Chapter 33: Meet Elizabeth
Miss Bingley was annoyed when she saw Darcy and Elizabeth entering Netherfield with locked arms.
"Lizzy, where have you been? I was most worried?" Jane asked.
"I just went for a walk."
Jane noticed the happiness in her sister's face. Mrs Hurst also felt something joyful in the countenance of Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy and Elizabeth had decided to keep their engagement a secret. He wanted to get her father's approval before they announced their happiness.
The engaged couple chatted away happily. Darcy and Elizabeth were silent. Both felt a great amount of emotion inside. He looked at Elizabeth. She loves me. She will be my wife.
He had finally earned her love and respect. He stared at her with a steady gaze. When Elizabeth looked at him, he did not look away.
Elizabeth started feeling warm. She blushed. Oh, God! It will be the death of me if he keeps looking at me that way.
When Elizabeth and Jane left, Darcy handed her to her carriage.
He whispered to her. "I will come tomorrow to speak with your father. Sleep well, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled at him. He looked extremely handsome, and his eyes spoke volumes of his feelings.
"Lizzy, you seem to be hiding something from me. What is it?" Jane asked once the carriage started.
"Oh! Jane! I do not want to hide it from you. Mr Darcy asked me to marry him, and I agreed. We are engaged."
Jane hugged her sister.
"I am so happy for you. Why didn't you tell us before?"
"He wanted to speak with papa before we announced it. I hope papa gives his consent."
"I am sure he will."
Elizabeth could hardly contain her happiness. She blushed at the memory of embracing him. She had never felt so secure and happy ever.
The next morning Darcy arrived at Longbourn before breakfast. Mr Bennet was surprised to see him.
Without wasting time, Darcy explained his proposal to marry Elizabeth. He told Mr Bennet that she had accepted him.
Mr Bennet was shocked.
"You say Elizabeth accepted your offer for marriage?"
"Yes, sir. She did. We need your consent and blessings."
"Mr Darcy, before we carry on this conversation, I need to apologise for my rude behaviour to you. I was angry and did not understand your decisions as clearly as I do today."
"There is no need to apologise. I would have felt the same way if I did not have control over a situation concerning my dear ones."
"Coming to the current situation. My daughter has always been inclined to marry for true love. I know she would not have accepted you without deep regard and respect. My question is, were you in love with her when you offered for her last time?"
"Yes, I was. Though she did not know. I have had a deep regard and admiration for Elizabeth. I did not offer for her just to save her reputation. Will you consent to our match?"
Mr Bennet never thought he would part with Elizabeth so soon. He saw an honest, intelligent man in front of him claiming the hand of his most beloved daughter. He called for Elizabeth.
She came in anxiously. Her father saw the way the couple reacted to seeing each other.
"Lizzy, I heard that you accepted Mr Darcy's proposal. I know well about your nature. You would not accept a marriage without love. Are sure that you will be happy with this choice?"
"Yes, papa! I truly love and respect him. I cannot be happier than to be married to him."
Darcy beamed at hearing Elizabeth declare her love so openly.
"Then, I grant both of you my permission. I know you will be very happy."
Elizabeth hugged her father. Darcy saw how childlike she was while she expressed her happiness. He dreamed of the beautiful days at Pemberley with her as his wife.
Darcy and Elizabeth walked out and announced the news to the rest of the family. Mrs Bennet was extremely vocal in her happiness. The mood in Longbourn was joyous.
Darcy left Longbourn as a happy man. He wanted to marry Elizabeth as soon as possible.
He spoke with Mr Bingley, and they decided to get married on the same day.
Mrs Hurst was extremely happy when she heard about the news. The same could not be said about Miss Bingley.
This is ridiculous. He has offered to marry so low. It cannot be. He must have been forced. Maybe something happened during the rescue. I will not allow this. Charles has already thrown himself to that stupid girl. Now the chances of being the mistress of Pemberley are also out of my grasp. I will not allow it.
Mr Collins was in a similar state. He was too scared of Darcy to voice his opinion about the match.
I must write to my noble patroness immediately. He thought and set to action.
The next day a messenger arrived early with a note for Jane.
It was from Mr Bingley.
"What is it, Jane?" Elizabeth asked, worried.
"Lizzy, Louisa has given birth to a girl. How wonderful. Charles says she is asking for us."
Elizabeth was happy and excited for Mrs Hurst.
They set off to Netherfield. Darcy was happy to see them.
"How have you been, Elizabeth?" He whispered in a low voice, which made her shiver.
"As well as you saw me yesterday, Mr Darcy." He saw Darcy scowl.
"William."
"William." Darcy could not explain the feeling of intimacy he experienced when Elizabeth addressed him that way.
Elizabeth and Jane met Mrs Hurst with excitement.
"How are you feeling, Louisa?" Elizabeth asked with concern. Mrs Hurst had insisted Elizabeth on calling her that way.
"I am well. She arrived early but did not trouble me."
Elizabeth looked lovingly at the baby in her arms.
Mrs Hurst handed the baby to Elizabeth, and she carried her with warmth.
"She is so adorable, Louisa. Clara, am I right? I remember the name you told me."
"No. It is not."
"Oh! I distinctly remember you told me that it was your mother's name."
"It is right. But that is not the name we chose. We have named her after you. "Elizabeth Clara Hurst.""
Elizabeth was spellbound.
"Louisa, I do not know what to say? I am honoured."
"If both of us are alive now, it is because of you, Elizabeth. Her father and I wanted to name her after you. I hope she grows to be just like your kind, brave and beautiful."
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes.
Later, when Darcy found her in the hallway holding the baby, he was mesmerised by the vision.
She will make a wonderful mother.
"Isn't she lovely, William?"
"Yes, she is." He said with a gaze fixed on her eyes.
Elizabeth coloured.
"I was surprised to hear her name from her father. But I can understand how they feel towards you. I admire your strength and bravery, Elizabeth. You saved them from danger. Mrs Hurst considers you as her sister."
"I did not know my simple actions would have such an effect. I wish Miss Bingley had not behaved that way. It was truly shocking for Louisa."
"There are certain things we cannot change about people. There is no use trying."
By the time they left Netherfield, their wedding plans were finalised. They planned a double wedding in a few weeks.
None of them suspected that Miss Bingley who was not bothered to be present during their visit, was silently sketching a plan to separate Darcy and Elizabeth. Yes! Never!
