As he processed Jane’s words he ended up with a face-splitting grin. “You love me?” Andrew verified hopefully.
“Most ardently,” Jane confirmed. “As such, there is no need for a courtship.”
Andrew sunk to one knee. “Jane Eloise Bennet, will you agree to be my wife?”
“Yes, Andrew Reginald Fitzwilliam, I most certainly will.” As Andrew stood, Jane looked at him slyly. “If you still think we need to wait until September, six months distant, to marry, I will not object. However, if you do not want us to ever have to part sooner than that…”
“I agree a six month engagement will be too long. We can examine a calendar on the morrow.” Andrew lowered his head towards his fiancée after seeing permission in her eyes.
Given the door was open and Johns was right outside, before their mothers and Mary returned, they enjoyed just a few chaste kisses, with the definite promise of more when the situation allowed.
As soon as the others returned, Andrew went to speak to Bennet.
Chapter 16
Although they all felt like they were already family, news that the two families would be connected with the marriage of Jane and Andrew, once Fanny and Bennet had bestowed their permission and blessing, was met with much joy by the Fitzwilliams, de Bourghs, Bennets, and the one member of the Darcy family who were present.
“It seems everyone anticipated this happening and were only waiting for me to speak,” Andrew shook his head as he smiled at his fiancée.
“I was one of those waiting as well,” Jane teased.
“It is with much pleasure I have rewarded your patience,” Andrew jested back.
“Are you not the one being rewarded with our Janey’s hand?” Elizabeth bantered with her brother-to-be. “After all, she is a jewel of the first water.”
“Lizzy!” Jane blushed.
“Your sister does have the right of it, you know,” Andrew agreed. “I will thank my lucky stars for the rest of my life that you accepted me.”
“As will I.” Jane rested her hand on her fiancé’s forearm and gave it an affectionate squeeze.
“Mother and Father, have you written to William with the news yet?” Andrew enquired. “I will have the pleasure of informing Richard when he returns from meeting his friend at White’s”
“A letter will be on the way to Pemberley in an hour, wellbefore Lizzy’s ball,” Lady Elaine informed her eldest son. She turned to her brother. “Lewis I assume you will share the news with Anne when she wakes from her rest?” Sir Lewis nodded he would do so.
“Do you not mean my coming out ball and Jane and Andrew’s engagement ball?” Elizabeth suggested with an arched eyebrow.
“But Lizzy this is your…” Jane began and stopped when she saw Lizzy shaking her head.
“The announcement will only enhance my ball,” Elizabeth insisted. “Although I am sure she would if needs be, but why should Aunt Elaine have to plan another ball in a week or two when it can be accomplished with so little trouble today?”
“What announcement?” Richard asked as he sauntered into the drawing room.
He was informed in short order and was soon being effusive in his congratulations to Jane and his brother. “Poor Bingley,” Richard shook his head.
“What has your friend’s sister done now?” Lord Matlock enquired.
“This time it is not the shrewish harpy,” Richard clarified. “After lunch, I described Jane to him.” Richard did not miss his brother’s scowl. “Andy, do not look at me so. How was I to know you would finally act today? I thought if Bingley, who as I have told you would find our Jane to be his ideal woman, started to pay her attention, it may have finally spurred you to speak.”
“In that case, I will forgive you,” Andrew said magnanimously with aroyalwave of his hand and a heavy dose of mock hauteur.
“How could Mr. Bingley decide to admire Jane before he even met her?” Mary asked.
“Because Mary, my friend looks for certain physicalattributes, all of which your eldest sister possesses in abundance,” Richard responded. ‘Woe betide if he is attracted to Mary who is similar in looks to Jane. Luckily she is not out yet. Oh my, Mary gets more and more beautiful with each year. She will be seventeen in August and then there will be only one year until she comes out in London,’ Richard told himself. ‘After her birthday I will have to make sure I am in Meryton for the assemblies so I can dance with her before her debut in Town.’
As she usually did when she noticed Richard looking at her intently, Mary blushed rather deeply.
“I for one agree with Lizzy regarding celebrating the engagement at the ball,” Fanny stated. “However, it is now time for us all to go rest a little before we dress for tonight’s entertainment.”
