“I believe I am with child, and I would far rather await my confinement among those who love me. I shall claim morning sickness and return home to benefit from my mother’s care.”
“That is a highly unusual course to pursue, Mary,” Anne said.
“I may as well make use of Longbourn. Goodness knows I have paid dearly enough for it. My child shall inherit the estate. I have decided the baby will be born there, and if Mr. Collins does not alter his ways, the two of us shall remain there for the rest of our lives.”
Silence fell among the women while they considered her words.
At length, Georgiana asked, “I thought a husband might compel his wife to remain with him.”
Anne said, “Under the law, he can, but I am certain Richard would persuade him that if he forces Mary to reside with him against her wishes, he shall lose his position as rector of the Hunsford parish.”
After a little reflection, she added, “He is an excellent rector. The parishioners esteem him highly. His sermons are interesting and not overlong. Church attendance has increased considerably under his guidance. And with others, he behaves very differently than he does with you, Mary.”
“Yes,” Mary replied. She blinked to fight back the tears threatening to spill over. “I have observed the difference myself, particularly when he is in company here at Rosings. He presents himself as respectful and humble, but with me, he is vastly different.”
“But now you carry his child,” Anne said. “And if the baby proves a son, perhaps he may alter his behavior.”
“That may be so,” Mary answered. “We shall see. If he changes, I shall return.”
That evening after dinner, Sir Gareth Beaumont led Jane out of the dining room. He inclined his head and asked, “Will you join me in the yellow salon for not more than ten minutes, ma’am?”
Jane smiled at the man. “Yes, sir. Of course.”
Once inside, he lowered himself onto one knee before her.
“Miss Bennet, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her eyes were bright, and she said, laughing, “Yes, sir. I will marry you.”
He rose to his feet, drew her into his arms, and kissed her. She slipped her arms about his neck and leaned into him.
After a few precious moments, he drew back and said, “Jane, you have made me very happy.”
She wiped a tear and sniffed. “Sir, you have made me the happiest woman in all England.”
Laughing, he kissed her deeply, passionately. “I am utterly intoxicated by your charms, my love.”
Then he straightened and said, “I shall ride to London tomorrow and procure a marriage license. Let us marry at the same time as your sister and Darcy. Your father shall already be here and may witness both ceremonies.”
“I would love that above all things,” she said.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “We ought not linger here any longer lest I commit an impropriety. Come. Let us tell the others.”
Back in the drawing room, Sir Gareth announced their engagement.
Everyone rose and crowded around the couple, offering embraces and kisses. Richard called for champagne, and they drank to the happiness of the newly betrothed pair.
Sir Gareth remained another hour before excusing himself, explaining that he intended to depart early the following morning.
Before leaving, he turned to his host.
“Is there anything I may deliver for you, Richard?”
“No. I dispatched an express today after we discovered the cache. Darcy shall return tomorrow or the day after. I believe we have done all that lies within our power. The rest belongs to the excisemen.”
Sir Gareth glanced toward Anne. “Your wife bears her mother’s illness remarkably well.”
“Yes. She has come to understand its inevitability. Now she wishes only that her mother may suffer no longer.”
