Lizzy walked ahead, following her intended faithfully, making her way further from her family home.
Decorum and propriety long forgotten, Lizzy and Darcy walked farther towards scandal if caught unaccompanied.
Darcy breathed heavily, his hand never leaving the soft grasp of his future wife.
He led on, never speaking, a hesitant smile edging on his lips.
Down the cobblestone path, through the hedgerow arch, and finally stopping near the oak tree that stood back towards the far corner of the garden.
Darcy turned and faced Lizzy. His face was soft as he bent down to pull her wrap closer around her frame.
He spoke calmly as he looked into her eyes. "I will not detain us long Elizabeth. As you know I have come today to make my feelings know." His voice grew more determined when he avowed. "I come today to make you my bride."
Lizzy colored slightly, thinking of the caresses shared that morning, as she confirmed. "Yes, I am quite aware of your intentions." She inched closer towards him. "Yes, very aware, and I too hope to have made my feelings known."
Darcy took both of Lizzy's hands in his and brought them to his lips. Gently touching his lips to her chilled skin he pulled her the few inches that lay between them, as he looked deep into her alluring eyes.
"Dear Elizabeth." Darcy shook his head slightly. "You mistake my meaning. I wish to marry at once."
"Yes, of course." Lizzy replied readily. "Mama will only need a few weeks to plan, and I am sure that given the fact…"
Darcy quickly cut her off!
"No! Elizabeth I mean to make you my wife not in a few weeks." He lifted his hands to clutch her face, his fingers rubbing over her jaw ever so slightly.
"I mean to make you my wife, today!"