Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

27. Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Darcy waited with bated breath, hoping against hope that he had not just completely harmed his burgeoning relationship with Elizabeth. Every moment that she did not respond, his heart thudded painfully in his chest. In a move that left him breathless, Elizabeth slowly licked her lips before saying, “I am aware that it might seem sudden, but I truly believe I know my own feelings, and those feelings are telling me to say yes.”

“Yes?!” Darcy felt dizzy with relief at hearing her softly spoken words and as he could not pick her up and swing her around in the park under the watchful gaze of passers-by, he contented himself with squeezing her hands.

Grinning mischievously, Elizabeth tugged him along on the path, the sweet smell of blooming flowers filling the surrounding air. Soon she was saying, “Mr. Darcy, I have had the pleasure of knowing you for quite some time, and during our acquaintance, I admire your remarkable qualities. Why would you question my acceptance of your proposal?”

With a chuckle, Darcy shook his head and responded, “I can’t believe you’re able to say that, considering how badly I fumbled our initial encounter.”

“Yes, that was rather badly done, but you quickly atoned for your ill-mannered behavior,” she snickered. Then, hugging his arm slightly as they walked, she said, “Do you need to understand why I feel comfortable committing myself to you? First of all, your diligent stewardship of your estate is clear in how you tirelessly assist those who require aid. Even from a distance, you are constantly busy seeing that everyone and everything is cared for.”

Darcy declared, “I’ve only acted in accordance with my responsibilities. There is nothing so remarkable about that.”

“Think about where I come from, Mr. Darcy. My father has many responsibilities that he does not take care of, instead he foists them on others. Knowing that you are not such a man is more than reassuring. I find it oddly attractive. In fact, it is almost as attractive as the fact that I know you respect me and enjoy my knowing my thoughts on a wide range of topics, from crop rotation to the philosophies of Aristotle.” Elizabeth explained with heartfelt vigor.

To Darcy, who had never felt that he would have what a woman of society would want in a husband, it was reassuring to know that Elizabeth appreciated what he had to offer. Her statement also reminded him of why he wanted to lash out at Mr. Bennet as Elizabeth was the one who most often ended up having to take up her father’s responsibilities.

He had grown quiet when Elizabeth spoke up, once again saying, “I still haven’t told you how you have made me feel protected and even cherished in a way that I never felt before.” Then, almost whispering, she added, “I have always known I was loved by my sisters and even my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, but having your attention when I was suffering was something else. You carried me when I could not walk on my own. I have never encountered someone so attentive to my needs, anticipating them even before I ask for assistance.”

Looking down at the woman who held his heart, Darcy said, “I have to help you without your request, or have you not noticed that you rarely ask for help? I suspect that when you finally do ask for help, it is only because you are far beyond what you are capable of handling. You take so much on to yourself. I will be glad when we are married, then I will be able to step in and help you whenever I want and not have to step back and leave someone else to the task.”

As they turned along the last bit of path before they would have to walk back to Primrose Place, Elizabeth said, “It will be something to get used to, not having the weight of the world on my shoulders.”

“You are not Atlas, my dear, that your father thought you should be, is my opinion, a crime.” Darcy gritted his teeth to refrain from saying more against Elizabeth’s father and ruining their lovely moment.

“And that,” she murmured, her voice filled with affection, “is just one small part of why you mean the world to me, Mr. Darcy.”

Having completed the circuit around the park, Darcy paused, asking, “Would you like to continue walking or should we return to Primrose Place and share our news?”

“Although a part of me wants to make Georgianna wait, considering how she practically pushed me out the door with you, I cannot contain my happiness. Let us return and share our news.” Then, sighing, she added, “We can even begin making plans if you want to. I know getting married to me will be on the more complicated side.”

Arm in arm, Darcy and Elizabeth strolled back to Primrose Place, their conversation turning to wedding plans, Darcy said, “Most ladies I know would be thrilled to be about planning their wedding, yet I do not think you are going to be the sort to go mad over linens and lace.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth lay her head briefly on Darcy’s shoulder, saying, “No, I quite despise lace. I suppose it comes from my mother constantly trying to dress me in the stuff when I knew that the money would be better spent elsewhere. Besides, her taste in fashion was not at all like mine.”

“I will admit that some debutantes I’ve seen remind me too much of fancy tearoom pastries with all the lace layered about their dresses. So I am not unhappy that your taste leans in another direction,” commented Darcy.

Elizabeth’s voice turned soft, almost melancholy as she said, “I think I would enjoy the thought of planning my wedding more if I knew that my sisters could be part of the joy. Without them, I think I will settle for something simple.” Then, looking up at Darcy with a brave sort of smile, she added, “The only thing I really want is to be married to you. I do not need some grand affair.”

Darcy’s heart turned over at the strength of Elizabeth’s words. He knew he did not care how their wedding took place as long as it happened, but he wanted more for Elizabeth, and he had an idea of how to accomplish it. Elizabeth had learned to ask for less from the world, but in his opinion, she deserved everything the world had to offer, and he would see that she got it.

