Bingley’s mouth fell open. He looked from Darcy to Elizabeth, and then he laughed. “This calls for a toast. I shall ring for the butler.”
When Grayson appeared, Bingley commanded, “Bring me the cognac I purchased on my last trip into London.”
“Yes, sir.”
Bingley rose, clapped Darcy on the back, and said, “Darcy, if you are half so happy as I am with my lovely wife, you will be truly blessed.” He took Elizabeth’s hands in his. “Congratulations! You have captured this great oaf.”
Jane and Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy grinned.
Only Caroline remained silent. She left the drawing room unnoticed, climbed the stairs, and flung herself onto her bed. She was angry. She beat the bed covers, and then she began to cry. She cried until she had no tears left, and then she fell asleep.
Chapter 51: A Father’s Consent
The next morning was cold, and the ground was hardened with the first frost of the season. Darcy was on the road to Longbourn by ten o’clock to obtain Mr. Bennet’s consent to marry Elizabeth, and he was hoping to set a date. When he reached the house, he rapped on the door and waited. He knew it was too early for callers, but Elizabeth had once said she and her father were both early risers, and they spent those hours in his study. After some minutes, Mrs. Hill answered the door.
Darcy held his hat in his hand. “I am here to call on Mr. Bennet.”
Hill curtsied. “Yes, Sir. Come in. The master is in his study.”
Mr. Bennet was sitting behind a large desk cluttered with papers and books, but when he saw his guest, he stood. “Have a seat, Mr. Darcy. That large one there is Lizzy’s favorite. She studied Homer in that chair. What can I do for you, sir?”
“Mr. Bennet, I am here to obtain your consent to marry Elizabeth. I asked for her hand, sir, and she has accepted me. I want to schedule a date in late January, before Lent. If the first banns are read this Sunday, we could be married on the twenty-sixth of January.”
Mr. Bennet frowned. “My Lizzy has accepted your hand, sir? I did not know that you were courting her.”
Darcy coughed. “Sir, the truth is that we passed an inordinate amount of time in each other’s company, while in Kent. All purely innocent, of course.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head. “Yes, of course.”
Darcy continued. “Your daughter caught my eye when I was in Hertfordshire, and those early sentiments have strengthened over time. When we met again in Kent, we spent enough time together that I knew I did not want to live the rest of my life without Elizabeth by my side. She refused my proposal, but not absolutely. Elizabeth asked for time. Last evening we spoke again, and this time she accepted me.” Darcy smiled at Elizabeth’s father.
Mr. Bennet studied the young man’s face. “Perhaps the two of you may have fallen in love, but it seems very unlikely to me.”
Darcy grinned. “We are in love, sir. Last evening, Elizabeth was pleased after everything was settled between us. She may even have been as happy as I.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “I will confess myself astonished, Mr. Darcy. You are a man of fortune, consequence, and a proud family. My Lizzy is clever and spirited, but she has no fortune, no consequence, and a family that gives one more vexation than credit. Are you certain you know what you are about?”
Darcy looked confident. “Yes, Mr. Bennet. I am certain that I could love no other. There is no other like Elizabeth. Her wit, kindness, and integrity are virtues not often found in women who were raised to value wealth, status, and position. No dowry, no connection, no worldly advantage could equal her worth to me. I will respect and cherish her all my life.”
After he finished speaking, the room was silent while Mr. Bennet studied Darcy’s face. “You speak with conviction, sir. I hoped that my Lizzy would marry for love, not out of necessity. If you truly love and respect my daughter, you shall have my blessing and my consent. Elizabeth has always been my favorite, and itwould break my heart if she were unhappily married and her spirit crushed.”
Darcy was quick to reply. “Sir, I am a man of honor, and I would never treat the woman I married disrespectfully, even if I didn’t love her.”
Mr. Bennet stood and shook Darcy’s hand. “Very well, you have my approval to marry in January.”
There was a tap on the door, and then Elizabeth peeked in.
Mr. Bennet opened his arms to her, and she stepped into them, embracing him. “Papa, I am to be married.”
“Congratulations, Lizzy. You will be a very happy woman.”
Elizabeth laughed as she flicked tears from her cheeks. “I am very happy, Papa. I am so happy I don’t know what to do with myself.”
Chapter 52: Engaged at Last
Richard was bent over papers in Darcy’s study when Darcy entered, his eyes bright with unusual animation.
“Richard,” he exclaimed, “I am to be congratulated. I am engaged!”
