Chapter 29

Mr. Darcy woke from a vivid dream to his heart racing. The house was completely quiet, and he lay there trying to remember that his dream had not been based on reality. He said a silent prayer that it foretold the future, but that was yet to be seen. Thinking back on how he had treated the neighborhood, and particularly the Bennets, he cringed.

Having observed them in a more intimate setting, he could see how lively and loving they were. Nothing to the cold hauteur he endured at Rosings, or the proper Matlock residence. Mrs. Bennet, for all her matchmaking, was clearly not interested in foisting her daughters on a man they did not esteem. There were no hints that she would like for him to marry any of her daughters, despite his ten thousand per year and owning half of Derbyshire. What would it take to convince her that he was worthy of Elizabeth?

Feeling restless, he rose and refreshed himself. Looking out the window to see what weather he might expect for his morning ride, he noticed Elizabeth had already departed down a lane. His heart racing once again, he quickly dressed and silently left the house to follow her.

The fresh air filled his lungs as he picked up his pace to catch up to Elizabeth. After a few minutes, he began to think he had traveled the wrong direction, but there had been no alternate paths she could have taken unless she traversed an unused path. Making his way through a wooded area, he eagerly turned the corner. Seeing the path straighten out without any sign of Elizabeth, he paused.

He jumped when Elizabeth spoke from behind him. "I thought there was someone following me."

With a smile, he greeted her warmly. Moving to him, she accepted his arm and walked with him as they enjoyed the early morning weather. Birds were singing in the distance. The sun was barely filtering through the tree branches. And her radiant smile made his insides melt.

Eventually, Elizabeth decided they needed to have some conversation and made a small remark on the weather. Mr. Darcy had to look around to realized the weather was indeed fine before he could respond, eliciting a happy chuckle from Elizabeth. At her laugh, he remembered the previous evening, and he blushed and turned away.

Elizabeth seemed to realize his discomfort and exclaimed how much she is enjoying Miss Darcy's company. His mortification increased, as did his blush. With a laugh, Elizabeth continued, "your sister only wants a little liveliness to be perfect. That is what sisters are for. I imagine we shall be very close."

Mr. Darcy stopped walking and turned to face her, not trusting himself to speak, but she only smiled teasingly at him. He did not know how long he stared at her before he stated, "you wish to become her sister." His tone indicated it was a question, and he hoped he was not about to ruin his chances of being with Elizabeth.

"Very much so." Elizabeth replied, squeezing the arm that was supporting hers.

Mr. Darcy smiled ever so slightly. "Then you have changed your mind."

"Utterly and completely." She stepped closer to him as he grasped her free hand and thrilled with the feeling of being so close.

"I… find I know not what to say." He said, cursing himself for his lack of eloquence at such an important moment.

Elizabeth laughed again, thoroughly enjoying his distress. "Perhaps you should ask me a question."

"Elizabeth… Miss Elizabeth." Blushing anew, he continued, "My heart has been yours for quite some time, and yet, each day, I find more there is to love about you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Elizabeth agreed quickly, stepping forward until she was only a few inches from his face. She could feel his warm breath tickling her cheeks, and she reveled in the closeness and the heat she could feel radiating from him.

"May I k…" Before he could say anymore, Elizabeth closed the gap and kissed him. His hands moved to her shoulders and his fingers caressed her neck and chin as he returned her kiss gently. As he reluctantly pulled away, he looked around to ensure they were still alone. "Elizabeth, you have made me so very happy."

Wishing to kiss her again but worrying about the path and the potential that people might see them, he claimed her hand once again and pulled her into the trees until he felt they were reasonably covered by any passersby on the path. This time, his kiss began gently, but quickly grew to a very passionate embrace as they both fed off of the responses of the other.

Eventually, Mr. Darcy pulled away just far enough to rest his forehead against hers. Her swollen lips and heavy breath indicating just how much he had affected her.

"Perhaps we ought to return home. You should not keep my father waiting. He will not like you for that." Elizabeth tried to step back and put more distance between them, but she froze when a response came from the road.

"Indeed, you should not keep me waiting. I find I have no patience for waiting when away from my library."

Mr. Darcy was certain the fear and mortification in Elizabeth's face was mirrored with his own. Taking a deep breath, he offered Elizabeth his arm and walked her the short distance to her father. Mr. Bennet was sitting atop his horse while holding the reigns of Mr. Darcy's horse. He was looking forward with an extremely disagreeable face.

"In the future, I would ask that you take a maid when you follow a daughter of mine from the house at any time of day. Come, we have work to do." He tossed the reins to Mr. Darcy and began walking.

Mr. Darcy tried to apologize for his behavior, but Mr. Bennet cut him off. "Not one word until I tell you to speak." Still avoiding looking at Elizabeth, he asked her to return home. Elizabeth was relieved to know that the evidence of their kiss would not be witnessed by her father and agreed readily, stating that she might meet them in Meryton later in the day.