Georgianna peeked out the window while trying to move as little of the curtain as possible. She could finally see William and Elizabeth coming down the street arm and arm and from what she could tell, they appeared rather involved in their conversation. Turning, she glanced back at Mrs. Annesley, exclaiming, “They are on their way back! Do you suppose they have realized what we have already known for some time now?”

Shaking her head disapprovingly, Mrs. Annesley paused her stitch work to scold, “You are well aware, Miss Darcy, that it is not proper to spy on your friend and brother. Come sit with my and take up your project. Didn’t you tell your brother I was showing you something?”

After one last glance, Georgianna moved away from the window and sat down next to Mrs. Annesley with a sigh. She wanted so much for Elizabeth and her brother to realize that they were perfect together, but she knew that beyond pushing them together and a few encouraging words, she could not do much to help matters. Picking up her embroidery hoop, she studied the pattern of roses twined around a gate. She hoped to give it to Elizabeth as a gift once she became her sister in truth.

When she heard the commotion at the door of William and Elizabeth being admitted, it took everything she had in her not to bounce up and demand how their walk had gone. Still, as they came into the room, she knew that it had gone well, if only from the glances they kept sharing and the smiles splitting their faces. When she could not wait any longer, she said, “So?”

Chuckling, Elizabeth crossed her arms and said, “I do not know if I should tell you what you want to hear after the way that you practically threw me at your brother.”

Standing, Georgianna looked back and forth between William and Elizabeth, studying their faces. They were playing with her, which she assumed was a good sign, so she said, “You know you wanted to go with him. You were just nervous. Now tell me about whatever it is that has you so happy.”

William and Elizabeth exchanged a meaningful look before her brother excitedly announced, “I asked Elizabeth to marry me, and she accepted!”

Georgianna did not know who to hug first, but since Elizabeth was closer, she grabbed her and hugged her for all she was worth. Squealing with joy, she said, “I have long known that you were perfect for each other, but I thought it would take much longer for you to come to such a realization.” Moving on from Elizabeth, she hugged her brother, whispering, “Thank you for choosing such a wonderful woman to be my sister.”

Smirking, her brother replied, “It’s good to know that you’re pleased with my choice, but I must confess that my chief priority wasn’t necessarily to make you happy.”

Georgianna was astounded to see her brother’s happy smirk. Elizabeth was already helping her brother to have a happier life. Her moment of thoughtfulness allowed Mrs. Annesley to come to their merry group and add her congratulations.

Hugging Elizabeth, to whom she had grown close in the last few months, Mrs. Annesley said, “I am so happy for you!” Then, standing back and holding Elizabeth by the shoulders, she admonished, “I told you that you were not destined to be a governess.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth said, “I still say that I could have been happy as a governess.” Then, looking back at William, she added, “Though I believe I will be happier united with Mr. Darcy than I ever could have experienced as a governess.”

Looking at her brother, Georgianna exclaimed, “Why is Lizzie still calling you Mr. Darcy? She is going to be your wife. Shouldn’t she be able to call you William, at least in private?”

The reaction of the pair was quite comical to Georgianna. Elizabeth blushed and croaked, “Georgie!”

Her brother said, “Georgianna, we only just became engaged. We have had very little time to discuss anything, let alone my desire for her to call me William.”

Blushing even more, Elizabeth turned to her new fiancée and inquired, “Would you prefer me to address you as William?”

William extended his hand towards Elizabeth’s, intertwining their fingers as he pulled her closer. Softly, he spoke, “I want you to address me in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable.” Then, barely audible, he whispered, “Though I must admit, I’m curious to hear how William sounds on your lips.”

In a moment of awe, Elizabeth’s mouth opened into a rounded shape, her eyes widening and her blush deepening as she breathed out, “William?” She seemed half-uncertain, and half-delighted. Georgianna wanted to squeal at how cute they were, but knew that doing so would ruin the moment.

As Georgianna shifted her focus to William, she was met with an expression of unadulterated adoration. They stayed like that, their gazes locked unmoving, somehow affirming their emotions without a single word spoken. The effort to restrain herself had Georgianna bouncing slightly on her toes.

Mrs. Annesley lay a calming hand on Georgianna’s shoulder, and with a tilt of her head, they returned to their seats. After a few more moments of the couple’s unspoken conversation, Mrs. Annesley cleared her throat and said, “I believe some tea may be in order.”

Standing, Mrs. Annesley went to the bellpull to summon a maid and doing so disturbed the loving couple who blinkingly came out of their love fueled trance. Noticing that she had William and Elizabeth’s attention, Mrs. Annesley told them, “I am going to have them bring up a tea service so we can discuss things over a nice cup of tea and perhaps a biscuit.”

Nodding, albeit distractedly, William walked with Elizabeth over to the settee where they sat down together. There was little conversation until tea had been served and everyone had taken a few sips of tea. Then, unable to wait any longer, Georgianna asked, “So when is the wedding going to be?”

First looking at William and then back to Georgianna, Elizabeth said, “I have no desire for a long engagement, but without my father’s approval I cannot marry before I gain my majority.”

“You will reach your majority in a little less than a month. Is a month from today a short enough engagement? Or is it too short?” Shrugging, William added, “I must admit, I have never paid attention to these sorts of things.”

