Charlotte never thought she would fall in love with anyone and often wondered if she was even capable of it. She had learned to be pragmatic and not romantic, but at that moment, looking into his eyes... This giant, sweet man cared for her. The look in his eyes was tender and warm. He was nervous for her answer, so she didnot wait. “I would be honored and happy to be your wife. I will follow you anywhere you would go.”
John picked her up and Charlotte received her very first kiss at six and twenty. He swung her around and laughed in delight. They did not remember Maria was even there until she ran up to them and started squealing, “You are to marry! Oh Charlotte! I am so happy for you!”
“I hope this means you will dance the three significant sets with me, Miss Lucas?”
“Of course! Oh, you must speak with my father, and I must tell my mother! Maria, run ahead and ask papa if he is available now, and do not say anything to mother! I want to tell her!”
The rest of the afternoon went as one would expect. Sir William was thrilled for his daughter but upset she would live so very far away. Lady Lucas could not have been happier for the daughter she had worried would be a spinster all her life. It crossed her mind that she would likely never see Charlotte again after her marriage, but she was so happy to finally have a child married, she put it out of her mind. If Fanny Bennet was still alive, how she’d crow! John was invited to dinner, and the rest of the day was spent in the logistics of wedding planning.
~~~~~
Theo, Mrs. Russell, Beth, and Darcy were visiting at Longbourn whilst things were progressing at Lucas Lodge. The entirety of the household was walking in the mostly bare gardens. There were still mums blooming, and a few roses. There was lavender still hanging on, and some colorful leaves on several trees and bushes. The autumn frosts had been very light that year, and the rains had not been overly heavy. It was an ideal autumn.
Mr. Bennet and Mamie left the pack of young people behind as they took a lesser used path to the walled garden. Bennet cleared his throat rather loudly. “Mrs. Russell, Mamie, I think you know…humfff…I think you know I have a special regard for you. It…are we too old for this?”
“Mr. Bennet, I could pretend I did not know what you are referring to, but I am no innocent maiden. I do not believe anyone is too old to find love. I have aspecial regardfor you also.”
The smile that bloomed on Bennet’s face made him look ten years younger. “Well then, would you ever consider staying in England and marrying again?”
“Was that a proposal, Thomas?”
“It might be the best I can do. If I get down on one knee, you will have to help me up. Would you consider marrying me, Mamie?”
Mamie looked him deep in the eyes, “I have told you of my first marriage, and you have told me of yours. Marry in haste and repent at leisure. I do not believe we are so young and hasty anymore, but have we known each other long enough? Are we being hasty again?”
“I do not believe so. We have spent much time together both here and in Ramsgate. You have seen me with my girls, and I have seen you with Beth and John. You are loved and respected by all. The only question left is…do you love me? Because I love you dearly. I can see us growing old together, with many grandchildren surrounding us.”
“My only regret would be when Beth leaves, and maybe not seeing Ethan again. They were the children I never had. Will I ever see their children?”
“Well, I am hoping one of my girls marries a young man who will live here at Longbourn and take over for a few years. The house and part of the estate is entailed, but there is over one hundred acres that are not that I can will to someone. I would enjoy doing some travel. Seeing America would be quite something!”
“Then I will marry you on two conditions: 1. Build a dower house on those one hundred acres. 2. Promise we will visit Virginia at least once before we are too old.”
“I promise! I will build a very fine dower house for you and any daughters that do not marry, and we will start planning a trip to America within two years! God willing.”
It had been many years since either Mamie or Thomas had been kissed, and they made up for lost time. Neither of them had any idea what the girls and their beaus were doing and simply did not care.
Chapter Thirty-four
Dinner the next day turned into a celebration of two engagements. Lady Lucas insisted on hosting everyone from Longbourn and Netherfield to fete the happy couples. Sir William was in his element. He loved nothing better than entertaining. Charlotte and Mamie were glowing with happiness. John was as quiet as ever, but it was obvious he was happy. Mr. Bennet usually had a sardonic grin on his face, but today it was quite different. The smile was genuine.
Beth was happy for her friend John and for Mamie, both. She was also a little sad. She’d gained a new friend in Charlotte, who would return with them to Virginia, but she’d lose Mamie. Mamie who had been like a mother to her. Mamie who had been her best friend and staunchest supporter. How was she going to write Ethan about this? His best friend will marry without him there to witness, and Mamie, who had raised them both was not to return.
“So, when will the weddings be?” Georgiana asked quietly.
“I do not know, and I don’t know what I’ll do with myself. My companion will stay in Hertfordshire. John will want a honeymoon….”
“Well, you will come back to Pemberley with us of course! Your brother does not want you to sail home until spring, and John and Charlotte will sail home with you next year. Why not have your cousins return with us, so that the new Mr. and Mrs. Bennet can settle in alone? We will have a grand time!”
Darcy and Lizzy had walked over to them while Gigi enthused about her plan. “That sounds like a wonderful idea sister. What do you think Miss Elizabeth?”
“That does sound like a very good plan! Mamie will not want us all here as she is settling in, and it will be awkward for Jane. She has been mistress of Longbourn for years now. Mrs. Greaves can come along as our chaperone. Yes, I think that is a capitol idea!”
Darcy was smiling at Lizzy fondly and thinking about her walking the halls of his home. Would she fall in love with it and want to stay? Would she fall in love with him? He had begun having tender feelings for her already. Having her in his home over winter would be very telling.
“I have an announcement to make!” Bingley stood and tapped on the side of his glass. “As you know, we will have a ball on the twenty sixth of November, and it will now be in honor of our engaged couples! Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Russell, and Mr. Smith and Miss Lucas!” Everyone cheered and Bingley had the satisfaction of being the center of attention again. He bounded over to where Miss Beth Darcy was standing with her family, “And Miss Darcy, might I have the honor of opening the ball with you?”
“You are my host Mr. Bingley, of course I will open the ball with you.” Although she still had concerns about what she had seen on his face some days ago, and what Caroline had said. She had decided not to discuss it with William, and to just be watchful. Bingley had finally given up on chasing Jane since he had gotten no encouragement at all. He excused himself to speak with the other guests.
