Chapter 5
"What is it, Richard?" Darcy demanded as he entered his study. Richard was already helping himself to his port, Darcy noticed.
"First, how in the world did you come to be engaged to Miss Bennet after the disaster you made of it in Kent? I was shocked to see her at your table smiling, and then hearing you announce your engagement. More surprising was how pleased she looked about it."
Darcy smiled. "I arrived ahead of the rest yesterday and came across Elizabeth in the gardens. We spoke and have both apologized for our misunderstandings. The letter I had written before leaving Kent had changed her view of me and made her think of me in a much more positive light over the last months.
"Seeing her again, here, at Pemberley where I had dreamed of seeing her so often, Richard, was a dream come true. By the end of the afternoon, I had invited her and her family to stay while in Derbyshire and then asked her for a courtship. She told me she did not need a courtship, and so I proposed again, much better this time, and was accepted. We plan to marry in mid-October. Will you stand up with me?"
"What of her family?" Richard asked.
"What of them?" Darcy asked with a scowl. "Elizabeth has attained her majority, but her uncle has given his blessing as her temporary guardian. He and I both posted letters to her father, and she wrote to both him and her elder sister. Bingley will return to Netherfield on Monday to court the eldest Miss Bennet again – I confessed to my actions in separating them and have been forgiven. Elizabeth does not want a large or grand wedding, so she has asked her father and sister to conceal the matter from her mother until the last moment."
"You thought they beneath you once?" Richard reminded.
"I was wrong," Darcy admitted. "Her mother is still a trial, but I will learn to tolerate her for Elizabeth's sake. Elizabeth is often frustrated by her as well, but we all have relations that give us pause. I will obtain a common license to keep the banns from being read and bringing Aunt Catherine upon us.
"Her aunt and uncle who are here are in trade, but he is well off and respected. Your father invests with him, and I have discovered I was scheduled to meet with him about some investments when we return to town. I was a fool for thinking too highly of myself and too little of others. Elizabeth has humbled me, and I am a better man for it, I find."
"Good for you, cousin," Richard proclaimed. "I knew she would be the making of you once you got off your high horse enough to see it.
"Now, to the reason I am here …" Richard began to explain how since Darcy had informed him of Wickham's presence in the militia in Hertfordshire, he had been keeping tabs on him, quietly of course. Darcy knew that Lydia was in Brighton along with Wickham and the militia and asked Richard about her.
"Wickham has been sniffing around her, but he is well-watched. His debts are mounting; he'll bolt soon. As soon as he does, he will be caught before he can even depart Brighton and will be brought before a military trial for desertion," Richard announced.
"And if he persuades some young miss, like Elizabeth's youngest sister, to go with him?" Darcy asked.
"It will all be handled quietly," Richard assured him. "I know the Colonel in charge of his unit, and we have been corresponding. If Miss Lydia is staying with him, he will be watching her and him even more closely as well and hopefully will prevent anything from getting too far."
"Good," Darcy said. "Elizabeth had told me she was concerned that her father allowed her youngest sister to go and had tried to persuade him from it. However, he thought she would realize her own insignificance if she went and so allowed her anyway – to keep the peace."
Richard scowled. "A father with five daughters should not be that cavalier about their reputations."
Darcy nodded his agreement. "What about your business in Matlock?"
Richard relied, smiling, "Father needed me to fetch some papers and I hoped to get some of the receipts from where you have paid off Wickham's debts as well. It will make it that much easier to settle the man if we have greater proof of his perfidy."
Darcy went to his safe and removed a stack of bills and receipts from it. "Thank you, Richard. I likely should have done more when I was in Meryton, but I am glad that you have been able to act to put a stop to him. Handling it through the military makes it harder for him to carry through his threats to ruin Georgiana."
"I would have preferred to simply run him through," Richard admitted. "But this feels satisfactory as well. I will not feel badly to see him swing or face a firing squad."
Darcy grimaced. "Is transportation an option?"
"Seriously, Darcy," Richard protested. "After all that man has done, you would prefer he be allowed to be transported rather than be killed?"
