When Elizabeth Bennet witnessed the direction Mr. Darcy was taking, her agitation was extreme. She followed the rest of the party to the drawing room and proceeded to fidget. She willfully stayed in her seat by Kitty, not willing to draw attention by pacing the length of the room. If she had not been so lost in thought, she would have witnessed the knowing looks directed to her by her closest sister and her sister's intended. She also would have seen the confused and slightly annoyed looks given to her by her mother.
Her thoughts were in the room with Fitzwilliam—as she was beginning to think fondly of him—and her father. She did not believe that her father would deny consent to their union, but she knew he would be unhappy at the prospect of losing his favorite daughter to matrimony. Elizabeth reasoned that he had to know that she would have a serious suitor at some point. But he had no way to prepare himself for the conversation Fitzwilliam was to initiate, especially since he had ignored and laughed off each sign of attachment. Lady Lucus' gossiping ways, Lady Catherine's condescension, Mr. Collins' lengthy letter, and of course the gentleman's calls at Longbourn were all indications that Mr. Bennet chose to disregard.
Elizabeth had accepted the follies of her family long ago, although some character flaws still saddened her. She had been close to her father as long as she could remember. Some of her fondest memories were of conversations and debates that took place in the library. The same library where he had laughed, informing her of Mr. Collins' warning of Mr. Darcy's tenderness to herself—but not once during the course of that conversation did he ask her about Fitzwilliam or question her history or attachment to him. The memory was mortifying because she had hoped so fervently that Mr. Darcy would return to renew his proposal.
Now Elizabeth's only hope is that her father saved his inquisition for her. Please, she prayed, let the interview end quickly.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Mr. Bennet called, "Enter" in a somewhat annoyed tone. When Mr. Darcy closed the door behind him and came forward, Mr. Bennet was astonished at his visitor. He closed his book and offered Mr. Darcy his full attention.
Mr. Darcy, although he looked composed, was at a loss for words. After a day of contemplating this discussion, he was still unsure of what to say and what assurances to give. Come on, man! You are the master of a great estate, have raised a sister and have commanded many business transactions without batting an eye. Your happiness depends on speaking. His pep talk to himself gave him enough confidence to take a breath and say, "Mr. Bennet. I did not intend to interrupt you, but if you would grant me a moment, I would like to speak with you."
Mr. Bennet had no expectations, but was observant enough to gauge the young man's nervousness. He gestured toward the chair across from him that Elizabeth frequents, "Please then, by all means, have a seat."
Mr. Darcy would have preferred to stand, but could not refuse the proffered seat. It would not do to tower over the older man. He nodded once and took his seat. "Sir, I am not sure if you were anticipating me. In fact, I am not certain how to begin such a request."
When Darcy hesitated, Mr. Bennet volunteered, "Indeed. I am all astonishment. Please continue."
The best way, he reasoned, was to grab the bull by the horns. "I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter, Miss Elizabeth."
Mr. Bennet did not so much as lift an eyebrow, but his surprise was incalculable. "And what does my Lizzy have to say on the matter?"
This question, though expected, did not put Darcy at ease. If Elizabeth had no problem refusing his first proposal, it was natural to assume that her father would not be swayed by possessions or worth either. The thought made him think fondly of Elizabeth and smile softly. "Before I directly answer your question, I would like to tell you that we have been in each other's company on several occasions this past year. I am aware that Miss Elizabeth did not always think highly of me. We have spoken at length in Kent, Lambdon, and more recently, here. I have professed my admiration and affection for her and proposed. Miss Elizabeth has accepted my suit. I assure you that I am overjoyed at the prospect of having her as my wife. And she feels the same."
Mr. Bennet's amazement increased. First, by the length and sincerity of his speech, and secondly, by the intelligence that Elizabeth thought highly of the man. Mr. Bennet thoughtfully contemplated Mr. Darcy for some time. Mr. Darcy allowed the silence but in need of some movement began tapping his thumb on his thigh to release his nerves.
"I see. I did not realize you were courting." Mr. Bennet raised his eyebrow but continued before Darcy could say anything. "If my daughter desires the match, I will give my consent. You will bring me settlement papers to look over, I assume?"
"Of course, Sir. I will make an appointment with my solicitor as soon as may be."
"Alright then, young man," Mr. Bennet stood and offered his hand. Mr. Darcy took his lead, very much relieved that the interview was at an end. "Do send my daughter here to me."
Mr. Bennet then walked to the window and stood gazing out at the night away from Mr. Darcy, effectively dismissing the Master of Pemberley.
By the time the Mr. Darcy reappeared, Elizabeth had taken up her embroidery and proceeded to pick at it. She had hoped that by focusing her mind on the needlework, her hands would still and her mind would calm. In this she failed, until Mr. Darcy returned. So relieved was she at his reappearance that she visually slumped when she witnessed his smile and assuring look. She then looked down at the havoc she had wrecked upon her sampler and attempted to fix the uneven stitches.
She sensed his movement toward her and heard his whisper when he leaned closer. She shivered at the sound. "Go to your father, he wants you in the library." She nodded as he righted himself and managed to convey an array of feelings to him with a smiling glance in his direction before she quit the room.
Elizabeth did not return to the drawing room for nearly an hour. In this stretch of time, Darcy took part in very little conversation before he was coaxed into being Kitty's partner in a game of whist. Unfortunately for Kitty, his mind was insufficiently on the game, so he was soon replaced by Mrs. Bennet. Darcy took the opportunity to claim a spot by the window to contemplate the darkness.
There was so much to think on that he did not mind a moment of solitude for introspection. He took this time to give thanks for the many blessings that his life had yielded. Once he had the paperwork taken care of, the banns could be read at church and he could marry his Elizabeth. It might take too long to complete the business with his solicitor by post so he would have to venture to London for a few days. Even with the assurance that Elizabeth would soon be his wife, the notion of leaving her at Longbourn caused him apprehension.
It was in this attitude that Elizabeth found him when she reentered the room. She was not inclined to impose herself on the scene immediately, but stood in the open doorway watching Jane and Bingley laughing at the table removed from Fitzwilliam. She appreciated his long figure before moving to his side.
"This day has been splendid." Fitzwilliam looked upon her with such happiness in his eyes that made her itch to touch him. "Do you not agree?"
He smiled. "I would not presume to contradict you, Madam."
The conversation between these two was presently interrupted. They took a seat on the couch and joined the party. The evening soon found closure and the gentlemen took their leave with a kiss to their respective love's knuckles.
AN: any missing conversations can be found in Pride and Prejudice chapter 59. I hope you enjoyed! Thinking about a trip to London... what should take place for Elizabeth besides shopping and being seen with Mr. Darcy?
