March 1814
The dreaded letter arrived, but to Patrick Barton's satisfaction, he was assigned to London to train young soldiers. He was due to start in a week.
One of the many things he had learned in recent years was that, as a soldier, he couldn't make long-term plans because he wasn't sure if he was going to survive the next battle. He had hopes of rescinding his commission in a few years. He had about £1,500, his salary was over £150, and he had inherited the house where they lived in London. Until a few months ago, he hadn't thought about getting married for a few years, but since he met Miss Bennet, everything slowly changed. Unintentionally, he fell deeply in love with her.
After hesitating for two days, he decided to talk to Elizabeth and tell her everything he felt. He thought she enjoyed his company, but he didn't know if what she felt for him was enough to accept a marriage proposal…
Knowing that Elizabeth used to walk every morning along the paths of 'Redstone' and pick wildflowers for her sister, he went out to meet her...
With a smile, he greeted her, "Good morning Ms. Bennet. I figured I was going to meet you here."
Elizabeth also smiled as she enjoyed his company very much, "Good morning, Colonel Barton, considering that we walked together these same paths for several days, I am not surprised you imagined I was going to be here."
Patrick smiled, "You are quite right," he offered her his arm and Elizabeth took it, "I don't remember if I told you that in three days I have to return to London. I was assigned the task of training young soldiers."
"Does that mean you don't have to go to the continent?"
"Fortunately, I will stay in London." He responded with a smile.
"I am very glad for you as I know you do not wish to leave England again. Mr. Harrington and my sister are going to be happy with the news."
Patrick knew he had to tell her how he felt about her at that moment; Although he had faced several battles and had never lacked courage, he feared Miss Bennet's response… He took a deep breath and stopped pacing abruptly, Elizabeth looked at him in surprise.
"Ms. Bennet, I have commanded dozens of men and fought several battles and I have never lacked for courage." He took another deep breath, "However I lack the courage to speak to you."
Elizabeth looked at him even more surprised and before she could say anything, Patrick continued speaking, "You are an exceptional woman; I honestly never met a woman like you. I know I don't have much to offer you and I know you deserve all the best in the world." He took both her hands and looked into her eyes, "But I swear if you give me a chance, I will do everything in my power to make you happy." He took a deep breath, "Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, would you do me the great honor of being my wife?"
Elizabeth was petrified and did not know what to answer. Of all the gentlemen she had met so far, Mr. Barton was undoubtedly the one she liked best. But was she willing to get married and leave Jane?... Her sister was much better and now she had Mr. Harrington who adored her and was going to take care of her, but did she really want to get married?
After several seconds she was able to answer, "Mr. Barton, you take me by surprise... Your proposal is so sudden... Could you give me a couple of days to think about it?"
"I understand you perfectly, I know you didn't expect my proposal." He sighed, "To be honest, until two days ago I was not thinking of proposing to you because I thought I was going to be transferred to the continent." He smiled, "But when I read the good news, I realized that part of the joy I feel is because now I have the possibility of having a future with you if you do me the honor of accepting to be my wife." He paused, "You have all the time you need to think, I promise I will not pressure you. I will dream and pray that the answer is YES…"
The two walked slowly back to the house, Colonel Barton was relieved that he had told her everything he felt and hoped Elizabeth would accept him, and Elizabeth was flattered but had many doubts...
Ironically it was Jane who noticed that Elizabeth was distracted and assumed it was due to Colonel Barton. She had seen the way the Colonel was looking at her sister and she also noticed that Elizabeth enjoyed his company very much. However, she knew the Colonel might have to leave England, and for that reason, she had not spoken to Elizabeth about her suspicions. But seeing that Elizabeth had been looking at the same page of the book for several minutes, she decided to talk to her…
"Lizzy, I have noticed that you are distracted and for several minutes you have been looking at the same page of the book you are reading. Please tell me, are you feeling alright?"
Lizzy blinked and looked at Jane's concerned face, "I feel fine Jane, you do not have to worry about me." She smiled, "Have you heard from Aunt Gardiner?"
"Lizzy, don't change the subject. Please, tell me the truth; You are distracted, and your mind is elsewhere. Are you thinking of Colonel Barton?
Lizzy blushed and looked at Jane in surprise.
"Are you sad and thoughtful because he is leaving in two days?"
Lizzy sighed and told her everything that had happened that morning... She talked about all the doubts she had, her feelings, and her insecurities.
Jane listened to her in silence and urged her to continue speaking. When she finally finished speaking, Jane hugged her tightly…
"Lizzy; London is only a day from Ramsgate. You can visit me as many times as you like, and besides, I feel well and I can visit you in London.
"I don't know Jane, I have doubts. I really like Colonel Barton, I enjoy his company and I even find him attractive... but for so long I made up my mind to always live with you..."
"I am sure you could be very happy with Colonel Barton. You complement each other very well, and surely you are halfway to falling in love with him…"
They talked for more than an hour, and Lizzy spent the whole night thinking about the conversation with Jane and about Colonel Barton... The next morning, she met the Colonel again, and to the great joy of the gentleman, Lizzy agreed to marry him...