The word spread like lightning throughout the house; Lady Anne was back, and both she and the new Mrs. Darcy were smiling at one another! The servants whispered about how this might have come about, but on one thing they were all agreed: it was a very good thing for everyone involved. They liked the new Mrs. Darcy very well, but she was still something of an unknown, while Lady Anne had been at Pemberley for quite a long while.
***
Mary was glad that the trip had gone so well. The two days of travel from Cresston Hall back to Pemberley had served to deepen the new understanding between Lady Anne and Elizabeth, and it seemed that a true affection had blossomed, based on their mutual desire that Pemberley prosper. Mary felt she could rather pat herself on the back for her part in this.
She had rather surprised herself when she had admitted to the Colonel that she had missed him, but she did not regret her words. She had begun to believe that it would not be so dreadful to be married to such a good man, as he was unlikely to mistreat a wife.
Though Mr. Darcy appeared quite reluctant to leave his wife’s side, Mary had managed a quiet word with him and had thanked him, with tears in her eyes, for his kindness in providing her with so substantial a dowry. He had looked quite embarrassed, and begged her to think nothing of it, for who would not do the same for a beloved sister?
***
Mr. Darcy had determined that he would request a full accounting of what had happened at Cresston Hall as soon as he and Elizabeth were alone, but once they were together in her bed, he decided that it could wait.
Chapter Seventy-Eight
The next day, Elizabeth and her husband went down to breakfast and found Lady Anne waiting for them.
“I trust you slept well?” Lady Anne asked.
“Thank you, Mother, we did,” Elizabeth replied. “I hoped today we might make definite plans for winter entertainments, if you are not too weary from our travels.” The subject had been much canvassed on the trip from Cresston Hall, but it was time now to set things in motion.
“I am eager to get started,” Lady Anne replied. “We agreed on a Harvest Dance for the tenants and a Christmas Ball for neighbours and family. Traditionally, the Harvest Dance was held at Michaelmas, but that day has passed.”
“We will resume that tradition next year; for this year, might we not just select a date? Surely it need not be associated with a holiday?” Elizabeth asked.
Lady Anne replied, “The servants and tenants will appreciate a dance, accompanied by a feast, no matter the date!”
They agreed on the first of December, as they would need at least two weeks to plan the event, purchase the foodstuffs, and have the food prepared.
Lady Anne said, “I have notes from the last Harvest Dance, which I am sorry to say was before my Mr. Darcy passed on. I had not the heart for it since then.” There was a moment’s silence, which Lady Anne herself broke, saying, “Which is why it is good that there is fresh, energetic young blood at the helm, ready to breathe new life into the old traditions.”
Elizabeth said, gratefully, “That was very kind, Mother, and I thank you for it. Might we study your notes together after we break our fasts? And the Christmas Ball! That will require a good deal of planning as well!”
Mr. Darcy was ignored as the two ladies discussed menus, decorations, guests and gowns. But no matter – his heart was full.
***
That afternoon, the Colonel found Mary in the library, curled up in a chair with a book, feet tucked under her. His heart was pounding and his palms were sweating; the last time he had been this nervous was on the battlefield!
She looked up. “Good morning, Colonel.”
Was that her usual smile? No, surely not; there was a little something more in it, something warmer. Was there not?
“I fear I am disturbing your reading, Miss Bennet.”
“You are, of course; but it does not mean the disturbance is unwelcome.”
He must do it now, before he lost his nerve! He marched to her chair, knelt before her and said, “Miss Bennet, I have known for many weeks now that I love you most deeply. You are lovely, you are wise, you are intelligent, you are more than I ever dreamed a woman could be! I swear to you that we will be partners in every way, I will consult with you on every decision! Will you, please –“ he gulped here. “Will you please, please marry me?”
“I will,” she said, simply, smiling at him.
“You will?” His tone was disbelieving.
“I will, yes.”
“Oh, Miss Bennet!” He rose, she rose, and he caught her up in his arms.
Half an hour later, the Colonel recalled that he really should have gotten Darcy’s permission to ask for his Mary’s hand in marriage. He thought it best not to mention his oversight to his betrothed, as she was likely to take a dim view of the idea that her brother-in-law had the right to approve or disapprove of a marriage proposal.
