Page 13 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Thank you. I appreciate your generosity.”

“Books may introduce you to new worlds, but they cannot compare to observing them in person. I believe you will have more opportunities to travel in the future.”

My eyes locked with his, and no coherent response came to me. His inference, that we could travel together as a married couple, suited my long-held desire to see more of England and beyond. From the warmth that spread across my cheeks, they must have darkened to a deep scarlet.

Soon thereafter, Miss Darcy announced dinner. Mr. Darcy escorted me to the dining-parlour and seated me to his right. The variety of dishes served included many of my favourites, leading me to conclude Mr. Darcy had noted my food preferences on past occasions.

After the delicious meal, we all removed to the music room. Miss Darcy took me to her collection of music books and leaned close to me. “I am not yet comfortable performing for anyone other than family, but I have decided to be brave tonight. Would you mind turning the pages for me?”

“I should be happy to do so. Would you prefer I play first?”

She shook her head. “If you do not mind, I should rather get my performance over with sooner.”

I patted her arm. “Of course. I understand.”

We made our selections and went to the pianoforte. Miss Darcy placed her hands above the keys and froze.

I inched close to her ear. “Why not pretend you and I are alone here? You need not look towards the others.”

She glanced my way and gave me a nod. With a heave of her chest, she began to play, at first in tentative movements. Within the first few measures, though, her upper body straightened, and her fingering grew more vigorous and controlled. She finished to enthusiastic applause, along with whistles from Mr. Bingley. She went on to play two more pieces.

I had selected arrangements familiar to me, folk songs for the most part, to reduce the likelihood of my mistakes. All in all, I acquitted myself well.

At the end of the evening, Mr. Darcy and I shared a moment alone in the music room whilst Miss Darcy accompanied the others to the entryway. He stepped closer to me than could be deemed proper—not that I minded, though I fancied the room had grown warmer. “Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.”

“It has been my great pleasure to have you here.” His dark eyes, illuminated by the candlelight, encompassed a bewitching glint. “I have been remiss in never telling you how much I adore your singing voice. Your performance of ‘Robin Adair’ tonight surpasses any I have heard before.”

That could not be true, could it? But our conversation after he had complimented me on Saturday came to mind, and I quelled my instinct to protest. “Thank you.”

When his hand engulfed my much smaller one, I resented the social custom of gloves. He left a tender kiss upon my bent fingers. That ethereal touch—even through the kid leather fabric—sent tingles through me.

Chapter 4: An Outrageous Assertion

Friday, 15 May

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

The days that followed Jane and Mr. Bingley’s return to Hertfordshire flew by with a delightful succession of calls, excursions, and meals with Mr. Darcy, often in company with Miss Darcy. My affection for him had grown with each passing day, and he monopolised my mind with alarming frequency.

Several nights earlier, Mr. Darcy and my uncle had discussed the shocking assassination of the right honourable Spencer Perceval, Prime Minister. At a pause in the conversation, Mr.Darcy had caught my gaze with a winsome smile. A frisson had coursed down my back, coinciding with a realisation: Ilovedhim, completely and indelibly. Without question, I should accept his second offer of marriage with gratitude whenever he saw fit to pose it. My future happiness now depended on him—what a wondrous, and frightening, prospect!

Mr. Darcy had called alone this morning, and I agreed to his suggestion of a walk out of doors. We strolled arm in arm through the garden, and I sneaked glances at his handsome profile. Would he propose to me today?

He pointed at a bench up ahead. “Do you mind if we sit there?”

“No, not at all.” I had remarked on my fondness for this spot on an earlier occasion. I often came here to read on warm days. A flowering white dogwood tree provided shade, and a blend of pleasant fragrances wafted around us courtesy of the plentiful spring blooms.

We sat together in silence for a few minutes. Then he left his seat and knelt before me on one knee, taking my hand in his. A quiet gasp escaped me.It is happening!

His dark eyes flashed and held me in a caressing gaze. “Miss Elizabeth, I lost my heart to you long ago, and you are ever in my thoughts. Nevertheless, after these past weeks I am even more convinced than before that you are the only lady for me. I should be honoured if you would consent to be my wife. However, if you are not yet certain of your feelings or of our compatibility, I am prepared to wait as long as necessary.”

“I do not need more time.” A slight trill affected my words. “My affection for you has grown at an expeditious rate, and I accept your offer with pleasure.” An enticing smile overspread his countenance, making him more attractive than any man had a right to be.Gadzooks,he would soon be myhusband.

“I have never been happier…Elizabeth.” He removed my glove and left a lingering kiss upon my palm.

Giddiness overtook me, and I suspended in place. After several moments, I found my voice. “Neither have I…Fitzwilliam.”

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