Chapter 42
Gardiner glanced at the news sheets and chuckled. London had seen the last of the callow Charles Bingley.
London Financial News
Purchased, Bingley Carriage Works, by Gardiner Enterprises, a transaction completed in full and in good standing. All existing orders will be met and delivered in a timely manner. Customers may make enquiries to the desk at Coutts.
Scarborough Financial Times
Sold, Bingley Carriage Works, to Gardiner Enterprises, a transaction completed in full and in good standing. All outstanding debts or vowels held in the Bingley family name may be addressed through Mr _______, their man of all business. Seekers may address personal debts to the family holdings at a direction to be published at a later date.
Gardiner had respected the elder Mr Bingley. He had been a good man, and his early investment had been critical to Gardiner’s fortunes. It was a shame his children were feckless. Youthful, na?ve, impetuous, and rather stupid. Ran off rather than meet Lambrook. Best of luck to him and his sister on the marriage mart.
Darcy was in the game parlour, sitting in front of the chessboard he had last played with Miss Elizabeth. A single taper lit the table; her winning strategy was apparent to him at the ninth move. He only continued to play to bask in her allure. His head presented every argument for propriety; his sister’s desires and his heart’s wants fought a valiant battle.
He looked up as the pianoforte in the music room came to life. Darcy craned his head to look through the open door. He had never heard Elizabeth play a solo. He extinguished his candle and silently stood in the doorway.
At first, the notes were hesitant, even a little unsteady. But then the music grew into a melody that had him mesmerised. The chords changed with each measure, and he allowed himself to be taken away on a journey—his guide spoke of love and longing. It was unlike anything he had ever heard.
It evoked the same emotions that swirled in his chest whenever he looked upon Elizabeth’s face. He soaked in every note, allowing her concert to wash over him and remove his doubt.
Sighing, he returned to the chess match. Then he heard her voice, softly rising in song. Darcy reached down and toppled his king. His heart was hers.
She voiced her longing, and he heard her heartbreak in every note. But the Elizabeth Bennet he loved could not dwell in distress, and as if she read his thoughts, she launched into a new song of undying love and eternal devotion. Her voice was a caress; it soothed Darcy’s soul.
He quietly rose, and as he stepped through the door, his heart on his sleeve, the notes ended, Elizabeth was staring at the keys, murmuring, “When will you see me?” She covered her face.
He knelt next to her and held out a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes. “Forgive me,” she said quietly.
“I do see you.” He inched closer. “I see you everywhere, even in my dreams,” he whispered as his hand reached to cover hers.
She grasped his hand. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Darcy stared at her open-mouthed. His silence clearly upset her; she turned away and her hand slipped from his. He pulled her hand back and grasped it firmly. “Elizabeth.”
Her breath hitched.
“I believe it is a gentleman’s prerogative to offer a lady a choice, is it not?” He lifted her hand to his lips. “I cannot continue to pretend you are only my sister’s friend.”
Even in the dim light, Elizabeth’s blush was apparent. So was her soft, hopeful smile. “No? I have struggled to see you only as my friend’s brother.”
“I am so very glad to hear it,” he whispered, “for you captured my notice upon our first meeting. I have been lost since then, seeking the proper way to declare myself, to tell you of my feelings. Have no doubt that I am irrevocably in love with you.”
“Oh! Have two people in love ever been as stupid as we, arguing with and avoiding each other?”
She gasped in delight when he kissed her palm. “I hope so,” Darcy murmured. “How else would other couples find such felicity?” He leant in and pressed his lips to hers.
When he pulled away, she opened her eyes and raised an eyebrow. “Do I still have a choice, Mr Darcy?”
Her impish expression was intoxicating but her playful question still gave him pause. He answered earnestly. “You do, Miss Elizabeth. Always.”
“Much as I enjoyed your kiss and every moment I have spent with you, and wish to experience them again and again...”
“We can share those things if you make the choice I hope you will.” Darcy spoke in a hushed, hopeful voice. “Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the honour of being my wife?”
“There is no choice, but for me to reply the only way I can. Of course, I will marry you.”
Darcy pulled her to him, kissing her until she sighed. Elizabeth embraced his neck and held him tightly. They remained as such for quite some time.
Two days later, in need of relief from the happy celebrations at Darcy House, Elizabeth joined Jane for a visit to Gracechurch Street. After further exhausting herself with her aunt’s happy exclamations, Elizabeth joined Jane in their guestroom for a sisterly chat and explained the former misapprehensions between herself and Darcy.
“He only saw me as his sister’s friend.”
“Unfathomable,” said Jane.
“He claimed his regard for our family made him hesitant to raise my expectations.”
Jane chuckled. “I would think any young man would be reluctant to cross swords with our father.”
Elizabeth covered her face with a pillow, which stifled her laughter. “Jane, imagine if Papa had confronted that ridiculous Mr Bingley.”
Jane rolled her eyes. “So, Mr Darcy has made his way to Longbourn to speak to Papa?”
“He has, darling man that he is,” replied Elizabeth. She closed her eyes. “So, there can be no doubt. It is settled between us that we shall be the happiest couple in the world.”
“He is also Georgiana’s brother,” replied Jane.
“Thus, my sketch of his character is complete. Who could find fault with a man whose sister is so wonderful? He asked me to dance the first and supper set at the Twelfth Night ball.”
“Of course, he has. Were you not publicly lauded as one of the Season’s Diamonds?”
Elizabeth lowered her eyes. “I am not you, dear sister.”
“Nor would I wish you to be.”
“Oh, Jane,” replied Elizabeth in a rueful tone, “forgive me. I did not mean to offend you.”
Jane pulled Elizabeth into an embrace. “You cannot do so. I urge you to accept that which I have granted you time and time again.”
“Maybe one day I shall,” Elizabeth replied, “but today is not that day.” She fiddled with the pillow ties.
“Ask me your question. Your hands have again given you away,” Jane said.
“I am to marry. Before you. Had you not …”
”Had my accident?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth whispered. “You would be married to…”
“John. You may say his name. It is John.”
Elizabeth grasped her hands. “Jane… are you… what are you feeling?”
Jane smiled. “I am ecstatic my brilliant Lizzy has found a man worthy of her notice.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hands. “As for me, all manner of things shall be well.”