His mind was quite made up. That very evening when she accompanied the Collinses to dine at Rosings he would contrive, by some means or other, to draw her aside and present her with a proposal of marriage. He entertained scarcely a doubt of her acceptance; for what lady, he reasoned, would willingly refuse the numerous advantages attendant upon becoming his wife? Indeed he considered himself something of a prize coveted by many.
He chuckled to himself.
Indeed she must be praying and hoping for his addresses; as an intelligent woman she would know that her chances of ever making such a match only happened once in a life time.
Yes, she was perfect for him and he for her. They would be very happy together.
She might struggle a little with theBon Tonat the beginning of their marriage, but she was intelligent enough to tackle any challenge and he had full confidence in her abilities.
He smiled to himself feeling quite smug and trying to anticipate what would come after the proposal. Would she allow him to kiss her? He ardently hoped so.
Then he sobered quickly remembering her family. They were always going to be a source of embarrassment and vexation, while his own family might oppose her, not only because of her low birth and lack of fortune but especially because of the vulgar and unchecked behaviour of her parents and sisters. But he was confident that once they got to know his Elizabeth she would not fail to charm them all, despite her unfortunate connections.
Well, perhaps not all.
He doubted Lady Catherine would ever forgive him for the heinous crime of marrying someone other than her daughter. And he was certain that she would let Elizabeth know of her disapprobation in no uncertain terms.
However, he would defend her with all his might, for marry her he most certainly would. Nobody would be allowed to interfere with his beloved. His family's unhappiness could not be helped and sooner or later his aunt and the rest of them would have to accept reality and his choice or be severed from his company.
He felt much better now, once the resolution was finally made. He felt peace warm his heart and he could now finally indulge in fantasising about Elizabeth. She was a seductress without even making the effort.
He smiled and allowed his thoughts free rein.
***
Darcy’s peace did not last very long for his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam slammed open the bedchamber door without knocking, intruding on his favourite fantasy of himself and Elizabeth in his bed at Pemberley.
“What in Hades are you doing? What do you mean by invading my space, as if you were Napoleon in Spain, Richard?”
Immediately he realised that Richard was very angry. Just as angry as when they had discovered Georgiana in Ramsgate about to elope with Wickham.
Darcy sat up straight and asked, concerned, “What has happened? Have you received a letter from your parents? Is Georgiana well?”
“No, I have not received a letter from London. As far as I know they are all well.”Richard tried to breathe in and out slowly to control his rage.
“What has caused this ire then?”
“How do you know I am angry?”
“Oh please… are you under the assumption that I do not know you well enough to be able to tell when you are as mad as hell?”
“Yes, I am mad. In fact I am fuming.”
“Yes, I can see that.” Darcy chuckled despite his sympathy for his cousin, “Is it Lady Catherine? She can certainly upset anybody’s composure.”
“No, it is not our dear aunt this time, miraculously. If you really want to know, I will tell you. But you will not like it.”
“Let me be the judge of that. Tell me and I will decide whether I like it or not.”
“Very well then, it is Miss Bennet!” Richard spat out the name like a swear word.
“What?” Darcy looked at him stupefied, “Why would Miss Bennet make you angry?”
“Why do you think? Wickham, of course!” Richard said emphatically.
Darcy blanched. “What has Miss Bennet to do with Wickham? Is it Miss Bennet or Wickham who currently makes you angry?
“Both.”
