“Anne has always believed she would never marry. She had no desire to marry me—partly just to circumvent her mother.” He laughed a little at that thought. “While we rarely interact in front of her mother, Anne and I are quite friendly, and Georgiana has facilitated several conversations through her letters.”
“I am glad to hear that,” Elizabeth admitted.
“I was hoping to announce our engagement at dinner tonight, Elizabeth. What do you think? I realise we do not yet have your father’s blessing, but we do have your uncle’s, and you are of age.” Darcy hesitated briefly. “But if you would prefer to wait, we can.”
“Let us talk to my uncle and see what he thinks. I also would like to announce it—to warn Miss Bingley off, if nothing else.” She grinned at him as she said the last. “Of course, she will not be at dinner tonight to hear the announcement.”
They walked toward the Gardiners and noticed that Bingley and Georgiana had also joined them. Bingley announced to the group, “The Hursts will be dining in their rooms tonight as well. I spoke with Caroline earlier, and all three of them will leave for Scarborough in the morning. The Hursts will be leaving Caroline with our aunt and continuing to his family’s estate for the rest of the summer.”
Then, turning to Darcy, he said softly. “I will leave sooner than planned as well, Darcy. I will return to Netherfield Monday when my carriage returns and perhaps help Miss Bennet with her excuse to go to London.”
Darcy nodded his understanding. Then Bingley turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, Darcy told me that he was wrong in November about how Miss Bennet felt—do you think that if I were to go there now, she would receive me?”
Elizabeth smiled at him. “Yes, I think Jane would be pleased to see you again.” Bingley beamed back at her and stepped away to speak to the Gardiners.
She looked up at Darcy and smiled at him. “Well, I guess everyone in this room knows our news, William.”
“It seems they are, my dear,” he replied, smiling down at her before taking her hand in his and kissing it lightly before setting it on his arm and leading her to a settee. The couple sat down, and the conversation turned more general.
“William,” Georgiana said as her brother sat. “What would you say to a picnic in a day or two? We could all ride to that lovely grove we found a year or two ago.”
“One small problem with that idea, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth interjected before he could reply. “My aunt and I do not ride.”
“At all?” Darcy asked, surprise evident on his face.
“I attempted to learn as a child, but when I fell from the horse once, my father never allowed me to try again. I have never learned.” Elizabeth said.
“Horses terrify me,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “I am fine in a carriage, but I have never desired to learn to ride.”
“A pony cart could make the trip if that would be acceptable,” Darcy offered. “But, Elizabeth, would you allow me to teach you to ride? There is much of the estate that is only accessible by horse, and I think you would enjoy the freedom it offers.”
“I, I do not have a riding habit,” she said a bit sadly.
“I think I have one that could fit you if you would like to try it,” Georgiana offered. “And I have a gentle mare that I think you would enjoy riding.”
“Perhaps, tomorrow, you can try it on and see if any alterations are needed, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner suggested. “Miss Darcy, can your maid make minor adjustments as needed?”
“Yes, Mrs. Gardiner,” Georgiana answered.
“Well, then we will take care of that in the morning and perhaps in the afternoon, Lizzy; you can have your first lesson,” Mrs. Gardiner organised.
“That sounds lovely, Aunt,” Elizabeth said. “Would that work for you, William?”
“Yes, I have some business to tend to in the morning, but I will ensure my afternoon is free for your lesson,” he replied.
Dinner was announced then, and the group entered the dining room. Darcy escorted Elizabeth and sat her next to him onhis right. Bingley escorted Georgiana to Darcy’s left and took the seat beside him. Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle were seated beside her. The group chatted amiably and continued to discuss some ideas for activities over the next several days. While the Gardiners had plans to visit a few of Mrs. Gardiner’s friends and family in the area, the rest of the group discussed visiting a few of the peaks in the area, and Georgiana suggested a shopping trip into Lambton in a day or two. The gentlemen discussed sport, with Gardiner revisiting the idea of fishing one afternoon as well.
When dessert was served, Mrs. Reynolds brought in a chilled bottle of champagne and glasses. Mr. Darcy spoke. “All of you here know our news, but I asked Mrs. Reynolds to bring in a bottle of champagne tonight so we may celebrate together.” The bottle was opened, and glasses poured, even to Georgiana, with just a splash in her glass.
Darcy stood, ready to toast to his fiancé when the door opened. “What are we celebrating?” Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam asked loudly, glancing around at the assembled guests and raising his brow at his cousin when he recognised the woman to Darcy’s right.
Darcy grinned. “Richard, not that you are unwelcome, but what brings you to my door? I thought you were at Whitehall for the duration.”
“A brief leave to take care of some business for father at Matlock. I knew you were expected here and thought to drop in for a meal, for which I am obviously late. But you were about to make a toast, dear cousin. What news?”
At this, Richard was handed a glass of champagne by a footman.
“I was about to offer a toast to the woman who has made me incredibly happy by agreeing to be my bride. To Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” Darcy said, raising his glass.
