“Elizabeth?”
“Mr. Darcy, you have made me so very happy, sir, that I can scarcely find the words…”
“Do you accept me, Elizabeth?”
“I do, sir. I accept you with all my heart. I will marry you. This week.”
His eyes lit, and he laughed. “You will marry me?”
He rose at once and drew her into his embrace. Bending his head, he brushed her lips lightly with his own and murmured against them, “I love you, darling Elizabeth.”
He held her close and brushed feather-light kisses across her mouth. Then he whispered against her silky skin, “I love you so much.”
They remained silent in each other’s arms, contented simply to hold each other. After a few moments, he straightened.
“Darling, at three o’clock today, I leave for London.”
Her smile faded. “Will you be gone long?”
“No more than two or three days. I must review and sign the marriage settlements before sending them to your father for his approval.” His expression softened. “I believe you are not yet of age, Elizabeth. Is that correct?”
“I shall turn one and twenty next March, sir.”
“Then we must await your father’s consent. I shall send the settlements to him by express. Darling, assure your family they shall be welcome guests at Rosings for the wedding.” He paused. “But, Elizabeth, not if Lady Catherine passes. If I can secure the license and your father’s consent before the week is out, I wish for us to marry as soon as possible. Should my aunt die, we would be obliged to delay the wedding for at least six months.”
“Fitzwilliam, I shall write a letter to my father, a letter of explanation. You may enclose it with the express.”
“Of course.”
She hesitated before continuing, “I mean to ask Papa to come alone. I do not wish for my mother to be present, sir. I have been too ill, and I do not possess the strength to endure both her nerves and a wedding ceremony besides.”
“Of course, darling. I do not wish to overwhelm you. I shall abide by whatever you desire.” His expression softened. “I must go and pack a few things, but I shall return to take my leave of you and collect your letter.”
He bent and kissed her fully upon the mouth with a passion she had not imagined possible.
Then he released her and stepped back. “I love you, Elizabeth.”
The moment was ending, and she wished to prolong it. She moved near once more, slipped her arms about his neck, and leaned against him.
“Fitzwilliam, do not leave me so soon. This has been my dearest wish, to rest within your embrace and receive your kisses.”
He drew her against him, one hand firm at her waist, the other around her shoulders, and held her close. She slipped her arms about his neck and clung to him. He kissed her with a passion that stole her breath. When at last he lifted his head, he brushed his nose against hers, kissed her once again, and then slowly straightened.
“I can scarcely tear myself from your side, darling, yet these matters must be attended to. I am to notify the Board of Customs of the smuggling activity. I wish I could take you with me, but I cannot. Pray, write your father’s direction for me so that I may know where to send the express.”
“Yes, sir. I shall have the letter ready when you leave.”
“Elizabeth, there is one more matter. Considering how gravely ill you have been, I do not suppose you intend to venture far, but I beg you to remain within the gardens until my return.”
“Yes, sir. I shall.”
Before he departed Rosings Park, the newly betrothed couple announced their engagement.
Georgiana threw herself into Elizabeth’s arms.
“You shall be my sister in truth now, Lizzy. I shall belong to a real family again.”
Richard clapped Darcy upon the shoulder, while Anne rose upon her toes and kissed his cheek and wished him every happiness.
