Chapter 32:

After the play, the Viscount insisted on accompanying Miss Bennet home in his carriage, alongside his mother and sister. They enjoyed a light conversation in the short carriage ride to the Darcy House.

The Viscount got out of the carriage and offered his hand to Miss Bennet, helping her out. He kept his hand on hers a little longer than necessary and with a smile, told his mother and sister to go on without him. He would walk home after seeing Miss Bennet inside. The Darcys had not arrived home yet—they had been held up by members of the Ton who wanted to greet them, while the Viscount, his family, and Miss Bennet had quickly absconded. He was very keen on avoiding members of the Ton and had gotten quite good at it.

"We have arrived" he said with a smile, as he knocked on the door and waited for the butler to answer. The door opened and they stepped inside, where the Viscount made no attempt to leave. Miss Bennet took the hint.

"Would you like a cup of tea in the drawing room?" offered Jane, smiling at his boldness.

"How did you guess?" the Viscount answered in a playful tone, "I would be delighted to wait for the Darcys to arrive home." Miss Bennet showed him into the drawing room, where she asked the Butler to send in some tea and biscuits.

Jane finished speaking with the butler and turned around to find the Viscount still standing, watching her closely. She suddenly felt shy and her cheeks went red—something that was quite obvious on her delicate skin.

"Miss Bennet" he said, after a few moments of silence. They were each standing on opposites sides of the drawing room, for her had entered inside, and Miss Bennet was by the door, having finished speaking to the butler, "Would you care to sit down?"

"Are you inviting me to sit in my own sister's home?" teased Jane, thankful for the distraction to calm her cheeks and the butterflies in her stomach. She knew the Viscount was interested in her—he had made that clear—unlike other suitors, but she was still nervous. It suddenly dawned on her that this is how one should feel when they are eager to be with someone.

With her heart on her sleeve, she sat down on the sofa, she looked up at him with her beautiful clear eyes and if he was not already absolutely taken with her, he knew he would be at that moment.

The Viscount sat down next to her and reached for her hand.

"Miss Bennet...may I call you Jane?" he asked, his voice nervous. She had never seemed him so quite like this and that fact alone pleased her.

"Yes" she said, in almost a whisper.

"And may you call me Peter?" he asked, a smirk on his face.

"Yes, Peter" she said, one again, this time smiling wide.

"Miss Bennet, Jane, I beg you not to trifle with me. I have made my intentions clear. I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife" said Peter, now holding on to both of her hands, "It is important that you know that I did not choose you because I need a wife, but because I would like you to be my wife. This will not be a marriage of convenience."

"No" said Jane with a soft smile, "I believe it will be rather inconvenient." They both laughed at this remarked and it was among laughter that the Darcys walked into the engaged couple and offered their heartfelt congratulations. It did not take long for news to travel and within a day, the ton was aware that the handsome and very wealthy Viscount Murphy was available no more.

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This was all I had time to write so I'm sorry it was short! I was on such a roll with this story and now, between work etc, and also just being a bit stuck in the story. originally this was a repost and then I decided to expand the story of the viscount. originally it ended with the darcy's honeymoon. i feel like i need to wrap up this story but i want to do it in a way that is worthy for this lovely story! let me know ur thoughts!