Thank you to everyone that commented, I read all of them though its hard to reply to them on here. With the mess up, make sure you read all the chapters. I wrote this one and the last one basically back to back so I decided to post this chapter early. I will be honest its kind of a short chapter, for a build up...

Chapter 31

It was a peaceful afternoon at Argyll House. I sat with Frances by the fire, our conversation drifting between the charity work Lady Rachel was spearheading and the preparations for Mary and Annabelle's debut season. Across the room, Jane and Elizabeth were quietly embroidering, while Mary and Annabelle were deep in conversation with James Campbell. His glances toward Mary, though subtle, did not escape me. There was a fondness there, tempered by his sense that she was still too young for any serious courtship. He would let her enjoy her first season, but I suspected his feelings were not easily dismissed.

A knock at the door interrupted the pleasant hum of conversation, and the butler soon entered. "Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy have arrived, madam."

I saw Elizabeth's eyes brighten ever so slightly at the mention of Mr. Darcy. It was a small thing, but enough for me to notice. As he and Georgiana entered the room, Darcy's gaze swept the room before resting on Elizabeth, offering her a greeting that was warm yet formal. "Miss Elizabeth," he said with a bow, his voice carrying a tone of admiration beneath his composed exterior.

Elizabeth, ever composed herself, rose to greet him, her smile measured but her eyes betraying her true feelings. "Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, welcome. I trust your journey here was pleasant?"

"Very much so," Darcy replied, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer than necessary before turning to the rest of the room. "Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner." He nodded politely to each of us in turn.

Georgiana, sweet and shy, looked toward the younger group and was quickly swept into conversation by Annabelle, Mary, and James. I noted how Georgiana seemed to blossom under their company, laughing and chatting easily.

After the formal greetings were exchanged, Darcy turned to Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Bennet, might I trouble you for a private word?"

Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but rose from his chair with a nod. "Of course, Mr. Darcy. Shall we step into the study?"

The two men left the room, and I exchanged a glance with Frances. There was something in Darcy's manner that hinted at more than a simple conversation with Mr. Bennet. I could feel the anticipation building in the air, especially from Elizabeth, who glanced out the window as if trying to hide her curiosity.

When Darcy and Mr. Bennet returned, there was a new lightness to Darcy's step. He suggested, quite casually, "Might I propose a walk in Hyde Park? The weather is pleasant, and it would be a shame to waste it indoors."

I glanced at Frances and Mr. Bennet, knowing they preferred to stay behind, and Frances demurred with a smile. "You young ones go ahead. I think the fire is more to our liking this afternoon."

Thomas, however, couldn't resist adding with his usual dry wit, "Ah, but Mrs. Gardiner likes fresh air. And she's the youngest of us all, so it'll be her duty to keep the rest of you in line."

I gave him a mock glare, but couldn't help smiling. "Yes, well, someone has to make sure these walks don't get too dull."

With that, we all gathered our shawls and bonnets, and soon we were out the door, heading for Hyde Park. The walk began in the most natural way, with Georgiana, Annabelle, Mary, and James walking ahead, their laughter carried back to us by the light breeze. Darcy, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and I followed at a more leisurely pace.

Darcy fell into step beside Elizabeth, and I could see the tension between them, though it was the kind of tension that only came from restrained affection. Their conversations had always been lively, but today there was something different—a quiet understanding.

After a while, I slowed my pace and gently guided Jane to my side, allowing Darcy and Elizabeth the space to walk ahead. They seemed unaware of the subtle change in formation, too absorbed in each other's company. Jane glanced at me with a knowing smile but said nothing, leaving the pair to their moment.

From where I walked, I could overhear their conversation as it shifted from idle talk of the park to something more serious.

"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy began, his tone quieter than usual. "There is a matter I have long wished to discuss with you."

Elizabeth glanced at him, her expression curious but guarded. "Oh? And what matter might that be, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy stopped walking, and Elizabeth turned to face him. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again, his voice sincere, almost vulnerable. "I would like to formally request your permission to enter into a courtship."

I held my breath, my heart swelling for my granddaughter. Elizabeth, always quick with a retort, seemed taken aback for once. She blinked, and then, after a heartbeat, smiled softly.

"Mr. Darcy, I would be honored," she replied, her voice steady but full of warmth.

Darcy's expression softened in a way I had rarely seen. He took a step closer to her, his voice even quieter now. "And how long, do you think, should such a courtship last?"

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with mischief. "That depends, Mr. Darcy. How long are you willing to wait?"

He smiled then, a true, unguarded smile. "Not long, Miss Elizabeth. Not long at all."

