“Then call me Fitzwilliam. And if you would allow me, I will forever address you as Elizabeth.” He extended his hand.
“Very well, Fitzwilliam.” She gripped his fingers with hers.
At her touch, tingling sensations shot up his arm. He felt the tremble of her hand. His lips barely brushed the back of her knuckles. “I am happy to be of service, my lady.”
“And I would be pleased to become your bride.”
She unconsciously leaned closer. He met her halfway. The suspended moment until his lips lightly touched hers felt like an eternity. Pure, overwhelming joy mixed with awe washed over him. Elizabeth would be his.
He was determined to devote himself fully to doing whatever it took to make her happy to be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, not of Pemberley, but of…somewhere.
18
Since her youth, Elizabeth often dreamed about what her proposal might be like. A handsome gent who finally touched her heart would bring her a bouquet of lovely flowers. He might read sonnets or a love poem he penned before he made his offer. Never had she considered that her reality would be little more than a statement of intent followed by a kiss that made her feel like she was floating and falling at the same time. It was gentle and perfect, nothing like she had imagined, but better.
She touched her lips, trying to remember the feeling, the sense of wonder that came with a significant first experience. Fitzwilliam Darcy was so much more than her initial impression.
There was something about his character that drew her to him.His honor was unbending. His kindness was without prejudice. And the attention he gave her was complete. And the feel of her hand in his, the touch of his mouth against hers was…good lord…it was marvelous. Although she was surprised at how quickly this came about, the practical solution was to marry him.
However, before they proceeded, there were a few things she needed to clarify.
“Mr. Darcy, or rather, Fitzwilliam, perhaps you have forgotten my pitiful lack of accomplishments we discussed almost a month ago. Despite daily practice, I fear I have made minimal progress on the pianoforte. Also, I have barely saved enough money to care for myself for a year. Of course, I would need to split those funds evenly with Jane and Mary, which will immediately decrease my fiscal value by a third. As well, I also spent a half day following Cook and Mrs. Hill to observe their responsibilities to see what I could imitate should I ever be on my own. My presence appeared to irritate them to the point where they asked me never to do it again.” She appreciated his effort to keep from laughing. “I fear I will be a poor wife for a relatively poor man.”
He grinned. “Then, my attempt to explain myself was not well done. Compared to my former lifestyle, I would be considered impoverished. Our true circumstances are that we have sufficient to purchase a small property or lease a larger one. There would be enough for any minor repairs, enough to purchase seed for planting crops for the coming year, a few servants to make our living more comfortable, and provisions until income trickles in. Though, what we both have that is far more valuable than money is intelligence and the desire to succeed.”
She said, with a haughty lift of her chin, “I am determined to accomplish whatever we deem is necessary for our future happiness.”
“As am I. Are we decided, then?”
Anticipating how the coming years would unfold blossomed in her chest until she could barely breathe. Her body felt suspended as her mind considered the possibilities. How she answered would determine the rest of her life.
She surveyed him from his toes to his eyes. He gave every appearance of solidity, of permanence. Of everything she discovered about his character since his arrival in Meryton, what she appreciated the most was that he was a man of honor. He was not attempting to take the easy way out. No, that was not what she most appreciated. What meant more to her was that he dignified her by speaking to her and listening as if she were his equal. For that alone, she would marry him. Plus, in spite of her teasing, he truly was exceedingly attractive and strong. She would be a fool not to attach herself to him.
The rational side of her mind screamed that it was too soon, but her heart instinctively felt that this would work well for them both. Being tied to her father’s cousin would be a disaster. Marrying a man from trade would likely not provide an income close to what Mr. Darcy offered. Since his goal was to either regain Pemberley or eventually purchase property, the ability to care for her mother and sisters should the worst happen was also in his favor. As logical thoughts battled with potent feelings, her heart won the battle.
“We agree, Fitzwilliam.” She almost never went back on her word once given. “Upon my father’s approval, I will become your wife.”
The masterof Longbourn was either a private man or a disinterested one.Despite Darcy and Bingley arriving at the Bennets’ estate daily, Darcy did not know Mr. Bennet’s character at all.
That evening, once the last course was served, Mr. Bennet said, “Well, my heir, who was expected to arrive on the morrow, has been delayed. His latest missive informed me that he will be on our doorstep on Monday at precisely four o’clock.” He waited until the complaints from around the table quieted before continuing. “He also restated the purpose for his journey to our fair shire. His first letter gave the impression that his desire to wed one of my daughters was his idea. In his latest letter, I have it on good authority that his esteemed patroness has challenged him to survey his future inheritance and extend an olive branch by offering marriage to one of you girls. He means to return to Hunsford with a Bennet as a wife. Which Bennet? I do not know. The esteemed Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park in Kent did not say.”
His aunt?Had someone hit him over the head from behind, Darcy would have been no less shocked or disturbed.
Mr. Bennet stared at Bingley. “Of course, it would be natural to assume that the eldest would be his first consideration. What do you think, Mr. Bingley, would my Jane be an appropriate wife for a clergyman holding the living at Hunsford in Kent? Of course, this would mean that upon my untimely demise, she would become mistress of Longbourn.”
Bingley eyed Miss Bennet, whose embarrassment was uncomfortable to witness.
“Not at all, Mr. Bennet,” Mrs. Bennet squawked from her end of the table. “Who is this Lady Catherine? What sort of property is Rosings Park, I ask you? Jane is destined for better things than the wife of a vicar.”
Both Elizabeth and Miss Bennet cringed.
Mr. Bennet continued to observe Darcy’s friend as he spoke. “Is that so, Mrs. Bennet? I cannot imagine any other outcome. No one has seen fit to seek me out other than you, my dear wife. Apparently, the only hopes are what I have in my imagination…and what you have in yours.”
“Papa,” Elizabeth warned, shaking her head when her father glanced her way.
He sniffed, apparently unhappy to have been chastised since he settled his heavy-lidded gaze on Elizabeth. “Ah, then perhaps he will find my second child more to his liking. Lizzy would have little difficulty keeping him on his toes. Nor would she be easily intimidated by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whoever she is.” He slapped his palms on the table. “There, it is settled. Lizzy will be the future mistress of our humble abode.”
“Papa!” Her resentment at being the target of his jest narrowed her eyes as her hands stilled next to her plate.
