Page 34 of A Different Impression

“Now, shall we pretend that I do not know why you have asked to speak with me, or may we dispense with that portion of the interview? If I am honest, I am surprised that you have waited this long, but I suppose my brief absence made it more difficult to ask. Still, I am pleased that you managed to wait the full month.”

Darcy gave the man a very serious look. “I gave you my word that I would,” he said with an air of offended dignity.

Mr Bennet barely held back a laugh. “So you did—and you have kept it. I presume you now wish to marry my daughter.”

Darcy saw little purpose in delaying. “I love Elizabeth, sir, and she has consented to become my wife. I have come to ask for your blessing and your permission to marry her.”

Despite Darcy’s confidence in Elizabeth’s affections, he felt a flicker of apprehension when Mr Bennet did not immediately answer.

“You have both,” Mr Bennet said at last. “I have watched you together during this past month, and I believe you understand my Lizzy better than most men ever could. More importantly, she appears to understand and tolerate you.”

Relief swept through Darcy. “Thank you, sir. Elizabeth and I would prefer a short engagement and a simple wedding. I would like to return to Pemberley before Christmas, if at all possible.”

“Then, for once, I am in perfect agreement with you and my daughter.” Mr Bennet settled behind his desk. “I suggest you obtain a common licence. I also suggest that we say nothing to Mrs Bennet until Elizabeth and Kitty return from London.”

“You wish us to conceal the engagement from Elizabeth’s mother?” Darcy asked, surprise lacing his voice.

“Only briefly. My wife means well, but if she learns of the engagement before the girls depart, Elizabeth will find herself trapped in discussions of wedding clothes, breakfasts, invitations, and lace. She may never reach London at all. And it will mean that I will have to hear such discussion for a much shorter period.”

Darcy could not entirely suppress his smile. “Elizabeth expressed a similar concern regarding telling her mother.”

“Then you already understand your future wife.”

It was quickly settled that Darcy would escort Elizabeth and Kitty to London in two days and that they would remain with the Gardiners for approximately a week. Mr Bennet promised to write to Mr Gardiner immediately, sending the letter by express, while Darcy would speak with the rector about obtaining the common licence.

When they returned to the breakfast parlour, Darcy went directly to Elizabeth. She searched his face, and he suspected she had found her answer even before he spoke.

“Your father has given us his blessing,” he told her quietly.

Her answering smile made every moment of the past month’s restraint worthwhile.

Their engagement was announced to Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Bingley, all of whom expressed their pleasure. Lydia, being at school, would learn of it later, while Mrs Bennet, by mutual agreement, would not be informed until Elizabeth and Kitty returned from London. The wedding would take place within the month, following a week in London during which Elizabeth could begin purchasing her trousseau.

Once those details had been settled, Bingley proposed that they all walk into Meryton. As was her wont, Mary chose to remain at home and practise on the pianoforte, but the rest of the Bennet daughters eagerly accepted the invitation.

Darcy was pleased to have Elizabeth on his arm, although for part of the walk, Kitty accompanied them on his other side. He took the opportunity to tell her more about Georgiana. Elizabeth had already heard much of it, but he wished for Kitty to know his sister better before they met in London.

“Georgiana is not far from your age, Miss Kitty,” he explained. “She is terribly shy upon first acquaintance, but she is gentle and affectionate once she becomes comfortable. I hope that the two of you will become good friends.”

“Lizzy said she is fond of music,” Kitty replied.

“Very much so. She also enjoys drawing, although I understand she prefers landscapes to portraits.”

Kitty brightened at that. “Then perhaps we might sketch together. She might share some of what she has learnt from her masters and help me improve my technique.”

“I believe Georgiana would enjoy that very much.” Darcy glanced at Elizabeth. “I intend for her to join us at Netherfield when we return from London. I wish her to attend our wedding and to have time to become acquainted with her new sisters beforehand.”

Elizabeth’s hand tightened gently upon his arm. “Then we shall make certain she understands that she is not losing her brother. She is merely gaining several sisters determined to love her as well.”

The warmth that filled Darcy at her words made it briefly impossible for him to answer. He could only cover her hand with his own and hope she understood how deeply the promise had touched him.

When the group arrived in Meryton, they visited a few shops together, although no one purchased much. After nearly an hour in the village, they set out for Longbourn, but this time, Kitty joined Bingley and Jane. Darcy deliberately slowed their steps to allow some room between the two groups.

“Dearest,” he began, “your father suggested I obtain a common licence so we may marry before the end of November. Bingley intends to hold a ball on November twenty-sixth, and I wondered if you would like to marry before or after that event.”

“If the ball were after the wedding, where would we stay until the ball was held?” Elizabeth asked.

“That was what I wondered as well,” Darcy admitted. “I confess I would prefer not to remain at Netherfield for any length of time once we are married. Selfishly, I would like to have you to myself. “