He was giddy with relief. She was not about to marry Mr. Millett. Not yet, at any rate. But why was she asking for Darcy’s opinion? Did she genuinely want to know if he approved of Mr. Millett, or was there something more to it? Was she inviting him to renew his proposal?
He was in an agony of indecision.
He could not be certain. He had to tread carefully if he wanted to discern the reason for her question.
“Mr. Millett is a worthy gentleman,” he said, carefully. “I have no objection to him in principle. I have no doubt he will make someone a very good husband.” He paused. “But I do not believe that someone is you.”
She was quiet for a long time. He stole a glance at her. She was looking uncommonly grave.
“Yes,” she said at last. “You are right. But what reason can I give to turn him down?”
His pulse leapt. This was his opportunity. This was his chance. He could take it, and hope that he had understood her correctly, or he could retreat, and keep himself safe.
He chose to risk it all. If there was a chance – even a sliver of a chance – then he had to take it. If not, he would regret it for the rest of his life. He tried again to remember the words he had practiced earlier, but they escaped him.
In the end, he simply could not hold back any longer. He took a deep breath and plunged.
“Miss Bennet,” he murmured. “Do not go.”
He started to speak quickly, before she could interrupt him and turn him away. “I would like to apologize for the appalling manner of my proposal. You must forget everything I told you that day. It has been some time now that I have become convinced that you are the only person I would wish to marry.” He looked deep into her beautiful eyes. “Last time, you provided me with a list of reasons we should not marry. Do those reasons still stand?”
He waited for the axe to fall. For her to tell him nothing had changed. That he had mistaken her meaning when she asked about Mr. Millett.
She gave a choked laugh. “I cannot even recall the reasons,” she said.
Hope blazed inside him. He threw caution to the wind.
“Then you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the great honor of being my wife? It would be my privilege if you would accept.”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy. Yes!”
He grasped her gloved hand fervently and brought it to his lips, seeking the tender skin about the edge of the glove. She shivered in response. It was all he could do to stop himself from pulling her into his arms and showering her with kisses.
“Mr. Darcy,” she said, in warning.
They were in a public place, surrounded by members of Society. A group of young bucks were standing close by. Darcy groaned as one of them turned around and recognized him.
“Look! There is Mr. Darcy with the Siren!”
To his utter and complete surprise, he found himself laughing. He was too happy to care what they said. Instead, Darcy turned to Miss Bennet. “Shall we give them something to gossip about?”
Miss Bennet – Elizabeth – gave him a mischievous glance. “I think we should.”
He bent his head and deliberately brought his lips down to hers. He instantly regretted it. He had meant it to be a light kiss, but the hunger it unleashed took him by surprise. The sound of cheering sounded in his ears.
He stepped away from Elizabeth to find Lord Morrison coming towards them.
“This is Miss Bennet,” said Darcy, firmly. “Soon to become Mrs. Darcy.”
How wonderful it was to announce it to the world!
Lord Morrison bowed. “Miss Bennet. Allow me to extend my congratulations. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for the trouble I have caused.”
Darcy was starting to grow impatient. He wanted Elizabeth to himself.
“Yes, yes, young pup,” he said. “Your apology is accepted. Now go. I need to spend time with my future wife.”
But it was not to be. A moment later, Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner came up to them.
