***
When the door opened, the hum of conversation in the parlour ceased almost at once. All eyes turned toward them.
Darcy entered first, Elizabeth beside him.
There was something in their manner – composed yet unmistakably altered – which did not escape notice.
Mrs. Bennet rose immediately. “Well? What has happened? What did she say? I declare I have not known a moment’s peace since you left us!”
“My dear,” said Mr. Bennet, without rising, “you will allow them at least the time to cross the room before requiring an account of all that has passed.”
Mrs. Bennet made a sound of impatience but subsided only slightly.
Georgiana, who had rejoined the company after her aunt’s departure, watched her brother with anxious attention. “Fitzwilliam…”
“It is settled,” he said quietly.
She understood him at once – and her expression changed to one of visible relief.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet’s attention had shifted elsewhere.
“Mr. Bingley,” he said, “you appeared earlier to be in some difficulty of expression. Perhaps the present moment will suit you better.”
Bingley, though still somewhat discomposed, glanced at Jane and gathered his courage. “Sir, I wished to say… that my attentions have not been without meaning… and that, if Miss Bennet does not object…”
“I believe she does not,” said Mr. Bennet, looking at his daughter.
Mrs. Bennet gave a small cry of delight. “My dear Jane! I knew it. I was certain of it!”
Jane coloured deeply, though her happiness was evident.
“… in that case, with your permission, sir, I would like to court your daughter.” Bingley finished at last.
Lydia declared it “the most delightful news imaginable,” and Kitty echoed her with enthusiasm.
Amidst this general satisfaction, Darcy stood still for a moment longer. Elizabeth did not move toward Jane at once, but remained where she was – at Darcy’s side. They shared a glance and then, with quiet deliberation, Darcy spoke. “Mr. Bennet, if I may.”
The room stilled again.
Mr. Bennet regarded him with interest. “You may, sir.”
Darcy’s tone was composed, but there was no uncertainty in it. “I should not wish the events of this morning to give rise to any misunderstanding. My intentions toward Miss Elizabeth Bennet have been of the most serious kind. My aunt’s interference had no affect on either of us. With her full consent, I have the honour to declare myself engaged to her.”
A brief silence followed.
Elizabeth did not lower her eyes.
Mrs. Bennet stared, then sat down rather suddenly. “Good gracious!”
Mr. Bennet looked from one to the other. “At present,” he said, “I see no reason to oppose the happiness of either of my daughters. You have my consent, sir.”
Darcy bowed.
Across the room, Lydia clapped her hands. “An engagement and a courtship! How excessively fine!”
Georgiana stepped to her brother. “You are to marry. I am very happy for you.” Darcy, usually more restrained, received her with unfeigned warmth, and for a moment allowed himself the indulgence of her affection. They embraced. “It will be nice to have a sister.”
Kitty laughed. “I think you are mistaken. You have gained all five of us, Georgiana.”
