“I do, and I cannot say that you are wrong.”
“If I were a fortune hunter, if I did not wish to marry for love, I would leap at the chance to marry him, but I am not and I will not.” She stood straight, head held high. The Colonel understood how this young woman had so captivated his elusive cousin.
***
Back in the parlour, Mrs. Bennet invited the Colonel to stay for dinner. She apologised for the lack of beef, as she had not known that there would be a guest, but added that she was certain that her Cook’s skill would make up for that lack.
“I would be delighted to join the family for dinner, Mrs. Bennet, and I thank you for your kindness to me.” In addition to the welcome opportunity to spend more time with Miss Bennet, the Colonel thought it high time that he met the lady’s father.
***
At the dinner table, Mr. Bennet learnt of the Colonel’s intention of quitting the army in order to take up residence at Chestnut Creek, an estate that had recently been gifted to him by his cousin Darcy.
“Shall you like not being in the army?” Lydia asked. “I cannot imagine being privileged to wear a red coat and then discarding it for farmer’s wear!” Her disgust was clear.
“The military is an excellent way to serve king and country, Miss Lydia,” was his response. “But one may also serve by beinga generous and fair landowner. England’s true strength lies not in her army or her navy, but in the good character of her people.”
Everyone at the table seemed much struck by this observation.
“Your estate shall need a mistress,” Mrs. Bennet soon observed, slyly.
“And I hope it shall have one, as soon as may be,” was the heartening response.
After dinner, Mr. Bennet and the Colonel sat alone at the table, Mr. Collins having been invited again to dinner at Lucas Lodge.
The Colonel accepted a small glass of brandy so that his host was not forced to drink alone. He took a deep breath. “Mr. Bennet, I would like your permission to ask Miss Bennet to marry me. I know I should first request a courtship, but I do not think she and I need more time to learn about one another.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. He had been expecting this, of course, as Mrs. Bennet had been at great pains to tell him about the Colonel’s attentions to their eldest daughter. “Tell me about yourself and your family,” he ordered.
As the Colonel spoke, Mr. Bennet observed him closely. He was a good man from an excellent family, of that there was no doubt. He was not book-learned, as was Mr. Darcy, but then again Jane would be uncomfortable with too much book-learning. The Colonel’s strength of character was more important; his gentle eldest daughter would feel safe with such a husband.
Mr. Bennet asked, “Do you love her?”
“I do, very much.”
“And this Chestnut Creek can support her? For she has very little dowry, only her share of the four thousand pounds Mrs. Bennet brought into the marriage.”
“Chestnut Creek brings in about three thousand pounds a year; I have no doubts as to my ability to support her and any children we may be granted.”
“Three thousand?! Very well, then. Have you spoken to her yet?”
“I have not, though I think my intentions have been clear enough.”
Mr. Bennet sighed and rose from his chair. “Come with me, then.”
The two men walked into the drawing room together. “Jane,” Mr. Bennet began. “Jane, I believe this young man would like a private interview with you. You may use my study, but the door is to remain open. You have fifteen minutes.”
Predictably, Mrs. Bennet squealed, Jane blushed, Lizzy laughed aloud with joy, and the three younger girls hardly reacted at all.
***
In the study, the Colonel ushered his lady to a chair and knelt at her feet. “Miss Bennet, your father has given his permission for me to ask for your hand in marriage. I hope – nay, I believe – that your feelings toward me are favorable. I will make it my life’s mission to make you happy every day, every moment of your life. Would you do me the immense honour of consenting to be my wife?“
Jane Bennet immediately replied, “Yes, Colonel. I would be happy beyond words to marry you!”
He jumped to his feet and pulled her up from her chair. He kissed her, gently at first, a mere brushing of the lips; then with a moan, he deepened the kiss. After some minutes so employed, he broke the kiss, whispering “You are so lovely,” and resting his forehead on hers. Then he lifted his head, pulled a small fabric-covered box from his pocket and gave it to her. Jane opened the box, revealing a lovely gold ring, set with sapphires.
“My mother gave me this to present to you,” he said. “It is a Matlock family heirloom.”
