“But –“
“Now, child.” His tone was firm.
She rose and went to him.
“Sit beside me, Mary.”
She obeyed. “Papa, there is a sprig –“
He spoke softly. “I put it there, Mary.”
“But how could you? It is not at all proper!”
“It is proper enough at Christmas, and I require your silence.”
Oblivious to the conversation between Mr. Bennet and his middle daughter, Elizabeth rose and walked to Mr. Darcy, her eyes wide and trusting. He turned to face her and, taking hershoulders, turned her to face him. Then, not taking his eyes from her face, he reached up and snatched a white berry. He presented it to her on an open palm.
“You said a charade,” she protested.
He waited in silence until she smiled at him, shyly, and then nodded. And then, in full view of everyone in the parlour, he leaned down and claimed a quick, chaste kiss.
***
Neither Elizabeth nor Mr. Darcy slept much that night, each reliving that kiss under the mistletoe, again and again and again…
Chapter Seventy-Two
Will you propose to her, Brother?” Georgiana asked at breakfast the next morning.
“Of course; I had no opportunity to do so yesterday.”
“I will be very happy to have Lizzy as a sister,” Georgiana pronounced.
“As will I!” Mr. Bingley said, happily. “Admit it, Darcy; leasing Netherfield was the best thing that ever happened to any of us.”
“He is right, Darcy,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said, reaching for the teapot.
“Should I purchase Netherfield, think you, Darcy?” Mr. Bingley enquired, as he spread jam on his toast.
“I wish you would not,” his wife said quickly.
“Really, Georgiana? I thought you liked Netherfield!”
“I do, but…”
Ah, Mr. Darcy thought. “But she would prefer to be nearer Pemberley,” he guessed.
“Yes, that is it,” she confessed, softly. “That is where my brother will be, and Richard will be nearby as well. And Jane, and Lizzy, too.” When she turned her face beseechingly to her husband, it would have taken a far more determined man than Mr. Bingley to refuse her.
“Are there any estates for sale in the area, Darcy?” he asked.
“I will look into it directly.”
“Is that all right, Brother?” Georgiana then turned to look at Mr. Darcy.
“It is more than all right, Georgiana,” he replied, his voice suddenly husky. “It is perfect.”
***
