4th December

The last two Bennet sisters' return to Longbourn was met with joy all around.

The family gathered by the door as the carriage came up the drive, escorted by Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley on horseback. Elizabeth felt a momentary sadness that her mother was unable to join them for their return home, but at least she was alive. That was enough for now.

The family swarmed around Lydia, and Elizabeth stepped back to stand with Mr Darcy, allowing her youngest sister to be the centre of attention for the moment.

Once the initial excitement had died down, Lydia was ushered in out of the cold, leaving Elizabeth and their two escorts forgotten. Even Jane was temporarily distracted from her Mr Bingley as she fussed and mothered her youngest sister.

Elizabeth shrugged with an amused smile and instead invited the gentlemen in.

They found the family in the parlour. After inviting Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley to join the family there, Elizabeth went in search of Hill and requested tea and cake be brought for them all, before herself joining her family.

Mr Bennet was sat by the fire in his usual chair, smiling gently at his chattering daughters, when Mr Darcy brought over the cup of tea Elizabeth had poured for her father.

The younger man nodded toward the ladies. 'It is good to see them all together again.'

'That it is. The only one now missing from this reunion is their mother.'

'That will come. At least they are all together under one roof now.'

Mr Bennet eyed the young man. Something had changed in him. His expression was lighter, he wore none of his usual dark looks, and he was gazing at his daughters with an indulgent and openly affectionate eye.

Mr Bennet had a momentary sinking sensation, before reason asserted itself. He had known this day would come, as it would come for all his girls in time. He could not doubt this man would make a good husband for his favourite daughter, he just hoped it would not be too soon before he lost her.

Mr Darcy fidgeted with his watch chain, croaked and then coughed to clear his throat. 'I would like to request a private discussion with you, sir. I have a few pieces of information to share, and one… er… request.'

Mr Bennet nodded, smiling inwardly. Yes, he had not been mistaken. It seemed this young couple had finally reached an accord. He stood. 'We can go to my study now, if you would like.'

'If you are sure you would not prefer to stay here for a little longer.'

'I doubt they will even notice my disappearance,' Mr Bennet said with a chuckle, as he beckoned for the younger man to follow him to his study.

Once Mr Bennet had settled in his chair, he gestured to Mr Darcy to sit. Amused, he watched as the young man paced for a couple of turns before squaring his shoulders and turning to face him.

'Mr Bennet, I come here today to request the hand of your daughter, Miss Elizabeth. You know I have long thought well of her, and it seems her feelings toward me have changed for the better. In short, I love her and humble ask for your blessing and consent.'

'Can I assume my daughter has accepted your proposal?'

'She has. I had not initially planned to ask her for more than a courtship this morning, but sometimes the right moment comes along, and one must take the chance it offers. Earlier today I proposed, and I am delighted to say that she accepted.'

There was a long pause while Mr Bennet gazed at the agitated man before him. Then he spoke. 'These last few weeks have been some of the worst of my life, Jane's betrothal and my wife's recovery excepting. I suppose it is well that they end on a good note. Having come to know you quite well during our trials, I can only say that I am happy to welcome you to the family and give you both my consent and blessing.' He held out his hand and Mr Darcy shook it.

'I cannot yet believe my good fortune.'

'Be aware that my Elizabeth has a mind of her own and she will lead you a merry dance at times. I quite look forward to seeing it.' He stood gestured to his brandy decanter. 'Can I offer you a toast?'

Mr Darcy nodded, relieved to have the hardest part over. 'I do have a few other things to inform you of. We can best do that over a drink.'

Once they each had a glass and had settled in the chairs beside the fire, Mr Darcy said, 'The doctor informed us today that Mr Collins has indeed contracted the smallpox.'

Mr Bennet held his glass out. 'I will drink to that too. Cheers!'

Mr Darcy chuckled. 'Yes, I felt the same when I heard. It is well deserved, although I feel bad for saying so.'

'Well, well. It was not forced on him, he did it all by himself. I shall not feel guilt for thinking he has come by his just deserts. Instead, I prefer to look on it as Divine Justice and I shall give thanks to Our Lord for making it so timely.'

'I quite agree. The other piece of news is that, apart from Mr Collins, there have been no other cases of smallpox since Mrs Bennet was diagnosed. That is now fourteen days. As Mr Hurst, Mr Bingley and his sister, or their servants, have been vaccinated and have shown no symptoms in all that time, the doctor has decided that they can take Mrs Hurst's body home for interment.'

'More good news. I am not sure I can take much more of it at present,' said Mr Bennet with a wry smile. 'Although, I am sorry Mr Hurst's visit ended in such an unfortunate way, he will be relieved to at last be able to lay his wife to rest.'

'The wagon to carry the coffin is due to arrive tonight, and they will leave in the morning. Mr Hurst will remain at his family estate for his mourning period.'

Mr Bennet frowned. 'Oh? Will Netherfield be closing? If so, what of Mr Collins?'

'I will remain, along with the servants, and Mr Collins' guards, to ensure the house is ready for the Bingley's return, as they plan to return in fourteen days or so. Hopefully by that time, Mr Collins will be either recovered and ready to leave, or buried.'

Mr Bennet's voice was cold and hard when he replied, 'I am sorry you are to be left with that man, but I could not have welcomed him here. He will never be allowed to set foot on this estate again.'

'I quite understand.' Mr Darcy paused, and a grin appeared on his face. 'Instead, would I be welcome instead? It will be a lonely fortnight else.'

Mr Bennet allowed a wry smile to appear. 'I think we can provide ample entertainment here if you should so wish. In fact, I shall issue a standing dinner invitation. Mrs Bennet will be pleased when she hears news of your betrothal to our Lizzy, and I am sure she would insist on it, given the circumstances.'

'I am glad, I have enjoyed spending time with your family.'

'But what of your own cousin. Will he not be there to keep you company?'

'I'm sorry to say that Colonel Fitzwilliam is to return to his barracks tomorrow to make a report on the situation here. He is to travel with the doctor and one of the two nurses, who also need to return. The doctor will, if needed, come here again, but he has been away from his other patients for too long and needs to check up with his practice and see his family.'

'Very well.' Mr Bennet finished his drink, and noticing that Mr Darcy's glass was empty, said, 'Shall we rejoin the others? I do have an announcement to make, after all.'