Georgianna and Elizabeth both looked at each other and then Mrs. Annesley before Mrs. Annesley said, “I am sure a wedding could be arranged in a month without any sort of issue.”

With a grin, William eagerly exclaimed, “Then I believe I’ve come up with a splendid idea.”

Looking over at Mr. Darcy, no William, Elizabeth corrected herself. She asked, “What idea is that?”

Putting down his teacup, William smiled, saying, “I know you have long wanted your sister to be a part of your wedding. Bingley says that she wants the same. What if your aunt and uncle encourage your parents to have Jane and possibly Mary shop for her trousseau in London? While they are here, you could shop with them for your own trousseau. Then, prior to their departure for Meryton, they could attend our wedding. Miss Bennet could even be your maid of honor.”

William’s suggestion sparked a flurry of thoughts in Elizabeth’s mind. It would be the perfect arrangement if they could somehow convince her mother to stay behind at Longbourn. Encouraged, she said, “It would all be ruined if Mrs. Bennet came with them but… If Mr. Bingley expressed his disapproval of the shopping excursion, if Mrs. Bennet neglected her duty of overseeing the wedding arrangements or something similar, it might just work.”

“I think we can make that work,” William said, his smile filled with encouragement. William smiled encouragingly, saying, “Bingley told me that Mrs. Bennet is quite determined to make sure the wedding goes off without a hitch and is keen to keep him happy.”

Elizabeth pressed a hand to the butterflies in her stomach. It seemed she might get more than she had ever hoped for. First, she had realized that she had fallen in love with a wonderful man. Then, despite her fears, she had learned that he loved her in return. Now she was engaged to him and there was talk of having their wedding and miracle of miracles. Her sisters might be able to attend the ceremony.

Eyes narrowing, she turned to William, saying, “You cannot tell me that you only just thought of how to bring my sisters to London to attend our wedding.”

Rubbing at the back of his neck, William offered her a sheepish smile as he answered, “I will admit to considering how to bring at least some of your sisters to London for a visit for some time. That it happens to coincide is just glorious serendipity.”

“Serendipity?” Elizabeth asked, an eyebrow raised.

Georgianna was soon giggling uncontrollably at the remark, but William only spared her a single glance before stating, “I always had a secret desire for us to get engaged and eventually get married, but I never foresaw you reciprocating my affection so swiftly.”

Reaching out, Elizabeth clasped William’s hand where it lay next to her on the settee, saying, “I will choose to believe you.”

Returning to her tea before it grew cold, Elizabeth took a sip as Georgianna, overcoming her fit of giggles, asked, “So when do we get to start shopping for wedding things and Lizzie’s trousseau?”

With a sigh, Elizabeth pulled her teacup away from her mouth and shook her head, murmuring, “I have very little saved for shopping excursions.”

Rolling her eyes, Georgianna turned to William, complaining, “William, tell her we will provide the funds for her trousseau. If it is unseemly for some reason, I will fund our shopping with my pin money. You know I can never use it all.” Turning to Elizabeth, she explained, “You will have to understand that my brother is extremely generous in all he does, whether it is towards those in need or those he loves. You will never lack for anything.”

Elizabeth looked at the siblings and knew that she would not win the battle. William, his voice gentle, said, “Georgianna is correct, Elizabeth. We Darcys have much more than we need. You will be a Darcy in thirty-one days or so. Why should I wait to make sure you have what you need for a month when I can provide for you now?”

“Fine,” Elizabeth reluctantly gave in, before adding, “but let me be clear. I don’t want anything flamboyant or ostentatious, even if you’re helping me pay for my trousseau.”

Nodding, Georgianna said, “Yes, I know exactly how you feel about lace. There will not be one speck of lace more than necessary.”

Joining in the conversation, Mrs. Annesley looked at Georgianna, saying, “There will be a lot to coordinate in a month. We should contact your modiste about fitting Elizabeth into her schedule. There is much that will need to be completed within the next month.”

Worried, Elizabeth said, “Surely I do not need much more than a wedding dress?”

Smiling kindly at Elizabeth, Mrs. Annesley said, “While the wedding dress is one of the first things I would suggest she work on, you will also need at least a few dresses for around town and warmer wear for when you journey to Pemberley. As Mrs. Darcy, you will be much observed by those who wished to have the coveted spot next to Mr. Darcy. It is easier to hold your head up and stare them down when you are wearing something on par with your new station in life.”

Elizabeth could understand the need for a new wardrobe, even if she did not like the idea of having to pick it out. Sighing, she turned to William and said, “Do you see how much I love you? I am willing to endure the discomfort of being measured, pricked with needles and judged, for you.”

Lifting Elizabeth’s hand to his lips, William kissed her knuckles and said, “I am eternally grateful for your love and all you do. Would it help at all if I promise to take you to Hatchards for books after every fitting?”

Giggling, Elizabeth freed her hand and flung her arms around William’s neck. “You know just how to treat a girl.”

William joined in on her laughter and remarked, “Most ladies would be happier to receive a wardrobe than a few books, but you are not most ladies. And that is one of the countless reasons why I adore you.”