Chapter 15 #3
Marcus's expression became grave at once. A shadow crossed his face, and for a moment he said nothing.
The thought that Eleanor had loved another man wounded him deeply.
Yet he knew he had no right to feel jealous.
After everything she had endured because of him, perhaps it was only fitting that she had found a husband who had cherished her and given her the happiness he himself had failed to provide.
"If you will excuse me," he said quietly, "I must be going."
Those were the only words he spoke.
After bidding the ladies goodbye, Marcus left his brother's house, more determined than ever to begin the difficult task of winning Eleanor's heart once again.
◆◆◆
"I am sorry, dear brother, but I believe they are looking for you.
Dona María Alta Gracia came here several weeks ago.
You know they have never shown much interest in me, yet she asked me to persuade you to accept their proposal.
Apparently, Don Pedro is very ill, and they are desperate for you to assume your place as the future Marqués de la Pena. "
Carmen looked at her brother with sympathy. More than anyone else, she understood how much he resented his maternal grandparents for spending years trying to force him to become the heir to a family he wanted nothing to do with.
"Thank you, Carmen. As I told you, Dona María has already sent her secretary to me on more than one occasion, insisting that I meet with her. That is precisely why I came here—and, of course, to meet my beautiful new niece."
Matthew smiled as he gently kissed the baby on the cheek.
"I shall not deny how much we have all enjoyed your visit, especially little Sophie. She adores her uncle."
Carmen's smile quickly faded.
"But I truly believe you should return to London with Miss Bennet as soon as possible. I fear they have been following you, and they may try to approach her. You know they will interfere if they can. I have no doubt they have already chosen the woman they expect you to marry."
"You are right. I had not thought of that," Matthew said, his expression suddenly clouded with concern.
His sister looked at him earnestly.
"Go back to London, tell Miss Bennet everything, and marry her as soon as you can. I am sorry Rosita is still too young for us to travel, so I shall not be able to attend the wedding. But afterwards, the two of you must come and visit us."
Thank you, dear sister.”
"I cannot wait to meet the woman who has you whispering compliments in Spanish to complete strangers,” she laughed.
"Very amusing," Matthew replied, pretending to be offended. "I see Father is quite incapable of keeping a secret."
His expression then grew serious.
"The day after tomorrow, we shall return to London. If Miss Bennet accepts my proposal, I shall marry her as soon as possible."
After a brief pause, he added firmly, "But I shall not tell her the truth until after we are married."
"I do not think that is wise, hermanito." **little brother
Carmen shook her head.
"A marriage should not begin with secrets of such importance." Knowing how stubborn her brother could be, she nevertheless did her best to persuade him to reconsider.
"I am sorry, Carmen," Matthew replied quietly. "I have made up my mind, and I truly believe it is for the best."
"I hope you are right," Carmen replied, placing a gentle kiss on her brother's forehead.
Two days after that conversation, Matthew returned to London, promising his father that he would send an express as soon as there was any news regarding his future with Jane.
That afternoon, Jane had gone for a walk in the park with Laura and John. Three weeks had passed since she had last seen Matthew, and she missed him terribly.
Fortunately, he had kept his promise to write.
His letters told her about his sister and his nieces and, above all, how impatient he was to see her again.
When they returned to the Gardiners' house, John and Laura hurried straight to the kitchen in search of something to eat.
As soon as Mrs Gardiner heard them arrive, she left the parlour and smiled at her niece.
"Jane, my dear, come with me. Someone is waiting to see you."
Curious, Jane followed her aunt into the parlour.
The moment she entered, she saw Matthew Andrews de la Garza standing by the fireplace, looking more handsome than ever.
A bouquet of red roses rested in his hands, and his eyes shone with unmistakable affection.
"Miss Bennet," he said, unable to conceal his happiness, "you cannot imagine how much I have missed you."
Jane felt her cheeks grow warm.
"I have missed you as well," she replied softly. "There has not been a single day when I have not thought of you."
Mrs Gardiner could not help smiling at the sight of the young couple in love.
"I shall sit here and embroider this tablecloth. You two may make yourselves comfortable in those chairs by the window, where you can talk without being disturbed."
She wished to allow the young couple to speak privately.
“Thank you, Aunt.”
