He embraced Richard. “I am glad to see your injury has mended completely, cousin. I will confess that I was greatly concerned when I saw the blood pouring from the wound and your face the color of ash.”
Richard grinned. “I was rather concerned myself when I saw all that blood. I have been as weak as a kitten, but I grow stronger by the day.”
“Richard, when next I see you, I expect you will be announcing your betrothal to Lady Anise.”
Richard’s expression widened into a broad smile. “I believe you are correct, Darcy. We have discovered that we suit one another exceedingly well.”
“I am glad of it, cousin. Perhaps you will sell out of the army, marry, and raise a family.”
“Yes. Anise and I have spoken of it. If all proceeds as planned, we shall be married this spring.”
Phillip and the earl stepped forward to embrace the colonel and offer their congratulations. Darcy then drew out his pocket watch. “Shall we return to the ladies before they begin to wonder what has become of us?”
That evening, after dinner, Phillip rose, and with his glass in hand, he said, “We had not intended to make the announcement tonight, but as Darcy departs in the morning, I wished to share our news. Lady Abigail has accepted my hand, and we are engaged.”
He raised his glass.
“To the most beautiful woman I know. I shall soon be the happiest man in all of England.”
After the toast and the many congratulations that followed, the party removed to the music room. The four ladies took turns at the pianoforte while the gentlemen sat back and enjoyed the music.
Darcy’s thoughts turned to Elizabeth.Shewas the most beautiful woman he had ever beheld, and, should she accept his hand, thenhewould be the happiest man in all England. But would he reach her in time? Had she already bound her future to Allen’s?
At half past ten, he excused himself, citing an early departure in the morning, and withdrew quietly from the room.
Chapter 47: Mr. Darcy Returns
Charles rose to his feet as Darcy was shown into his study. “Darcy, you have arrived a day early. The weather must have been on your side.”
The two men shook hands. “I am grateful for your hospitality, Charles. I intend to remain for at least a month.” There was a trace of embarrassment in his expression as he continued. “I am afraid you may not approve, but I intend to court Miss Elizabeth, if she will allow it.”
Bingley colored. “Darcy, I fear it may be too late for that. Allen dines at Longbourn every evening, unless we invite the family to dine with us, and my sister-in-law has taken particular pains to learn all his favorite dishes and to oblige him in every possible way. I fear your suit will not be welcome. As far as I know, he has not yet made her an offer of marriage, but I expect an announcement any day.”
Darcy’s complexion darkened. “Then it is not yet too late. If there is no engagement, all is not lost.”
Bingley answered, “I cannot countenance this behavior. Allen is my friend, and he very properly remained in Hertfordshire to forward his interests. Had I known your intentions, I would have discouraged you from coming.”
“Charles, I understand your position, but in the end, it is for Miss Elizabeth to make her choice. If there is another suitor she prefers, she should have the opportunity to decide. Marriage is the only manner in which a woman may provide for herself without being lost to good society. Allow her to have a choice in the matter.”
“But Darcy, you have not seen how lost to her surroundings she is when they are in conversation, or how her eyes follow him when he walks from the room. I have seen it, and I warn you, she has fallen in love with him. Do not ruin her prospects or her happiness. Had you loved her truly, you would not have left her behind.”
Still frowning, Charles walked to the bar. “Upon my word, Darcy. I knew you were interested in my sister-in-law, but I also knew… we all knew from your behavior that you thought her too low for a man such as yourself, and she knew it too.”
Darcy stood silent, then asked, “Shall I remove to the inn?”
“Damnation, Darcy, you have put me in a difficult position. No, do not remove to the inn. You are a closer friend than Allen. Go up, and I will send hot water for your bath and a shave. You are covered with dust and not fit to be seen by anyone.”
“You are a good friend, Bingley. I apologize for this intrusion, but I must try to speak with her, and if she sends me away, then I will go and leave her to Allen.”
Darcy excused himself and went upstairs to bathe and dress.
Elizabeth entered the house, the two girls close behind. As they removed their bonnets, Hill appeared with a note. Elizabeth took it and, breaking the seal, began to read the short message.
Lizzy,
Mr. Darcy has returned to Netherfield. He arrived this morning, and Charles has asked me to invite you all to dine with us, as the gentleman will wish to reunite with his sister. Please send your response immediately so that I may plan accordingly. If you can all come, I shall invite Mrs. Talbot and Miss King for Papa’s sake.
Jane