"I cannot help it, Richard. He was my father's godson. He would have preferred to see him transported than sentenced to death. Although," Darcy paused, thinking back. "He never knew how bad Wickham was. I tried to tell him once, but he attributed it to jealousy. I never tried again. I think he would have been furious to have learned what he tried with Georgiana."
The two men continued to talk a while longer before finally seeking their beds. Both men entered the family wing to see a white-clad woman wandering the hall. Richard grabbed Darcy and pulled him into the shadows to watch.
A footman was posted outside Darcy's bedroom door. "Who goes there?" he called as he saw the woman.
"Mr. Darcy asked me to join him tonight," they heard Miss Bingley tell the footman. "He will want you to let me into his room."
"I was told that no one was to enter these rooms, other than the master," the footman said.
Before anything else could be said, Richard approached the footman. "Peter, what is this?"
"This, uh, woman, said Mr. Darcy asked her to join him in his rooms tonight. My orders were to prevent anyone's entry, other than the master himself," the boy answered.
"Miss Bingley, why would Mr. Darcy invite you to his rooms when his betrothed is just down the hall? Not to mention my cousin despises you. Are you trying to orchestrate a compromise?" Richard jeered.
"I was invited to his rooms," Miss Bingley persisted.
"Like you were invited to his home?" Richard scoffed. "Peter, I will ensure Miss Bingley does not enter my cousin's rooms. If you would, go and ask the footman down the hall to fetch her brother and then return. Oh, and ask Mr. Darcy to join us as well. You will find him just down the hallway."
"What?" Miss Bingley protested as the footman headed down the hall. "There is no need to fetch my brother." Then, turning to Mr. Darcy. "I am here as you requested, sir, but these people do not believe me."
"My cousin and my staff are protecting me, Miss Bingley. Even if you had found your way into my rooms, even if you were found naked in my bed, I would never marry you. Your brother is well aware of this fact," Darcy told her bluntly. "And if you do not want this shared with your brother, then you never should have acted this way."
"But you asked me to come," Miss Bingley insisted.
"When is this supposed to have occurred? I have not spoken so much as a word to you that was not in company with others. And my betrothed is just down the hall – I would never dishonor her by inviting another woman into my bed."
More doors down the hall began to open, starting with the Gardiners' and Elizabeth's, and then Bingley joined the growing group. Thankfully, Georgiana was a heavy sleeper and was likely unaware of the noise. Elizabeth's eyes grew large when she saw Miss Bingley standing in her nightgown in the hallway outside of William's doors. As Darcy made his way to meet Bingley, he stopped briefly by Elizabeth.
"All is well, love. Richard and I had just come upstairs from my study when we saw Miss Bingley trying to demand entrance from the footman into my rooms. I need to speak to Charles, but she will most definitely be leaving at first light."
"She is persistent, and while I was surprised when I heard you order footmen to remain in the hall all night, I see the necessity of that step. I love you, William, and, more importantly at the moment, I trust you completely," she told him. "Get some rest, love."
He kissed her hand and turned to Bingley, who had paused a few feet away.
Shutting her door, Elizabeth laughed to herself. While it should have been shocking, in many ways she was unsurprised by Miss Bingley's final attempt to get what she wanted. She heard the rumble of voices in her hallway and heard more doors close. She laid back down and quickly fell asleep, thinking of William.
In the morning, she met William in the hallway as they had planned. A footman was nearby to act as chaperone and William offered his arm as they made their way outside to the gardens. They spoke about the events of the previous night.
"Charles left at first light with his sister," Darcy finished. "He is going to see about turning over her dowry to her and setting her up her own establishment in York. He was furious with her last night; I have never seen the man so angry. No one will speak of it so long as she does not. There are too many witnesses to what actually happened for her to be able to successfully spread her version. Nonetheless, Richard will head back to town tomorrow morning and acquaint his mother with the story, so she has the details in case anyone in town speaks of it."
Elizabeth laughed lightly. "There is a part of me that is shocked by her brazen behavior, but another part of me that is not surprised. She was intent on becoming the Mistress of Pemberley and I am afraid that when you told her you were engaged to me, she felt she had to act to secure it. I would not have expected her to announce her destination to a footman and demand entry."
