“Did either of you happen to see my younger sister’s face when you spoke of the confusion with the letter? No? Well I did. She looked terrified until the subject was changed. And what I know about Caroline and you do not, is that she has been a near expert in forgery all the way back to her school days. She nearly got both herself and Louisa expelled when it was learned that she was signing our father’s name to their grades and examination reports, and making false reports to bring home to our parents so that she and Louisa would not get into trouble for their poor application to their studies. I do not keep important documents in my study. They are now locked in my rooms. She once signed my name to bank drafts she stole from my desk to pay for her dressmaker bill when she spent more than I was likely to pay a few years ago. The woman is a menace.”
Bingley continued. “What is more was that at Pemberley, on the day in question, I myself encountered my sister walking up the stairs with a letter in her hand. When I asked if she had received mail, she said that she had not, but that she meant to send a letter, and just before she gave it to Mrs Reynolds, she recalled something else she wanted to add to it, so she was taking it back to her room to finish.”
Bingley shook his head. “I should have known. I should have been more suspicious. Caroline was outraged that Elizabeth had been invited to Pemberley, if you recall, Darcy. I am sorry.”
“Excellent. I am very glad to know what happened.” Darcy scowled at his friend mutinously. “Can we be alone,now?”
“Of course! Come, Charles, we can discuss what is to be done about Caroline later. We must return to the drawing room at once. Lizzy, keep the door open, and do not stay long?” Jane Bingley, sweet angel that she was, dragged her husband to the door.
Darcy smiled beatifically at her. “Bless you,Mrs Bingley.”
“Lizzy, I will visit you tonight before I retire. You have some explaining to do!” Mrs Bingley and her husband quickly departed.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth in nervous apprehension, not knowing how to proceed.
Instead, she spoke first. “You thought I fled Derbyshire to avoid seeing you again.”
“Yes.” There was nothing else to say in reply.
“You must have been so hurt, especially after I behaved so differently when we met in your gardens. I am sorry.” She looked sad.
“Youshould not be sorry!” Darcy insisted. “What canyouhave to apologise for?”
“But Iamsorry, sorry that you spent all of that time thinking that I hated you!” She shook her head. “Miss Bingley must be the most wicked woman I have ever met! She caused us both so much pain; I have been waiting for you for months. I was so certain you would instantly comprehend my uncle’s obligations, and that you would come for me. How could you do anything else? I was so sure!”
Her admission of her own struggles took his breath away, and he felt lightheaded as she took the lead and said, “Mr Darcy, since reading your letter and understanding you better, I have come to understand that you are the man who–in character and temperament–is most suited to me. Against everything I thought I ever knew about myself, I am in love with you. Our acquaintance has been fraught with misunderstandings, and I have had my fill of waiting, as you must have done as well. Would you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?”
He thought his chest would seize in exhilaration as he swept her into his arms and embraced her, spinning her around, and brought his head down to hers for a long awaited kiss.
He raised his head and looked down at her. “I cannot believe thatyouaskedme.”
“You already did the asking once, I felt I ought not put a man such as yourself through the indignity of asking again,” Elizabeth giggled. “Will you speak to my father?”
“I believe I will visit him early in the morning for a private conversation,” he promised.
“He will wish to hear it from me before he gives you his blessing.” She straightened his cravat. “When you return to the drawing room, will you ask him to come and speak with me here?”
“I have no desire to return to the drawing room, but we cannot be missing all night.” Darcy swooped down for one more glorious kiss, and left her.
Chapter Ten
Wednesday 9 December1812
“Beg pardon, Mrs Bingley.” Mrs Nicholls curtsied as the ladies in the drawing room turned to the door.
“What is it, Mrs Nicholls?” Mrs Bingley asked politely as she looked up from the list she was making for her sister Elizabeth’s wedding plans.
“The master has sent a message to the house, with a request that you send the carriage to assist a lady and a gentleman whose buggy needs repairs, ma’am. And to prepare two rooms for guests.”
“Morestrangers, Jane?” Mrs Bennet objected from her chair by the fire where she was sitting with Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Phillips, discussing what Elizabeth would require for her trousseau. Darcy had insisted on paying for it, because he wished to marry as soon as the banns could be called, and would provide his wife with all she required after the wedding, but Mrs Bennet still believed that Elizabeth required guidance, for her second daughter did not know the best warehouses.
“Did Mr Bingley say anything else? Are they a married couple?” Jane inquired.
“An unmarried gentleman and his sister, says Callum.” Mrs Nicholls raised an eyebrow at Mrs Bennet as she gave this information. “The stables are preparing the carriage now.”
“Very well, Mrs Nicholls. The Richmond Room, for the lady, and the Albany Room for her brother in the bachelor wing, if you please,” Mrs Bingley instructed her housekeeper. “Please inform Cook that we will have additional guests until further notice, and send tea, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes to the drawing room when they arrive. Please also begin heating water. If they have been travelling, they will want baths. And so will the men, after their rides.”
“The kitchens began heating water as soon as the gentlemen departed, Mrs Bingley. Do not worry, we will manage very well.” Mrs Nicholls curtsied again and left.
