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Thunderstorm
The thunderstorm came out of nowhere.
It seemed that Mother Nature was working in Fitzwilliam Darcy's favor.
It also seemed that his housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds was reading his mind.
Just as Miss Bennett was about to return to Lambton with her aunt and uncle, the sky opened up.
"Should I have three extra plates set for dinner, sir?" Mrs. Reynolds asked.
"Yes, an extra three would be ideal" Darcy replied.
"Mr. Darcy, it is generous of you, but not necessary" Elizabeth protested.
"No I insist, it would be inhospitable of me to not offer you dinner. And besides, my sister and I would enjoy the company, it is rare that it more than two for dinner".
"It would be no inconvenience Miss Bennett, I promise you" Georgiana continued "as much as I love my brother, female companionship is something that I miss dearly".
"I think, Mr. Darcy, you have convinced us to stay, if Lizzy would consent" Mr. Gardiner agreed.
With nod of consent, Elizabeth agreed.
Two hours later, the last of the dishes had been cleared away.
"Mr. Darcy, that was delicious. Would your cook be willing to share the recipe?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"I think that can be arranged" Darcy replied as Mrs. Reynolds appeared and thunder was heard in the distance.
"Sir, I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of offering Mr. Gardiner's driver a room for the night and a place in the stables for his horse. I have also had rooms prepared for Miss Bennett and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and sent a servant to the inn to return with clean clothes for the morning".
Before Elizabeth could object, her aunt interjected "I think we should stay the night, the roads will be unsafe until morning".
"Then it is settled, if you come this way, Georgiana and I will show you to your rooms".
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were escorted to their room by Georgiana while Darcy escorted Elizabeth to her room.
"This room is beautiful".
"This room, Miss Bennett, was my mother's room. Between you and I, she and my father shared a room, but for propriety's sake, this was kept for her".
"Mr. Darcy, this room is not appropriate…." Before she could protest further, he kissed her. He had been waiting for more than a year to feel her lips on his and to his delight, she returned his kiss.
When they finally broke he started on the words that had been in his head for months "You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever."
Her response was another kiss.
"When are you to return to Hertfordshire?" he asked.
"The day after tomorrow" she replied.
"Then I shall travel with you, I must speak to your father".
His warm dark eyes never leaving hers, his lips grazed her wrist before leaving her.
The lightning and thunder continued throughout the night, but neither could silence the joy in either of their hearts.