Page 112 of Bitterness of Spirit

The shock was so complete that it left them speechless. They looked at Darcy, then at Elizabeth, and then at Darcy again.

Anne was the first to recover. “Congratulations to you both! This is wonderful indeed. I trust you will be very happy together.”

“Congratulations,” Georgiana whispered, embracing her brother shyly. “I want nothing but to see you happy, brother.” Then she turned to Elizabeth hesitantly. “Miss Bennet, welcome to the family.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth answered nervously. “I hoped and prayed that both of you would approve. I know it is very sudden and likely comes as a complete surprise.”

“To be honest, I suspected for some time that it might happen. I was surprised by the news only because I knew Darcy had just returned,” Anne declared.

“I have intended to propose to Miss Bennet for quite a while. I just missed the proper time,” Darcy explained. “I am aware it will be a surprise for many, but for many months I have been convinced that Miss Bennet is my perfect match.”

Darcy ordered more hot tea and coffee, and they continued to speak, gradually becoming comfortable together. Georgiana was the most restrained, glancing at Elizabeth as if trying to know her better.

Half an hour later, Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared, and he was quickly informed of the news. His astonishment was complete, as was his joy.

“Upon my word, I have noticed Darcy’s inclination for some time, but I did not expect it to happen so soon. Well, congratulations, cousin. You are a man of few words but strong actions. This is quite wonderful!”

He then looked at Anne, who blushed.

Darcy noticed and smiled. “I apologize, but I took the liberty of telling Elizabeth your secret. She was concerned that the news of our engagement would hurt Anne, and I wished to put her at ease.”

Anne smiled. “Do not worry; it is time for us to make the announcement anyway. Miss Bennet, thank you for your considerate care. I was indeed in love with my cousin—but with the other one.”

The colonel sat by her side and took her hand. “Well, well—this is a shock that will surely shatter Aunt Catherine. Twice! Now I am worried about how to tell her.”

“I am worried too. And I would not want to write to her; I believe she deserves to be informed directly.”

“I know she will be at Matlock Manor next month. Perhaps that will be a good time,” the colonel offered.

“Elizabeth and I shall be married in two weeks—three at the most. I have written to Mr. Bennet and shall send an express later. I shall apply for a common license as I do not want to travel to London again.”

“So soon?” Georgiana asked.

“Two weeks?” the colonel repeated, glancing at Anne.

“Yes,” Darcy responded to both. “There is no reason to wait longer.”

“Miss Darcy, would you prefer we wait?” Elizabeth asked the girl, who appeared troubled by the news. Georgiana startled, glanced at her brother, and then at Elizabeth.

“No…it is not for me to decide. It is just…”

Elizabeth took her hands gently. “Miss Darcy, it is for you to decide too. I want only to make Mr. Darcy happy, and while we are both eager to be married soon, I know his felicity would not be complete if his sister were displeased. Therefore, we should choose a date that would be agreeable to us all.”

Georgiana was tearful and averted her eyes as she struggled to reply. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. I also want only to see my brother happy. I believe I just need some time to become accustomed to this change. Pemberley has been my home until now and…”

Darcy sat by his sister and Elizabeth and took their joined hands in his.

“Dearest, what silliness is crossing your mind? Pemberley is your home and always will be. Surely, you do not imagine that will ever change!”

Elizabeth opened her eyes in disbelief. “Oh dear Lord, you thought you might have to leave Pemberley once we marry?”

Georgiana nodded, and both Darcy and Elizabeth embraced her at the once to comfort her as she began to sob. Anne and the colonel quietly left, allowing the three some privacy to solve their differences within the family.

All three of them needed a little time to dissipate the uneasiness. Gradually, Georgiana began to calm herself and was able to congratulate the betrothed couple with a light heart. She apologised for acting so silly and begged Elizabeth to forgive her for her reluctance.

“I perfectly understand you,” Elizabeth said, attempting to dissipate her distress. “If I were you, I would certainly be suspicious of any woman who might try to steal such a perfect brother from me.”

Georgiana was puzzled and astonished by such a tease, but Darcy laughed and kissed Elizabeth’s hand.