November 1813 – Pemberley

Although Richard wanted to get a special license to marry as soon as possible, he reluctantly agreed to get married in a few months. He decided to postpone his return to Rosings for a few more weeks, as he was unwilling to be away from Mary. He immediately wrote a letter to his parents to tell them his good news and also to ask them to publish the announcement in the newspaper. A few days later he received their reply and the newspaper's announcement.

20th November 1813

London

Dear Richard,

Since you know of both my frankness and concern for your future and well-being, I must tell you that your mother and I are very disappointed in your choice of wife. We have nothing bad to say about Miss Bennet's character, but her uncle is a merchant and apart from the Darcys, she has no connection.

But since we know you, we know that unfortunately, you are not going to change your mind despite everything we tell you. We have decided that it is best to pretend we are pleased with your engagement, and Lady Matlock's ball next January will be to celebrate the engagement.

We think your idea of getting married in Rosings' chapel in a simple ceremony is not a good one; You are the son of an Earl and you should get married in one of the main churches in London.

Think about our suggestion carefully. We await your response.

Your father,

Lord Matlock

Noticing her fiancé's change of mood as he read his father's letter, Mary gently caressed his cheek, "Richard you shouldn't be angry with your parents, what they say is true. I have no connections apart from the Darcys and you could certainly make a much better marriage in that regard. You are the son of an earl and you have a large estate."

Richard looked at her in disbelief and hugged her tightly, "What my parents say is the nonsense of two bitter snobs who care very little about my happiness!" He paused to compose himself, "Don't you realize, Mary that I'm the one who doesn't deserve you?" He looked into her eyes lovingly and kiss her passionately, "I know you adore your cousins and Georgiana, and yet you're willing to marry me and live away from them… You don't even have the incentive to live in Rosings because Pemberley is more beautiful! Objectively, what do I have to offer you that you no longer have? Absolutely nothing!"

Mary smiled tenderly, "The answer is very simple… you, Richard. It's you I want. It is true that I adore cousins and Georgiana, and I wish Rosings was closer to Pemberley, but we have enough money that distance is not an issue." she kissed him softly, "I love you."

After a few minutes, he finally calmed down. He wasn't going to let anyone mistreat his future wife or get in the way of his happiness.

As the Darcys were not going to participate in the London season this year, Lady Catherine surprised everyone by announcing that she was going to accompany Mary and Miss Taylor to London.

Mary invited Kitty to London, but as she felt she wasn't yet ready to participate in high society's balls and parties, and was afraid of embarrassing her sister, she decided to stay in Pemberley.

PPP

A few days after Mary and Richard's engagement - as usual - Jason Elliot went to Pemberley to visit Georgiana. That day he brought her some exotic flowers from his mother's greenhouse. Georgiana was composing a symphony in honor of Mary and Richard's engagement, while Kitty was playing the piano.

Seeing Jason, Georgiana's face lit up. Since the courtship began, Georgiana's feelings for him intensified and she no longer had any doubts. Kitty greeted him cordially, and kept playing, pretending they weren't there.

Jason sat next to her and gave her the flowers. Georgiana thanked him and looked at them carefully.

"I have never seen this type of flower, they are beautiful. Where did you get them?"

"These are native American flowers, and they are from my mother's greenhouse." He looked into her eyes: "These flowers bloom once a year and live for two or three days. I wanted to share them with you." He took a deep breath, "I would like to share everything with you. Tell me, Georgiana, how much more time do you need to be sure of what I've been convinced for a long time?"

Georgiana smiled and shook her head, "I don't need any more time, you just have to ask the question again."

Jason looked around and saw that Kitty wasn't paying attention to them, with a smile he knelt down, "Georgiana, would you do me the great honor of being my wife?"

Georgiana nodded. Although the afternoon was cold, they walked in the garden, and Jason kissed her for the first time.