Chapter 7 #3
“Perhaps in station but not in consequence. You are the affluent grandson and nephew of an earl, whereas I have no connexion to anyone in the ton. Even before my father’s death we lived simply; nothing compared to what you are accustomed to.
I fear if my mother fails to control my youngest sisters’ inappropriate behaviours, my family will be dangerously close to losing all respectability. ”
“I understand. I am disfigured and walk with a limp. That is why you will not have me.”
“You should not say those things. I have not seen you use your cane in many weeks. You must trust in yourself once again.” How could he doubt her love for him? His injuries from the fire meant nothing to her.
“How can I trust myself? I am filled with nothing but fear and self-doubts.”
To support him, she attempted to change the subject.
“Do you remember you told me about all you accomplished before the fire? You were an excellent master of this vast estate, and you will be once again. Before you were injured, you managed your tenants, the crops, and the livestock, not to mention all your other properties and investments. So many people depended on your guidance and good sense, and nothing can prevent you from fulfilling that role once again.”
“But how? There is so much to be done and I am uncertain as to whether I am up to the challenge. I must relearn everything I once knew about land drainage, crop rotations, and so much more. Everything sounds easy to accomplish when you say it. You would know what the right decisions should be. I need someone I can trust by my side. I need you.”
Elizabeth ignored his last statement. Her mind was still buzzing with his startling proposal.
“Start slowly and restore Pemberley to what it once was. Begin to rebuild the manor house one section at a time. Start cultivating the land so new crops can be planted. Have the burnt sections of the orchards pruned back so they can once again bear fruit.”
“I see you have already planned my future for me. Mrs. Reynolds gave me similar advice when I was overwhelmed by what was required of me when my father died. How can I accomplish any of those things without you? Please say you will be my wife.”
In her shock, she stared at the tall, handsome man beside her.
Was she dreaming? Could this really be happening?
Can I see myself married to Fitzwilliam Darcy and as the mistress of Pemberley?
She loved admiring his dark wavy hair and his strong chin.
Why had he not yet said a word about how he felt about her?
Besides, such a man could never truly love her.
What should she say? “You are only asking because you think no one else will marry you except someone who looks like me. I was not trained to be mistress of an estate this size.”
“Elizabeth, you are wrong. I like being with you. You are not afraid to suggest I rest in my room when I feel sorry for myself and my mood turns dark. I hope you have noticed that the more time we spend together, the fewer episodes of melancholy I have experienced. I love the sound of your laughter, how you pour all your emotions into your playing and singing. You lift my spirits every time you walk into the room. Is being together not better than being alone?”
“I cannot be your wife simply because you believe you should be married, and I am conveniently here.” He was not doing a good job of making his case.
“I am a fool to think you could ever care for me.” He stared at the gravel beneath his feet. “A hideous face and a bad leg,” he muttered as he hung his head. “I suppose you would rather marry Mr. Butler.”
“That is not it at all! I hardly know Mr. Butler. I have come to think of you as more than a friend.” Should she have said that?
He took her hand. “Thank you, Elizabeth. I hoped you cared for me.”
Yet did he care for her? She desperately wished to say yes, but what kind of marriage would they have if her sentiments were one sided?
“What say we make it official and tell everyone we are to be married?”
She took a deep breath and sighed, “It seems there is no arguing with you. Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would be honoured to be your wife.” She was going to marry the man she loved!
He took his mother’s ring from his pocket and placed it on her finger. “Pray call me Fitzwilliam.”
“It is so beautiful, thank you.”
“When the Darcy jewels are returned, you will have many other rings to choose from.”
“Fitzwilliam, I could never love another ring more than this one.”
He took her hand in his as he helped her stand. “Shall we return to the cottage?”
She was disappointed that her betrothed failed to kiss her or show her any sign of affection. “I suppose I shall have to move out of the cottage until we are married.” Married!
“For propriety’s sake I believe you are right. Would Mrs. Hopkins welcome you to stay with her again?”
“She was very kind to me when I first arrived in Lambton, but she will soon have a full house since her son and his family will be visiting her.”
“In that case, Mrs. Reynolds will hire a lady’s maid to stay with you at the Rose and Crown. I shall send a carriage for you every morning so we can spend the day together as we do now.”
“I think that is an excellent plan, sir.”
They strolled back to the cottage arm in arm.
Elizabeth was so excited to be so close to him!
Next to him, she was safe and protected for the first time since her father’s death.
Only one wish remained: that her betrothed would soon speak of his affection for her.
Until then, she would not speak of how much she loved him.
* * *
May 1812
Asking Elizabeth to become his wife was the motivation Darcy needed to rebuild Pemberley.
Since his recovery, he had spent many hours at his desk listing the necessary changes he wanted from the original structure and sketching possible designs for the new manor house.
The project was just what he needed. With excitement, he perused his ideas.
This was what he wanted! It was time to meet with his steward, John Bethel, and present his ideas.