September 1812
Despite the good weather and excellent roads, it took Darcy three seemingly eternal days to reach Rosings. As he got closer to Kent, he wondered what he could do to convince Elizabeth that they were made for each other. He loved her and was sure that they would be very happy together if she agreed to marry him. The conversation he had a month ago at Pemberley with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner was vivid in his memory…
"Mr. Darcy, we know our niece is of age and you don't owe us any kind of explanation about your feelings." Mr. Gardiner paused and continued, "But since Elizabeth and Isabella are our dearest family, we would like to know, what are your intentions toward our niece? Please, we ask you to be honest with us."
Darcy blushed and candidly replied, "My intentions have always been honorable. I imagine you have realized that I love Elizabeth deeply." He paused and added, "I've been in love with her for over seven years. Luckily, God has given me a second chance that I'm not going to waste under any circumstances. Please believe me when I tell you that what I want most in this world is for Elizabeth to be my wife."
The Gardiners nodded in agreement, and Mr. Gardiner asked, "We are glad to hear that, but what does the rest of your family think about your decision to marry our niece? I understand years ago Lydia's scandal was the main reason you cut ties with the Bennet family and Elizabeth in particular. The situation is still the same, the Bennet family is still tainted by that scandal and your family knows about it."
Darcy sighed. "The main reason I had to put my wishes and happiness aside was not my family's censure, but the fear of damaging Georgiana's reputation and future. I was my sister's guardian and my first duty was to her welfare and not my happiness. Walking away from Elizabeth was the hardest decision I ever had to make." He paused and forthrightly continued, "If the situation had been different, it is very likely that I would have asked Elizabeth to minimize communication with the rest of the Bennet family."
The Gardiners again nodded, and Mrs. Gardiner added, "And what about Isabella? Are you willing to take on the role of a father in Isabella's life? You don't have children, but you have to understand that, for Elizabeth, the well-being of her daughter is her priority."
Darcy smiled slightly, "The truth is that Isabella has already completely won my heart. I don't know if it is due to the resemblance both physically and in her character she has to Elizabeth, but it will be very easy to love her as if she were my daughter. I already love her."
The Gardiners looked at each other before nodding in agreement, and finally, Mr. Gardiner added, "I know you didn't ask for it, nor do you need it, but we want to let you know that you have our full support. We fervently hope that in the not-too-distant future you will be our nephew."
He knew that the approval of the Gardiners was not necessary, but he was very happy to have their blessing. Furthermore, they were very important people in Elizabeth and Isabella's lives, and having a good relationship with them boded very well for the future happiness of the family he and Elizabeth would hopefully build.
Since he arrived at Rosings in the afternoon, he was unable to visit Sandstone that day, but he took the opportunity to meet with his steward and go through the estate's ledgers. The profits were even greater than those of previous years. Satisfied with the information and with Rosings' performance that year, he went to sleep early thinking about Elizabeth.
The following day, as he was on his way to Sandstone carrying Isabella's gifts, he vividly remembered Mrs. Reynolds's surprise when he asked her to help him buy Isabella's gifts...
"Mrs. Reynolds, I know that what I am about to ask you to do is unusual, but I fully trust your good taste."
Mrs. Reynolds nodded, "How can I help you, Mr. Darcy?"
"I need to buy a beautiful gown for a four-year-old girl, and for this purpose, I need your help."
Mrs. Reynolds opened her eyes slightly, but then replied in a neutral voice, "No problem, Mr. Darcy. Do you have the girl's measurements?"
"No, but she is similar in height and weight to Mr. Tirney's daughter."
Mrs. Reynolds nodded, "When do you need the gown ready?"
"I need it in 3 days before I go to Matlock."
Mrs. Reynolds nodded, "What color do you want the gown?"
Darcy smiled slightly, "Preferably pink, although it can be yellow. I also wish you would add matching hair ribbons to the dress. The girl has blonde hair."
Two days later the beautiful dress was ready and, additionally, he bought her colored pencils and a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales.