Chapter 42 Interrupted #2
The gathering in the parlor went well enough, although it was louder than Darcy would have preferred.
He was glad to see Sir William again, and Lady Lucas turned out to be a pleasant woman.
She fussed over her daughter and Lizzy before thanking Darcy and Richard for their role in protecting the young women.
Darcy sat, happily enough, next to Miss Elizabeth, who remained quiet after the chiding her mother had given her in the hallway.
The two occasionally caught one another's eye and had to hold in their laughter when Mrs. Bennet became too loud or silly.
Eventually, however, Darcy felt he had really endured enough of the noise and looked to see if he could signal Richard to provide some form of escape.
To his surprise, both Richard and Sir William were gone.
At first, he was slightly annoyed they had left without him. Then, he realized his cousin must have taken the opportunity for a quiet interview with his potential father-in-law. Darcy smiled as he remembered the conversation from the day before. Richard would have no problems there, he thought.
It was not much longer before both men returned.
From their smiles, Darcy had no doubt what the outcome of the interview had been.
He saw Richard catch Miss Lucas's eyes and nod.
The headache she had clearly been feeling from all the noise and fussing must have dissipated like morning dew, her return smile was so bright.
"Ahem!" Sir William cleared his throat in an attempt to gain Mrs. Bennet's attention.
"Ahem! I would like to make an announcement.
" He paused for a moment and the room quieted.
In the silence, he continued, "I wish to announce that Colonel Fitzwilliam has asked Charlotte to marry him, she has agreed, and I have given them both my blessing. "
The room erupted with excited female voices congratulating the pair. Miss Elizabeth remained quiet, but her smile told of her pleasure at the news. Darcy stood and offered Richard his hand. "Well done," he said. "I am sure you will both be very happy."
"I am sure we will," Richard replied. More quietly, he said, "You seem to be fairly happy as well today."
"I cannot make a similar announcement," Darcy said softly, "but there is hope for the future."
"I must see about getting Charlotte away from all this noise soon," Richard said. "Perhaps you should offer to escort Miss Elizabeth in for some time with her father."
"Good idea. I still need to send those expresses to your father and Georgiana. I can use that as an excuse."
Richard nodded and then turned to fend off a question from Mrs. Bennet.
"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy said in a normal volume as he returned to her side. "I need to see your father about sending an express to my sister. Might I escort you to his study to check on his health?"
She nodded with a look that said she was as ready as he was for an escape. Mrs. Bennet seemed to approve of the errand but did not allow her daughter to leave without a warning.
"See to your father, Lizzy, but remember - no talking!" Lizzy just nodded, then she took Darcy's arm. As they left the room, they heard Mrs. Bennet saying, "Now those two would make a good couple. Do you not think so, Lady Lucas?"
"Oh, Mama," Darcy heard Lizzy say under her breath.
"I happen to agree with her," he said quietly. She just shook her head with a smile.
~o~
They found Mr. Bennet napping in his chair in front of a small fire. He looked reasonably comfortable, although his shoulder and arm were positioned awkwardly. Lizzy smiled at him fondly before beckoning to Darcy to back out of the room.
Once out in the hall again, she quietly told him, "Mrs. Hill can see about sending your express. She will have one of the stable boys take it into the village."
"Good idea," said Darcy. "I wrote messages for both my uncle and my sister last night. I am hoping to receive a quick response. I keep remembering that your father said something about my uncle being occupied with issues at his estate. I forgot to ask more about what might be happening."
"I have not heard any more about it than you. Perhaps your cousin James has been up to some kind of trouble."
"I wonder what my uncle will say to Richard's choice of bride?" Darcy asked as they she led him through one of the rooms towards the servant's stairs.
"I think he already knows and approves," Lizzy said.
"Here are the stairs. If you want to go up and get your letters, I will warn Mrs. Hill of what you need.
You will probably find her near the entry when you come down.
After I speak with her, I will go back to the study.
I think some time sitting quietly there would be beneficial. "
"Well, just remember, no talking," Darcy teased as he opened the door she indicated.
With a roll of her eyes, she walked away and he made his way upstairs to get the letters.
Mrs. Hill was waiting in the entry as promised when he came down the front stairs.
She told him she would get them on their way immediately, and Darcy headed back to the study.
He found Lizzy sitting quietly in one of the chairs, setting up the large chessboard which he and Richard had returned to the room after their games the evening before.
Silently, she gestured to the seat across from her, on the other side of the board.
He took the indicated chair and soon they were deep in play.