William rubbed his face with both his hands. "I was always wary of her. It is why there were always footmen posted near my bedroom any time she visited. At Netherfield, my valet slept in my dressing room, and we barred the door at night as an additional precaution. While I always felt that I was a bit foolish to putting these measures in place, I am still shocked that she did finally try it. And that she would be brazen enough to announce that I invited her …"
Elizabeth stopped him with a slight tug on his arm. "William, no one of sense believes that you would invite her to your room. While I have not spoken to my aunt and uncle yet, I know they will not believe it and you told me both Richard and Charles spoke against Miss Bingley's claims."
"You are right, Elizabeth. But I have other news to discuss with you as well – Richard had another motive for arriving last night and I fear it may be unpleasant as well," Darcy said, taking her hands in his. "Let us find a place to sit."
They walked forward until they came to a bench. Darcy helped Elizabeth sit and then sat beside her, turning to face her, and holding her hands in his.
"You are very serious, William. Is everything all right?" Elizabeth asked him, worry etching his face.
"Richard's purpose in coming was to relate some details about Wickham," Darcy began. "I realized after I left Kent that I had done little to prevent Wickham from damaging others. Here in Derbyshire, I have paid off debts for him with merchants several times and they no longer give him credit, but in Meryton, I did nothing to prevent him from injuring shop keepers there by running up debts he cannot possibly pay. I spoke with Richard, and he has subtly been keeping an eye on him through Colonel Forester and others since April."
"So, Colonel Forester knows to keep an eye on him?" Elizabeth interjected.
"He does now," William admitted.
"I am glad to hear that, William. That man's presence in Brighton was one of my biggest worries about Lydia going," Elizabeth said before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you!"
He laughed lightly. "Richard did most of the work, but I will accept your thanks on his behalf.
"There is more though. Richard came to get evidence of debt from both myself and from Matlock. He believes he will soon desert the militia – his debts and debts of honor will cause him to flee soon. Forester is aware of this, and they are waiting for him to make his move. As soon as he attempts to flee, he will be jailed and court-martialed for desertion. The penalty could be transportation, or death."
William drew a quick breath and Elizabeth laid her head on his shoulder. "And you are torn because you cannot imagine his death in such a way, but at the same time, he has used and abused your trust over and over again."
He looked up at her. "That is exactly it," he said. "Richard could not understand how I would even want to consider transportation instead of death at the end of a rope or by firing squad. Of course, Richard would have run him through very easily last summer and still would, if he thought he could get away with it. But I struggle to imagine my former friend deserving such a fate. It is so hard to separate the boy I knew from the man he became. And the fact that my father loved him only adds to my struggle. Richard does not understand how I feel, but you, my dear, understand me exactly."
"You are not so very hard to read, William. You are honorable to a fault, and you carry far too many burdens for others. Wickham had every advantage – he chose this path. Whatever happens to him is a result of his own choices." Elizabeth squeezed his hands. "There is little you could have done differently."
He kissed her lightly and she laid her head on his shoulder again. "You are a good man, William. The best I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I am so looking forward to a life with you."
He kissed the top of her head. "I am a better man because of you, Elizabeth. I would not have taken these steps but for you. Bingley and Richard both have remarked on the change you have wrought in me. Mrs. Reynolds approves of you, as well."
They sat like that for several long moments. "Bingley will return on Saturday and make his way to Netherfield on Monday. I am ready to start my life with you, my dear. October seems so far away," William said after a while.
"It does," Elizabeth replied. "I think I could be content to remain at Pemberley forever. You have a truly wonderful estate. It is little wonder Miss Bingley would go so far to acquire it for herself."
William scowled at her and she laughed. "She would not have been content to remain here. She prefers town and would have never been happy here for months out of the year. When we marry, I would be content to spend most of our time here. London has little appeal – although I do enjoy the bookshops and the theater. I detest society and the 'obligations' of town. After Georgiana has her coming-out, I could go years without venturing back except for short visits."
"I have spent little time in town, most often with my aunt and uncle. While I have never undergone the whirl of a season, I do enjoy attending the theater and musicals and visiting the shops. Well, the bookshops and music stores, not clothing shops. I dread the idea of shopping for a trousseau – too much sitting and standing still while I am poked and pinned within an inch of my life." Elizabeth laughed. "It seems we have much in common, William."
