Chapter 27 Mr. Darcy Makes an Offer
Darcy entered the drawing room and greeted Sir Gareth Beaumont and Jane Bennet before turning toward his cousin.
“Richard, I find I must ride into London later today. May I have a word with you?”
Richard immediately rose and excused himself from the company.
As Darcy followed him from the room, his gaze lingered briefly upon Elizabeth, and he felt deeply gratified to see that she was now sufficiently recovered to remain below stairs.
Seated in the office that had once been Sir Lewis’s favorite room, Darcy related to his cousin all that they had discovered that morning. When he had finished, Richard sat for some moments rubbing thoughtfully at his chin.
“Darcy, I had heard rumors that smuggling still continued in isolated parts of Kent, but as we have never seen evidence of it ourselves, I believed the activity confined chiefly to the northern parts of the county.”
“Richard, I intend to ride into London today at three o’clock.
My solicitor has written to say my marriage settlements are prepared and ready for signature.
While I am there, I have half a mind to notify the Board of Customs, though I seek your advice before doing so.
Would it bring trouble down upon your head if I acted? ”
Richard said, “For the good of the neighborhood, I should very much like to see the smugglers driven from this district. I have heard accounts of certain gangs growing exceedingly brutal, beating men into silence, breaking limbs, and even murdering those they suspect of informing the revenue officers.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line.
“If they have become so bold and complacent as to believe themselves untouchable, they may eventually bring that sort of violence here. Thus far, however, I have never heard either Aunt Catherine or Anne speak of any such activity in this immediate area.”
Darcy’s eyes widened. “Could Aunt Catherine’s ghost have something to do with the smuggling trade?”
Richard mumbled. “If it does, I would wager Annie knows something of it.”
He rose at once and rang for a servant. When Drake appeared, he asked for Mrs. Fitzwilliam.
Turning back to his cousin, he said, “Darcy, I should be greatly obliged if you would take the time to report this matter to the Board of Customs. We must deal with it before the smugglers gain too strong a hold upon this district.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “It may already be too late, Richard.”
A few moments later, Anne entered the room. When she saw how gravely the two gentlemen regarded her, she felt fear.
“What has happened? Has Elizabeth suffered harm from her drive?”
Richard shook his head. “No, Miss Elizabeth is well. Anne, tell us about your mother’s ghost.”
The color drained from Anne’s face.
“My mother’s ghost?”
Richard asked again. “You know something of this matter, and I mean to hear all of it.”
Darcy added, “I discovered a considerable cache of brandy at the old ruin this morning. There are at least three hundred barrels concealed there.”
Anne worried the edge of her handkerchief.
“Mamma’s ghost is my friend Benny. He is the son of one of the tenants.
We grew up together.” She hesitated before continuing.
“He says the revenue men patrol the northern routes now, and so the smugglers have shifted their operations farther south into this part of the county. They prefer the lanes along the base of the bluffs that border Rosings. The shadows of the cliffs make them feel more secure. Moreover, the runners can defend themselves more easily with the bluff walls at their backs.”
Richard’s expression hardened. “Does your friend hire himself out to them?”
“No. Benny does not, but he says many of the tenants and even the shop clerks hire themselves out. Richard, you must understand that Benny has actually rendered a service to Rosings. He knows we have had no man here to protect us, and so he has taken the burden upon himself.”
“The tenants and tradesmen are exceedingly superstitious. Benny spread the tale that Anne Boleyn’s spirit haunts these grounds.
According to his account, her restless soul is not confined to Hever Castle, but wanders the woods, and walks the bluffs to the old folly, mourning the life she lost before she became queen. ”
Richard gave a short laugh, visibly relaxing. “So, this boy has single-handedly kept the runners off the estate through fear of a ghost?”
“Yes, he has. Every now and then, he shows himself to keep the legend alive. Mother encountered him recently.”
She shook her head. “I had no notion the story had spread so widely. Lady Grace told Mamma that the ghost was most often seen upon moonless nights. It never occurred to me that Mamma would station a footman in the grove near the folly to watch for it.”
Her smile widened despite herself. “The poor man did see the ghost and was terrified. He ran all the way back to the house and told Mamma exactly what he had witnessed. He now refuses to venture out upon moonless nights.” She laughed.
“Benny was exceedingly amused when I recounted the story to him.”
“Annie, Darcy rides to London this afternoon, and he intends to report the cache of brandy to the Board of Customs. We shall remove ourselves from Rosings before the revenue officers move against the smugglers.”
“And what of Mamma?”
“Let us consult Dr. Miller regarding her condition. I recall him saying he did not expect her to survive the week.”
Anne lowered her eyes. “From what I observe, she cannot have long remaining. I can no longer detect her pulse unless I feel for it at the base of her neck, as I have seen Dr. Miller do. And even there it beats with alarming rapidity.”
Darcy rose. “I shall go upstairs and pack my things. I expect to be absent for two or three days. I will leave Georgiana here in your care, Annie.”
“Of course. I shall keep her near me. She will not ride out unless Richard accompanies her.”
“Thank you, cousin.”
Darcy left the study and returned to the drawing room only to find it deserted. Sir Gareth Beaumont was likely out walking with Jane Bennet, while Elizabeth had probably retired above stairs. He resolved to seek an audience with her.
He mounted the stairs two at a time and proceeded directly to her chamber.
