Page 85
“Yes. Do you know of her?”
The colour returned to Darcy’s cheeks but he winced as well.
“She is my aunt.”
Of all the reactions he expected Elizabeth laughing was not at the top of the list.
“I am guessing she will not be invited to the wedding?”
“How can you be so calm. In fact, you are not even calm, you are teasing me.”
“Anyone that the Rev Collins venerates as much as your aunt, she must be a society madam of the worst sort. Exactly the kind of matchmaking mama that you have spent years avoiding.”
The wince turned to a grimace.
“She has a daughter.”
Once again Elizabeth laughed.
“My aunt claims that there is a childhood engagement between myself and my cousin.”
Rather than look horrified Elizabeth merely reached over and took his hand.
“You are a good man Mr. Darcy. You asked me to marry you this morning, were you already engaged?”
“Of course not.”
“Good, then the matter is settled.”
“You do not care?”
“Mr. Darcy, you have explained how you were a prize on the marriage mart for years, far too many years. There have been all manner of attempts at compromise and this sounds like yet another example. I am a country nobody, I know that and you know that. I am not going to pretend to be something that I am not. On a scale of one to ten, how disappointed are all these mamas and their unmarried daughters going to be when they find out you are married. And to a nobody like me.”
Darcy had to smile.
“At least 14, maybe higher.”
“I have won the prize, why should I care? I am not marrying you for money or position, nice though these things are. I am marrying you because you have made me love you, despite our beginning.”
She stopped and looked at him.
“Are you going to vow to love, honour and protect me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then who cares about others. I have you to protect me.”
Darcy was treated to a radiant smile. Elizabeth Bennet was utterly adorable.