"I believe we do as well," he said. "But, I will enjoy dancing this next season, so long as I can dance with you."
She laughed again and looked up at the sun. "What time is it?"
He glanced at his pocket watch and groaned. "Time for breakfast, I dare say. Let us head inside to join the others. Your uncle and I are fishing this morning with Richard, and I look forward to your first riding lesson this afternoon."
Elizabeth smiled wryly at him as they stood. "If I fall off, I will blame you entirely," she said. "I wish women were permitted to ride astride – sidesaddle seems so much less safe."
"When we are married, I will teach you to ride astride," he told her. "My aunt has a modiste who has fashioned a kind of split skirt for a woman to ride astride and remain covered. We may ask her about it when we meet her in town."
"That sounds shocking. My mother would have a fit if she were to see me like that. But it does sounds intriguing," she admitted.
"I have sent my aunt and uncle a letter to announce our betrothal. I have asked them to keep it quiet for now, since we have not yet heard from your father, although it will be some time before we can hear from them since we posted the letters instead of sending them by express. I look forward to introducing you to the Earl and Countess – they will love you. They have despaired of my ever marrying. My cousin, the viscount, has yet to marry and obviously, neither has Richard, and I believe they think we are all nearly a lost cause."
"You just needed to unbend a bit, my darling," Elizabeth said.
He laughed. "I needed you, my love. I do not think anyone else would have done what you have done. I could not believe my good fortune when I saw you at Pemberley just two days ago and I still cannot believe I have managed to convince you to accept me. That I will soon be able to call you my wife. I love you, Elizabeth, wholly and completely."
"Six months ago, I could not have imagined this either. I was so embarrassed when I came across you here. I only let my aunt convince me to visit when I thought you were away. But I, too, am pleased with how things have turned out."
The newly-engaged couple walked back to the house, her arm on his and his free hand covering hers. When they reached the house, the made their way to the breakfast room where Elizabeth's aunt and uncle were already eating. Richard was sitting at the table as well, having already eaten, and had briefly explained the disruption in the hall from the previous night, and the end result that led to the Bingley family leaving at first light that morning.
"For once, my over-caution cousin was validated in taking such steps," Richard finished. "Not that anyone would have believed her anyway, no matter what had happened."
Aunt Gardiner was shocked at the lengths that desperate women would sink to but was pleased for her niece and soon-to-be nephew that things had been resolved satisfactorily. "Of course, we would never speak of this to anyone, which is what you will no doubt warn us of next."
"When I leave in the morning, I will be apprising my mother, the Countess of Matlock, of what happened here last night, so she is aware. Unless Caroline Bingley speaks of it, no one else will ever know, but William and I both want my mother to know the details in case it ever does come to light," Richard explained.
"Good morning, everyone," Darcy greeted his guests as they entered. "I take it you were informing the Gardiners of the particulars from our 'excitement' last night?" he asked his cousin.
"Yes, I have apprised them of the pertinent facts of last night's madness," the Colonel said. "Now, cousin, eat up so we can go fishing. And I heard there is to be a riding lesson this afternoon. Do you need my assistance?"
"I am perfectly capable of teaching a lady to ride, Richard," Darcy asserted.
Richard scoffed and puffed his chest out. "I am a member of His majesty's dragoons. I am clearly the better rider."
"Be that as it may, I intend to be the one who teaches my betrothed to ride," Darcy told his cousin. "You are not needed."
Richard shot Darcy a speaking look. Darcy broke eye contact first, his ears turning slightly red, while Richard snorted to contain his laughter. Uncle Gardiner cleared his throat and glared at Richard.
"I apologize, sir," Richard said sheepishly to the older gentleman.
Gardiner nodded at him but kept his stern gaze on him. Richard looked abashed and excused himself from the room.
"Mr. Gardiner, I apologize for my cousin. He forgets himself sometimes," Darcy said.
"I have no doubt that he is used to making such jests with his comrade-in-arms, but they are not appropriate in front of ladies. I will speak to him a bit more explicitly while we fish," Gardiner said.
