~T~
Jane and Deveril also discussed Lady Isabella’s visit.
‘I hope that you will forgive me for leaving you to face my mother alone. I did not wish to throw you to the lions, but she insisted that if you could not deal with one old woman you would find it difficult to deal with society at large. I pray that my mother did not cause you too much discomfort, Miss Bennet?’
‘Not at all, Lord James. On the contrary, I found Lady Isabella rather reassuring and as for gaining the approbation of Lady Henrietta… I confess that I am a little overwhelmed… but exceedingly pleased.’ Jane wondered how she could convey that she was done dithering. ‘As a matter of fact, Lady Isabella put all my concerns to rest.’
Deveril stopped and turned to examine Jane’s face for any hint of disquiet. All he saw was an open smile and what he hoped was a loving expression.
‘If my mother has reassured you, I would like to ask you a question which I have been anxious to ask for some time…’
When Deveril trailed off, Jane’s smile widened even more as she said, ‘I would love to hear your question.’
That answer caused Deveril to break into a brilliant smile of his own as he said, ‘I hope you will forgive me if I do not treat you to flowery speeches, but only tell you that I love you with all my heart and would like nothing better than to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honour to marry me?’
‘As I told your mother, if becoming a duchess is the price, I have to pay for being with you, then I will gladly pay that price because I love you too. Yes, I will marry you.’
‘Thank you, my love,’ Deveril replied joyfully and cast a quick look around. Seeing only Fitzwilliam and Mary in the distance, he cupped Jane’s face and sealed their engagement with a kiss.
~T~
25Engagement
Since they had been seen kissing by Mary and Fitzwilliam, soon the newly engaged couple was receiving congratulations from the others and because Jane had no further need to expend nervous energy, they shortly returned to Gardiner House.
Mr Gardiner had just returned home from work and was delighted to give his blessing.
‘I hope that you will not think that I am trying to back out when I say that I would like to wait a few days to make our engagement official,’ said Deveril once everyone had calmed down. ‘Even though Jane is of age and does not need permission to marry, I would like to go and see Mr Bennet first to get his blessing as well.’
‘I suspect that Lady Isabella would also prefer us to wait until after my presentation,’ suggested Jane who was still holding her fiancé’s hand.
‘That was my thought also,’ admitted Deveril.
‘While we will not make this engagement public, there is nothing stopping us from celebrating it in private,’ suggested Mrs Gardiner. ‘Do you think that Lady Isabella would care to join us for dinner? Of course, Lady Henrietta would also be welcome if she happens to be at your house.’
‘I believe that at least my mother would be delighted,’ Deveril replied. ‘But if I am to be back in time for dinner, I shall take my leave now.’
‘We can have our carriage readied to take you home,’ offered Gardiner.
‘Please do not trouble yourself. I can walk the half mile quicker than you can have your horses harnessed.’
Elizabeth commented, ‘There are certainly some advantages to being in town. Everything is so much closer.’
‘Indeed,’ added Darcy with a speculative look at Elizabeth. ‘Much closer.’
~T~
It was fortunate that the staff at Gardiner House were exceedingly efficient and had access to sufficient resources to cater for an impromptu engagement party.
Since Mrs Gardiner felt that she could not exclude Darcy and Fitzwilliam as they were already privy to the news, they received and accepted invitations as well. After that, it was no great stretch to invite Lord and Lady Matlock as well as Georgiana Darcy.
Of course, as it had been Mrs Amelia Carleton who had introduced her cousin to the Bennets, she and her husband were also included.
As Lady Henrietta had still been at Barrington House, discussing Deveril’s and Jane’s future with Lady Isabella, she was delighted to accept the invitation. It would provide her with an opportunity to observe the family in a relaxed setting.
~T~
It was a very merry party who sat down to dine and toast the newly engaged couple.
