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His face lit up and it was the happiest I had ever seen him. He took up my hand and wrapped it about his arm, resting his over mine.
“You have made me very happy, Miss Bennet,” he whispered. His breath ghosted across my cheek and I felt gooseflesh spring up on my neck.
“Let us see how it goes, Mr. Darcy. It is only a few calls.” I gave him a teasing look and he smiled brightly back at me.
“We shall see, Miss Bennet. We shall see.”
Mr. Darcy proved to be a devoted suitor. Later that afternoon, a bouquet of hothouse flowers addressed to me arrived at my aunt’s. The card attached read,
Miss Bennet,
I am very pleased with your answer today. I will call in the morning and we shall see if I can please you half as well.
Yours,
FD
I did not like to admit it, but I was very pleased by the note and the flowers. I fanned myself with the card, then noticed my aunt choking down a laugh on the other side of the room. I tucked it into my pocket and went back to my book.
His call the next day was delightful, and my aunt did not even remain with us. She had one of the maids sit in the corner and we enjoyed a pleasant half hour on our own.
The following day was more of the same. We had the dinner at his cousin’s that evening and I wished for more information.
“Will it be a large party?”
“I believe it is only family.”
“Oh?”
“Hartley is not fond of large parties.”
“You are not either, I think,” I added.
He smiled. “No, I am not.”
“So it will be your cousin and his wife,” I prompted him.
“Yes, Hartley and his wife, my cousins Colonel Fitzwilliam and his younger brother Harold—he is a barrister here in Town, Lord and Lady Matlock, myself, and you and your aunt, of course.”
“I see.” It truly was a family party, and I could not help but think it was designed for everyone to take my measure.
Mr. Darcy took up my hand. “Do not worry, my dear. They will love you, I’m certain.”
I raised a brow. “Certain, are you?”
He loved it when I teased him, something that made me more than a little happy.
“I am certain. You charm everywhere you go, as you well know.”
I squeezed his hand in return, my smile warm.
“I would not throw you to the wolves. I would never do such a thing.”
I had the urge to lean across and kiss his cheek, and before I could think to stop myself, I had done so. He looked at me with a dazed expression, his eyes unfocused.
Before he could say anything, I rose from the sofa. “Thank you for calling, Mr. Darcy. It was lovely to see you. I shall see you at dinner tonight.”
He rose automatically, bowed over my hand, and took his leave without a word. I could only smile and laugh to myself. Who knew a tiny kiss would fell such a man?
