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“Of course, that's fine. Jane's really looking forward to the weekend, so she'll be happy doing anything.”
“And how is Jane?”
“She’s great. In fact, I wanted to tell you something—something you absolutelycannotshare with anyone, especially Lizzy.” He paused. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
Will's eyes widened. “You'rewhat?”
Charles rose from the chair. “I'm proposing to Jane. This weekend. Tomorrow night. I'm going to ask her to be my wife.” He paced in front of Will's desk and then walked to the windows that offered a spectacular view of the Financial District.
“What–what brought this on? You've only been seeing her for what, four months?”
Charles turned to Will with a wide smile. “Five.Fivemonths of unparalleled bliss.”
“Okay, five blissful months, but—”
“Unparalleled bliss, Darcy.Unparalleled.”
Will rolled his eyes. “Sorry, five months ofunparalleledbliss. What does that even mean?”
Charles laughed. “It means that I've never felt this way before, ever, and I don't want to wait any more. I want Jane to be my wife. As soon as possible.”
Charles began striding around the office again, all nervous energy, and Will suppressed a grin.
“Can you sit down, please? You're like a puppy on Red Bull.”
Charles sat in the chair again and leaned forward, eyes wide with excitement.
“Are you sure you've been together long enough?” Will asked. “I mean, five months of unparalleled bliss isn't very long when you think about it. Five months is nothing, really.”
“I know it hasn't been long. We've got plenty of time, we’ve got the rest of our lives, what's the rush, yada yada yada… I've heard it all.”
“From whom?”
“Fromme! I actually tried to talk myself out of it, but then I thought, why am I trying to do that? I know I have my whole life in front of me, I know I've got plenty of time, but why wait? Why not start the rest of my lifenow, with Jane? Right?”
Will didn't know what to say. “It’s just…it’s a little impulsive. Do you know how Jane feels? Are you sure she's ready for this?”
Charles shrugged. “She loves me, I know that, and she's happy. I'm hoping that's enough. We're together all the time, anyway. She practically lives with me, and if she doesn't stay at my place for some reason, I stay at hers. Why not make it official?”
“It just seems sudden. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you've found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. I just wonder if you’re rushing it.”
Charles visibly deflated, and Will felt a surge of guilt.
“I'm not trying to discourage you,” Will said quietly. “I just want you to be sure, that's all. About yourself, and about Jane.”
“Do you doubt her feelings for me?”
“No. Not at all.” Will paused and took in his friend’s crestfallen expression. “You know what? Forget everything I just said. I shouldn’t be questioning you.” He rose and extended his hand across his desk. “Congratulations, Charles. I’m happy for you.”
Charles smiled and shook Will's hand. “Don't congratulate me yet. She still has to say yes.”
* * *
The bus rideto Boston passed quickly. Elizabeth and Georgiana chatted the entire way—mostly about Matt. When Elizabeth asked Georgiana about going out tonight, Georgiana said she would rather stay in. Elizabeth understood, and she texted Will to let him know so he could contact Charles.
They also talked about the benefit, which prompted Georgiana to remember an earlier conversation with Will about the seating arrangements.
“What's going on with him and Caroline?”
