Page 31
“Without a doubt,” he immediately replied.
“You should not doubt mine, either,” she said. “So…if your business allows it, a wedding before Christmas would be lovely.”
His face immediately brightened, his eyes widened, and warmth softened his handsome figure.
“Thank you,” he whispered, two barely audible words that melted her heart.
“Excellent,” Mr Bennet loudly interjected again. “Now let us return to the others, and you may continue this conversation later. Once the announcement is made and your mother ceases yelling and fainting, you two may return here to complete your plans. Mr Darcy, finish your drink — you will need its strength for the next hour,” he concluded, emptying his glass in one gulp.
All three left the library together, and for the first time, Mr Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm. She took it with full confidence, allowing no room for uncertainty. Before they re-entered the drawing room, they separated again.
The rest of the evening was such a mix of emotions and a cacophony of exclamations that Elizabeth felt as if she were on a whirligig. Her mother did not faint, though her pallor and bewildered countenance warned that she might. Kitty, Lydia, and Mary were too shocked for words; Jane and Mr Bingley bore the surprise with confusion and disbelief.
Lady Cecilia simply asked Elizabeth to call her by her given name. It was enough proof of her support and acceptance.
After the last course was served, she returned with Mr Darcy to the library to discuss the final details, causing Mrs Bennet to smile and wink at her.
Mr Darcy shared his plans of travelling to London with his cousins, applying for a common licence, informing his sister and the rest of his family, and returning for the ball, where he intended to dance at least two sets with her — the first and the last.
Elizabeth listened to him, observing the delight on his handsome face as he spoke enthusiastically, enjoying his closeness without any restraint, her heart pounding with overwhelming joy.
“There is only one more important thing I wished to tell you, but I could not in your father’s presence,” Mr Darcy said.
“Please do so.”
“When we discussed our wedding, I noticed and understood your reluctance. I beg you to not fret about being forced into…anything. You will decide each step of our marriage. Our chambers will be close, separated by a door, but I shall never open that door until you allow me to.”
“Oh…” she whispered as she understood his meaning. With all the haste, all the distress, she had not even thought of that aspect until that very moment. Her face and neck burned, and she replied quietly, “Thank you, sir.”
“Still, I might force — or at least beg you,” he added with a smile, “to call me by my given name, and I shall take the same liberty, if you approve of it.”
“It would be awkward if we did otherwise, Mr Darcy,” she teased him. “If only I knew your given name.”
“It is Fitzwilliam. The name of my mother’s family.”
“Fitzwilliam… An impressive and serious name, expressing some pride and a little arrogance,” she said.
“I never considered it that way.”
“I was just teasing you, sir. Fitzwilliam… I hope you took my tendency to tease into consideration before you proposed. Now it is too late to change your mind.”
“I shall gladly learn to allow myself to be teased, Miss Bennet. Elizabeth…”
She hardly noticed when he took her hands in his; he did not hold them tightly, allowing her to withdraw when she wanted to. She did not as the sensation was pleasant and comforting.
Several moments later, they returned to the party, arm in arm. This time, there was no separation between them.
***
The news of Elizabeth Bennet’s engagement to Mr Darcy fell like thunder over Meryton and Netherfield, causing a wave of shock that affected everyone.
The gentleman, together with Lady Cecilia and Lord Dunnroy, travelled to London the day after the announcement, leaving Elizabeth to bear it by herself, which she did with ease once she assured herself that she did not care about gossip any longer.
Some people declared that the engagement confirmed the initial rumour, some congratulated the Bennets, and some were envious of their good fortune.
The gentleman returned on the day of the Netherfield ball with all his affairs settled and a short letter for Elizabeth from Georgiana, to welcome her into the family.
Mrs Bennet had assumed that Mr Bingley was hosting the ball in Jane’s honour; it might have been true, but the main subject of everyone’s interest was Elizabeth and her betrothed, who danced the first, the last, and the supper sets together. Mrs Bennet was in awe of Mr Darcy’s skill at dancing, which proved to be as impressive as his fortune.
