Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
Charlotte caught Elizabeth by the wrist as she hurried past the table of Bingley and Jane’s favourite sweets. “Eliza, where are you running to?”
Elizabeth, breathless from Mr Darcy’s proposal, began to laugh. “I do not know! I—” She laughed more heartily.
“Has something happened?”
Elizabeth desired to tell her friend all, to announce her engagement, but thought it only proper that Mr Darcy formally ask her father for her hand, though she had no doubt Papa would agree. “It is simply a day of such joy for Jane. I cannot contain myself.”
Charlotte looked dubious, but said, “Your father’s toast was very generous.”
Elizabeth forgot to simply agree, and her hesitation brought on another look of suspicion by Charlotte.
Then Charlotte caught sight of a figure coming through the garden door, and fought back a smile.
She lifted an eyebrow, and Elizabeth, without needing to turn around, knew it was Mr Darcy.
She widened her eyes at Charlotte, their old signal to cease speaking when prudence was required.
Charlotte bit her lips and reached for Elizabeth’s hand to squeeze it.
Elizabeth leaned close to Charlotte’s ear and whispered, “I shall call on you before you leave for town and tell you all.”
Charlotte hugged her and whispered back, “Every detail.”
They parted, and Elizabeth went to see that all was well with Jane. Mr Darcy was already at Mr Bingley’s side, and they nodded at each other, then simultaneously looked away.
“Jane, might I be of service to you?”
“No. I have everything I shall ever need!” her sister answered, leaning her head on Mr Bingley’s shoulder.
“Heavens, Jane,” Elizabeth said, marvelling at her typically staid sister, “your emotional outburst is beyond comprehension.”
Jane beamed. “The joy I feel at being a wife has made a new woman of me.”
Elizabeth said to Mr Bingley, “Well done, sir. Keep her this happy for now and always.”
“I shall endeavour to do so.”
Elizabeth could not help but flick her eyes to Mr Darcy, but brought them back in an instant.
“Darcy,” said Mr Goulding, joining them, “I have been looking for you. Since Bingley is abandoning us for”—at this, he snarled playfully—“marriage, let’s you and I play cards at Haye-Parke tonight with James.”
Darcy said, “That sounds like a fine idea, as long as Georgiana does not mind being alone.”
“She can stay here,” suggested Elizabeth without thinking. Self-consciously, she added, “For a while. I would offer her a room for the night, but with the wedding, guests are—”
Darcy interrupted. “No need to explain. She can take our carriage home. I am sure she would delight in spending time here with you. And your sisters.”
Elizabeth thought she might burst if she continued standing with him, unable to touch him, and unable to share news of their agreement. She curtseyed and backed away, making her excuses.