37. A Wealth of Happiness
A Wealth of Happiness
“I have had a letter from my father,” announced Elizabeth as Darcy entered the Gardiners’ drawing room the following day.
He looked at her expectantly, likely as surprised as she had been by Mr Bennet’s unusual speed in replying to a missive—let alone his having opened it.
The post often grew to unmanageable piles on her father’s desk, and Elizabeth had thought she, Darcy, and Mrs Gardiner would arrive at Longbourn tomorrow before her father had stirred himself to peruse his letters.
Seeing Darcy’s seal on the thick paper had undoubtedly roused him to action, and finding a note from his favourite daughter tucked into its folds might have excited him.
I should have thought of his nerves, not only my mother’s. He is accustomed to idle hours with his books and prefers to ignore anything and anyone that might disturb his peace.
“And?”
Darcy was watching her, his concern evident as he awaited her reply.
“Oh!” She went to him and handed him the letter.
Lizzy,
I have received a missive from a man you have professed to hate but who now wishes to marry you.
Darcy looked up at her. “You what?”
“My father has a meanness in his teasing. You have seen him with my mother and sisters,” she entreated, while caressing his cheek gently.
Seemingly placated, Darcy returned to the letter.
And what fell from the esteemed gentleman’s letter but a note from you telling me you love him and that he is the best man of your acquaintance.
Much as you know I appreciate a good joke, I am not one to enjoy riddles.
Then another letter arrived, this from your uncle, telling me of his great admiration for both of my daughters’ beaux, especially the wondrous Mr Darcy and his generous invitation to fish in his grand library in Derbyshire or some such thing.
Jane also avers to the man’s goodness and honour, but as she is soft-hearted with her own affections for the charming Mr Catesby, I must wonder at her sensibility as well as yours.
Elizabeth could hardly defend her father when Darcy glanced at her again and muttered, “A peculiar sense of humour.”
Truly, Lizzy? Do you know your mind and heart?
You wish me to part with you forever to a man whose hand and writing paper are of the finest quality.
You, your sister, and uncle claim the same of his character.
I cannot refuse such a man when you profess he is worthy and loves you in return, nor can I be troubled to pen replies to all of you.
Tell your Mr Darcy I await his arrival in my book-room next week.
His reception will be all the better if he brings you with him, as well as the gifts so loudly anticipated by your mother and sisters.
Your Papa
Darcy folded the letter, tapping it on his hand, before placing it in hers.
Elizabeth could not read his expression.
“Does your father speak of bribes in the form of ribbons and bonnets and fishing expeditions as the surest way to win his blessing? It is rather irregular for a man of my station to have to purchase approval for his bride in such a manner, but as you are more precious than rubies, I shall take whatever measures are necessary.”
She leant into Darcy, pulled as much by her need to be close as by the touch of his large hands on her waist. “Sorry as I am to pain my father by leaving Longbourn, joining my life to yours is a far happier choice. My only choice.”
“I will be happiest when your choice is sanctioned before God in… say, four weeks?”
“I am sure Jane and Mr Catesby—Gilbert—would share their day. And my mother would be amenable, particularly,” she said, smiling, “if she receives a bribe of bonnets and ribbons and shopping in town.”
“Easily done.” He smiled at her, full of warmth and love and, she sensed, possession. “With her blessing assured, all is well with the world.”
“Our world. The world will always suffer with foolish wars and spiders and quidnuncs.”
“I shall keep you safe from all of those,” he said in a low voice, “although I cannot promise you will not encounter a spider or dust mite in Pemberley’s attics or follies.”
“Nor can I protect you from the silliness of my sisters,” Elizabeth replied, lifting her arms round his neck and pulling him to her for a kiss.
It was long moments later that they separated, breathless and flushed.
Before either could speak, a shriek of laughter came from behind them, followed by the pattering of small feet.
“I believe your cousins will soon be passing rumours that they saw Lizzy kissing a tall stranger in the vestibule.”
She smiled up at him. “Not a rumour at all, but a happy truth.”