Chapter 39
Mr Darcy’s courtship now took on a more formal footing. He visited every morning, bringing flowers and gifts for Elizabeth. He also often brought flowers for her mother. A move which won over her mother in a way nothing else could have. He spent time with her father, consulting with him on the acquisition of new titles for the library at Meryton house. Which, her father proclaimed not for the first time was sorely lacking. He played chess with Lydia and even managed to beat her once. Much to Lydia dismay.
He was a frequent guest a dinner in the Meryton House. His sister Georgina often spent full days at Meryton house. Almost becoming like another sister. Mr Darcy had remarked on how much confidence she had gained from the company of the Bennet ladies. He dancing the first and supper sets with Elizabeth at the ball of Lord and Lady Wentworth. And sat at her side at a dinner in Lord and Lady Matlock’s home.
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s advancing towards Mary were marked. Mary was two years Elizabeth’s junior. Colonel Fitzwilliam had confided in Elizabeth that he wished to give her time to grow. He had also recently been made the heir to a small estate not far from Mr Darcy’s estate of Pemberly. He told her that it had been sadly neglected and was in no condition to receive a wife. While not relating all to Mary. She had assured her of the seriousness of his attachment. Thisallowed Mary to relax and let the romance develop in its own time.
The Viscount Winsdale had approached their father. Who had given his consent to a courtship should Jane be agreeable. The Viscount had thus started to woo Jane. Appearing uncertain of Jane’s consent to a formal courtship. Much to Elizabeth’s amusement and Jane consternation.
Elizabeth’s diversion at Jane’s predicament was overshadowed by her own consternation. For she quite despaired on Mr Darcy’s ever coming to the point. Until, finally, many weeks hence, she thought. But it truth it was merely a one month since the ball at Lady Arlington’s home. He proclaimed.
“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last February, tell me so at once.Myaffections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
“I may not always have loved you,” Elizabeth told him. Her normally teasing tone missing from her voice. “But I cannot remember a time when I did not.”
Mr Darcy’s face filled with joy. He took her gloved hand and raised it to his lips. “I love you, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,” he said. “Please consent to be my wife.”
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife,” she told him, the twinkle returning to her eyes. “And it is a lesser-known truth that a Lady in love is in want of her love as her husband.” And thus he consented to being her husband, and she to be his wife.
“I feel confident you will make an excellent son,” Lord Meryton exclaimed as the family celebrated the engagement. “And Elizabeth I compliment you on the acquisition of a new sister,” he added. Much to Georgina’s delight. “I feel you arequite the daughter we were missing from our family,” he said and her mother seconded the proclamation. Elizabeth could not help but agree and holding Darcy’s hand under the table, she looked at her family.
That family, which although no proposals had yet been received, now included Richard. Who had insisted that she was to address him as such as they were now to be cousins.
She did not yet know the Viscount well enough to add him to her definition of family. But she was sure that point was not too far in the future.
Her father wished them joy, but his acerbic wit could not long be repressed. So he pontificated to all.
“Mrs Bennet always takes delight in vexing me,” he said, taking his wife’s hand in his. “As I likewise take delight in vexing her,” he confirmed, with his wife nodded in agreement. “But come the next morning she always has succeeded in persuading me to her point,” he added. “Take note Darcy,” he said, with a nod to his future son in law.
“But for all that,” he said, kissing his wife hand. “I love you still, my dear Mrs Bennet,” he intoned.
“As I do you my love,” Mrs Bennet replied, drawing a blush to her husband’s cheeks