"He meant no disrespect, sir. I know my cousin would not intentionally cause offense. But, please, before you take him to task, wait for me to be there. It is not often that my cousin is dressed down and I will enjoy watching him squirm," Darcy laughed.
Gardiner laughed in return. "I must say, it was amusing to watch a Colonel in the army squirm under my glare."
Elizabeth, who was seated with her plate, looked at her aunt inquiringly, not understanding what had been said that her uncle objected to. That lady just shook her head at her niece but would not fully meet her eye. She would need to ask her aunt in private later and ask.
The conversation drifted to the plans for the day. The ladies and gentlemen would separate for the morning – the women to find a riding habit for Elizabeth, while the men fished. Luncheon would be served at one in the afternoon and Elizabeth's riding lesson would come after. The Gardiners intended to make a few calls that afternoon, and Richard and Georgiana would attend the riding lesson, both to offer their advice and to act as chaperone.
Elizabeth walked with her aunt to their rooms to find Georgiana, who had broken her fast in her room. "What was the Colonel apologizing for earlier, Aunt? William's ears were red, and Uncle was angry," she asked as soon as they were alone in the hall.
"Elizabeth, you have a curious nature, but I must ask that you not pursue this right now. The Colonel made a rather crude insinuation that was wholly inappropriate for mixed company," Mrs. Gardiner told her firmly.
"But he did not actually say anything," Elizabeth protested. "At least I do not think he did."
"He did not say anything directly, but it was implied in his look at Mr. Darcy. The comment embarrassed that gentleman and angered your uncle. Leave it be, Elizabeth." Her aunt's voice made it clear the conversation was done.
They arrived at Georgiana's room and knocked on the door, which Georgiana quickly opened.
"Good morning!" she cried. "I have several habits laid out for you to try. We are of a similar size, although I am a bit taller than you, so I hope we will be able to find one that will need only a little adjustment."
"Good morning to you, Georgiana. I am sure that we can find one that will do," Elizabeth said.
"I like this one for you, Miss Bennet," the girl said, pointing out a dark green riding habit with a detachable train. "It is one of my older ones, so it may fit your height better than some of my newer ones. Will you try it on?"
"I would be happy to, Miss Darcy. But I have one request to make of you first. Since we are to be sisters soon, I would ask that you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy," Elizabeth told her.
"Then you must call me Georgiana. I have always wanted a sister. Not one like Miss Bingley, who is not very sisterly even with her own sister, but one who I could laugh and talk with. When William first mentioned you in his letters from Hertfordshire, I began to imagine what it would be like to have a sister like you. William was most impressed when you walked three miles to care for your sick sister. I do not think he realized how much he wrote if you until I asked him about you when he returned from Hertfordshire.
"In Kent, he did not write of you, but Richard mentioned you were there in one letter. When I asked William about you when he returned, he was very abrupt, asking how I knew you had been there, and I think he was rather angry with Richard for it. I always thought William admired you from the way he wrote about you, and I was very pleased to find you here when we arrived and learn that the two of you are engaged."
Elizabeth looked at her aunt rather helplessly. How was she supposed to explain her tempestuous relationship with the girl's brother? Clearly, William had not said much, but neither would she expect him to confide in a much younger sister.
"Let me go in the other room to try on this habit, so we can decide what alterations need to be made. My meeting with your brother here was quite by accident, but it was very fortuitous, and I am very happy to be betrothed to him now. Later, you may have to tell me all of what he said about me in his letters so I may tease him about it," Elizabeth said as she went into the dressing room with Georgiana's lady's maid.
After she was dressed in the riding habit, she came back into the bedroom to model for the other ladies.
Her aunt appraised her carefully. "It fits well. The length is good as is the fit around the waist, but the bodice is a bit tight. How does the jacket feel?"
"It is a bit snug in the chest, I am afraid. I am afraid that is not an easy adjustment to make," Elizabeth told her aunt. "Is there another jacket that might work with the skirt?"
Georgiana held up another jacket. "What do you think of this one?" She held up one that contrasted nicely with the skirt.
Elizabeth slid her arms out of the other jacket and tried on the newer one. The chest was still tight, but she could breathe more easily in this one. "I am afraid, Georgiana, that I am a bit more well-endowed than you are at present. Maybe when we go to Lambton to shop, we can look in at the dress maker and see about having a riding habit made for me. If I am going to learn to ride, I will need a better fitting jacket, I am afraid."
