MrDarcy opened his mouth as if to protest. Instead, he said, “There does not appear to be any other choice. Is there some way that I might win your good opinion by degrees, and perhaps someday your love?”
A thousand thoughts collided in Elizabeth’s head. At one time, she had said that MrDarcy was the last man in the world that she could be prevailed upon to marry. Yet now, when she thought of her future self, the man who was consistently by her side was MrDarcy.
There is a chasm between the present and a future in which I am to marry this man.MrDarcy had asked how he might cross that chasm. She did not know how that might be possible, nor was she certain that she wished for him to cross it.But she was equally uncertain that she didnotwish for him to cross it. She said aloud, “Short of releasing us from our current predicament, I cannot think of one.”
“I am afraid that I do not see a way to do that other than by marriage to you. If we do not do this, we would be hazards to those around us for the rest of our lives.”
“If we do marry, sir, I am afraid that we may be hazards to each other even afterwards. You must understand that every woman fears marrying a man who would beat her or force her to do things against her will. The thought of marrying a man I barely know who has magical powers is terrifying.” She fought to hold back tears as she uttered these words, but after a moment, her eyes betrayed her and the battle was lost.
MrDarcy took her hands in his. At once, a faint glow emanated from him, enveloping Elizabeth. She immediately felt safe and calm.
“Miss Bennet, please know that I would never do anything to hurt you, nor would I ever force you to do anything if you did not wish it.”
Elizabeth found her voice, though she trembled. “All couples argue. I do believe that you would never wish to harm me, but I do not know that I can trust you when you are angry, particularly with magic that you cannot control.”
“I have never in my life harmed anyone out of anger. I may speak cross words, but my actions have always remained under good regulation. Even if I were angry, I cannot imagineeverhurting you, magically or otherwise.”
“I must take you at your word, MrDarcy, and I suppose we must marry in order to protect others from this magical affliction that we seem to both have. While you are procuring the licence and having settlement papers drawn up, may I visit with my aunt and uncle Gardiner?”
“This is your uncle who is in trade? In Cheapside?”
“Yes, the same.”
MrDarcy hesitated. “I do not see any harm in it. Thetonwill think that I am madly in love with you to marry so quickly, and the fact that you have relations in trade will be all over the gossip sheets by tomorrow.”
When Elizabeth arrived at her aunt and uncle’s residence, her aunt Gardiner embraced her. “Lizzy, it is so good to see you, though not necessarily under the present circumstances.”
“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, Aunt Gardiner.”
“The security of Britain depends upon your recovering your magic and connecting it with MrDarcy’s as soon as may be. This has become much more urgent in recent days—your uncle will explain when he arrives.”
“How is it that you know about my predicament?”
“Surely you remember that your uncle has worked in the Magical Division under the Secretary at War for many years, and I have assisted him.”
“This is all so confusing! Perhaps I have some sort of amnesia? I have not only… forgotten… my magic, but it is as if I never knew that magic even existed.” Elizabeth burst into tears. “What if I never recover my memory? What if our poor soldiers are slaughtered because I am unable to help them?”
“Do not be upset, Lizzy. Madam Muttersworth is one of the best physiomagickers in all of Britain. If anyone can recover your memory and your magic, it is she.”
“She said that I must marry MrDarcy.”
“Why yes, your marriage has been planned since you began working together. Do you not even remember that?”
“No, I do not. I do notwantto marry MrDarcy. Or at least I am not sure whether I do. Oh, Aunt, I do not know what I am to do! I suppose that I must marry MrDarcy. Perhaps if I am lucky, I shall grow to like, and possibly even love him.”
“Not only must you marry MrDarcy, but you must lie with him. You must let him come to you, for the act of coupling with intent will bind your magic to one another, entwining it and making it tenfold more powerful. The very survival of Britain depends upon your doing this, but you will also find that your happiness and contentment depend upon it just as much.”
“Aunt, the thought of subjecting myself to such an act terrifies me!”
“It is not like that, Lizzy. The physical act is but a small part. When you join with one another, your love and desire will grow with each day, and before you know it, you will no longer know where your body ends and your heart begins. It is one of the most beautiful acts in all the world.”
At her aunt’s words, Elizabeth’s magic stirred. It permeated as warmth, emanating from her heart and suffusing her entire body. Even her most intimate place was not spared, as thoughts of the tall, handsome, enigmatic man entered her mind and refused to leave.It is as if my magic and my body have accepted MrDarcy’s proposal, but my mind refuses to follow!
“I know of women who do not love their husbands,” Elizabeth said. “Their marriage is one of fear and domination. What if my marriage is like theirs?”
“It shall not be. Remember that I grew up in Lambton, not five miles from Pemberley. Whilst I was not of a station to be acquainted with the family, the love that old MrDarcy and his wife shared was well known, and their children grew up in a household filled with their love. The Darcys were everything kind and gentle, and they brought out the best in everyone around them. I should expect your MrDarcy to be the most loving of husbands, and that as his wife, you will be loved, cherished, and cared for.”
“I am still frightened, but if you believe that MrDarcy will be a kind and affectionate husband, I shall be brave.”
