“That is the best of news!” Anna squealed. “I will have five sisters when you marry.” She was about to look embarrassed, but when she looked at William, Anna saw no censure in his face, but rather only happiness.
While the girls were chattering about the plethora of upcoming weddings, footmen were placing chafing dishes of food on the sideboard.
Regardless of the nerves he felt with the slight uncertainty regarding his beloved’s acceptance of his proposal, Darcy put ham, coddled eggs, and toast on his plate. The last thing he wanted was for his belly to rumble from hunger while he was laying his heart bare for Elizabeth.
Towards the end of his meal, Miss Bingley, his aunt, uncle, Andrew, Marie, Anne, and Richard joined those eating. The only resident absent was Bingley. Darcy was not surprised; Bingley was not always a morning person.
The girls’ chattering and the other conversations flowedaround Darcy’s head, but he did not pay attention. Rather, he was thinking of what he would say during the most important speech he would ever make in his life. Richard had shared the brevity of his proposal to Mary. His cousin had been successful so perhaps that would be the way to go.
Darcy was snapped out of his reverie when he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Do not overthink it, William. When you are before Lizzy, allow what you want to say to come from your heart,” Fitzwilliam suggested so only his cousin could hear.
Ever since he had entered the parlour, Fitzwilliam could see that William was deep in thought, and by the looks flashing across his countenance, he was more than likely trying to plan the ideal words to say to Lizzy. Knowing his cousin’s propensity to think too much and end up saying the wrong thing as he regurgitated every thought in his head, Fitzwilliam knew that for William’s own good, he needed to calm himself.
What Richard said cut through the fog Darcy had created in his brain. Richard had the right of it; if he allowed his heart to lead, all would be well.
Thanks to his cousin’s words, Darcy forced himself to relax.
By the time Bingley wandered into the breakfast parlour, the young ladies had made for the music room, and most of the rest of the residents were finishing breaking their fasts. “What a glorious day!” he said without ever looking at the weather.
“So speaks a man who is besotted with his newly affianced lady,” Matlock ribbed.
“I own that moniker with pride, my Lord,” Bingley responded with a bow.
“Seeing that you will be marrying a lady who will be related to us through both Richard and William’s marriages, doyou not think you should address me as Uncle Reggie?” Lord Matlock allowed.
“And I am Aunt Elaine,” Lady Matlock added.
Those keeping Bingley company as he ate did not miss how Miss Bingley was looking at the clock on the mantle as often as William was.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Knowing that his Elizabeth also rose early each morning regardless of the time she found her bed, Darcy took a chance and had his coach arrive at Longbourn just after ten. When the coachman drew the team of four to a halt, the older Thompson brother opened the door for him after extracting the step.
As he walked towards the front door, Darcy thought about how much he appreciated the younger girls choosing to not depart from Netherfield Park before eleven, so there would be no unexpected disturbance during his proposal.
Mr Hill opened the door before Darcy managed to use the knocker. It seemed the butler had been told to expect him. He was led to the drawing room where five Bennets awaited him. His heart sang when he saw the excitement shining from Elizabeth’s extremely fine eyes.
“Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Misses Bennet, a very good morning to all of you,” Darcy greeted as he bowed.
“Welcome, Mr Darcy,” Louisa returned as her husband bowed, and she and the three eldest Bennet sisters curtsied. “Have you broken your fast already? We have just done so, and there is still food available.”
“No, I thank you, Mrs Bennet. I ate before I departed Netherfield Park,” Darcy replied.
“If not to eat with us, why is it you have called today?” Bennet jested.
“Papa!” “Thomas!” Elizabeth admonished at the same time as Louisa did.
“Peace, I was only joking with Darcy. If your purpose is what you asked of me at the ball…” Bennet looked at Darcy for confirmation and saw a nod. “…then you may use my study. You know the time and door restrictions, do you not?” He saw another nod. “Wait a few minutes for Biggs and Johns to be in place, and then you may go to it.”
“Much appreciated, Bennet,” Darcy responded gratefully.
It was not long before Hill informed the master that the footmen were in place outside of the study.
Darcy stood and extended a hand to Elizabeth to help her stand.
Elizabeth smiled at William. Her dream of being his wife was about to come one step closer to reality. She looked at Jane, Mary, and Lulu, and each of them smiled encouragingly.
Wordlessly, the two made the short walk to the study where the two men were waiting.