At the tower, she had all but confessed she would accept him. Rationally, he knew he had little to fear, yet he found himself strangely hesitant all the same.
At last, he raised his hand and knocked. A moment later, he heard approaching footsteps, and then Mrs. Collins opened the door, surprise plainly visible upon her countenance.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Mrs. Collins, I should like a word with Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps she would consent to visit with me in the parlor next door?”
His gaze moved over the room. The bed was made, and she was not sitting on the fainting couch. Then he saw her seated beside the window in a cushioned chair, a book resting in her hands. She was watching him.
He saw her rise to her feet.
“Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied. “I shall join you, sir.”
She drew her shawl more closely about her shoulders and crossed the room to him.
“Mary, I shall return in only a few minutes. You need not be anxious on my account.”
“Of course. Call if you require anything, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth took Mr. Darcy’s proffered arm and accompanied him into the small adjoining parlor. He led her to a couch and settled himself beside her. He appeared unusually grave.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am aware that I have spoken neither of courtship nor openly of my intentions, but I wish to do so now. I…” He paused.
Elizabeth’s complexion deepened. He was about to speak to her of marriage. Her heart raced as she raised her eyes to his beloved face and lingered upon the curve of his lower lip. Then she realized he was speaking once more, and she lifted her eyes to meet his.
“Elizabeth, I love you. I have loved you almost since the first day I met you. I wish to marry you. This week. Here at Rosings Park. It has been very difficult to be sent away from your side when my only wish has been to care for you during this illness.”
He took her hands in his. “I have had no right to aid you. More than once, I was tempted to stand outside your door until I might see you again.”
He was earnest, yearning. “What say you, Elizabeth? Will you marry me?”
She was looking intently at him, wonder shining in her eyes. She had stepped into a world where every cherished dream had suddenly come true, beginning with this beautiful man who now offered her his hand and heart.
“Elizabeth?”
“Mr. Darcy, you have made me so very happy, sir, that I can scarcely find the words…”
“Do you accept me, Elizabeth?”
“I do, sir. I accept you with all my heart. I will marry you. This week.”
His eyes lit, and he laughed. “You will marry me?”
He rose at once and drew her into his embrace. Bending his head, he brushed her lips lightly with his own and murmured against them, “I love you, darling Elizabeth.”
He held her close and brushed feather-light kisses across her mouth. Then he whispered against her silky skin, “I love you so much.”
They remained silent in each other’s arms, contented simply to hold each other. After a few moments, he straightened.
“Darling, at three o’clock today, I leave for London.”
Her smile faded. “Will you be gone long?”
“No more than two or three days. I must review and sign the marriage settlements before sending them to your father for his approval.” His expression softened. “I believe you are not yet of age, Elizabeth. Is that correct?”
“I shall turn one and twenty next March, sir.”
“Then we must await your father’s consent.
I shall send the settlements to him by express.
Darling, assure your family they shall be welcome guests at Rosings for the wedding.
” He paused. “But, Elizabeth, not if Lady Catherine passes. If I can secure the license and your father’s consent before the week is out, I wish for us to marry as soon as possible.
Should my aunt die, we would be obliged to delay the wedding for at least six months. ”
“Fitzwilliam, I shall write a letter to my father, a letter of explanation. You may enclose it with the express.”
“Of course.”
She hesitated before continuing, “I mean to ask Papa to come alone. I do not wish for my mother to be present, sir. I have been too ill, and I do not possess the strength to endure both her nerves and a wedding ceremony besides.”
“Of course, darling. I do not wish to overwhelm you. I shall abide by whatever you desire.” His expression softened. “I must go and pack a few things, but I shall return to take my leave of you and collect your letter.”
He bent and kissed her fully upon the mouth with a passion she had not imagined possible.
Then he released her and stepped back. “I love you, Elizabeth.”
The moment was ending, and she wished to prolong it. She moved near once more, slipped her arms about his neck, and leaned against him.
“Fitzwilliam, do not leave me so soon. This has been my dearest wish, to rest within your embrace and receive your kisses.”
He drew her against him, one hand firm at her waist, the other around her shoulders, and held her close.
She slipped her arms about his neck and clung to him.
He kissed her with a passion that stole her breath.
When at last he lifted his head, he brushed his nose against hers, kissed her once again, and then slowly straightened.
“I can scarcely tear myself from your side, darling, yet these matters must be attended to. I am to notify the Board of Customs of the smuggling activity. I wish I could take you with me, but I cannot. Pray, write your father’s direction for me so that I may know where to send the express.”
“Yes, sir. I shall have the letter ready when you leave.”
“Elizabeth, there is one more matter. Considering how gravely ill you have been, I do not suppose you intend to venture far, but I beg you to remain within the gardens until my return.”
“Yes, sir. I shall.”
Before he departed Rosings Park, the newly betrothed couple announced their engagement.
Georgiana threw herself into Elizabeth’s arms.
“You shall be my sister in truth now, Lizzy. I shall belong to a real family again.”
Richard clapped Darcy upon the shoulder, while Anne rose upon her toes and kissed his cheek and wished him every happiness.
Jane and Mary embraced Elizabeth with kisses, congratulations, and tears of joy. Laughter filled the room as freely as the tears.
Champagne was called for, and many toasts followed.
At last, Darcy tore himself from his betrothed and departed for London.