Page 112 of Her Whole Heart
He kissed her hand again. “Allow me to finish? I am sure you will like it.”
She laughed gently. “Proceed, then.”
“Please know that I will do anything in my power to ensure your happiness. I know that I have made mistakes in the past, that I have not always been the man you deserve. But I am here now, ready to stand by your side, to be your partner in all things. Miss Elizabeth, do you love me?”
Elizabeth gazed up into his eyes. “I do.”
“Do you trust me?”
She sniffled. “I do.”
“Then will you do me the extraordinary honour of becoming my wife?”
Elizabeth blinked back the tears—she did not wish for Mr. Darcy to think her a watering pot. He instinctively reached into his pocket for a handkerchief, but instead of handing it to her, he dabbed at her cheekshimself. Apparently, she had not been able to keep all of her tears from falling.
“I do hope these are happy tears,” he murmured.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy,” she whispered, her voice trembling with love for him. “They are happy tears, and I will marry you. There is nothing I desire more than to be your wife.”
Mr. Darcy’s breaths came a little faster and he leaned down, his lips hovering impossibly close to her own. “May I kiss you?” he whispered.
“Please do,” she said, and his lips were on hers, soft, chaste, yet sending a current of electricity through her like the one in the arc lamp.
When he pulled back, he placed another kiss on her forehead. “I love you, Miss Elizabeth.”
She laughed breathlessly. “I think you may safely call me Elizabeth now.”
“I would be very happy to have that honour.”
“And may I call you by your Christian name, sir?”
“It is Fitzwilliam.”
“Like your cousin?”
“Yes. Which is why Darcy may be easier.”
“No, Fitzwilliam suits you. I shall continue to call your cousin Colonel, and all will be clear.”
He smiled and kissed her once more. “Elizabeth.”
She swallowed, for his touch was a bit overwhelming—in a thrilling way.
“Shall I go to Lord Carlisle, dearest?”
She nodded.
“And forgive me yet again, Elizabeth, but when shall we be married? I would not like to wait too long.”
“I certainly do not require a trousseau,” she replied with a little laugh. “Any time after the banns are called would be amenable to me. I only ask that we be wed here in town and not from Longbourn.”
His breath was warm in her ear. “I presumed as much. Very well, my dear.”
He stood, gazed at her as though he hated to be parted even for a moment, then nodded once and left to speak with Lord Carlisle.
A moment later, Lady Carlisle entered the room, Amelia to one side of her and Jane the other. Jane rushed to her and took both of her hands. “Did he ask you, Lizzy?”
She nodded. “We are to be wed, Jane. Can you believe it?”
