He could feel the hardened swell in her belly, the new life growing within her, pressing against his waist. He cared not any longer who had caused her to be in this state. All that counted was he was the one who would be the babe’s father. This child—and any others with whom they may be blessed—would be raised in love.
After some minutes, neither knew how many, the clearing of a throat snapped them out of the passionate haze. They jumped back, one from the other, as John Biggs and Brian Johns stood grinning.
“We need to return to the house and share our happiness with our sisters. A call to Pemberley would then be in order,” Elizabeth stated when she stopped blushing so deeply.
When both John and Brian wished them happy, Elizabeth conveyed her thanks but could not look either man in the eye.
“I need to ride to London and Meryton,” William decided. “I would wish for our engagement to become official sooner rather than later.”
“That will only gain us a few days and you will be away for about a sennight. You would return the middle of next week and they will be here early the following week.” Elizabeth did not miss the disappointment on William’s face. “When we reach the house, you and I will scribe expresses to Uncles Edward and Frank. That way there will be no question this is absolutely my choice.”
“I knew you could not be so intelligent for nothing my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,” William kissed her hand. “There is a chance we will have their replies by Saturday.”
“That and we will not be separated.”
William looked at the fourth finger on her left hand which was resting on his arm as they made their way back to the castle and added wing. As soon as the news of her husband’s demise had been confirmed, she had removedhiswedding ring. The engagement ring was in a drawer, as it always was when not inhiscompany. Having heard the story of how the bastard had notgiven her choice in anything, he was determined not to do that to her ever, including the choice of an engagement ring.
Once he had his father’s permission, he would open the vault hidden in the study and show her the two drawers where the rings were kept and allow Elizabeth to choose.
They discovered their combined five sisters sitting in the lakeside drawing room—a favourite of theirs—with, as would be expected, Andrew seated next to Jane. With the four younger girls present there was no shortage of chaperones.
Elizabeth cleared her throat garnering the attention of those seated in the drawing room. “William and I have an announcement…” Elizabeth began.
“You are engaged!” Jane blurted out excitedly.
She had not told Lizzy this, but ever since her younger sister had shared the true reason for her decision to marry the blackhearted old man, Jane had felt much guilt. Andrew had assisted her in beginning to move past it. Then, when Lizzy had accepted the courtship with William, her guilt had been partly assuaged. So, if her sister was in fact engaged, it would remove the last vestiges of her self-imposed blame.
“Jane has the right of it! William proposed while we were out walking and I accepted him with alacrity, before he could change his mind,” Elizabeth shared gleefully.
While Andrew slapped William on the back and then shook his hand, Elizabeth was surrounded by her sisters and future sister, each one vying to wish her happy first. Jane allowed the younger girls to congratulate Lizzy first before she pulled her sister into a hug, telling her she was almost as happy for her as she had been the day Andrew asked for her hand. It took some minutes, but eventually everyone had conveyed their approbation to the newly engaged couple.
“William and I need to write a letter each. As soon as we have done so, I think we need to call on Pemberley,” Elizabeth related. “Jane, be a dear and tell Mr. Toppin we need a coach made ready.”
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Lady Anne and Robert Darcy were standing in the courtyard by the time the coach, with Andrew and William riding alongside, came to a halt.
“You are most welcome, but we did not expect to see you girls today…” Lady Anne stopped as she saw the way Anna and the two youngest Bennets were rocking on the balls of their feet, evidently trying their best not to blurt out something.
Then she looked at Lizzy and William. As soon as she saw them, she knew. “William, you have proposed, and Lizzy accepted you!” Both nodded. “How wonderful, it is the best news,” Lady Anne enthused.
She hugged Elizabeth to herself while her husband shook his son’s hand vigorously. “Should we go inside?” Darcy suggested.
Lady Anne stopped outside the drawing room. “Will you all remain for dinner? If you say yes, I will send a groom to Snowhaven so Elaine and Reggie can join us to celebrate.”
“I see no reason we cannot remain, Mama,” Elizabeth agreed. “I just need to send a note to Mrs. Bannister. I will instruct her to use what would have been our dinner as a celebratory meal for the staff and servants instead.”
“One groom will ride to your estate the other one to Snowhaven,” Lady Anne told her future daughter.
“I was sure you two would marry. I am well pleased to be proved correct,” Darcy stated after he kissed both of Elizabeth’scheeks. “I, we, could not be happier in gaining you as a daughter. We will consider your sisters our daughters as well.”
Her Papa’s words warmed Elizabeth’s heart. She could not wait for the contingent from London and Meryton to arrive to share her joy with them as well. In the meantime, the letters she had sent with the courier would have to suffice.
Chapter 37
Just as Elizabeth had predicted, the couriers returned within three days with the replies from both uncles giving their consent and blessing for her to marry William. Both agreed with her assertion there was no reason to delay the wedding.
With her uncles’ permission in hand, Elizabeth had a discussion with William where she made a suggestion. He agreed as long as those involved had no objections.
