Mrs. Bennet was both laughing and crying. “Two daughters to be married! I am so very happy.”
Elizabeth embraced her. “We must go, Mama, if we are to call on the Gardiners and return before dinner.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, go at once and tell your aunt and uncle.”
They made their way to the foyer, where the servants assisted them with their outerwear. Soon after, they were seated in the carriage and on their way.
Elizabeth became aware of a gentle jolt and, with some surprise, realized she had fallen asleep, her head resting against Darcy.
She sat up at once, a blush rising to her cheeks. “I beg your pardon. I fear want of sleep has caught up with me.”
Darcy smiled down at her. “I must confess I fared little better. I slept but poorly myself. The good news is that we have nearly arrived.”
Elizabeth adjusted her hat. “I hope my appearance has not suffered from my unintended nap.”
Darcy’s smile deepened. “No, my dear. You look as beautiful as ever.”
The carriage soon came to a stop. Darcy stepped down first, then turned to assist Elizabeth. Offering his arm, he escorted her to the door.
They were soon shown into the Gardiners’ drawing room.
Mrs. Gardiner rose, smiling in surprise. “We were not expecting you today.”
Elizabeth and Darcy took their seats opposite her. Elizabeth returned her smile. “We have come with news. We are engaged.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose at once and embraced her. “My dear Elizabeth! How very happy I am for you.”
As she offered her congratulations, the children came hurrying in, drawn by the excitement.
Mrs. Gardiner turned to them with a smile. “Your cousin Elizabeth is to be married to Mr. Darcy.”
Thomas looked up at Darcy with serious interest. “You are taking her to that Pember place?”
Darcy knelt beside him. “Yes, Pemberley.”
Thomas considered this carefully. “And we shall still see her?”
Darcy nodded. “Very often, I hope. I shall look forward to your visits.”
He glanced up at Mrs. Gardiner. “Elizabeth and I hope your family will come to stay with us this summer.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled warmly. “I shall speak with Mr. Gardiner, but I believe such a visit may very well be arranged.”
Thomas immediately brightened. “And will you let me ride your horse with you?”
Darcy smiled. “I think that can certainly be arranged.”
As he spoke, the door opened and Mr. Gardiner entered.
“I see I have missed something of consequence,” he said, looking from one to another.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “You have indeed. Elizabeth is engaged to Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Gardiner’s brows rose slightly, and he turned his attention to Darcy. “Then I must offer my congratulations.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Thank you, sir.”
Mr. Gardiner regarded him for a moment, his expression thoughtful, as though measuring what he saw.