"She is very good and taking older gowns and refurbishing them to fit. She would likely have an idea about how to make either of these jackets fit you better," Georgiana offered.
"That is a wonderful idea, Georgiana. When we go to Lambton later this week, we can take these jackets and ask," Elizabeth said.
"You would do well to order a few dresses from the dress maker while we are there. Winters in Derbyshire are cold, far colder than what you are used to. The dress maker here will be better equipped to help you obtain what you will need," her aunt suggested.
"Is it not a bit presumptuous, aunt?" Elizabeth wondered.
"You are engaged, my dear. I think it is safe to expect that you will spend some time here in the near future," Mrs. Gardiner replied.
"But we have not discussed…," Elizabeth trailed off, remembering his comments from that morning about how he would always live at Pemberley if he could. "I do not have the funds with me to purchase several dresses right now. And father has not said yet how much I may spend on a trousseau."
"Your uncle and I would be happy to purchase several dresses for you, my dear. They will be far less costly here than in town. And I believe it will help for when you become mistress of this estate," her aunt wisely added.
They decided the outfit would work for the lesson that day and tomorrow's picnic. Elizabeth went to change back into her morning dress and the group headed down to the music room where Georgiana offered to play for them. After a playing a couple of short pieces, she asked Elizabeth to play a duet or two with her. When the gentlemen returned, after changing, they found the two girls playing together with Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana's companion, chatting quietly. William smiled to see the two enjoying each other's company.
Lunch was announced and the group made their way into the dining room. Conversation was easy between the six with Richard entertaining them all with stories of the fish they caught with both Darcy and Gardiner occasionally offering clarification about one of the colonel's more outlandish statements.
When lunch was over, everyone headed upstairs to prepare for the afternoon's activities. Soon, the Gardiners were in their carriage headed toward Lambton and the rest toward the stables.
Several horses were saddled and ready when they arrived. Georgiana demonstrates how to place the riding habit to ensure her legs were covered and the proper posture for riding side saddle. Although Georgiana had used the mounting block, William lifted Elizabeth into the saddle and helped her arrange her skirts around her. When he accidentally touched her ankle, he grinned unrepentantly, and she just glared at him.
He demonstrated how to hold the reins in her hands and how to use them to guide the horse.
"When astride, I would use my heels to indicate the direction I want the horse to go, but when riding sidesaddle, you must rely on the reins to guide the horse," Mr. Darcy explained. "Let's try it at a walk. You want to keep your back straight and shoulders back. Now, use the reins to indicate you want the horse to walk. Remember, that if you pull them tightly, the horse will think you want to slow down or stop. Hold the reins more loosely."
Elizabeth remembered enough to make a credible attempt. Walking was easy enough and she soon graduated to a trot. After demonstrating the basic knowledge, all four decided to leave the paddock and take a short ride across the fields.
With William beside her, Elizabeth found she quite enjoyed riding. Pemberley was beautiful and she enjoyed seeing more of it than what she had been able to see on foot.
"William, what was the colonel alluding to earlier with his comment, or lack of comment, about riding?" Eliza the blurted when the two of them were a safe distance away from Richard and Georgiana.
Darcy's entire face turned red with embarrassment. "Elizabeth," he gasped. "Not until after the wedding."
"Was it so very bad, then?" she asked.
"It is not appropriate for a maiden, to be sure. Richard is far too used to the company of men, not all of whom are gentlemen. I would have been tempted to challenge him had Georgiana heard such a comment and your uncle quite took him to task when we arrived at the lake," Darcy told her. "I love your curiosity and your natural inquisitiveness, but in this area, we cannot speak of it now."
"So, men are expected to have knowledge before marriage, but not ladies? That is quite the double standard," Elizabeth protested.
"It very much is, my love, but know this, the only knowledge I possess is what I have heard when I was in school and at the club, but I have no, umm, practical knowledge myself. When we come together, we will be learning together. That is another reason Richard teases me so often," Darcy explained.
She smiled beatifically at him. "I am pleased to know that, William. While society's expectations are unfair, it is good to know that we will be equally ignorant and will have the chance to learn this together."
