As per request, here comes the proposal.
Disclaimer : I don't own Pride and Prejudice.
Close enough but still not her - Part 3
Matlock House, London, April 1813
"And where do you think you're going Richard?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam repressed a sight and plastered a smile on his face before turning to face his most formidable opponent to date, his mother.
"Unless your outing purpose is to court a young lady, you will remain here to receive morning calls with me," added the Matriarch.
She had been relentless about his unmarried state recently. Maybe he should call upon Lady Heather, thought Richard. Would she be at home today? If he recalled correctly, she had plans with Mrs Darcy. Perfect.
"Well, actually…" Richard didn't get to finish his sentence when the object of his thoughts was announced by their butler.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam!" greeted she enthusiastically before noticing the presence of his mother and addressing her in a more restrained way.
"What brings you here?" asked Richard surprised.
"Richard!" admonished his mother.
His words had been brutal, but he had been taken off balance to see her right at his door. They hadn't made any plans until this afternoon, and, thus far, they had not met outside of their schedule, which had kept them meeting every two days at most. They were also supposed to walk in Hyde Park this afternoon. It all lead to Richard being concerned that something happened.
"I was hoping to see you Colonel," easily confessed Lady Heather not at all fazed by his rude phrasing.
Richard would have been worried if not for the grin she was shining his way. It didn't look like there was some emergency after all.
"It is always a pleasure to see you," said Richard meaning it. "Would you like to take a turn in the garden perhaps?"
"That sounds wonderful," answered Lady Heather.
The place would be perfect to allow them some privacy as it was obvious to Richard that they would need it, seeing that she had sought him. Thankfully, his mother let them wander on their own, content that her son was willingly spending time with a Lady. Richard had certainly not filled her in about Lady Heather previous occupation in the army.
Once Richard and Lady Heather were sheltered from prying ears, it didn't take long for the later to state her business. "Marry me."
"What?" sputtered Richard.
"I guess it was a bit hasty," acknowledge Lady Heather. "I love you. Marry me."
Richard was stunned into silence. Whatever he had expected, it had not been… this.
"It is still lacking, isn't it?" pursued Lady Heather in his absence of reaction. "I should have probably thought about it before coming to you. But I thought something short and to the point would do. Though, now that I am hearing myself, it feels ridiculously concise. What I want to say is that I enjoy being with you. You know who I am, and I know who you are. What you went through. I'd like our meetings to become more permanent. We understand each other, which I feel is important in marriage. You are not like any man I've met. And that's good. I really think we could be happy together. But of course, that is if you wish…"
Lady Heather could have gone on for hours tackling her case from one point to another without any linking or logic. Richard kissed her, effectively ceasing her words flow. It was clumsy with Lady Heather still in a half sentence, but it was sweet none the less.
"Is that a yes?" asked Lady Heather for confirmation.
"Yes, I will marry you," asserted Richard.
Lady Heather smile grew even larger.
"Should you wish to ask my father permission, I believe he is currently in his office," declared Richard with a laugh, promptly sending his Lady in a blush.
Thank you for all your reviews !