Mr. Darcy's Proposal (11 page)

Darcy remained silent contemplating how to convince Mr. Bennet of his sincerity.

“Are you aware Lizzy has entreated me to give my consent?” asked Mr. Bennet.

“She did not say so explicitly, but I had hoped she would,” said Darcy.

“I do not want her to trade her chance at happiness in life for material advantages for herself or her family,” said Mr. Bennet, “but she has asked me to agree to your proposal, and I must admit I have been moved by the sincerity of your declarations. Given your station in life, coming here and explaining yourself to me in this manner could not have been easy. I give you credit for your efforts. It tells me much about you.” He grimaced as he took a deep breath.

Darcy felt awkward, unsure what to do for his comfort. He hoped that their discussion was not causing Mr. Bennet’s health to suffer. “Are you uncomfortable, sir?” Darcy asked. “Is there anything I can do? Should I call for someone to help you?”

“No, there is nothing anyone can do. I fear I shall never recover my health although the doctor and my family try to sound encouraging for my benefit. I do not wish to leave this world uncertain about how my family will be cared for. I know I should have planned better, saved more money, but by the time I gave up hope of fathering a son, it was too late,” said Mr. Bennet regretfully. After a minute of silence, he continued. “I still have my reservations, but I am inclined to give you my blessing. I believe you are a man of your word, sir, and I am going to trust you will see to it my girls are secure when I am gone.”

Darcy took a deep breath. He had not realized he had barely been breathing while waiting for Mr. Bennet’s response. “I give you my word I will do everything in my power to make your daughter happy and will attempt daily to deserve her.”

Seeing that Mr. Bennet was tiring quickly, Darcy offered to return the following day to outline the financial arrangements. Darcy also told Mr. Bennet of his plan to go to London to secure a special license so that they could be married as soon as possible. Mr. Bennet was amenable to the plan, as he wished nothing more than to live long enough to see his Lizzy married.

When all was settled, Darcy reached out and shook Mr. Bennet’s hand. For some reason, he felt the need to add his other hand on top in an uncharacteristic gesture of warmth. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the two men seemed to understand each other and were united in their love for Elizabeth.

***

It was nearly half an hour before Darcy returned to the parlor to find the others still taking tea. Nearly every face turned to him expectantly as he entered.

“Miss Elizabeth, may I speak with you a moment in private?” he asked.

Elizabeth rose and followed him out into the front hallway.

“Before we make a formal announcement to everyone, I want to tell you how very happy you have made me. Your father has given his permission for us to marry as soon as possible. I hope this news is as pleasing to you as it is to me.”

“You were upstairs a long time,” she said.

“Your father was not willing to give you up so easily, but we discovered we have more in common than either of us realized.”

“You do?” said Elizabeth wrinkling her brow.

“We did not complete discussing the particulars of the financial arrangements because he was growing tired. I will meet with him again tomorrow morning before I leave for London. Now enough of these details. Shall we go in and share our news with everyone?” he asked.

Elizabeth took his offered arm, and they went in together to make their announcement and receive everyone’s good wishes.

Twelve

After announcing their engagement and receiving congratulations from all, Darcy and Elizabeth took their leave to Netherfield so Darcy could introduce his new fiancé to his sister. As they were leaving, Elizabeth heard Mrs. Bennet suggest that Mr. Bingley and Jane walk out with Kitty to chaperone them. Thus far the reunion between the couple had been successful, and she only hoped that the attraction between the two was still as strong as it had been last fall. She could not bear it if Mr. Bingley changed his mind and disappointed Jane yet again.

Once on their way to Netherfield, Elizabeth worried about what she would say to Miss Darcy when they met. She also wondered how much Mr. Darcy had told his sister about the circumstances of their engagement. Would Miss Darcy be a sophisticated and accomplished young woman, or would she be more like her brother—quiet and watchful? Suspecting that Georgiana might be shy and uncertain of herself, Elizabeth resolved to do her best to put the girl at ease and engage her in conversation. She knew Mr. Darcy had high hopes of a strong, sisterly relationship developing between them and did not want to disappoint him. She might not have wished for this marriage, but having said yes, she resolved to do her best to please him.

Part way to Netherfield, Darcy stopped the carriage and presented her with a small jewelry box. “I hope you will wear this now we have your father’s blessing.”

Elizabeth opened the box and gasped at the beauty of the ring inside. It was a large square-cut emerald with a cluster of small diamonds on either side. She was so surprised that all she could say was, “Oh, my!”

Darcy took the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. The fit was perfect. Extending her hand to admire the ring, Elizabeth was amazed at how it sparkled in the sun. She was overwhelmed. Somehow the ring made their engagement more real than she was ready to acknowledge.

“I do not know what to say.”

“You do like it?” he said looking a little worried.

“Of course! I am just overcome by your thoughtfulness and by the ring itself. I have never seen such a beautiful emerald.”

“It belonged to my Grandmother Darcy. If you are not satisfied with the way it fits, I will have the jeweler adjust it to your liking.”

“No, it is perfect, but you do not have to give me an engagement present,” said Elizabeth feeling a little self-conscious about the elegance of the gift.

“I hope it will be the first of many.”

“I do not want you to think I expect lavish gifts. My tastes are simple and I…” she hesitated.

“I believe I am beginning to know something of your preferences.”

“You are?” she asked, curious as to what he might say.

“I know you like daisies, lily of the valley, and the color yellow. You take milk and sugar in your coffee but only sugar in your tea. You tend to avoid most sweets, but you cannot resist anything with strawberries—which by the way, we grow in the hot house at Pemberley.”

Elizabeth was astonished at his recitation. “What else have you observed?”

“I know you do not like to be late, so I think we should continue on our way.”

