Mid-May 1812

Two days later, Darcy arrived at the Gardiners' home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Elizabeth. He hadn't practiced any elaborate marriage proposal; he was simply going to tell her that she already knew: he loved her dearly and wanted to marry her. He was hoping this time she would say yes.

When he entered the parlor, he saw with concern that Mary was crying, Mrs. Gardiner was consoling her, and Elizabeth was very pale with a letter in her hand.

"My God, what happened?" Concerned Darcy asked.

Without a word, Elizabeth handed him the note to read.

15th May 1812

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear brother,

You have to come right now. Mr. Bennet had a heart attack and died a few hours ago. I'm so nervous.

Fanny

Stunned by the news, the only thing he managed to say was: "I'm so sorry."

For a few moments there was a sad silence mixed with Mary's sobs. Mrs. Gardiner, who wanted to continue comforting Mary in private suggested, "Elizabeth, why don't you go to the garden with Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth nodded and they quickly left the room. In the garden, without preamble, Darcy hugged Elizabeth tightly, stroking her hair as she shed a few tears.

"I'm so sorry Elizabeth. I wish I could ease your sadness."

She pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes with a sad smile, "You already do it."

In that instant, seeing her beautiful eyes misted with tears, Darcy gently caressed her cheek, and said tenderly, "I love you so much Elizabeth." and gently kissed her lips.

All young women dream of their first kiss, and although Elizabeth was very sad, for her that kiss was perfect. They held each other for several minutes until finally, Darcy knelt down and asked her a second time to be his wife. This time, Elizabeth without hesitating for a second agreed.

Shortly after Mr. Gardiner rushed back from his company, arrangements began to be made to travel to Longbourn as soon as possible. Since it was only a few hours before nightfall and they still had to tell their children and governess that they would be out of London for a few days, Mr. Gardiner decided it was wise to wait until the next morning before setting out for Longbourn.

Wanting to support Elizabeth through this difficult time, Darcy offered them his own carriage and escort them to Longbourn. He also remembered that Bingley planned to go to Netherfield Park and therefore wrote him an urgent note telling him what had happened.

Darcy went home and promised them that the next day he would pick them up at 8:00 in the morning. A couple of hours later, Bingley sent Darcy a note saying that he was going with them to Longbourn, and also invited him to stay at Netherfield Park.

During the journey to Longbourn, they all said very little. Elizabeth, Mary, and Mrs. Gardiner slept part of the way as they had been up all night. Darcy and Bingley rode alongside the carriage. Mr. Gardiner looked worried and thoughtful out the window. He knew that he had not been a good guardian of his niece and nephew. He never took money from Sandstone to support Elizabeth when he was in London, but he never properly controlled what Bennet did with the income from the estate. He just hoped Sandstone didn't have too much debt.

When they arrived at Longbourn, no one was waiting for them at the door, as Mrs. Bennet was having a nervous attack in her room and Jane and Mrs. Hill were tending to her. Only Kitty and Lydia were sitting in the parlor, and they were both astonished to see Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley enter. When Lydia got up to greet them; unfortunately, the dress she was wearing was too tight and everyone saw her protruding abdomen...