Mary, never one to tease, still could not resist saying, “Answer? I don’t recall hearing a question.”
He laughed and slipped off the settee to one knee, holding both her hands tightly. “Miss Mary Bennet, will you please make me the happiest of men and agree to be my wife?”
At her accepting nod, he returned to his seat and pulled her close for another long kiss. At last, they sat, her head on his broad shoulder as he stroked her hair, marveling at this happy result.
“So, you did not think me foolish for bringing you my scripture questions?” Mary asked.
“Oh no. I looked forward to each encounter; you have such a thoughtful mind.” He paused a moment, before continuing. “In fact, tell me now: What was it you wanted to discuss that dreadful day when you overheard us talking and believed it was you of whom we spoke?”
Mary pulled away, embarrassed. “Love. I…wished to talk about some of the women in the Bible who love Jesus—for there are not many mentioned, as you know—the woman at the well to whom Jesus speaks, the widow who gives her last mite, and Veronica, who wiped our Lord’s face on his way to Calvary. ”
“All wonderful stories of a woman’s devotion. But do you know what my favorite quote about women from the Bible is?” he asked softly.
She shook her head.
“It is Proverbs 31:10: ‘Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.’” He kissed her again. “That is you, my dear, dear Mary. And all the rubies in the world could not persuade me to give you up.”
Chapter 35
There was joyful celebrating that evening at Pemberley once everyone recovered from the shock of Mary’s astonishing announcement that she and Mr. Yarby were now engaged. Of course, this was also after Mary once again took responsibility for the harm her lies had caused and assured her family that she would do everything in her power to make things right. That settled, Darcy ordered several excellent wines brought up for supper, followed by peals of laughter and many toasts to their happiness. Lizzy and Darcy insisted Mr. Yarby stay with them at Pemberley and sent servants to retrieve his belongings from the Lambton Inn.
After dinner, Darcy joked, “Mr. Yarby, I think we should discuss the Bennet family more over some brandy while the ladies go through to the sitting room. You may be their reverend, but I have far more experience with being connected in marriage to this family. I am happy to share my knowledge and advice.”
“Just mind you also tell him of the great joy our connection has brought you,” Lizzy replied tartly to everyone’s laughter.
As the ladies separated from the gentlemen. Georgiana held Mary back a moment and whispered in a teasing voice, “I suppose this means you will no longer remain here at Pemberley as the ‘maiden aunt’ to our nephew and niece.”
Mary gave a soft laugh. “No indeed. Perhaps Robert and I shall be blessed with children of our own; I can only pray so. But first, I must make amends to Papa and Amelia. I hope it is not too late for them.”
“I am quite certain you will find all is well. In fact, Lizzy and I feel exceedingly confident of it,” Georgiana said with a mischievous smile that Mary did not understand.
“Are you two coming, or are you going to gossip and share secrets there in the hall all night?” Lizzy asked, but her expression showed no annoyance, only warm affection.
The two linked arms and hurried in.
***
Two days later, Darcy provided his finest coach to take the couple back to Longbourn. Lizzy sent along one of the underhousemaids to serve as both a help to Mary and to act as a sort of chaperone since Mary and Mr. Yarby were still unmarried. Although that meant the two had to somewhat temper their adoration, they were both mindful of the propriety of the situation and did not resent it too much.
However, along the way there was still a great deal of discussion about their future.
“Will you miss Longbourn, Mary?” Mr. Yarby asked. “I mean, you can and will visit often, but the parsonage is considerably less grand than your home. And our budget is not lavish, as you know; economies will have to be made, perhaps, from what you are used to. In addition, after your father sadly passes, Mr. Collins is unlikely to keep me on, and we may have to move.”
“Robert! Are you trying to talk me out of marrying you?” Mary asked with a teasing smile. Somehow, since they had professed their love, she found it easy to joke and tease in a manner she had never done before. Amazed at herself, she thought that, if she kept this up, her family would not recognize the new Mary.
He laughed. “Not at all! I told you I shall never give you up. But I simply want you to know what to expect.”
“Living with you at the parsonage and yet within reach of my family?—I cannot imagine a happier arrangement. And once Amelia and Papa wed, all will be well.” She turned away and wrung her hands in her lap. “But I must confess, Robert, I so dread having to tell Papa what I have done and said. I am sure he will be very angry with me. It all seems such a mess and wholly of my doing. But I must own to what I did.”
“I am sure your father will forgive you. After all, Amelia and I are still here; he did not dismiss us as you had hoped, so there is no permanent damage done. Do you…do you wish for me to go in with you when we arrive at Longbourn?”
Mary shook her head. “Thank you, but I must do this myself.” She gave him a smile. “Knowing you support me, however, will give me the courage I need.”
***
Darcy had sent an express to alert Mr. Bennet and Kitty of Mary and Mr. Yarby’s arrival, so they both came out to greet the carriage when it pulled into the sweep at Longbourn. Mary hugged her sister, and then her father, while Mr. Yarby hung back a bit, observing. He and Mary had agreed they would not disclose their engagement until she had smoothed things over with her father and Amelia.
“Mary, I believe we have much to discuss,” said Mr. Bennet evenly. With a nod to Mr. Yarby, he went into the house, followed by Kitty and then Mary who first gave Robert a loving, lingering gaze.
