Elizabeth smiled. “So shall I.”
He released her and moved back a step. Without taking his gaze from her, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box. Elizabeth’s hands flew to her cheeks in surprise. Darcy grinned. When he opened the box, she gasped in delight!
“From the moment I determined to make you mine, I have imagined this ring on your finger,” he said.
“Oh, Fitzwilliam, it is beautiful!”
The ring was made of gold. The center stone was a pale green sapphire that sparkled brilliantly. Small, round diamonds were set slightly below it, circling the gemstone.
Darcy removed it from the box, lifted her hand, and slid the ring on her finger. “It reminds me of your eyes,” he said as he looked admiringly at her.
She looked up at him and smiled.
“You will soon see the Darcy family has quite a collection of jewels and jewelry,” he said, lifting her hand to appreciate the way the ring adorned her finger. “This particular one was my grandmother’s betrothal ring—all the more reason it should now beyourbetrothal ring.”
“I am honored to wear it,” Elizabeth said.
He raised her hand to his lips.
She gave him a teasing look. “Now that you have sealed things between us with a kiss and a ring, there will be no going back, sir.”
Darcy grinned and stole a quick kiss from her. “Just as I would have it, my love.”
Elizabeth laughed.
Taking her hands in his, Darcy asked, “When would you like to marry, Elizabeth?”
“I am not particular as to when, but I would prefer not to drag it out over months.”
“We are of the same mind on that,” Darcy replied. “What do you think about marrying a month from now?”
“I am not opposed to it, but I think I should consult my aunt for her opinion.”
“Very well. I should go to your uncle,” he said. “I assume your father has already left for Essex?”
“Yes, he has.”
“Then it is a good thing that I have already obtained his consent.”
She gave a small gasp of surprise. "You have?"
He grinned. "I have indeed."
She chuckled, then took his hand and led him to her uncle’s study.
"I am happy to inform you that Elizabeth and I are engaged!" Darcy announced.
Gardiner laughed. “It is curious that you and my niece always seem to take your relationship to the next level after there has been a serious misunderstanding.”
Darcy laughed as well. “Now that you mention it, I do believe we have established a pattern. And it actually goes back further than you think.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed, all the way back to the early days of our acquaintance,” Darcy replied.
Gardiner shook his head. “I do not doubt it."
"At least this time the conversation was mostly just serious and not so much a misunderstanding."
