Page 150 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

Mary swallowed and felt a blush heat her cheeks. “Do you know…I wish you could embrace me as well.”

He blinked at her. “By Jupiter.”

A farmer and his rumbling cart approached, forcing them to shift off the lane. Mary went a little ahead, looking forward to see what had become of her sisters. She spied them disappearing through the Longbourn gates. Mary did not want them interfering in this special moment. Their mocking and finger-pointing would ruin her memory of this treasured time.

Mary returned her gaze to Oscar, and saw that he had stepped a little behind her, keeping his distance. Once the farmer passed, Oscar returned to the lane, and they began strolling slowly along.

“I do not have much money, Mary,” Oscar admitted in a cautious voice.

Mary sighed. “I wish I could say I would significantly add to your coffers, but I cannot.”

“Mother said we should not need very much money,” he confessed. Hastily, Oscar added, “I hope you do not mind that I spoke of my hopes to Mother?”

“I am not offended,” Mary promised. She brushed a stray lock of hair away from her cheek. “I like your mother and father exceedingly.”

“Do you think…do you think Mr. Bennet will give his consent for me to address you?” Without waiting for her to respond, he placed the flat of his hand over his chest. “My heart is racing.”

“As is mine,” she whispered, smiling shyly across at him.

“I have dreamed of this moment ever since I returned from school.” Oscar let out a ragged breath. “You were finally grown, and I could think of nothing except you—unless I was with a patient, of course.”

“Of course,” Mary said.

He stopped walking and stared into her eyes. “I love you, Mary. I will confess, now, that I have loved you since my boyhood. There was always something about you that appealed to me—my favorite of all the Bennet sisters.”

“Oh, Oscar,” Mary whispered. “Your words overwhelm me. I love you with all of my heart.”

Oscar blinked and sighed. “If not for the typhus, I would embrace you right in the lane where anyone might see us.”

Mary chuckled. “We must be sensible and set a good example. When may I tell my father to expect you?”

Her love frowned in thought. “If your father is willing to meet me in your gardens, I will come tonight.”

I can scarcely breathe. Dear Lord, help me remain calm when I wish to run through the fields like Lizzy does, laughing and shouting for joy.

“Very well, I will ask him and send you a note if there is a problem. Is eight-of-the-clock a good time for you?”

“It is,” he replied. “If I do not hear from you, I will meet him in the front garden at eight.” Grinning hopefully down at her, he asked, “May I tell my parents of our declaration?”

“You may,” Mary said on a sigh of happiness.

“They will be ecstatic.”

*

Aunty stroked her hand over Jeffry’s back, her gaze unfocussed as she stared across the distance. “Mary and the doctor…everythin’ is set. We don’t need t’worry about her no more.”

Jeffry tsked. “Before Lizzy and Darcy?”

“Aye, but not afore Jane and Bingley,” Aunty said, and she heard the satisfaction in her voice.

“What about Caroline and the colonel?” Jeffry asked.

“An understandin’ is growin’ between them,” Aunty said. “They regained their friendliness on the drive t’pick up Mrs. Inwood.”

“What will Basile do?”

Her voice dropped until it was low and menacing. “He will listen t’me.”