‘I did not say that the intrusion was unwelcome. I am willing to share that seat,’ she gestured to the fallen log where Darcy had been sitting, ‘to watch the sunrise, if you would care to stay.’
Darcy held out his hand to Elizabeth. ‘In that case, I would be delighted to stay.’
When she took his hand, he unnecessarily assisted her to her seat before sitting next to her.
Elizabeth had timed her arrival perfectly. The sun was just starting to creep above the horizon, bathing the landscape in golden light turning the grey of predawn to colour and in places causing steam to rise as the sun melted the frost.
As much as Elizabeth enjoyed this view, today she was distracted by the heat which was emanating from her companion even though his shoulder was several inches from her own and both were covered by several layers of clothing due to the cold.
Once the sun was fully up, Elizabeth, who was still looking into the distance said quietly, ‘I always love this view.’
When Darcy said, ‘So do I… very much,’ she turned to him and realised that he was not focused on the distance but was looking at her, causing her face to heat despite the cold.
Elizabeth was mesmerised by the intense look in Darcy’s eyes as he sat gazing at her. He seemed to be enjoying her reaction as the barest hint of his dimples made an appearance.
That combination was too much, and Elizabeth threw caution to the wind. With the slightest hitch in her voice she said, ‘In that case, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. I would like nothing better than to marry you. Would you do me the honour and be my husband?’
When Elizabeth started to speak, Darcy’s breath caught in startlement and delight. She was doing it. Elizabeth was actually proposing to him. The more she spoke the greater his delight became, suffusing not only his countenance but his entire being.
‘I cannot think of anything I like better than to accept your proposal, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,’ Darcy answered and waited to see if she would kiss him.
But Elizabeth sat still with an expression made up of relief, delight and… mischief. ‘Thank you, Mr Darcy. Your acceptance makes me exceedingly happy,’ she responded but still did not move. They sat like that for some moments until Elizabeth teased, ‘Is there not another response you would like to make. After all, you cannot expect me to do everything.’
Darcy did not need another invitation; he carefully reached out to her and drew her to him for their first of many kisses.
~T~
After their first excitement had worn off, they sat with their arms about each other and Elizabeth resting her head on his shoulder.
‘You do realise that since I am not of age, my offer is not binding until my father gives his approval, Mr Darcy.’
‘I will speak to your father when we come to call this morning. In the meantime, would you call me Fitzwilliam or just William if you prefer.’
‘Do you prefer just William over Fitzwilliam?’
‘I do. I think Fitzwilliam is quite a mouthful.’
Elizabeth raised her head to look him in the eye. ‘Very well, just William,’ she said with a straight face.
‘Minx. You know perfectly well that was not what I meant.’ Darcy punctuated his complaint with a brief kiss to her now smiling lips.
‘Very well, William,’ she answered with a laugh and briefly looked towards the sun. ‘But it is time for me to head for home, otherwise my family will start to worry.’
‘May I escort you?’
Elizabeth nodded towards his horse. ‘The quickest path is not suitable for horses, but I shall look forward to seeing you later this morning.’
Darcy reluctantly agreed and after a few more kisses let her go.
~T~
Elizabeth virtually skipped down the steep path until she reached the lane leading to Longbourn.
Her happiness and relief knew no bounds. Even though she had toyed with the idea that Mr Darcy, no William, was serious about him wanting her to propose when she was ready, she had dismissed that idea. But when he said he loved her and had given her that look, she had been unable to resist.
He must have remembered a comment which she had once made to himMy courage rises at every attempt to intimidate me. His look had challenged her, and she had responded in the only way she could.
William’s reaction had been all that she could have hoped it would be.
