Mr. Darcy's return to Rosings was met with a newfound feeling of elation, unlike any he had ever known. Elizabeth's presence had a miraculous way of making his world seem brighter and more promising, and his heart was filled with an entirely novel sense of warmth and joy.
Earlier, Mr. Darcy had been full of apprehension and uncertainty, lamenting his uncle's derogatory opinions regarding Elizabeth's suitability as a wife. Just the day before, Lord Melbridge had sent a letter to an acquaintance in Hertfordshire asking for information on the Bennet family. The response was received with incredible disdain for Elizabeth's family, particularly her boisterous younger sisters and overly passionate parents. His uncle had instructed him to read it, adding several additional disparaging remarks of his own that caused Darcy's heart to swell with indignation.
"Pray, pardon me, sir," said the footman.
Darcy looked up and replied, "Of course; what is it, Fred?"
The servant coughed before continuing. "My Lord Melbridge wishes to see you in the tan sitting room, Mr. Darcy, sir."
Darcy's inward reflections were not too pleased with this news; yet he responded with civility and thanked Fred for delivering his message. As he walked towards the tan sitting room, he could not help but speculate on why his uncle had summoned him. They had already spoken earlier that day, and there seemed no chance of their views becoming aligned. His uncle believed that, as the head of the Fitzwilliam family, he had a right to govern Darcy's decisions. But Darcy was now a man of age and fully capable of making his own judgments regarding any personal matter. He knew only Elizabeth herself - or perhaps her father until she came of age - could impede his union with her.
Upon Mr. Darcy's arrival, he bowed his head to Lord Melbridge in cordial salutation, before seating himself comfortably a few paces away from his uncle.
Lord Melbridge continued on from where their earlier conversation had ended, "My dearest nephew," he uttered, his voice low and apprehensive. "I believe you have not given full thought to the implications of your attachment to Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Darcy held still in silence, his lips pressed together in displeasure.
The Earl spoke on with a heavy sense of disappointment and reproach. "I had assumed the other members of Miss Bennet's family would be as elegant and sophisticated as she and the Gardiners; I misjudged them entirely. They are so impudent and ill-bred that our family would be humiliated just by association. We simply cannot afford to have such unsavoury persons connected to us, Moreover, even the lady herself is very spirited and completely unaccustomed with high society. She is pleasant company, but wholly undesirable as the Mistress of Pemberley."
Darcy bridled at this slight to Elizabeth, but managed to maintain an even temper. "I can assure you that Miss Elizabeth is neither impudent nor ill-bred. In fact, I find her quite amiable and intelligent." He paused for a moment before continuing carefully. "And I am confident that she could acquit herself admirably in any situation."
The Earl of Melbridge tutted incredulously. "My dear boy, you appear to be blinded by affection," He exhaled deeply and continued, "Your current decisions may have dire repercussions that will affect your family's standing for many years to come. I must urge you to reflect upon this with great consideration before committing to any course of action." Darcy observed the genuine regret in his Uncle's expression yet he was aware that his heart had already been decided.
With more resolve than he himself expected, he said resolutely, "My regard for Miss Bennet is deep and significant, and I am willing to accept whatever outcomes arise from my choices. I cannot allow the judgement of others to come between me and true happiness."
The Earl cast a serious eye upon his nephew and, despite the severity of his expression, there was a twinkle of admiration. "It would seem that you have acquired your mother's obstinacy," he chuckled, as if in fond remembrance. He then continued gravely, noting, "You must be mindful of the legacy your family has been entrusted with; it is not one to be taken lightly."
