Chapter Twenty-Two
When the sun just began to rise, the barest tinge of grey in the sky, Eden left the kitchen, wandering through the early morning mist. She had only planned to stay within Longbourn grounds but was so lost in her thoughts that she traveled further than originally planned.
As the mist began to evaporate around her, the sun coming up just a touch more, Eden lifted her head to see another figure emerging. She froze, suddenly conscious of her attire. But she relaxed when she saw who was coming towards her.
Mr. Darcy stopped in front of her, unshaven and red-eyed, his hair unruly. They just stared at each other for a moment before Eden flushed, ducking her head.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Nor I," he confessed. "My aunt…?"
He trailed off, looking wretched and embarrassed.
"Yes, she was here," Eden whispered. His shoulders dropped.
"How can I never make amends for such behavior?"
"After what you have done for Lydia and for all I know, for Jane also, it is I who should be making amends."
"You must know—surely you must know that it was all for you."
Eden's blood ran warm, heart thumping erratically in her chest. Mr. Darcy ran a hand through his hair, musing it even more.
"You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my Aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I had scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed…"
Her head rose to meet his gaze and he blinked at the tears building in her eyes.
"There is not a however," she whispered. "I would have accepted you in April if I had been thinking of myself."
"Of yourself?"
"Mr. Darcy. I am the second of six girls; my duty is to them not to myself. I couldn't—I…" Her eyes dropped again, and he reached out, taking hold of her hands. He tugged her forward slightly, warming her chilled hands between his.
"You have bewitched my body and soul and I love and love and love you. And never wish to be parted with you from this day."
"And if I said I wanted the same?"
A small smile appeared on Mr. Darcy's face.
"Then I would speak to your father to make sure of the matter." She blushed further but nodded her head slowly. He stared in shock at her for a moment, wondering if she was being truthful before sweeping her up in his arms with a sound that was a cross between a laugh and a sob. He pressed his lips to the top of hair as she cuddled up close to him.
However happy this moment was, they still needed to ask for permission and Eden pulled away with a slight gasp.
"Oh, they are going to be worried for me." Mr. Darcy's hand gripped hers tightly, swinging it between them as they walked back to Longbourn.
Everyone was fretting about her, Mrs. Bennet's eyes wide with worry until she saw Eden entered the house.
"Eden, where have you been?" she cried. "We thought something had happened to you." She frowned when she saw Mr. Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy! What on earth are you doing here?"
The ever-wonderful Jane caught sight of the couple's tightly interwoven hands.
"I believe Mr. Darcy has come to speak with Papa," she told her mother. "Now, let's leave them be." She ushered them away, smiling happily at Eden.
Mr. Darcy was the first to speak to Mr. Bennet, leaving Eden to pace outside the library in utter dread. What if her father refused? She had spoken to no-one aside from Jane and Lizzie about the awful way she and Mr. Darcy had bickered all those months ago. But no matter how Eden tried to convince herself it would be all right; she grew more and more afraid.
When the door opened, Mr. Darcy stepping out, Eden steeled herself to go inside. Mr. Darcy gave her the briefest of smiles before walking away, allowing her to take his place in the library.
Mr. Bennet sat in a state of shock. He beckoned her to shut the door and sit in front of him. He leaned forward, searching her face.
"Eden, are you out of your senses? You hardly speak of the man and now I find you wishing to accept his proposal?"
"I am not out of my senses, Papa." He hardly heard her as he continued on.
"He is rich, to be sure, and you will have more fine carriages then Jane. But will that make you happy?"
Blinking, Eden wrapped her arms around herself.
"Have you no other objection than your belief in my indifference?"
"None at all," he admitted. "We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of fellow, but this would be nothing if you really liked him." She gave him a soft smile, tears threatening to fall down her face.
"Papa, I love him." His eyes widened and she continued on. "He is not proud. Everyone… no; I was completely wrong about him. You do not know him, Papa, if I told you what he's really like. What he has done—"
"What has he done?" She shook her head at his alarmed expression.
"Nothing dreadful."
It was then that she shared everything Mr. Darcy had done for their family. Mr. Bennet listened closely, shock crossing his face again.
"Good Lord," he whispered when she was finished. "I must pay him back." She shook her head violently.
"No, you mustn't tell anyone. He wouldn't want it. We misjudged him, me more than anyone. In every way, not just in this matter. I've been nonsensical. He's been a fool! About Jane, about so many things. Then so I have." She paused to take a shaky breath. "You see, he and I are so similar, we're both so stubborn and protective, and..." She let out a breathless laugh. "Oh, Papa."
Her father smiled faintly, holding out a handkerchief for her. She took it, wiping at her eyes.
"You do love him, don't you?"
"Very much so." He leaned forward, placing a hand on her knee.
"I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you, Eden, but it seems I am over-ruled. So, I heartily give my consent."
Jumping up, she threw her arms around him.
"I couldn't not have parted with you, my darling daughter, to anyone less worthy."
"Oh, thank you." She kissed the top of his balding head before racing out of the room.
Slowing her pace, Eden took a calming breath before going out to the garden where Mr. Darcy was pacing, face in total agony. He heard her steps and turned around. He paused in his steps until he saw her radiant smile. He started laughing and ran to her, wrapping his hands around her waist to spin her around before bringing her in for a tight hug, one that Eden was sure would not be the last.
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