He laughed and, taking her by the waist, spun her about until she could not help but laugh with him.
“You will marry me next week,” he said, “because you love me, and we have been courting these many months in all but name. It is time to end the farce. Admit that you like me, that you love me, and that you wish to be my wife… as soon as next week.”
She laughed joyously. “Who are you, sir, and what has become of the grave gentleman who offers continual rebuke or stands in corners, frowning and silent?”
He took her hand. “He is gone, Elizabeth. He was a solitary man with a hollow heart. In his place stands one made whole, for he has found the other half of himself in you.”
He entwined her arm in his, and together they made their way slowly down the mount, Ares following behind, grazing.
Chapter 49: Betrothed to Mr. Darcy
When they returned, the couple left Ares at the stables. Upon entering the house, Darcy bent and spoke quietly with Elizabeth, then went to Mr. Bennet’s study and knocked. With his hat in his hands, he bowed.
“Sir, Elizabeth has accepted my hand in marriage, and I have come to request your permission to marry her.”
Thomas Bennet rose, his lips pressed in a firm line. “Pray be seated, Mr. Darcy. I wish to put a few questions to you.”
Darcy seated himself in the proffered chair with evident stiffness. “Yes, sir. I am prepared to answer whatever you wish to ask. But first, I wish to assure you that I am well able to support a wife and children. Between Pemberley and my other holdings, I have an income of fifteen thousand a year. I have set aside thirty thousand pounds for each of two daughters, and I hold three smaller estates for younger sons. I do not intend to have more than five children, sir. I have also secured thirty thousand pounds for my widow, and there is a dower house at Pemberley, should she prefer a more private residence after my passing.”
Mr. Bennet listened in silence. “Mr. Darcy, I had no concern regarding your ability to provide for my daughter or my grandchildren, but I thank you for laying your plans before me. My concern, sir, lies with your view of Elizabeth’s connections. My family has been settled at Longbourn these four hundred years, and though we have never been wealthy, we are genteel. Elizabeth has nothing to regret in her family. You have taken exception to her two uncles, who are professional men and earn their living, but there is no disgrace in that. They are upright andrespectable men. My only concern is that you will respect her, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is my favorite child, and I shall not part with her to a man who does not value her as he ought.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened. “Sir, I am ashamed that I spoke my prideful thoughts in public, and particularly before Miss Bingley, for that rendered the injury doubly painful to Elizabeth. I assure you, Mr. Bennet, I have suffered these past weeks in the knowledge that I wounded her, and that suffering has humbled me. I do not claim to be without faults, but I can say that I shall never keep a mistress, nor do I drink to excess, gamble, or frequent brothels. I have been proud, sir, but Miss Bennet has brought me to a proper understanding of myself, and I believe she possesses the strength to keep me in good order in the years to come.”
Thomas Bennet gave a short laugh. “Yes, sir, I believe she does. You must understand, however, that my daughter is loyal, and when she loves, she gives her whole heart. For that reason, you are in a position to injure her, as you have already seen. What have you to say to that, sir?”
Darcy walked to the window and stood quietly while he collected his thoughts. “Sir, I love your daughter. I can only say that she holds the same power over me. We love one another, and I have no intention of causing her pain, but if I should fail, I shall abase myself and make her amends, as I have endeavored to do today.”
Mr. Bennet regarded him for a moment and appeared satisfied. “Very well, Mr. Darcy. You have my consent. Have you settled upon a date?”
“Yes, sir. I intend to obtain a common license in London and return next week. I wish to marry her next Tuesday.”
Mr. Bennet’s brows rose. “So soon?”
“It has been eight months, sir. I wish to marry Elizabeth and return to Derbyshire before the weather turns.”
“I see. Very well, sir. And the marriage articles? I suppose they are already prepared?”
“Yes, sir, though I have not yet traveled to London to collect them. I shall obtain the license and the articles and return in time for the wedding.”
Darcy looked hesitantly at his future father-in-law. “Sir, would you permit me to leave Georgiana here with Kitty for a fortnight, that I may have some time alone with Elizabeth?”
Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement. “I am certain Jane would receive Kitty and Georgiana during your absence.”
“Yes, sir. I shall apply to the Bingleys to host her while Elizabeth and I remain in London, and I will collect her before we return to Derbyshire.”
Mr. Bennet accompanied him from the study, and they joined the young ladies in the drawing room.
“I congratulate you, Lizzy, on your engagement.”
Elizabeth rose and embraced her father. “I am deliriously happy, Papa.”
Kitty embraced her and offered her congratulations, while Georgiana flew to her brother and wrapped her arms about him. “Fitzwilliam, I am so happy for you. We shall be a true family at last.”
He kissed her curls, and she turned to Elizabeth. “Lizzy, I am so happy you will be my sister. I have long wished for one, and I could not imagine a better.”
She turned to Kitty. “You must come to Pemberley and stay with us.”
Darcy addressed Mr. Bennet. “Sir, if both Elizabeth and Miss Catherine are agreeable, I should like to extend an invitation to Miss Catherine. She will be most welcome. The winters at Pemberley tend to be long and solitary, and her company would be valued by Georgiana most of all. We shall return to London at Easter, and I will bring her back to you then.”
