Mary sensed Edward was uneasy, he had apparently lost his usual ease in conversation, - opening his mouth to speak, only to shut it without uttering a word - which seemed to confirm it. "Forgive me, Colonel – I have had more wine tonight than I am use to. I seem to have made you uncomfortable with my words?"

His whole body visibly relaxed a little as he sought to put her at ease, "Ah! Back to Colonel so soon?" His joviality having returned a little, he continued "no Mary, it is true I am feeling a little discomforted but that is owing to certain feelings I find myself…" he paused, searching for the right word, clearly unable to find it so awkwardly concluded "…erm, feeling. It was not your words."

Mary understood Edward, since she knew herself to be in ownership of such feelings. Emboldened by the wine, and having earlier resolved to maintain their forthright relationship, she spoke.

"Edward, our acquaintance has been of such short duration, which makes the connection I feel to you all the more remarkable, more so when I consider my history. I…" she stopped to check she had not completely misunderstood him, "…I had truly believed it would not be possible for me to even look... well, you know… but, I find myself perhaps a little more changeable in that regard than I had allowed myself to previously believe."

Upon hearing Mary's declaration, Edward felt a sense of hope. Since they met properly last night he had thought of little else but his poor luck at finally finding a lady to whom he seemed so well suited, only for her heart unobtainable.

He grinned. "I take it that you mean to encourage me, Mary?" Her smile lit her face as she nodded, suddenly shy after displaying such boldness. He looked about the balcony, suddenly becoming aware of their surroundings, "Oh! Mary I fear we may have been missed!" He frowned upon his realisation they had been alone for some minutes.

Mary knew not how to respond – she knew this was far from an ideal situation and she knew what it meant. It was obvious to her that he held her in some regard but they had only known each other for two days "Edward… Colonel. I am sorry, if you would like to go back into the party I will wait some time before returning – our togetherness may not have been noticed."

He offered her his hand instead, telling her softly "Mary, that will not do. We will have been missed – and if we have not, I am certain Banks has been in there spreading stories to cover his own involvement out here." With his free hand he tilted her face to him, "Mary, please know that if this had not happened, I would be now asking you to allow me to court you – I do not believe it is common for two people to feel such a connection, and you have impressed upon me the strength of your character and beauty of mind since we met again last night…" Mary, who was beginning to wonder how fast a heart could beat before it failed, was almost sure it stopped completely when he concluded efficiently "… but it seems circumstances preclude it, I must ask instead if you would consent to be my wife?" Mary was certain she had misheard the Colonel, confusion evident on her face. He attempted an encouraging smile.

"But this is all so quick Edward! I'm sure just earlier today I heard you declare you were not in any hurry to marry?"

"And you had declared your intention of never marrying… which, in truth, makes me rather uneasy since you have not yet answered me? I am alarmed by how quickly my happiness has come to depend on your answer!" he looked quite exasperated with himself, which caused Mary to laugh.

"Well Edward, it seems you find yourself as surprised by your feelings as I am of my own. I hope you know that I would have gladly accepted if you had asked me to court – I am not displeased with the alternative you have offered me given the circumstances, indeed I have a sense that we are perhaps foregoing a superfluous courtship. I do accept your offer Edward, I will be your wife!"

Edward was simultaneously shocked and delighted by the evening's turn of events. He kissed the hand he still held, declaring "Mary, I find myself excessively pleased, I believe we will have a wonderful marriage. I do however think it would be appropriate to confirm something with you, if you do not object?" Mary had some idea of what he wanted to confirm, since she found his mouth was at that moment hovering over her own, waiting only for her approval. "Of course" she whispered, and as he pressed his lips to hers she found she had quite forgot what a lovely and warm activity kissing was, so lovely and warm….

"Colonel! What are you doing to Mary?" Edward and Mary broke apart as Elizabeth marched toward them. Darcy had been following behind her, returning his cousin's broad grin and dropping it immediately when Lizzy spun around "what are you smiling about Fitzwilliam? Your cousin and my sister were…" Darcy interrupted, "yes my dear, I saw it too. Why do we not allow them to explain?" Elizabeth sighed her agreement that they should.

"There is nothing to explain, I have asked Mary to marry me and she has accepted, I do believe I am allowed to kiss my fiancé?" Edward asked with an air of innocence that prompted Darcy to snort. Elizabeth looked to Mary, who looked positively put out by the interruption.