May – June 1813
In early Mary, Mr. Stevens asked his permission to court Georgiana. At first, Darcy was hesitant to consent as in his opinion his sister was still very young, but as he had no objections to the gentleman's character, and Georgiana was happy with him, he reluctantly agreed.
The prospect of being left alone in Pemberley after his sister married was the main reason why he finally decided to court Lady Maria.
For that reason, he went to Ramsgate for two weeks since Lady Maria's parents' estate was barely 10 miles away. Georgiana decided to accompany him as she was very fond of walking on the beach and Ramsgate was only a day's trip from London so Mr. Stevens could easily come and see her.
July 1813
The morning after his arrival at Ramsgate he went in his carriage to visit Lady Maria. He hadn't seen her in two weeks, and hadn't missed her or thought of her in those days, but he knew Lady Matlock was right; If he didn't make up his mind to court her soon, surely another gentleman would.
He was lost in thoughts when he saw the profile of a woman walking with a heavy basket a few dozen paces away. His body shuddered involuntarily; the woman was similar to Miss Elizabeth Bennet... He couldn't get a close look at her to confirm it was her, but the rest of the way to Lady Maria's house he couldn't help but think of Elizabeth. It had only been a few months since he had consciously stopped thinking about her, from time to time she still visited his dreams, but he thought that with a little more time she would be completely in the past...
He arrived at Lady Maria's house and was received with courtesy and cheerfulness. It was clear that Lady Maria and her family were waiting for him to declare his intentions once and for all. In fact, Lady Maria invited him for a walk through the gardens of the estate and subtly told him that she was waiting for his proposal, or so he thought...
"… my life has been so monotonous these last few weeks. I miss our interesting conversations." she squeezed his arm gently, "I am so glad you came to visit me, and that you are also staying in Ramsgate for a few days." She smiled slightly, "How is Miss Darcy?"
"Georgiana is very well. She stayed at home with her companion because she is still tired from the trip."
"Yes; the trips are so tiring and women are more delicate and we get tired more easily than gentlemen…, so we need to be protected."
Darcy didn't answer her and for a few seconds he stopped listening to what she was talking about; Unintentionally, he thought of another young lady who walked several miles to see her sister and knew how to defend herself very well... he had to forget her!
"... Do you agree Mr. Darcy?" When he did not reply, Lady Maria squeezed his arm gently.
"I am sorry, I was distracted for a few seconds. What did you say?"
"I was just saying that my family and I would like to invite you and Miss Darcy to dine with us. Of course, you can stay here so you don't have to return to your home at night. In fact, I would like you and your sister to stay for several days since I enjoy your company very much."
Darcy took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, but finally made up his mind. He took her hand, and said, "I am glad you enjoy my company." He paused, "I came here today with the intention of speaking with you; if you agree I want to court you."
Lady Maria smiled coquettishly, squeezed his arm gently, and replied, "It will be my pleasure, Mr. Darcy. To be honest with you, I am very happy you noticed me. If you want when we are alone, you can simply call me Maria…"
Darcy smiled slightly and nodded. Subsequently, Darcy spoke with her father, who had no objection. At the insistence of Lady Maria and her mother, he stayed for lunch with them. Before he left, they invited him and Georgiana to dinner two days later and to stay with them for a few days.
On the way back home, when he passed the same place where he had seen that woman who had reminded him so much of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, his eyes unconsciously looked around looking for her, but he saw no one...