“This is what I fear…do you know what her opinion of you is? Forgive me for asking that, but I have seen no sign of affection on her part…”
“You are very perceptive. Her opinion of me is rather low, though I was so arrogant that for a while I assumed the opposite. I shall try to improve that, and if I succeed, I might take a further step.”
“You mean…”
“My dear, I strongly believe that Miss Elizabeth could be perfectly suited to be my wife. I am sure she could be a loving sister to you and an excellent Mrs Darcy.”
“Oh…but…what if…?”
“What is it? Please speak your mind. I truly wish to have your honest opinion. Do you disagree that she has all these qualities?”
“I do not doubt that. In truth, I hardly know her, but I trust your judgment. My only concern is — what if she accepts your pursuit, even if her feelings are not the same as yours? You are an excellent man, and your situation in life is impressive to everyone, even those with fortune and connections… What if…? Even you said that Mrs Bennet is desperate to find good husbands for her daughters.”
“I understand your concern. It is fair and wise. I do not suspect either of the eldest Miss Bennets of being a fortune hunter. I was wrong when I judged Miss Jane Bennet, but Miss Elizabeth seems too obstinate to be convinced to do anything against her will. Besides, I promise I shall not make any hasty decisions. I shall take my time to get to know her and to allow her time to know me. I hope we shall form a friendship that will develop into something more.”
“That is very wise indeed.”
“My dear, I have shared my intentions with nobody else yet, not even Richard. I would like to keep the secret for a while.”
“I thank you for confiding in me, Brother. I pray that you will be very happy — as happy as you deserve. There is no better man than you, and I hope Miss Bennet will see that.”
Georgiana left, and for a while, Darcy was alone. He felt relieved after the conversation with his sister. At least she was warned and would know that her opinion mattered. Her concerns were also valid and proved that wisdom was not a matter of age.
During breakfast, he could see his sister was distracted and assumed he knew the reason. After a while, she finally spoke.
“Brother, I was thinking…we both wish to know Miss Bennet as well as possible. What if we invite them all to dine with us on Christmas Day? We shall be alone, and I wonder if they have any other engagements.”
“Christmas Day? The day after tomorrow? My dear, the occasion is too important to send an invitation at such short notice. They must have plans, but if they do not, it must be quite an effort to travel from their home to ours. They cannot leave the children at home on such a day, and they have been ill recently, so they need to rest. As much as I would enjoy such a party, I am afraid it is not possible.”
“You are right, of course. How silly of me. I shall think of something else.”
The girl’s disappointment was similar to Darcy’s. Such an evening would have been wonderful if it were not impossible.
An hour later, Darcy was alone in his library when Bingley burst in. He looked agitated, with a large smile on his face.
“Darcy, look what I just received!”
“I see a letter. It must be something special to have put you in such an excellent mood.”
“It is from Mr Gardiner! Do you remember when he asked what plans I had for Christmas?”
“I do not. I was slightly distracted yesterday.”
“Yes, I noticed. So I said I had no particular plans. And he has just written to me to invite me to join them for dinner the day after tomorrow! On Christmas Day! Surely there can be only onemeaning behind this: that they consider me part of the family! And surely Miss Bennet cannot be a stranger to the invitation! They wish me to dine with them on a special evening! Can you believe it?”
“I can, and I agree with your assumption about the meaning behind it. Will you go? Your response will also indicate to them whether you wish to be part of the family.”
“Of course I shall go! On my own. Without my sisters! And after that, I must find a moment alone with Miss Bennet. I am ready to make a decision since I have thought about it countless times. I see no reason to delay proposing! It is what I have wished and prayed for since the 26th of November, at the ball.”
He paused, looking at Darcy, then continued.
“Do I have your blessing?”
“Do you need my blessing?”
“I do not, but I would like to have it.”
“If you are certain of your decision, I heartily support you.”
