Chapter 9:

Jane could barely breath. Was he proposing to her? Could it be possible to feel this happy? She momentarily thought about Emma and hearing Matthew speak so fondly of her—it was odd and yet genuine and moreover, it was real. She covered her mouth with her hand, smiling so wide underneath.

"Yes" she said, still smiling, "A thousand time yes!" He put the ring delicately on her finger and cupped her hands with his.

"I love you, Jane" he whispered, staring intently into her eyes. It was the first time he had used her name and it felt so private. She felt as if she were going to melt—his green eyes, which were often teasing, now soft and loving.

"I love you too, Matthew" she said, and not resisting herself, threw her arms around him and hugged him. He was surprised but pleased and picked her up from the couch and swirled her around—both laughing in each other's arms.

She was still laughing when he placed her down and stared again into her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek—sending shivers down her spine. It was soft and sweet, and was unfortunately interrupted by a very discreet cough, announcing Mrs. Gardiner was waiting to come into the room.

"May I offer you a congratulations?" she asked, entering the room and smiling at her beloved niece and now her soon to be nephew.

"Yes!" exclaimed Jane. Matthew was still holding her hand and caressing it softly. They sat back down, Jane and Matthew on sofa and Mrs. Gardiner on a chair across from them. The couple could barely contain their happiness as they shared the news with Mrs. Gardiner. The rest of the Gardiner clan soon followed, bringing with them sweets and drinks to toast to the new couple.

"I should speak with your father" said Matthew, "I know I should have asked him permission first but you know me darling, I am not one to follow rules exactly."

Jane gave him a knowing smile, for she did know him. They had been honest with each other since the beginning and though they had each held on to their secrets, they had built an open friendship.

"What if my father says no?" she teased, knowing full well that aside from being charming, Matthew was to become Lord Crawley and there was no reason for her father to object.

He gave her a devilish smile, debating whether to answer in front of everyone and so instead simply shrugged.

"I believe I should ride out today I could be back in two days time" he said, now speaking to his bride, since the children were being sent to the schoolroom with their nurse.

"I will look forward to your return" she said. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner excused themselves, giving the engaged couple a few moments to say goodbye.

"I would like a quick wedding Jane—it is time I return to Downton and I would like to do it with you by my side" he said, reaching for her hands again. "I would like to get married in a month—I assume you want to get married from Longbourn?" She did and she also agreed a month was ample time to ready the wedding preparations.

"May I kiss you before I take my leave?" he asked in a whisper.

She nodded, feeling her heart beat fast as he reached for her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist softly with his lips. She would still feel their touch hours after he had left.

Jane quote a note for father, expressing her joy and letting him know that Matthew had Mr. Gardiner's approval.

Matthew was watching Jane as she wrote the note, eager to leave so he could be back and in her presence again. He could not wait to marry her—to bring her home. She was so beautiful and touching her felt like something from another world. He had already told his mother his wedding plans. Mary, of course, had rolled her eyes and made some sarcastic comment or another, and his father had quietly acquiesced.

After saying goodbye, Jane sunk into the chair, still smiling and touching her cheek where he had kissed her and the inside of her wrist. Her Aunt gave her a knowing look and after sharing her happiness, gave her privacy to write some letters. Jane had already intended to write a letter to Lizzy in response to her courtship ngagement and now it seemed she would get to share hers.

Dearest Lizzy,

I cannot stop smiling. I feel as if I am in a dream and I might wake up at any moment! Matthew proposed and I have accepted him. We intent to be married in a month, from Longbourn. He left this morning and will speak to papa. I will remain one more week in London and then return home. I know you intended to stay for another two weeks in Rosings and I believe you should. I feel selfish for starting by sharing my news, when I am equally excited by yours! I always felt Mr. Darcy was a good man and I am glad that you are giving him a chance—you may surprise yourself and find yourself in love with him! You have been warned, dearest sister!

As much as I would love to spend time with you before the wedding, I want you to stay at Rosings and get to know your Mr. Darcy. I look forward to seeing you then and sharing with you in person the happiness that is threatening to burst from me at any moment! Oh Lizzy, how I wish I could see you this happy! I am sure I shall soon!

I must write a letter to mama and ask our dearest aunt to go with me to the modiste. She had been commissioning a dress for me and I think it will be exquisite as my wedding day.

There is a lot more I want to say but will wait till we are in each other's company.

Be patient and open, you might surprise yourself!

With love,

J.B.