He groaned. "Please, love, temper your curiosity in this matter for now, until we are wed. I will answer any questions you may have then."
"I have some knowledge," she told him. "I live on a farm, and I have seen animals mate."
"Elizabeth, please," he cried, his voice sounding strained.
She looked at him oddly. "Are you all right, William?"
He stopped his horse and reached over to bring her horse near. "I do not know how I can explain this gently, so I will be frank. This conversation is difficult for me because of my desire you. When we discuss things like this, it only makes me desire you more, and that produces a physical reaction that makes riding particularly difficult. So, it is best if we do not discuss these types of things until after we are wed."
She looked at him again, cocking her head to one side as she examined him carefully. As she did, she noticed the bulge in his breeches. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, doing this two or three more times before she finally simply nodded.
He sighed. "Two months is a long time, my dear."
"And getting longer," was her reply that made his ears turn red once again.
They arrived back at the stables soon after and William held back with his cousin after the two ladies began to walk back to the house.
"I could pummel you right now, Richard. Elizabeth asked me about what you implied at breakfast, and it may have led to one of most uncomfortable rides in my life," Darcy growled.
Richard laughed uproariously. "She's not a meek one, that is for sure."
"She will be my wife soon – be respectful. You have single handedly made it that much more difficult to wait two very long months before the wedding will take place. I cannot ask her to advance to date without having to have a difficult conversation with her father, since we have already suggested October. Fortunately, we did not mention a specific date, so we can at least discuss early October without too much being said about it. I hope." Darcy groaned again and then punched his cousin on the shoulder.
"You have chosen to live like a monk and now you are paying for it," Richard said haughtily.
"Not a joking matter, Richard." Darcy groaned.
They all met back in the one of the parlors after changing out of riding clothes. Tea was ordered a quickly brought and they enjoyed a light repast. Richard entertained the group with his stories once again, and Darcy and Elizabeth sat on a settee, holding hands while listening to Richard's tales. Occasionally, Darcy interrupted with a detail that almost always drew a glare from his cousin, but it was obvious these two were as close as brothers.
After some time, Darcy asked Elizabeth if she would like a book from the library. He took her arm to escort her and when they entered, instead of directing her to the bookshelves, he led to her an armchair by the large windows at the back of the room.
"Elizabeth," then he chuckled. "It occurs to me that neither time I proposed was I truly planning to do so. At Hunsford, I, honestly, I am not completely certain what made me speak at that time or how I did, but I knew I could not leave without speaking to you of my feelings for you. While I did a terrible job of expressing my love for you then, and in fact insulted you dreadfully, what I felt for you was honest. That feeling has only grown over time and I can say that I love you more for rejecting me than I would have considered possible.
"The second time, I had come across you so unexpectedly and I never dreamed you would have agreed to marry me. I did a much better job of expressing my feelings for you, I think, but I still was not fully prepared and blurted out what was on my mind. Since then, I have remembered that I meant to give you this – I dreamt of it on your finger long before I encountered you in Kent. I think it was at Netherfield when I first imagined you with this." With these words, he took out a velvet bag from his inside pocket and withdrew a large diamond and sapphire ring.
He knelt in front of her. "Elizabeth Rose Bennet, I love you more than life. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage? Will you be my most treasured wife?"
A tear ran down her cheek. "Yes, William, I love you so much. Thank you for this third, most perfect, proposal." She smiled at him gently. "I hope you know there is no one else I would want to spend my life with."
He slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her hand and then lightly kissed her lips. He stood, pulling her with him and pulled her into his embrace. They stood that way for several minutes until a cough drew them back.
Richard noticed the ring on her finger. "Ahh, now I know what you were up to. Georgiana was asking for you and I told her I would look for you. Did you find a book?"
"In fact, I did," Elizabeth said, choosing a book off the nearby shelf. "Shakespeare's sonnets – or would you prefer a play?"
The three entered the parlor laughing. William took the book from Elizabeth's hand as they entered. "We have a bit of time before dinner, would you care to hear me read for a bit, Georgiana? Elizabeth?"
Both ladies agreed and William read until it was time to dress for dinner.