Page 24 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Chapter 12: Betrothed

Six weeks passed in the company of Mr. Wickham. Georgiana was charmed by his easy manner as he escorted the ladies to assemblies and concerts. He also proved an enthusiastic naturalist as they explored the coastal villages and the natural beauties of the surrounding countryside.

One evening in late August, Georgiana sat at the pianoforte in their leased residence when Mr. Wickham called. They settled near the hearth, and Mrs. Younge rang for the tea tray. They chatted as comfortable friends until Mrs. Younge said, “Mr. Wickham, if you have no other engagement this evening, would you join us for dinner?”

“I am free, ma'am. It would be my pleasure.”

She addressed Georgiana. “Pray excuse me for a few minutes. I shall speak with Cook. I must make a slight alteration to the menu so there will be sufficient for the three of us.”

After Mrs. Younge left the room, Mr. Wickham crossed to the fireplace and faced Georgiana.

“Miss Darcy, the past month in your company has been the happiest of my life. If I have understood you correctly, I believe you have found some happiness in my company as well.”

He paused.

Georgiana lowered her eyes. “I have, sir.”

He dropped to one knee.

“My dear Miss Darcy, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”

Georgiana felt gratified and flattered that such a fine, well-mannered gentleman should take an interest in her. She was tall and very slender, with little figure to speak of. Though her brother was exceedingly handsome, she considered herself quite plain. Her face was too long and thin, her nose was freckled, and her mouth was too large for her features. That he should admire her seemed almost beyond belief. She had grown very fond of him and imagined love would follow once they married and spent their lives together.

Her brows creased. Fitzwilliam must be sent for. She had no wish to marry without her brother beside her to share in her happiness.

Mr. Wickham's expression tightened as her silence lengthened.

“Miss Darcy? You have not answered me. Have I spoken too soon? I believed you had also formed an attachment to me.”

His words drew her from her thoughts.

“Sir, I am only surprised. I had no notion you regarded me in that way. I am deeply flattered and gratified. You are a most amiable gentleman, and I have greatly enjoyed your company.”

“Does this mean you accept my hand, ma'am?”

Laughing, she said, “Yes, sir, I believe it does. I believe I could be very happy as your wife.”

He rose. “I am the happiest man in all England, my dear.”

He took her hand and bowed over it. “I shall make the arrangements for us to marry tomorrow so that we may begin our lives together.”

She withdrew her hand.

“Tomorrow? Sir, I wish to send for my brother. I want him to share this happy occasion with me, and I should like to introduce you to him.”

He laughed joyfully. “Yes, I should like to meet all your family, Miss Darcy. Let us marry, and then we can drive to your home together and surprise your brother and your family. Mrs. Younge will accompany us, so you need not feel the least concern.”

When she still hesitated, he continued.

“Miss Darcy, have you ever visited Dover Castle? It is often called the Key to England. From its walls, one may look across the Channel toward France. I shall show you the Norman keep. We can explore the ancient tunnels together, see the cannon overlooking the sea, and admire the magnificent views of the White Cliffs.”

Her expression brightened.

He continued, “And we ought not to leave Kent without seeing Canterbury. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the city.”

Wickham enumerated many of the beauties and wonders to be found in Canterbury, but as he searched her face, he saw that she was not yet completely convinced. He continued.

“And we must not neglect Leeds Castle. It rises from the lake like something from a fairy tale. Nor should we miss Rochester Castle. Its Norman keep remains a most impressive ruin. The three of us can travel through the beauties and wonders of Kent, and at the end of our journey, surprise your brother with our happy news. I am certain your family will arrange a wedding breakfast and spend the day celebrating with us.”