Darcy, recalling his own engagement, understood Fitzwilliam wished for time alone with his fiancé; the date for the wedding settled for four weeks after the proposal, the couple was desirous to become better acquainted with each other; and so, Darcy and Elizabeth obligingly found themselves called away by this matter or that during Edwards frequent calls over the weeks that followed their engagement.

Mary felt herself exceedingly grateful for these opportunities, each interview had raised Edward higher in her esteem until she was certain she knew no man in her acquaintance his equal. They never wanted for conversation – Edward recounted tales of his childhood with his own family and with her brother, simultaneously entertained and alarmed her with accounts of his time in the army and his injuries, and spoke about his new estate - and they shared all the hopes they held for their future there. Often, conversation was traded for other agreeable activities, and it had become necessary for the Darcy's to adopt a heavy foot and rather loud conversation when entering rooms, after Mary sustained a knock to the head, having been startled from her perch upon her fiancé's lap when Darcy had quite forgot the couple were sequestered in the library.

Elizabeth found Mary staring out of the window after watching her fiancé leave one afternoon. She moved to her sister's side, who turned to her inattentively, before properly registering her sisters presence, "Oh! I am sorry if I have been absentminded Lizzy. I confess that my mind wanders so agreeably I allow it to do so on any occasion that permits it" said she. Elizabeth was amused, knowing too well how pleasantly occupied an engaged lady's mind can run as she awaits her wedding day.

"Do not apologise, Mary - do not forget I myself was in your situation not too long ago. "

"How fortunate I am, Lizzy! Never could I believe I would have such happiness again. To become acquainted with Edward now, just as I had decided to cast off my melancholy, seems almost providential, when one considers how well we suit - can one not but wonder at it? How happy Mama will be!" She continued playfully, "I should like to see Papa, but I cannot regret being absent when he reads my news to her," Elizabeth laughed – recalling her mother's raptures on hearing of her own engagement to Darcy. "Yes, Edward is quite as rich as Mr Darcy and just as handsome – I am sure Mama will be quite overcome!" they both laughed, before Mary became quiet.

"Does something disturb you sister?" Elizabeth inquired.

"I am not disturbed Lizzy. I am perhaps a little overwhelmed by the course my life has taken these last weeks - and the pace at which it has done so. - Indeed, you disturbed me from a most pleasant reverie - he loves me Lizzy, he told me - I confess that when you came upon me I was most distracted having found that I find I return his feelings, most enthusiastically." That Mary was delighted was obvious and Elizabeth's heart warmed.

"How wonderful, Mary! Does he know you feelings?"

"He knows I prefer his company above all others and once, I told him I believed I could love him. He only hopes I can return his feelings in time. It is beyond me to believe that it is I who holds the happiness of such a dear worthy man in my own hands." In truth, Mary had not expected Edward to declare such tender feelings for her yet; that he admired her and wished to be near her often was clear - that much she herself had felt for him - she had only failed to recognize her own fondness for him as something more, such that his declaration had surprised her. Far from being displeased, however quite overcome, her reply had been much simpler - "Oh, Edward!" cried she, with such feeling, and such a look of delight upon her countenance, that he had not required words to know that she loved him.

Just a short chapter, I am sorry about the delay! I am deciding where to go next with them :-)