered, and he knew he was smiling.
***
Boxing Day passed with much agitation in Darcy’s house. Georgiana loved the joy of giving, and Darcy was happy to seeher completing that important and satisfying duty. He could not help thinking that perhaps next year, Elizabeth might help Georgiana with that particular responsibility. The more he thought of it, the more that image became clearer and less impossible.
His hopes had grown more as, during the dinner at the Gardiners’, he had noticed Georgiana’s small exchanges with Elizabeth, and afterwards, he had heard his sister favourably talking about her.
On the 27thof December, Colonel Fitzwilliam visited; he was surprised that they had dined at the Gardiners’ on Christmas Day.
“My mother will be disappointed when she hears it.”
“I hope she will understand. I shall explain it to her.”
“You will have to explain it to me, too, as I am confused why you would prefer some new acquaintances over us,” the colonel said mostly in jest.
“I believe Bingley is ready to propose to Miss Bennet. And our acquaintance is not so very new. Georgiana loves you all, and she has had countless opportunities to be with your family. She enjoys the company of the Gardiners and the Miss Bennets, and she has had limited chances to spend time with them thus far.”
“That, I understand.”
“We shall have a dinner party at our house tomorrow. You are welcome to join us, but it will be nothing formal. That is why I did not invite your parents. The dinner will be far below what they are accustomed to.”
“That makes sense. I shall gladly come.”
While talking to the colonel, Darcy felt guilty and distracted. He had trusted his cousin with everything, including Georgiana’s attempted elopement. He would like to share his admiration for Elizabeth with him too, but it was all so uncertain yet that he could not decide how much he might say. That sameday, Darcy went to speak to the Matlocks about the dinner in Gracechurch Street and the dinner he was to host. His uncle and aunt deserved as much consideration.
“So, Mr Bingley is ready to find his felicity with Miss Bennet. Against your unwise advice and his sisters’ opposition.”
“Indeed. I have already admitted that my advice to Bingley was unwise and wrong.”
“Good. You know, I have thought about inviting Mr Bingley, the Gardiners, and their nieces to my New Year party. But they are five people, and places at the table are limited. Besides, I am not sure they would feel comfortable among strange people outside their circle.”
“I have no opinion on the matter, Aunt. The decision is yours. I shall have a small dinner party, which you and Uncle are more than welcome to attend if you wish.”
“We might come. Save two seats for us.”
“I shall,” Darcy answered, slightly surprised by the acceptance.
That evening, Darcy received the visit of a thrilled, smiling, red-faced Bingley, bursting into his library.
“Darcy, you will never guess what I did. I went to Gracechurch Street and asked for a private moment with Jane — Miss Bennet! — and I proposed! I did it! And she accepted me! Can you imagine?”
“I can easily, but I did not expect it to happen so suddenly. You have my heartfelt congratulations, Bingley.”
“Thank you! I just came from there. All is done. Mr Gardiner and I wrote to Mr Bennet, asking for his consent. We should have his reply tomorrow. But Mrs Gardiner said I have no reason for concern. If you only knew how happy Jane was! And she looked beautiful! She cried with joy! I am the happiest man in the world!”
“I am very happy for you, Bingley. Have a seat, and I shall pour you a drink. So by tomorrow night, at dinner, you will likely be a betrothed man.”
“I shall! By the way, did you invite my sisters for dinner?”
“I did not. And if you do not mind, I intend not to. The Matlocks might attend, though.”
“I do not mind. It is your decision. Besides, they will be most displeased to hear about my engagement, so I expect them to be in a poor disposition tomorrow.”
“Then it would be better for them to be allowed some time alone,” Darcy concluded.
