Chapter 12 #2
“You will be with me when I speak with your mother, Miss Bennet that I might borrow your strength?” Mr. Bingley said with a wink-wink to Miss Darcy and her aunt.
“Now they only require private conversation. Let us shut them in the study on some pretext to allow them the opportunity to agree to being betrothed,” Lady Matlock whispered to her niece in a conspiratorial manner so only all in the room might hear.
“When I marry, I shall require a house full of children to keep my meddling younger sisters occupied,” Jane said playfully.
The earl clapped his hands, rubbing them together. “Now that things are managed to the satisfaction of the countess, we are for Longbourn. I intend to tell Lady Catherine’s toady parson that there is nothing he might say that I will not take exception to.” He ignored his wife’s rolling eyes.
Elizabeth required two hands to be assured no one heard her sudden giggle. When Mr. Darcy caught sight of her, their fight to contain their mirth was lost. She did not miss that others were surprised at the sight of his levity.
“My carriage, Bingley, if you please,” the earl said.
Elizabeth sobered, and she found that catching her breath was done with some difficulty.
She did not dare think on how her family would react when a carriage with a crest on the side of the conveyance came down the drive—a crest declaring the owner a peer.
One thing was certain: the earl would make a grandiose impression.
And, if the rumors of Mr. Collins were true, it was just the sort of thing to excite his attention.
Bingley Asks the Question
“Miss Bennet,” Bingley said once they were alone in the entrance hall. “Might we speak in private?” He guided her into his study before she had a chance to respond.
“Do not feel you must discuss an alliance between us, Mr. Bingley. I am quite accustomed to appeasing younger sisters.”
“For my part, I know you were teasing, but Ana is correct. In more than five Seasons, I have met none more suited to me than you. Why would I not wish to have a wife who can stand with serenity when staring down a duchess?”
“Oh?”
“Make no mistake, Miss Bennet, I have a fortune many in the ton covet. I will spoil you. I will shower you in jewels, and yes, my angel, I will make certain your pin money and standing accounts are the envy of all,” Bingley said, closing the distance until less than an inch separated them.
“But will you love me?” Miss Bennet asked hopefully.
“I will love you and you alone.”
“Then my greatest of fortunes will be being loved by the man I find myself falling in love with.” Jane rested her hands on his chest.
Bingley steeled himself with the certainty that Darcy, the very example of restraint, would breathe slowly and endure this sweetest of tortures. And that is just what he did for the length of his thoughtful exhale.
Bingley’s decisiveness, before confined to his business activities, came to the fore.
His desire to kiss her overruled sense, and Bingley captured her face in both of his hands and then kissed her.
His angel sighed, the sound a sweet relief.
Bingley kissed her again and again. Now he knew what it was to be a man determined to show his lady he wanted her above all others.
Elizabeth and Her Sister Depart Netherfield Park with the Earl of Matlock
“Should we knock again?” Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth.
It had taken twenty minutes for the carriage to be readied, and all the while Jane and Mr. Bingley were alone in the study.
“As they have not heard the other three, to what purpose?” Lady Matlock asked, opening the door to warn them to present themselves with immediacy before shutting it again.
“And that is but one reason why you are so admired, my dear,” Lord Matlock said with great cheer. “You are as excellent a matchmaker as any I have ever seen. Who have you in mind next?”
Elizabeth blushed when Lord Matlock, who was standing before them, looked between her and Mr. Darcy.
Amidst it all, Elizabeth caught Mr. Darcy’s stare at the earl.
When the earl saw that his nephew was not pleased, he looked away, whistling in a way that claimed both innocence and guilt.
Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes, finding her delighted when he looked at her to ascertain her reactions to his unruly family.
“Congratulations!” the earl boomed when Mr. Bingley led Jane out of the study.
“Yes, we wish you both every happiness,” Lady Matlock said. “I look forward to hearing the banns begin this Sunday, young man.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Bingley’s joy was boundless when he bowed to Lady Matlock, holding Jane’s hand all the while.
“Please allow me a moment to manage Lady Catherine’s pet before you share your news with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Ladies?” The earl stepped out the door.
Jane and Elizabeth said a warm farewell to the countess and Miss de Bourgh, then hugged Miss Darcy and, lastly, hugged Charlotte, reminding her all would be well, before they were escorted to the carriage by Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
As Mr. Bingley handed in his betrothed and promised he would come to speak to her father within the hour, Mr. Darcy whispered in Elizabeth’s ear, asking if she might walk the following morning. Elizabeth nodded once before disappearing within the coach.