Ok ok. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Quick update just to stop the tirade! argh! lol sorry for the suspense.
Chapter 26 - Heartfelt delight.
...
Darcy's mind was whirling. Faster than the beat of his heart, which currently lay under the hand of the woman he loved. His heart felt, literally, in her hands. She had the power to raise it up or crush it. He took a deep breath, awaiting his fate.
When she moved all thoughts fled his mind.
Her hand clutched his and moved off his chest, for a second his heart plummeted, but then she pressed his hand to the place on her chest where her heart beat. It's pace matching his.
"You see sir, your heart beats for me as mine does for you. These past few days have been short in length but long in edification and I have come to realise that we are well matched. Never have I felt such connection with another and I wish for nothing more than to spend my life becoming your wife, your companion and your friend."
His breath left him in a rush and it took all of his restraint to not crush her to him and deliver the searing kiss that he so wished to. Instead he leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers closing his eyes against the wave of heartfelt delight that enveloped him and he smiled softly and whispered.
"I wish to never be parted from you from this day forward."
She lifted her head slightly and gave him a flirtatious grin and she commented "we should arrange for a quick engagement then, sir. For I am quite of the same opinion!"
He looked around and, seeing no one, quickly pressed his lips to hers. The spark of sensation he experienced, even with such a light touch, made him dizzy with anticipation. After a short, soft, kiss he withdrew and smirked at the dazed look in her eyes.
"We should return to the festivities. Before we are missed."
She nodded but made no move towards the door. Instead he was gratified to notice her eyes lingering on his lips and he was happy to oblige. This kiss was firmer than the last, lips moulding against each other, pressing together. He broke away before he scared her. She was a maiden after all. Her sigh of disappointment elicited a chuckle and he guided her hand to his arm, whispering a soft "soon, my love." As he guided her towards the sound of revelry.
"Should I speak to Henry or your father?" His voice sounded strained, but clear.
Elizabeth looked up, a teasing lift to one side of her mouth. "I imagine you shall have to speak to both, and neither will make it easy for you."
He looked at her in surprise "I had anticipated Henry's antipathy, I am a brother after all. Your father, will he not.."
She sighed as he trailed off "I may have been vocal in my, uh, opinions of your character last year. I believe my father feels I do not view you kindly."
He smiled slightly "Well, I suppose I should be pleased I inspired heightened emotions from the start. Some people suppose hatred is the opposite of love but it is indifference I could not oppose. If you were indifferent to me, I do not know what I would do."
She laughed. "Yes, my feelings were never those of indifference, nor are they ever likely to be!"
...
Blissfully unaware of the liberties Mr Darcy was being allowed, Henry stood conversing with Miss Darcy. He had dearly wished to dance with her, but respected her declaration of being not yet out. He almost wished Darcy would have gotten around to proposing already, then he could claim her as family and be allowed a dance.
Instead they spoke, paying attention to little else.
"How do you like Hertfordshire?" Henry cursed himself for such a mundane opening statement.
Georgiana smiled shyly at him then glanced away "I find the country charming, so very different to Derbyshire."
"How so? I am afraid I have never travelled in the North countries. My short summer tour only took me south."
"Indeed? I have always wished to see the great standing stones, did your travels take you there?" Her eyes eager in their interest.
"StoneHenge? Indeed, I did visit. One of my friends owns an estate in the northern part of Wiltshire and we enjoyed several trips there."
"I have read several accountings of how they came to be there. Everything from giants to druids. Fascinating."
"You've read of Stukeley's theory? Singular." Henry looked at her with renewed admiration.
Georgiana blushed "My brother's library is quite extensive. I have few restrictions on my reading choices."
Henry smiled "Lizzie will be pleased" he breathed quietly, but it was evident that Georgiana heard him as she smiled brightly.
"I do hope so. I enjoy Miss Elizabeth's company. Do you think they might.." she trailed off and bit her lip, curbing her enthusiasm.
Henry smiled and nudged her shoulder "I think we are about to find out." He nodded in the direction of the terrace doors, through which Darcy walked with Elizabeth, looking all too comfortable.
...
Darcy and Elizabeth made their way to Henry, who was talking with Georgiana. He looked up and narrowed his eyes as the couple approached but his look softened as Georgiana leaned in and said something to him, her eyes also on the couple.
"My father is not here." Henry immediately said when the two couples converged. "Do you wish to speak to me in his stead?"
Darcy exchanged an amused glance with Elizabeth, who nodded slightly. Making sure they would not be overheard Darcy spoke.
"I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me, and she has accepted."
Georgiana eyes lit up and she jumped up and down clapping her hands in glee. Elizabeth moved towards her and embraced her tightly. "I am so pleased you are happy." She whispered.
Georgiana whispered back. "Nothing could make me happier."
Henry was still glaring at Darcy who looked down, shuffling his feet in discomfort.
"I, uh, we had hoped for your blessing." He looked up at Henry.
Lizzie moved towards her brother, laying a hand on her arm and looking imploringly at him. "Please Henry. He really is the best of men." She reached up and traced the fading bruise on his cheek "surely you cannot think otherwise, not anymore. Has he not proven himself to be perfectly amiable?" She shot Darcy a saucy look "when he takes the trouble of practicing conversation that is."
Darcy chuckled and Henry joined in, then heaved a great sigh. "I suppose I have no objection."
Lizzie bounced on her toes and raised herself up to kiss his cheek.
"You are, as ever, the most attentive brother."
"I will leave you to explain this to my Father" Henry said to Darcy "but I will lend my support should things become, uh, difficult."
Darcy felt a moment of panic before catching the laughing expression on Elizabeth's face. He smiled and relaxed, his second proposal was far more daunting than the first, the real fear of rejection playing upon his mind. The interview with her father could not be harder than that, could it?