Chapter 19
When Darcy and Elizabeth walked into the house, they found Mr. Gardiner waiting at the door. He came to the point at once.
“Well, Mr. Darcy,” he said, “Mrs. Gardiner has just informed me of something unexpected.”
As usual, there was something about Mr. Gardiner that made Darcy feel he had done something wrong. It was nonsensical, of course, but Darcy could not shake it.
“Yes, and I will be glad of the opportunity to speak to you about it.”
Elizabeth reached out and squeezed Darcy’s hand. The warmth of her touch reassured him that all would be well.
Mr. Gardiner led the way to the library and shut the door.
“What is this I hear about you announcing your engagement in the middle of Green Park?”
Darcy could feel his ears burning. “It was on the spur of the moment. I was so ecstatic that Miss Bennet had agreed to marry me, I am afraid I was rather impulsive.”
“You do see, this puts me in a difficult situation. What am I to do? How am I to tell Lizzy’s father that she is already engaged, when he has not even given his permission yet? Can you imagine how neglectful of my niece I will appear to be.”
“Yes, I do realize I have made things very awkward. If you prefer, I will write to Mr. Bennet myself and explain the circumstances.”
“You can explain them to him directly. I will be sending an express requesting him to come to London immediately.”
“I appreciate that. By the time he reaches us, I will have the draft of the marriage settlement ready, and we can discuss it. Provided he approves our engagement, of course.”
Mr. Gardiner quirked his eyebrow. “That soon? Does your solicitor have no other clients to tend to?”
Darcy realized that Mr. Gardiner had misconstrued his statement as an indirect boast. “As it so happens, I had the settlement prepared the first time I asked for Miss Bennet’s hand.”
His ears burned even more at the amused expression on Mr. Gardiner’s face.
“A little presumptuous of you to do so, perhaps?” remarked Elizabeth’s uncle.
“As it turns out,” said Darcy. “It was.”
It was no longer clear where this conversation was going. Darcy decided to seize the bull by the horns and change directions.
“Mr. Gardiner, I am aware that I was not your first choice of husband for Miss Bennet,” said Darcy, “but I can assure you I will treasure Elizabeth and will do everything in my power to make her happy.”
Mr. Gardiner clapped Darcy on the shoulder. “I admit I had my reservations at the beginning, but I have long since guessed how this would go. In fact, the day after the dinner at our house, I spoke to Mr. Millett and warned him that Lizzy may not be open to an offer of marriage. He was disappointed, but, fortunately, I do not believe his feelings are deeply engaged.”
Darcy sat back in his chair, the tension draining from him.
“As for my so-called reservations, my only concern was that you might consider Lizzy beneath you. I have changed my mind. I have witnessed first-hand your attachment to my niece. More importantly, I can see that you have too much respect for her wishes to impose yourself on her. That alone has earned my full approval. Though I must confess something. My wife and I decided to test the waters when you came to dinner. I may have made things rather difficult for you, and for that, I apologize. I am happy to say, however, that you passed the test.”
It was galling to think the Gardiners had been observing and testing him, but he was too happy to take offence. It was natural for them to want to protect their niece. He would have done the same for Georgiana. The main thing was that it had all been sorted out.
“Incidentally, I intend to procure a special license,” said Darcy. “I would like us to marry as soon as possible.”
“Normally, I would caution against impatience, but given everything that has happened, I would say it is a good idea.”
“Well, then,” said Darcy, impatient to return to Elizabeth. “I will go and inform Elizabeth of what we have said.”
“And I will write to Mr. Bennet. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy, try to keep your impulses at bay,” said her uncle, wryly.
Darcy had the coachman drop him off in Hyde Park and sent Georgiana home in the carriage. He would walk the rest of the way home. He was too elated to return home and be enclosed between four walls. He was in raptures. The very idea that he would soon be married filled him with amazement. Who would have thought it? When he had gone to Green Park in the afternoon, he had not imagined that when he returned, he would be engaged to Miss Bennet. He still could scarcely believe it.
He walked for some time, dreaming about the future, imagining what it would be like living with Elizabeth by his side. By the time he reached the Darcy townhouse, he was in a calmer state. He was still full of blissful energy, but he was ready to face his household without the risk of bursting into sudden laughter and causing alarm over his mental condition.