There was a pause, and then, almost on a whim, Darcy spoke again, his tone hopeful. "Elizabeth... would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

The proposal hung in the air between them, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise but filled with joy.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice carrying on the breeze. "Of course, yes."

I smiled to myself, my heart full as I watched them. This was the moment I had hoped for—two hearts, so well matched, finally finding their way to each other.

As Darcy and Elizabeth shared a quiet moment after her acceptance of his proposal, joy radiated between them. Darcy, with a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, finally spoke.

"I believe," he began, turning to Elizabeth with a soft glance, "the meeting my mother was hosting should be over by now." He looked over at me. "Perhaps we might stop by Darcy House and share the news?"

Elizabeth's eyes brightened at the suggestion, clearly excited by the prospect of sharing their engagement with the family. I nodded in agreement. "That's a wonderful idea," I said, already picturing Lady Anna, Lady Rachel, and Mrs. Gardiner's reactions.

We gathered the others, who looked curious but patient, waiting to hear what had been discussed. Georgiana, walking ahead with James, Mary, and Annabelle, turned back just as Darcy addressed the group.

"Shall we pay a visit to Darcy House?" he asked, a subtle hint of something more in his tone.

Georgiana's face lit up, though she didn't yet know the full extent of the news. "Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "I'm sure Mama, Aunt Susan, and the rest will be eager to see everyone."

And so, we set off for Darcy House. The group's steps felt lighter as we made our way through the streets. When we arrived, the footman quickly escorted us inside. The grand entrance hall was as stately as ever, but today, it carried a certain warmth, as if welcoming the good news about to be shared.

We were led to the parlor, where Lady Anna Darcy, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, Lady Rachel Campbell, and Mrs. Madeline Gardiner had just finished their charity meeting and were now enjoying tea. Lady Anna greeted us with a welcoming smile.

"Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, how lovely to see you both," she said warmly, before turning to the rest of our group with a bright smile. "Rachel, always a delight. Lord Kintyre, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Lady Annabelle—what a pleasant surprise to see you all."

Darcy stepped forward with a bright smile, eager to share the news. "Mother, Aunt Susan, Lady Rachel, Mrs. Gardiner, we come with some rather exciting news," he said, his eyes glancing fondly toward Elizabeth.

The room fell quiet, the air thick with anticipation. Darcy, still holding Elizabeth's hand, spoke with a gentle pride. "I have asked Miss Elizabeth Bennet to marry me, and she has accepted."

For a heartbeat, there was silence as the words sank in. Then, Lady Anna's face broke into a radiant smile as she stood and embraced her son.

"Oh, Fitzwilliam," she whispered, her voice full of joy, before turning to Elizabeth with open arms. "Miss Elizabeth, my dear, welcome to our family. I could not be happier."

Elizabeth, visibly touched by the warmth of her future mother-in-law, returned the embrace. "Thank you, Lady Anna. I look forward to being part of your family."

Lady Susan was next to rise, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Fitzwilliam, it is about time," she teased, giving her nephew a playful look before embracing him. "Miss Elizabeth, you've made an excellent choice, my dear."

Lady Rachel, always one for a bit of lighthearted rivalry, couldn't resist. "Well, I suppose this means it's time for a grand engagement ball. But the question is—who shall host it? Lady Susan, or myself?"

Lady Susan raised an eyebrow with mock seriousness. "Ah, Lady Rachel, you may try, but I always host the best parties."

Lady Rachel grinned, her tone just as playful. "Perhaps, but as Elizabeth's aunt, I think I might have the upper hand this time. After all, James and Annabelle will surely want to help."

Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the banter between their aunts.

Mrs. Madeline Gardiner, quiet until now, stepped forward and took her niece's hands. "Elizabeth, my dear, I am so proud of you. This is such wonderful news."

Finally, Georgiana, who had been standing back, watching with shining eyes, stepped forward. Her cheeks were flushed, and she hesitated for just a moment before moving to Elizabeth's side.

"I... I don't know what to say," she began, her voice soft and full of emotion. "I am so happy for both of you." Her eyes misted with unshed tears. "Elizabeth, I couldn't have wished for a better sister."

Elizabeth, touched by Georgiana's heartfelt words, pulled her into a warm embrace. "Thank you, Georgiana," she said softly. "I feel the same."

As the group continued to congratulate the couple, the room filled with joyful chatter. Lady Anna poured more tea while Lady Susan and Lady Rachel continued their playful debate over who would host the engagement ball. Even Mrs. Madeline Gardiner chimed in, suggesting it be a joint affair. Laughter and warmth filled the room, the perfect backdrop for such a happy occasion.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched Darcy and Elizabeth surrounded by their family, already so beloved. It was a perfect beginning for the next chapter of their lives—one full of love, laughter, and a family that would always be there to support them.

