Even so, when he stepped into the house, Darcy was grinning. He tore off his greatcoat and tossed his top hat to the astonished butler, who eyed him dubiously.
“I am not inebriated, Blake. Or at least, it is not brandy that is responsible for my high spirits.” Darcy was too happy not to share the news with the old family retainer. “I may as well tell you. I know I can count on your discretion, because it is premature to announce it. This is between the two of us. I am engaged to be married.”
“That is excellent news, sir! Might one enquire the identity of the fortunate young lady? Am I acquainted with her, sir?”
“You may enquire, and indeed you have made her acquaintance. It is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
The corner of the old butler’s eyes crinkled.
“I wish you both well, sir,” said Blake. “I presume that is the reason Colonel Fitzwilliam has been pacing in the library for the last half hour?”
Heavens! Could the colonel have heard the news already? Darcy groaned. Richard had advised him against marrying Elizabeth. Clearly, his cousin was not happy with the news.
As Darcy walked into the library, he braced himself to receive an earful. It would make no difference to him, but he needed to be prepared.
“Good lord, Darcy! Is what I heard true? The club is buzzing with the news of you kissing Miss Bennet in Green Park. Are you out of your mind? I am still convinced that your plunge in the water has affected your brain.”
“On the contrary, my dear cousin, I have never been more clear-headed in my life. I am engaged to Elizabeth Bennet, and I am the happiest man alive.”
“I would have thought you would have the decency to consult with me first,” said the Colonel,
“What?” said Darcy, taken aback. “Well, it happened all very suddenly—”
The colonel guffawed loudly. “It was a joke, Darcy. In fact, I could not be more delighted. You have won me quite a sum of money.”
Darcy mouth fell open. “You werebettingon me?”
“I knew it was only a matter of time before you asked for Miss Bennet’s hand again. You were too besotted to let her slip through your hands.”
Darcy shook his head. “You had an unfair advantage.”
His cousin shrugged. “I am a soldier. Information is key to winning a battle. Why should I not take advantage of my knowledge?” He chuckled. “Betting aside, I am very happy for you, Cousin. Let us drink to celebrate.”
“Only one glass. I want to keep a clear head for tomorrow. Mr. Bennet will be coming to London, and I need to request his approval.”
“Only one glass,” agreed the colonel. “Let us raise our glasses to happiness in marriage. May love conquer the world.”
As Darcy sipped his drink, the colonel slapped him hard on the back.
“You do know there will be hell to pay once my father finds out. And Lady Catherine.”
“Yes. I know.” He had not forgotten, but the reminder brought him down to earth. It had been folly to announce his engagement so publicly when he did not even have Mr. Bennet’s permission yet. What if Bennet withheld it for some reason? He had a nightmarish vision of his aunt Lady Catherine, his uncle Lord Matlock and scores of others showing up in the middle of the night, trying to dissuade him from his ‘folly’.
“If you want my advice, you had better take out a private license and move your quarters to Mivart’s Hotel until after the wedding.”
He tossed back the last of his drink. “I am happy for you, Darcy, truly. Any young lady who can make my staid, starchy cousin do so many foolish things has my approval. It is time you came out of your shell. I am convinced Miss Bennet will be good for you. I cannot wait to finally meet the young lady who has captured your heart. Oh, and by the way, you may invite me as a witness to your wedding.”
Then, with another painful clap on Darcy’s shoulder, he left the room.
When Mr. Darcy had left, Mr. Gardiner announced his intention to write an express to Mr. Bennet, asking him to come to London the next day.
“Mr. Darcy says you have given your approval, Uncle.”
“My approval is irrelevant, Lizzy. It is your father’s approval you need. Hopefully he will be here tomorrow before noon.”
“Is uncle Bennet coming to see us, Lizzy?” Margaret asked.
“Yes, poppet. Come, sit next to me. I have news for you.”
