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“From the moment you bestowed this upon me, I felt myself to be as solemnly engaged to you as if the strictest legal covenant had bound us to each other.”

Elizabeth stepped closer and captured the locket in her hand. A lock of her own hair was bound with gold thread and encased inside. She read the inscription on the other side. “A lasting love affair.” How sweet the sound. She felt the colour spread over her body. Even during the earliest days of their acquaintance, he was intent upon loving her.

Darcy said, “Do you remember our first kiss?”

Elizabeth said nothing.

“I shall always remember our first kiss, and I am rather certain the same goes for you. However, in case I am mistaken, in case you do not recall our first kiss as clearly as if it were this morning, I would like to remind you.” Darcy glided his fingers along her chin. “May I?”

The look in her eyes was all the encouragement he needed. He claimed her lips. Her soft moan recalled him to their surroundings, and he ceased. Still, he did not relinquish his touch upon her face. He gazed into her eyes and smiled. “I knew I was in trouble the first time I laid eyes on you. Your manner of walk, the liveliness of your mind—I have never been as bewitched by any woman as I am by you. I adore you. I love you. Marry me, Elizabeth.”

“Marry you, Mr. Darcy?”

“Please. Be my wife, and come live with me at Pemberley.” In case she was prepared to be stubborn, Darcy lowered himself on bended knee.

“Mr. Darcy, what are you doing? Please return to your feet at once before someone happens upon us.”

“I intend to remain in this attitude until you say yes.”

“Yes, I will marry you. Does that make you happy?”

“Indeed, you have made me the happiest man in the world.”

Darcy stood. He moved his hands along either side of her long, slender neckline, leaned in, and kissed her upon her lips … lightly at first and then slowly coaxed them apart. Kissing the woman he loved like this took his breath away and filled his body with longing. Wanting more than their situation afforded, he slowly ceased. Pulling away, he smoothed his thumb over Elizabeth’s sweet puckered lips.

He captured her hand in his. “Come with me. I should like very much to introduce you to my companion.”

“There is no need to do that, sir. I am quite satisfied not knowing any of your other female admirers.”

“But you will want to meet this particular admirer, for she is to be your sister.”

“Mr. Darcy! How dare you allow me to go on as I did earlier?”

“Pray you will forgive me, but I have never seen you show signs of jealousy. I rather enjoyed the prospect.”

“Indeed, I was jealous ... and rather foolish. Can you forgive me?”

He brushed a kiss atop her knuckles. “Always, my love—always.”

Darcy and Elizabeth found his sister inside the house, sitting with an elderly woman, no doubt her companion, Mrs. Annesley. The young lady did not look nearly as animated as she had earlier. She sprang from her seat and headed her brother’s way when she espied him entering the room. From her talks with Mr. Darcy about his younger sister, Elizabeth knew she was little more than sixteen. Her figure was formed, giving Elizabeth the earlier impression of her being older. Elizabeth considered this a sufficient excuse for not realising whom the young woman was earlier. She was less handsome than her brother, but upon closer inspection, Elizabeth discerned the similarities in the siblings’ countenances.

“Georgiana, meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet, this is my sister.”

Georgiana, whose manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle, curtsied. “Miss Bennet, it is such a pleasure finally to meet you. My brother speaks very highly of you.”

“Miss Darcy, the pleasure is all mine. Your brother has told me so much about you. He says you are a very accomplished pianist. I hope to enjoy the honour of hearing you play.”

“I should like that very much.”

Wanting to share the happy occasion with his sister, Darcy looked at Elizabeth and silently begged the question. Elizabeth nodded.

Darcy said, “I have news that I trust will please you, Georgiana. You and Miss Bennet shall have ample opportunity to enjoy performing on the pianoforte—at Pemberley.”

Georgiana arched her brow and looked at both Elizabeth and Darcy. “Are you planning to visit Pemberley, Miss Bennet? How wonderful!”

“Indeed, Miss Bennet will be travelling with us to Derbyshire as soon as certain arrangements can be made; however, she will not be travelling as Miss Bennet, but as Mrs. Darcy.”

Georgiana’s mouth gaped.