Author's notes: There is only one very long chapter left.

PPP

The day before William's christening, Richard met Mary in the hallway and walked her to the nursery. As he often did when he was in her company, Richard stared at her and wanted to tell her everything he felt for her, but he didn't dare.

As all these emotions ran through Richard's mind, Mary looked at her godson with a smile, and gently caressed his cheek. Gently Mary told him, "I like to visit William several times a day." she smiled, "Lady Catherine claims that William looks like Mr. Darcy, but to me, he looks so much like Johnny."

"I can tell you adore your cousin, and he adores you."

"It's impossible not to love Johnny. I have known him since he was born, and he is such a sweet and loving boy. I'm sure William will be an exceptional boy too." She looked at Richard with a tender smile, "I'm so glad Lizzy chose me to be William's godmother."

Richard gently squeezed her hand, "And I'm so glad to be his godfather."

They looked into each other's eyes for several seconds and Richard, on impulse, gently caressed her cheek; Mary closed her eyes... and who knows what would have happened if William hadn't woken up at that moment and started crying because he was hungry...

The day after the christening, Richard and Lady Catherine would return to Rosings, and he wouldn't see Mary again for several months. That night he couldn't sleep thinking about her, he remembered several times in great detail the meeting he had with her in the nursery hours ago, and other conversations he had with her the times they met on the paths of Rosings... For the first time, he felt that perhaps she had feelings for him and he should tell her everything he felt for her, otherwise he was going to regret it all his life...

The christening took place in Pemberley's chapel; in addition to the family, the Elliots and the Keryls attended. The ceremony was very emotional, and if anyone noticed the godfather was distracted looking at the godmother, no one said anything.

Although he wanted to talk to Mary alone, the opportunity presented itself several hours later. Georgiana, Mary, and Kitty were walking with Jason Elliot and Robert Elliot. Georgiana and Jason were deep in conversation, clearly not paying attention to their companions. Richard joined them and since the path wasn't wide enough for them to go together, Mary and Richard separated from the group.

Richard began to walk more slowly and invited Mary to sit on a bench that had a nice view. After a few seconds of both being silent, Richard stood up and said, "Miss Bennet, I have fought in several battles and yet I lack the courage to speak with you."

Mary stared at him in surprise, "Courage? I don't understand Mr. Fitzwilliam."

"I am afraid to talk to you." Mary looked at him even more surprised, and Richard continued, "You are the most wonderful woman I have ever met… you are a woman who deserves all the best in the world…, and I am simply a man with a thousand scars who is madly in love with you." He took her hands, "I'm afraid you're going to tell me that I have no chance you could ever love me."

Mary smiled, "Why do you think that?" tentatively she gently stroked the scar on his face, "You see scars, yet what I see is a wonderful man whom I deeply respect and have a deep affection for."

Richard closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he saw in her eyes what he wanted to know, and very gently he kissed her. At first, Mary was surprised, but then she hugged him.

He knelt down, and with a clear voice and with great emotion said, "I love you so much Mary, I promise I will do everything in my power to make you happy, would you do me the great honor of marrying me?"

Very excited, Mary nodded.

They stayed another half hour alone making plans for the future; Richard couldn't believe that she had agreed to marry him. He had never been so happy before. He wanted to get married right away since the idea of not seeing her for several months now was totally intolerable.

The news of the engagement surprised no one at Pemberley. All the adults were very happy for the future couple, even Lady Catherine stated that although Mary was simply a gentleman's daughter, she was happy that she was marrying Richard.

The only one who wasn't happy about Mary's engagement was Johnny because Richard was going to take Mary far away. But after being told several times he could visit Mary at Rosings as long as he wanted, and Mary would come to see him often, he settled...