As they rode on to Netherfield, Elizabeth pondered all of this and then began to wonder if she knew as much about him. She resolved to be more observant of his likes and dislikes in the future as it would be part of her job as his wife to notice these things and to help arrange their lives for his comfort.

When they reached Netherfield, he helped her down and placed her hand on his arm in a possessive way to lead her into the house. Going up the steps, Darcy complimented her on how well she looked that afternoon. Although Elizabeth was more nervous than she had expected to be, she gave him a warm smile she hoped would please him. Darcy told her that Mr. Bingley’s sisters and Mr. Hurst were still in London. This information pleased Elizabeth, as she would not have Miss Bingley’s critical eye constantly on her when she was introduced to Miss Darcy.

Upon entering the drawing room, a tall, slender young woman stood to greet them. Although little more than sixteen, her figure was womanly and graceful. There was a certain sweetness in her manner that won Elizabeth over almost immediately. She was also introduced to Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy’s companion, who immediately excused herself to see to the refreshments.

Much to Elizabeth’s surprise, after their formal introduction, Miss Darcy began by asking after Mr. Bennet’s health. She also expressed her concern for Elizabeth’s entire family and the anguish they must be experiencing. Her sincerity and thoughtfulness touched Elizabeth’s heart. While Miss Darcy’s reception of her was all that was proper, Elizabeth quickly confirmed that she was indeed quite shy and reserved. Some people might mistakenly consider her demeanor as proud or disdainful, but Elizabeth saw her reserve for what it really was and resolved to begin by engaging her on subjects she knew would be of interest.

“Miss Darcy, your brother tells me that music is your greatest love and that you play the pianoforte exceedingly well.”

Georgiana blushed slightly and gave her brother a sideways glance. “Yes, music is my greatest joy, but I have heard from my brother that you also play and sing very well, too. In fact, he told me that he has rarely enjoyed hearing anyone play and sing as much.”

Elizabeth was caught unawares by this compliment and raised an eyebrow in Darcy’s direction. “Your brother greatly exaggerates, I fear, Miss Darcy. I play very ill indeed. I am surprised he could listen to me with any pleasure after hearing you so often.”

“Oh, Miss Bennet, my brother never gives compliments that are not fully deserved. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing you very soon.”

“Perhaps we could attempt something together—you could play while I sing?” Elizabeth suggested.

Georgiana blushed and stammered a little but finally agreed. “I will play, but only if it is just the three of us in the room. I do not usually perform in front of anyone but my family and my music master. My brother is always telling me I must work to overcome my shyness.”

While they talked about their favorite music pieces, Darcy simply sat back and listened. Their tea arrived, and as hostess, Miss Darcy poured although she was clearly not comfortable in the role. Elizabeth observed that the refreshments included fresh strawberries and cream. Glancing over at Darcy, she saw he was smiling at her. Returning the look, she wondered in what other ways she had misjudged this man. Over the past few days, he had been more than kind to her. Even though he sometimes lapsed into his old ways, he had made very real attempts to be more genial around people.

After they finished their tea, Georgiana said, “Miss Bennet, as we are to be sisters, I would very much like it if you would call me ‘Georgiana.’”

Elizabeth saw the girl exchange a look with her brother and suspected that Georgiana’s suggestion of using her first name was a signal to her brother of her approval. Darcy’s look in return was so warm and engaging that it left no doubt of how much he loved his sister and of his joy in her acceptance of Elizabeth. For a moment, Elizabeth was lost studying his face observing again how handsome he looked when he smiled.

“I would consider it an honor. You must call me ‘Elizabeth.’ I hope very soon to introduce you to all of my sisters. Jane is the oldest and considered by everyone to be the most beautiful. Lydia and Kitty are about your age, and Mary who is just a little older has almost as great an interest in music as you do although she is not nearly as accomplished, I am sure.”

“I will look forward to it. I see my brother has given you Grandmother Darcy’s ring. He sent to Pemberley for it while he was still in Kent,” said Georgiana.

Elizabeth turned to Darcy and said in a teasing voice, “You were so sure of me you sent for this ring even before you proposed?”

Darcy blushed. “I only hoped,” he replied softly.

Georgiana looked a little uncomfortable that she might have made an error in speaking, but when Elizabeth continued to smile at her brother, she relaxed. “I understand you are a great walker, Elizabeth. Maybe you would like to take a turn around the gardens with me? After some hours in the carriage coming from London, I would find a walk very refreshing.”

It was agreed that since the day was indeed very fine that they should all three go outside to enjoy the afternoon before Elizabeth returned to Longbourn. Darcy seemed content to let the two women walk beside each other so they could continue to converse while he proceeded just behind them. Elizabeth could feel his eyes on her as he followed making it difficult for her to concentrate on conversation. Finally, she invited him to walk beside her, as the path would just accommodate three abreast through most of the formal part of the garden.

By the time they were to leave for Longbourn again, Elizabeth found she genuinely liked Georgiana and had high hopes for a true friendship with her soon-to-be sister. Darcy suggested that Georgiana rest from her journey while he took Elizabeth back to Longbourn. She was fairly certain that part of his motive was to have more time alone with her.

Elizabeth exchanged good-byes with Georgiana, and Darcy kissed his sister on the cheek assuring her he would return soon. After helping Elizabeth into the carriage, he sat beside her and took her hand. “It seems you have already won my sister’s complete approval. You do not know how happy that makes me. I had to marvel at the way you drew her out and made her feel comfortable. I knew you would be a good influence.”

“She is very easy to like. I can see that the two of you are similar in many ways. You both share that same reticence in talking to strangers. I must say though I have noticed you have taken my advice—impertinent as it was—and have been practicing the art of conversation with people you do not know very well.”