Chapter 16 #3
Her words were silenced when he touched his finger to her lips.
This was not what she was supposed to say!
How could he convince her? “Madam, the very thought of you makes my heart beat more quickly. Darcy once told me that love can lead to enchantment, and I must tell you that you have completely enchanted this beat up old soldier. Jane, I love the ordinary ways you make every day a special one when we are together. Every morning, my first thought is of how long it will be until I see you again.”
Jane said nothing and stared at her hands for what seemed like an inordinate amount of time. She then gave him the most amazing smile. “Yes, Richard, with my whole heart, my answer is yes.”
“Will you accept my grandmother’s ring as a token of my love?” She smiled as she removed her glove. He placed the ring on her finger then tenderly kissed her and held her close. This was the moment he had been waiting for all his life.
He whispered to her as he held her. “My lovely Jane—I knew your lips would taste like honey. I shall love you forever.”
“My dearest man, I am as ecstatic as you are. I have found someone I love and trust to protect my heart.”
“Your heart will always be safe with me. Would you object to being married as soon as possible? We have both waited long enough to find our own joy.”
“I could not agree more.”
* * *
Jane was in heaven. She and Richard walked arm in arm laughing and speaking of their future together. As soon as they entered the drawing room and her sister saw her face, Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “I wish you both every happiness!”
Her betrothed laughed. “You were right, Darcy—these two can read each other’s minds. We did not have to announce our engagement, and your wife is already wishing us well!”
Richard kissed Elizabeth’s hand while Darcy congratulated Jane. “Let us have some wine to celebrate this great news.”
They sat together and talked and laughed and were content in the understanding that this would be the first of many joyous occasions they would celebrate together. Now she and Richard would have their own family tied even closer to Elizabeth’s. How delightful!
“You know, if the house is not ready when the baby comes, there will not be enough room for us here in the cottage. I am certain the Fitzwilliams would welcome us to move in with them at Willow Hall,” Darcy said.
Jane and Richard looked at each other waiting for the other to object to Darcy’s plan.
Darcy laughed. “I wish you could see your expressions. I am not serious—my wife has taught me to tease. Believe me, I well remember wanting nothing more than to be alone with Elizabeth for weeks and weeks after our wedding. Bethel assured me that, for the most part, the work has been uninterrupted by the weather. He is confident we shall be living in the family wing before the baby comes. Fear not—after your wedding you will have all the privacy you desire. Would you like to spend your wedding night here at the cottage? There is no better place for people in love to begin their lives together. We would be honoured to have your names etched beside ours.”
“Thank you. I shall have to speak with my future husband before any decisions are made.” Jane’s face was already heated from the topic of discussion, so her words were economical.
She smiled as she said the word husband.
She would marry a man she loved with her whole heart and who loved her in return.
“That sounds like a lovely idea, future wife, do you agree?”
“Yes, I do. Thank you both for your offer.”
Before leaving, Richard handed Jane a note and whispered to her.
“Please read this when you are alone.” With a fair bit of curiosity, she must still wait until later, and placed it in her reticule then sat to talk to her sister.
She and Elizabeth revelled in the events of the day before Jane prepared to depart.
As they waited for her carriage, Jane addressed Elizabeth.
“Remember when I told you how much I feared not being as pretty as I once was? Richard told me he loves me for my heart, not my face. He is the answer to all my dreams, and when he kissed me, it was the most astonishing sensation I have ever had in my life. With Richard, life is so different from my experience with Henry. I love him so much and I am confident I made the correct decision.”
“I hope you remember that I said you would find true love one day. I am delighted that today is that day.”
* * *
After preparing for the night, Jane brought a candle to the table next to her bed and opened Richard’s letter.
Willow Hall
My dearest Jane,