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Lizzy put the letter down and could feel Jane smiling. Oh how she deserved to be this happy! Her joy could not be greater for her most beloved sister. She had arranged to meet with Mr. Darcy at ten and she had barely a half an hour so postponed writing a response till tomorrow. Since Mr. Darcy's proposal, they had walked together every morning. He was still mostly quiet but it was pleasant. They spoke of their pasts, of their respective families, and of everything but each other. It was a good start and today, on the their fourth walk, Lizzy was actually looking forward to seeing him.

She put on her petticoat and set out through the parks. The day was grayish and threatening to rain but she was in the best of spirits—for Jane and for herself.

"Elizabeth" said Mr. Darcy, bowing and smiling at her. He looked so handsome when he smiled.

"Fitzwilliam" she said, a blush appearing on her cheeks. She smiled becomingly as he offered her his arm, which she gladly took, and they set out in their familiar path.

"You look beautiful today" he said.

"You must be trying very hard to make blush, Mr. Darcy" she teased. "And if you must know, I am very happy today"

"I hope it is of anticipation of spending time together—for it is the highlight of my day" he said, staring into her eyes.

"I have found myself surprisingly enjoying these walks" she teased, "And looking forward to them. In only four days they have become a habit and I wonder how I ever survived Rosings without them. But truthfully, this morning I received wonderful news that have caused me great joy"

"Pray, please share" he said, his interest piqued.

"My most beloved sister, Jane, is engaged to be married!" she said.

"To whom?" said Mr. Darcy, his face surprised.

"Viscount Matthew Crawley of Downton, do you know him?"

"I do, we have traveled in the same circles -"

"Do you like him?"

"He is what I always aspired to be—friendly, charming, and positively loved everywhere he goes"

"Sounds like you will benefit from having him as a brother!" teased Lizzy.

"Oh?" asked Mr. Darcy, "Are there two be two proposals in one day?"

"Well, technically, they got engaged a few days ago and you proposed five days ago, so not quite" she said, laughing. She loved being able to tease him and he loved seeing her thus animated.

"He is a lovely fellow and I am sure if he has secured your sister's regard, I will be very glad to call him brother" said Mr. Darcy. Lizzy blushed for the third time that morning. "I have also received a letter from my sister and she would love to correspond with you"

"I would be honored" said Lizzy, very glad indeed. "Jane tells me the wedding is to be in a month. She suggests I should stay here for another two weeks as originally intended and then set out to Longbourn. What do you think?"

"I would love to spend every morning walking with you, Elizabeth" he said, stopping in his tracks. He reached for hand and pulled her closer. "You know that" he whispered, staring into her mesmerizing eyes. "Perhaps, we can go to London sooner so we can spend time together with your sister and Viscount Crawley."

"I would love that idea" said Lizzy, slowly, for whenever he was near she would forget to breath. She reached up and caressed his face—the first time they had been this close since the proposal—he tensed under her touch and then relaxed. He wanted to inch closer but he could not. This past week had been the best week of his life and until she was sure, he would give her the time that she needed.

"I think" he said, clearing his throat, "that we should leave on Sunday. Perhaps we could go the theater with them while in London and then you and your sister can leave for Longbourn together"

"That sounds splendid" answered Lizzy, "Will you come to the wedding?"

"That will depend on you, my dear" he said, in the softest voice that he only used with her.

She gave him an enchanting smile and placed her hand back on his arm. They continued on their walk, each deep in their own thoughts and satisfaction.

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"WHAT?!" screamed Caroline, almost chocking on her scone. It was the most unladylike thing she had ever done and probably the closest to her true form. "This cannot be true!" she said, throwing the newspaper on the floor. "I need my smelling salts!" she screamed at one of the poor footman standing by the door.

"What is the matter?" asked Charles, his tone bland and monotone. He was fatigued from Caroline's constant shrieking and attention seeking.

"Miss Bennet is engaged to Viscount Crawley of Downton! His family should be embarrassed to publish it in the newspaper!" she said, completely unaware of the pain she was causing her brother. "Are you not glad you escaped her claws? Clearly the whole family is the same and wanting to climb the social ladder. Well she has done well for herself!"

"Miss Bennet is not a social climber, dearest Caroline" said Charles, feeling the need to defend her. "She is a gentleman's daughter which is higher that you, my dear." Caroline looked aghast.

"How dare you compare me to her?!" she spat.

"You are correct, my dear, you are not even on the same level. She is distinctly higher" he said, giving her a set-down. Caroline could not believe her ears. Who was this pathetic person pretending to be her brother?

"I will be in my study" he said to no one in particular and stood up, leaving Caroline to seethe in her own anger.

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