Page 17

“I ought to have sought her out sooner. Now it is too late.”

Jane shook her head. “I wish you would forget this mad notion. I do not believe any sort of potion could have caused Mr. Darcy to fall in love with you.”

“It ought to be impossible, but I cannot be certain. Everything changed after he drank the potion.”

She took hold of my shoulders. “Listen to me. Do not allow this irrational fear to ruin your chance at finding happiness.”

For the sake of appeasing her, I nodded, but the twinge in my chest persisted.

Friday, 29 November

Longbourn

Darcy

I had mentioned Elizabeth to Georgiana in my most recent letter and upon my arrival to town on Wednesday, related my intention to her that the two of them would meet. My sister had displayed a grin whilst I provided a description of Elizabeth, which must have sounded more like a laudation—she could not have misunderstood my particular regard for Elizabeth.

This morning, remembrances of the time Georgiana, Bingley, and I spent at Longbourn House last night filled my head throughout my ride, and more than once I caught myself humming. Although my sister had been taciturn for the first half an hour in Elizabeth’s company, the two had soon engaged in a lively discussion of music and composers before moving on to share their favourite parlour games. To my surprise, Georgiana even exerted herself, with Elizabeth’s subtle encouragement, to join Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia in a game of spillikins. I had never before observed my sister to be so comfortable with new acquaintances.

On the carriage ride back to Netherfield last night, Georgiana had extolled Elizabeth as “the most amiable and charming lady” of her acquaintance. She admitted being taken aback at first by Miss Lydia’s melodramatic antics during their sport—Elizabeth’s youngest sister had whooped after each successful play and moaned whenever she erred. But Georgiana soon grew accustomed to Miss Lydia’s enthusiasm and took amusement from the good-natured teasing between the Bennet sisters throughout the activity.

Within several yards of the ancient oak where Elizabeth had agreed to meet me, I dismounted and let Regal graze on the nearby grass. Soon enough, I spotted her slender figure in a pale green gown, and she came in my direction. When she reached me, my senses heightened and my pulse soared. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Good morning.” She tilted her head to meet my gaze from beneath the brim of her bonnet. “Where shall we walk?”

For a moment, her effortless beauty dazed me. After extracting my sight from her, I surveyed the area. “Well…” I swept my arm to the side. “Shall we take the path through the woods?” We should be less apt to encounter anyone else there, which suited my purpose.

“An excellent choice.” She led the way on the initial, narrow section. I moved abreast of her when the pathway widened. “It was an absolute pleasure to make Miss Darcy’s acquaintance yesterday. I like her very much.”

Her remark inspired my grin. “Georgiana took delight in meeting you and your family. In fact, she did not cease talking about you the entire ride back.”

“Oh dear.” She released a short giggle. “How tedious for you.”

“Not at all. There are few things more gratifying to me than seeing my sister happy.”

She beamed at me, and my steps lightened with the sensation of walking on a cloud.

When we came upon a fallen log, I seized upon the opportunity. “Would you mind taking a seat here?” I gestured to the makeshift bench.

“Very well.”

My cravat seemed to have grown tighter, and my lungs grappled for air. Last night I had composed a litany of potential statements for this occasion, but for the life of me, I could not produce any of them—I ought to have taken my notes with me.

I twisted my signet ring, straightened my spine, and braced my feet in place. “Miss Elizabeth…” I quivered through a long breath, grasping for the best words. “For most of my life, I took for granted that I should one day marry a lady of my social circle, one with a revered name and the best of connexions. I have been introduced to many handsome ladies who fit those criteria, yet none of them made a strong impression upon me. And then I met you.”

Elizabeth sat stock-still, her sight locked upon me.

“You, with your graceful poise, your benevolence, your singular self-confidence, and your magnificent, curious, and astute mind made me take notice. I was struck by the incomparable ease with which you bring joy to others, and I found myself scheming to be near you as much as possible. Yet no amount of time in your company ever felt sufficient.”

Her eyes glistened, and her chest heaved.

“If I had my way, I should never be parted from you from this moment onward. I love you, Elizabeth, most ardently. Will you do me the great honour of consenting to be my wife?” I adjusted my posture, rolling my shoulders back. Had I said enough to do this moment justice?

A tear inched down Elizabeth’s cheek—a happy tear? I dug my handkerchief from my pocket and gave it to her.

She dabbed the cloth to her face. “I thank you for your lovely proposal.” Her throaty lilt spurred my anticipation. “Before I provide my answer, I have an unusual request.”

“You may ask anything of me.”