∞∞∞
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy received the Gardiners in the elegant drawing-room where he had proposed. They already shared memories there, but while Elizabeth recalled that she was soon to be his wife with everything that implied, Mr Darcy thought only of her body so close to his, surprised by the intensity of his passion and the urgency of his desire. He had never imagined that love could add such depth to the physical closeness.
He smiled at her relatives, for he genuinely liked them. If Lady Matlock could temper her inward displeasure towards the wife of her son, surely he could also accept her mother and some of her sisters.
Mr and Mrs Gardiner looked somewhat surprised not to find Lady Matlock and Mary present; yet the meaning was plain from the smiles of the young couple.
“Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner,” Darcy said, “I would avail myself of your presence to request Elizabeth’s hand.”
With heartfelt pleasure, they both advanced to offer their congratulations. Mr Gardiner’s eyes glistened, while his wife’s satisfaction was so evident that Elizabeth embraced her with all affection.
“I shall also seek Mr Bennet’s consent, and trust we shall find him and the rest of the family in London upon our return from Eastbourne.”
Elizabeth murmured to her aunt, “He wished to marry me today.” She had meant it for a reproach, yet it betrayed the pride she felt in her future husband and the happiness.
“Jane is also betrothed,” she said, and her aunt nodded. She already knew that a letter had arrived at their home, too.
“What have you decided regarding the colonel?” Mr Gardiner asked.
But both ladies turned to the gentlemen.
Although the joy of their marriage was great, that evening the colonel was the main subject and the sole concern. Darcy looked at them with gratitude. They were soon to be family, and he knew how united they were. Yet, the Gardiners, Elizabeth, and Mary had been ready to offer their aid long before, when there had been nothing between them but friendship. Family and friendship were, to them, above all other considerations. For the first time since the vexations had begun concerning Elizabeth’s family, he perceived that although some among them might not possess perfect manners, might commit occasional blunders in society, or might be overly fond of gossip, these defects were insignificant beside their principles and their steadfast rule of life, which were in perfect accord with those of his own family. At length, he was wholly reconciled to his choice. It was not solely a matter of the heart, but a determination of the reason. With such persons, he might set forth into life without any apprehension.
“At first I had intended to go alone, but—” Darcy hesitated, uncertain how to justify Elizabeth’s presence without reviving recollections that could do him no credit. Elizabeth, however, spared him, for she thought as he did. The past was set aside; all that mattered was the present and the future.
“In brief, for a cause that concerns them, Colonel Fitzwilliam entertains certain doubts as to Mr Darcy’s judgement respecting ladies.”
Unwillingly, she glanced at him and smiled, and Darcy answered at once. “I believe myself sufficiently acquainted with ladies, having sought the hand of your niece in marriage. It is an old matter, but Miss Elizabeth speaks truly. My word alonewould not suffice, and the proofs we possess are not enough to convince him.”
“I shall accompany you,” said Mr Gardiner; and every eye was turned upon him.
“We had intended to take Lady Matlock’s companion—”
“Mr Darcy, that will not be necessary,” interrupted Mr Gardiner firmly. “I believe my presence may be of consequence; I was a witness to the beginning of this affair.”
“I thank you,” exclaimed Darcy with sincerity and confidence.
∞∞∞
Dinner was neither as cheerful as in happier times, nor yet a sombre circumstances. Lady Matlock’s tacit approval of her nephew’s choice sufficed for the Gardiners, who participated with all their hearts to her apprehensions.
“Lady Matlock,” Mr Gardiner said, “I shall accompany Elizabeth—pray be at ease. We have considered the matter with Mr Darcy, and this is the wisest course.”
“I thank you, sir,” Darcy replied. “My aunt was courageous in agreeing to accompany us, but even the annual visits to Matlock Manor and Pemberley are a fatigue to her.”
Indeed, she already appeared more tranquil at the thought of remaining behind.
“Would it be too much to request that Miss Mary remain with me until their return?”
A slight stir arose about the table, which she at first mistook for refusal, though it was in truth surprise.
“I understand,” she continued, “Mrs Gardiner will be alone.”
But Mrs Gardiner smiled and shook her head. “With four young children, I am far from alone, my lady. I am certain Mary will be happy to stay with you.”
All eyes turned to Mary, who in that instant forgot her composure and clapped her hands like a child, before blushing delightfully.
“I imagine that applause is not for me, but for the library,” Lady Matlock said with a smile. “I have never known a young lady to read more than our Miss.”
