Page 221 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Darcy kissed her once more. “I will go now.”

* * *

Hill escorted Darcy to Mr. Bennet’s study.

“May I speak with you, sir?”

Mr. Bennet set aside his book and indicated the chair opposite him.

Darcy sat. “I understand that you have given Bingley permission to marry Miss Bennet in September. Elizabeth and I have also discussed marrying late next month, and I have come to ask your permission to marry her.”

Mr. Bennet regarded him, a smile playing about his mouth.

“You have my permission, Mr. Darcy. I am extremely happy for Lizzy, though I cannot pretend to be surprised by your request. I have watched you with her these past months, and I have seen what you have done for this family when we had need of you.”

Darcy inclined his head. “I love her, sir, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy.”

“I believe you will. I also believe my daughter knows her own mind. If Lizzy has chosen you, I am satisfied with her choice.”

Darcy rose. “Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Bennet rose with him and held out his hand. Darcy took it.

“There is one other thing. Since Charles and Miss Bennet are to marry in September, we thought that we might marry on the same day, if they are willing. There would be one quiet wedding and one wedding breakfast at Netherfield rather than two separate occasions.”

Mr. Bennet considered it. “If Jane wishes to share her wedding with Lizzy, I have no objection. I rather think their mother would have liked seeing two of her daughters married on the same day.”

Mr. Bennet held out his hand to his future son-in-law. “Welcome to our family, Darcy.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Bennet straightened and said, “There is another matter upon which you may be able to assist me. You employ a solicitor in London, I believe.”

“I do.”

“I want the Longbourn settlement examined by someone who specializes in conveyances. I have the deeds and the older family papers, but I would prefer a man accustomed to such matters.”

“My solicitor does not specialize in conveyancing, but he will know someone who does. I will write to him today and ask for a recommendation.”

“I would be obliged to you.”

Mr. Bennet rested his hand upon the book on his desk. “I should have had the matter properly examined years ago.”

Darcy said nothing.

Mr. Bennet picked up the book. “I shall do it now.”

* * *

Elizabeth was waiting when Darcy came from the study.

“Your father has given us his permission.”

She slipped her hands into his. “At last.”

Darcy glanced about before bending to kiss her, and then they went in search of Jane.

They met Hill in the hall.