Darcy bowed his head in acknowledgement of his uncle's words, understanding full well that any decision he made would not only affect him and Elizabeth, but his entire lineage as well. As he bade farewell to the room, a resolute courage within him began to swell. He was determined to demonstrate to all - family, society alike - that Miss Elizabeth Bennet deserved of his love and honour of the Darcy name. He moved forward with determination to build a new legacy that would honour his family and his undying affection for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's hands shook as she held the letter in her hands. It was a letter full of happy news, but bittersweet feelings would not let her enjoy it. She read it again to herself:
My Dear Elizabeth,
It has been some months since I have seen you, and though my thoughts have often dwelt upon you in this period, it was with special sadness that I heard of Lady Catherine's demise. I can only imagine the sorrows that you have borne in these last days, and for them, my heart is infinitely grieved.
Yet, I cannot help but be selfish. How lovely it shall be for us to have you in our company once again! And I know Jane will be ecstatic to have you returned to her.
I have also more joyous news to impart to you. I have the utmost pleasure and delight in acquainting each of you with the news that Jane is to be united in marriage to Mr. Bingley. His affection for her, as well as his eligibility, make them a perfect match. I am certain we are all united in wishing them joy and that your sentiments mirror my own.
I eagerly anticipate our reunion and earnestly hope that it will be a happy one. These last weeks have been strenuous for you, and I am sure you are much looking forward to your return to London. While Miss de Bourgh may long for your presence in her time of grief, I am certain she comprehends the necessity of your attendance to your sister's needs. My reply to Lord Melbridge's letter has also been dispatched.
Until the morrow,
E. Gardiner
A surge of emotions - joy, relief, and sorrow - stirred within her, creating a bittersweet cocktail that spilled onto her cheeks. She couldn't help but think of her sister's happiness and how much life had transformed in such a short span. However, a sense of misery gnawed at her heart, and she felt like a terrible sister for not being able to share in the joy of returning to London to celebrate with Jane.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the door creaked open, and she gasped as she saw Mr. Darcy walk in. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in Elizabeth's tear-stained face, and he quickly rushed to her side.
"Good God! What is the matter, Elizabeth?" he cried, overwhelmed with emotion. "Can I do something to bring you present relief? A glass of wine? Shall I get you one? You are very ill. Perhaps I ought to send for Mrs. Collins, or a doctor. Are you in pain? Can I do anything for you?" He spoke with genuine concern, hoping to provide some comfort to her.
"No, I thank you," she replied, endeavouring to recover herself. "There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I have just received a letter."
"What has happened?" he asked. "Is your family well?"
"Everyone is quite well. In fact, Jane and Mr. Bingley are engaged," she told him.
"That does not please you?" he asked, quite confused.
"It pleases me very much," she said.
"Then I do not understand your sorrow, Miss Elizabeth. What troubles you so?"
"My uncle, Mr. Gardiner, he will arrive tomorrow. He is to sell Lady Catherine's things in London, and I shall return with him. I must assist my sister in preparing for her wedding."
As Mr. Darcy gazed into Elizabeth's tear-filled eyes, a glimmer of understanding illuminated his face. "I see," he said slowly, "You do not wish to leave, do you?"
Elizabeth's response was quiet yet firm, "I do not."
His eyes bore into hers, filled with curiosity and tenderness, as he asked, "Why do you not?"
Elizabeth looked away, blushing with embarrassment and unable to answer.
"Is it because of my cousin, Anne? Do you not wish to leave her?" asked he.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"Do you not wish to leave Mrs. Collins?"
"That is not it," she said, her voice barely audible.
He paused and looked into her eyes before continuing, "Is it because you will no longer be able to explore the gardens and countryside?"
Elizabeth's countenance softened as she expressed, "While I will undeniably miss the gardens and countryside, that is not why I am saddened at leaving. Surely you can guess my true reason for sorrow. You must have some notion as to my feelings."
Darcy's heart fluttered at her confession, yet he remained composed as he replied, "I have certainly entertained certain hopes, Miss Bennet, but I did not wish to presume."
Elizabeth's heart raced upon hearing his words, and she looked up at him with a mixture of surprise and joy. "You have hopes?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Darcy took a step closer to her, his eyes fixed on hers."Yes, I have hopes that perhaps we could come to an understanding, Miss Bennet. I know the timing is not perfect just now, but I cannot care for that just now."