Back at Argyll House, the atmosphere buzzed with warmth and anticipation as we arrived from Darcy House. Frances and Thomas had been waiting, their expressions a mix of eagerness and curiosity, each of them acutely aware of the significance of the moment that had just unfolded.

As we stepped inside, Frances's face brightened at the sight of us. "You're back! How did it go?" she asked, her voice laced with a motherly concern and excitement.

Thomas leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "I hope you've come bearing good news. I only granted permission for a courtship; I was not prepared to lose my most sensible daughter to a man who steals away hearts with his brooding glances."

Frances chuckled, shaking her head at her husband's jest while Elizabeth shared a warm smile with her parents. "Oh, Papa, I think it's safe to say it was quite the proposal," Elizabeth replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at the memory of Darcy's words.

Just then, Lord John, Lady Rachel's husband, entered the room, a look of agitation crossing his face. He had just returned from Parliament, and though he offered his congratulations, there was a tension in his demeanor that caught our attention.

"Congratulations, everyone," he said, though his voice lacked its usual lightness. "But may I speak with you, Rachel, in private?"

Lady Rachel followed closely behind him, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity, as they made their way toward his study. The weight of John's agitation hung in the air, a stark contrast to the joy radiating from the rest of us.

In the dim light of Lord John's study, the air was thick with tension as I settled into a chair across from him. Lady Rachel lingered just outside the door, casting worried glances our way, her presence a silent support. John leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Rachel, I need to speak with you about something serious," he began, his voice low. "I've just come from Parliament, and I've received troubling news about Princess Charlotte."

A sense of foreboding washed over me as I nodded for him to continue. "What's happened?"

"She has been laboring for several hours, and it's not progressing well. The Queen is beside herself and has summoned several members of the House to discuss the situation," he explained, agitation evident in his tone. "They're desperate for any advice, and I know that your experience could be invaluable. Yet, I can't bear the thought of you being drawn into the royal family's troubles."

The weight of his words settled heavily upon me. I had witnessed firsthand the complexities and dangers of childbirth, particularly without the advancements of my time. And yet, my very first act upon arriving in this timeline had been to help Mrs. Bennet deliver her children safely—if I had not been there, both she and Rachel would have perished.

"John, you know how much I wish to avoid involvement with the royals," I replied cautiously, my thoughts swirling. "I've seen the turmoil they bring with them, and I... I worry for my safety."

He nodded, his expression grave. "I understand, but this is a different matter. Princess Charlotte's life—and perhaps her child's—could depend on your knowledge. If it were not for you, I would not have my wife. You've saved so many lives, Rachel. You also know the princess's fate if you do not try, do you not?"

I felt the conflict rising within me. The urgency of his words clashed with my reluctance to step into such a precarious situation. "What if it's a complication I can't handle? What if I'm too late?" I asked, my voice trembling with the weight of uncertainty.

"Rachel, you have faced dire situations before," he pressed, leaning closer. "I believe you can do it again. But I cannot force you into this."

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. The stakes felt impossibly high. "I know the future, John. I know what could happen, but that knowledge only complicates my decision. What if I fail?"

"I wish you could help," he replied, a plea in his eyes. "But I also respect your choice. If you decide to assist, please, exercise caution. This isn't a situation to take lightly."

As I contemplated his words, I felt the gravity of the moment. With the fate of a royal family hanging in the balance, I was torn between the instinct to help and the fear of being thrust into a whirlwind of royal intrigue.

"Let me think on it," I finally said, my mind racing with thoughts of Princess Charlotte and the delicate path that lay ahead. I stood to leave, the uncertainty of my decision looming large as I stepped back into the uncertainty of the world outside John's study. The mystery of what I might choose hung in the air, leaving an unsettling tension that lingered long after we had parted.

Yes, I know this event didn't happen at this time period but a few years later in real life but this is FICTION...I am taking liberties...with that said should she risk it? If she does, I am planning on having the queen at the ball if not...either way the Bingley's will be at the ball. ;) Now to have it at Matlock House, Darcy House or Argyll House? I was thinking Argyll House for Mary and Annabell coming out but maybe Darcy House for the engagement but then again, I may not want to write two balls and just combine Mary and Annabell coming out with Engagement and therefore Miss Bingley knowing that the Campbells are allowed access to the house...so...anyways some of your comments really have inspired me when I have writer's block so thank you!