Page 80 of A Most Beloved Sister
“I think you’re right.” His eyes met hers, a silent vow shimmering in their depths. “I wish to be the man you deserve, the father our child will look up to. I’ve been given a glimpse of the abyss, the chasm where my vices could have led us all. I swear to you, Louisa, that I will do everything it takes to ensure that the future I saw never happens.”
She leaned forward and laid her hand over his on the bed. “I believe you will,” she said softly.
∞∞∞
After Louisa had left the breakfast room, Elizabeth quickly polished off her breakfast. Not only was she still dressed for a walk outdoors, but she was also reluctant to accidentally encounter Darcy again so soon after their confrontation. She hastily made her way to her chambers and changed into a gown more suitable for a morning at home.
Once she had tended to Jane’s breakfast needs and helped her settle in for a morning nap, Elizabeth returned to her chambers. Fortunately, she’d had the presence of mind to bring a book with her to her rooms, meaning she could secret herself away until forced down for dinner with Jane.
Lamentably, not even the thrilling tale of Goldsmith’sThe Vicar of Wakefieldcould keep her mind distracted. Instead, the continual misunderstandings and intentional subterfuge of the characters consistently brought Darcy to her mind. With so many varying reports of him, as well as the contradictions she had witnessed herself, how could she be expected to know the truth just as poor Olivia?
Frustrated, she finally slammed the book closed and tossed it onto the bed with a huff. It was so unbelievably unfair that he should monopolize so much of her time, even when they werenot in one another’s company! Unbidden, Darcy’s face came to her mind, and she recollected his expression when she told him he was no honorable gentleman.
She winced. Perhaps she had been a bit too harsh.
After all, had he not diligently searched for Mr. Hurst even before he had gone upstairs to rest or change clothes?
Did he not apologize for how he spoke about Jane?
Did he not support charitable endeavors in London and treat the poor orphans with kindness?
How, then, could this same man be the one who insulted Jane? Who refused to accept Polly?
But he had made sure Jamie had a chair.
Teasing, vexing man!
Elizabeth spent the remainder of the afternoon going between the book and her deliberations of Darcy. Unfortunately, by the time the bell rang for dinner, she was no closer to figuring out his character than she had been that morning.
The only thing consistent about him is his inconsistency!
Fortunately for her sanity, dinner was a relatively quick affair. Everyone knew that Jane would be coming downstairs to join the party once the meal was completed, so they were in a hurry to eat as quickly as they could. Once again, Louisa had joined the table, and conversation between the four young people—Darcy, Bingley, Elizabeth, and Louisa—was quite limited as they focused on their food.
At last, Louisa led Elizabeth from the room towards the parlor. Elizabeth excused herself to fetch Jane, who was eagerly standing at the door to her chambers, her head peeking around the corner like a young schoolgirl attempting to spy on a ball to see the finery.
Elizabeth had helped Jane pick out her clothing earlier that day. She hadn’t wanted to spoil the surprise, but she had a strong suspicion that Bingley would take advantage of Jane’s presencebelowstairs to finally ask her to marry him. As the ceremony was not but a couple of days away, it was quite imperative that the bride herself be allowed a say in the planning!
Within moments of Jane taking a seat near the fireplace, the gentlemen came into the room. Elizabeth stifled a laugh when she saw Bingley wink at a footman, who must have been playing the spy for his master. Her happiness only increased through Bingley’s solicitousness of her sister.
Bingley was full of joy and attention. The first half hour was spent in piling up the fire lest Jane should suffer from the change of room, and she removed, at his desire, to the other side of the fireplace, that she might be farther from the door. He then sat down by her and talked scarcely to anyone else. Elizabeth, at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with great delight.
After half an hour, Bingley turned to Jane, his heart full of resolve. He gazed into her eyes with a warmth that mirrored the fire’s gentle flicker.
“My dear Miss Bennet,” he began, his voice steady yet imbued with emotion. “These past days have made something abundantly clear to me. When I was away in London, I missed you every moment. Your grace, your strength, and your kindness have only deepened the admiration that I hold for you.”
Jane, her eyes meeting his, found in them a sincerity that quickened her pulse. The room, filled with the hushed anticipation of an unspoken promise, seemed to draw in closer, bearing witness to the moment that hung delicately in the balance.
“Jane, if you would do me the honor,” Bingley continued, taking her hand in his, “I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. To care for you, to respect you, and to love you for all of our days together.”
If his voice cracked on the last phrase, no one noticed; they were all too busy searching for the handkerchiefs to mop up the tears that had begun to fall.
The words, simple yet profound, hung in the air—a testament to the depth of his feeling. Jane, overcome with a rush of affection and surprise, felt her heart leap. She gave a delighted giggle and clapped her hands. “Oh, yes, Mr. Bingley!” she cried aloud, face beaming with happiness. “I would love to marry you!”
Jane’s innocent joy was infectious. Bingley gave a loud shout of laughter, then stood and picked Jane up, spinning her around in a circle. “Ha ha!” he cried out. “Jane, my love, you have made me so happy!”
Elizabeth and Louisa joined their siblings by the fire, each offering their warmest congratulations. “Oh, Lizzy!” cried Jane, “I am going to marry the man I love! He loves me too! Did you hear him say it? He loves me!”
“I did hear him!” Elizabeth smiled fondly at her elder sister. “I think the two of you deserve all the happiness in the world!”
