Page 22 of Wedding at Pemberley

“Of course not. He is, after all, the master of the house!” Elizabeth replied, blushing, which did not keep her from smiling.

“I confess I like the way you speak to him and about him. I have so much to learn from you, Miss Elizabeth, and I am fortunate to be able to spend these days with you.”

“I, too, consider myself fortunate to be at Pemberley,” Elizabeth answered with a smile.

Darcy had watched their conversation with pleasure and joined them, smiling. He enjoyed seeing Elizabeth and his sister become friends. Both were intelligent, educated and spirited, although Georgiana had yet to acquire Elizabeth’s ease in company, and he hoped their friendship would help his sister feel less shy.

He was determined to speak to Elizabeth. Enough signs had encouraged him to believe her feelings had changed, but he still hesitated to renew his offer. As he listened to the music, he thought about what he wanted to say. Once he had decided, he could scarcely wait for an opportunity. He wanted to tell her that he loved her and learn her answer, ending the uncertainty that had troubled him for so long.

When Georgiana went to her room to fetch some music, Darcy smiled and invited Elizabeth onto the terrace. “Might I ask for the pleasure of your company?” He gently touched her arm to lead the way, and she suddenly became aware that they would be alone. For a moment, neither spoke.

They had little time, and Darcy continued, “Miss Elizabeth, I have something important to tell you. Would you walk with me after dinner tonight?”

Elizabeth was so surprised that she could not immediately answer. She tried to compose herself, but the words would not come, and Georgiana was already approaching. Darcy had rested his hand on the balustrade, and Elizabeth placed hers upon it. Her touch was brief and timid, yet intimate enough to make him turn towards her as she whispered, “Yes.”

Another moment, and he would have embraced her. He excused himself and left quickly, though he knew that wherever he went in Pemberley, he would still think of her.

∞∞∞

Fortunately, dinner was brief, since the Gardiners and Georgiana were tired. They discussed their plans for the following day, and Darcy suggested several places on the estate that his guests were eager to visit. Among them were an ancient church and some ruins which Georgiana proudly declared were ten centuries old.

“It is even possible that they belonged to one of our father’s ancestors. Unfortunately, he died before he could discover the truth, but I am certain my brother will continue his search.”

Darcy intended to do so and had already made enquiries at a neighbouring church where old records were kept, leaving Elizabeth to wonder what else she might learn about him. She tried to put aside her expectations and remain composed, wishing to be ready for whatever he meant to tell her.

No one saw Elizabeth slip onto the broad terrace overlooking the darkened park…except Darcy.

Chapter 9

In her white gown, with a shawl over her shoulders, Elizabeth seemed almost like a ghost in the darkness, but Darcy could see her well enough to admire her. He approached, wondering whether she had heard his steps, and she turned towards him just as he reached her, their faces only inches apart.

“Good evening. You seem chilled,” he said with a smile.

“Yes,” she replied, composed but glad. It was as though she had become the lady she used to be, capable of conversation and making decisions. But everything was different now, here at Pemberley. On this beautiful night, she only wished to learn more about his feelings for her.

“You are bewitching,” he remarked, smiling as he removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

“The moon has such an effect,” she laughed.

“You have returned to us, Elizabeth Bennet. I feared you were lost to me forever,” he said in a tone she had never heard before.

“Elizabeth…” he began, intending to explain himself and then ask for her hand. But he stopped, lost in her eyes, seeing something of his own expectation in them.

“No more idle talk,” he decided, his voice strange even to himself.

Elizabeth nodded, and they remained on the terrace, unwilling to disturb the moment by walking away.

“Will you do me the honour of becoming Mrs Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet?” he asked suddenly, surprising even himself. All the careful words he had prepared over the last few days deserted him, and he no longer needed them.

She gazed at him in silent astonishment, wondering whether she had understood him correctly. She took several deep breaths, gathering her strength to answer.

“Yes,” she whispered, then repeated in a clear voice, “Yes, Fitzwilliam Darcy! I will be your wife!” The next moment, he held her in his arms, close to his chest. He stroked her hair, murmuring endearments, hardly daring to kiss her while he still struggled to believe what had happened.

He slowly drew back, wanting to see her face and her eyes. They looked at each other for a long moment, feeling the new and precious happiness between them. He continued to caress her face, then placed his lips on hers and heard her sigh with delight. He lifted her into his arms, feeling her tremble as she held on to him.

No words could capture all he felt. “I love you,” he whispered, and she almost swooned, so he held her tightly.

Regaining her composure, she cupped his face in her hands and looked him in the eyes. “I love you!”