As Elizabeth gazed into Darcy's eyes, her heart burst with joy. The man who had once been aloof and distant was now holding her hand with a tenderness that took her breath away. "My dear Elizabeth, I must confess that I was a blind fool for not recognising your true value earlier. But thanks to your influence and the sage counsel in my mother's letters, I can confidently say that I am no longer the insufferably pompous man you once knew. Ever since your stay in Netherfield, I have been yours, my dearest love, even if I did not yet admit it, even to myself."
"I believe I loved you before as well, but I also despised you for your pride," she said, her voice wavering with emotion. For a moment, Darcy felt his heart sink, but then she quickly reassured him, "But do not mistake me, my love. I was simply blinded by my prejudices. I was wrong."
Darcy reached out and took Elizabeth's hand, looking into her eyes. "I was wrong too, my love," he said. "I was arrogant and foolish, and I hurt you. But I promise you, Elizabeth, that I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I will love you and cherish you, and I will always be here for you." With those words, Darcy produced a small box from his pocket. "Elizabeth Bennet," he said, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ruby ring. "Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Elizabeth felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she managed to nod and whisper, "Yes, Mr. Darcy. I will marry you." Darcy's face lit up with joy and relief, and he slid the ring onto Elizabeth's finger, sealing their engagement. He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.
As their eyes locked, a sense of pure innocence emanated from her gaze, drawing him in closer. The tension between them grew palpable until he could no longer resist the urge to kiss her. At first, their lips met in a tender embrace. They held each other tightly, their lips pressed together as if they would never let go. The intensity grew until it reached a fever pitch, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
Just as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were lost in their own world of pure ecstasy, a sudden gasp shattered their bubble of bliss. Mrs. Collins had walked in on them, but before they could even gather themselves, she quickly retreated from the room, closing the door behind her quietly. They both stood still for a moment, unsure of what had just happened. Elizabeth's face was flushed and her heart was pounding. She could feel Mr. Darcy's eyes on her face, and she slowly turned her head to meet his gaze.
To her surprise, he wore a grin wider than she had ever seen, stretching from ear to ear and revealing a set of pearly white teeth. His eyes sparkled with delight, and the corners of his mouth were lifted in an expression of pure joy. She couldn't help but smile in return, feeling her own spirits lifting as she basked in the warmth of his infectious glee. As their laughter subsided, Mr. Darcy leaned in and kissed her once more. Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat at the touch of his lips on hers, but she pulled away with a gentle laugh.
"I must tell Charlotte of our engagement, else she shall be scandalised," Elizabeth said, still laughing.
Mr. Darcy's eyes sparkled with joy, and he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Mrs. Collins' reaction. "We cannot let our engagement be scandalous, my love," he replied with a mischievous grin. Elizabeth's cheeks flushed with a combination of embarrassment and amusement. But before she could leave, Mr. Darcy leaned in and whispered, "My dear, your hair is a beautiful mess after our passionate embrace." The memory sent shivers down her spine, and she hurriedly tried to fix her dishevelled locks.
"May I be of any assistance?" Mr. Darcy inquired, his piercing gaze fixed on Elizabeth. She regarded him with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity he reached out to gently tuck a few stray locks of hair back into place. His fingertips were trembling ever so slightly, and she felt a sudden surge of warmth flood through her body. Their eyes met, and he leaned forward again, giving her one last kiss before she left. His lips were soft and gentle, and as she pulled away, she found herself wishing they could stay in that moment forever. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and she smiled back, feeling her heart flutter in her chest. He reached out and touched her hand gently before stepping away.
"I should return to Rosings," he said softly. "But I will see you soon, I promise".
She nodded, still smiling at him, and he winked before turning and walking away. After she watched him disappear from sight, she made her way to her friend, eager to share her joyous news.