They sat together and spent some time conversing. Matthew told her about his journey and his family, while Jane spoke of everything that had happened in London during his absence.
A short while later, Laura and John joined them, and the conversation continued pleasantly for some time.
After nearly an hour, Matthew turned to Mrs Gardiner.
"Mrs Gardiner, might I have your permission to speak privately with Miss Bennet?"
"Certainly," she replied with a knowing smile.
Taking her children with her, she quietly withdrew, leaving the young couple alone.
Matthew's composure deserted him.
Drawing a deep breath, he looked into Jane's eyes.
"Miss Bennet, you may think me hasty..."
He smiled nervously.
"But from the very first moment I saw you, you have occupied my thoughts."
"I love you, Jane Bennet."
His voice softened.
"Would you do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife?"
"Yes."
Jane's answer came without the slightest hesitation.
"Yes, I shall."
Joy lit Matthew's face.
Unable to contain his happiness, he gently took her hand and pressed a tender kiss upon it.
A few moments later, Mrs Gardiner returned to the parlour.
When she learned of their engagement, she embraced them both warmly and offered her heartfelt congratulations, wishing them every happiness in the life they would build together.
Matthew and Jane continued talking while Mrs Gardiner embroidered a handkerchief for her husband. As their chaperone, she wished to allow the young couple as much privacy as propriety permitted, so she remained quietly in one corner of the room, her attention seemingly fixed upon her needlework.
"I hope we may be married as soon as possible, my love," Matthew said softly.
"I do not wish to wait either," Jane replied, almost breathless.
Matthew's steady gaze made her both nervous and wonderfully happy. He was still holding her hand, and she felt as though she were floating upon a cloud.
Unfortunately, their peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by the butler's announcement.
"Mr Bingley... Miss Bingley."
"Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet," Mr Bingley said cheerfully as he entered the room.
The smile immediately faded from Charles's face.
For her part, Caroline had not expected to find a strikingly handsome Spaniard sitting beside Jane Bennet, holding her hand.
◆◆◆
Mr Darcy had spent the entire morning touring the northern part of the estate.
The winter storms had damaged several of the fences dividing the farms and had also caused problems at some of the tenants' cottages.
Although much of the snow had already melted, the repairs would have to wait until late spring, when the weather finally improved.
In the afternoon, he sat in his study, attending to his correspondence and reviewing the estate accounts. Keeping himself occupied helped to quiet his mind. By the end of each day, he was so exhausted that he scarcely had the energy to think of anything else.
Pemberley had always brought him a sense of peace.
Unfortunately, in less than a fortnight, he would have to leave for Rosings—a prospect he thoroughly disliked.
Once his duty to Lady Catherine had been fulfilled, he intended to return immediately to Pemberley and devote himself entirely to the management of his estate.
When the next Season began, he had resolved to undertake the serious search for a suitable wife.
He was deeply engrossed in a letter concerning one of his businesses when Georgiana knocked gently on the open door.
"Brother, I hope I am not disturbing you, but I should like to speak with you."
"Not at all, Georgie. Come in."
Georgiana smiled before taking a seat opposite him.
"I do not wish to remain alone at Pemberley while you are in Kent."
Mr Darcy looked at her in surprise.
"Do you mean you wish to accompany me to Rosings?"
"Oh, no!" Georgiana exclaimed, almost horrified. "I should much rather go to London with you and remain there while you are visiting Aunt Catherine. Mrs Annesley believes it would do me good. We could buy the few things I need, and I should not have to stay here alone."
She hesitated before adding,
"I should also like the opportunity to spend some time with Lady Claire."
Mr Darcy smiled.
"Very well, my dear. We shall leave in less than a fortnight."
"Thank you, dear brother."
Unable to contain her happiness, Georgiana embraced him and kissed him affectionately on the cheek before leaving the study.
Once she had gone, Mr Darcy attempted to return to his work.
He read the same paragraph three times without understanding a single word.
His thoughts had already wandered elsewhere.
He remembered Elizabeth's flushed cheeks that evening at Lady Westcliff's ball, after he had kissed her hand.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment.
‘Elizabeth Bennet... I wonder what you are doing at this very moment... and whether you ever think of me as often as I think of you.’
◆◆◆