Page 74 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Minx, you are utter perfection. I look forward to writing to my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. He will laugh for days. As will my sister.”
“Being declared utter perfection and a minx whilst expressing gratification, I did not know such a compliment could be rendered to a lady.”
“Yesterday, I saw some rare books in the crates that I will purchase. They are quite coveted and valuable to more than those persons who appreciate books. We will have them in our library where he can find them again, should he wish.”
“That is generous of you, sir.”
“You do not challenge me about it being our library? Does this mean you would accept me if I were to propose here? Now?” Darcy asked, revealing his dimples.
“I had presumed you meant yours and Georgiana’s. And, if you recall, you apportioned Charlotte and me to school matrons and declared we would stay at Pemberley. With such an arrangement, I assumed you would allow us the freedom to enjoyourlibrary.”
“That is true… But I have come to hope for far more for you and me. One that is our shared future.”
“Our future? One where Charlotte and I are—”
“No, I do not speak of the position. Miss Bingley warned her brother and me that we are not to let two ladies so suited to us to get away.”
Taking care to suppress the surge of hope, Elizabeth waited for him to go on.
“I had never considered how long it had been since I felt happiness until I met you. Now, I cannot imagine being happy without you.”
Shocked, Elizabeth hardly knew how to respond. “My family gains much in such a bargain, Mr. Darcy, but, if you choose me, you gain nothing. I—”
He touched a finger to her lips. “I must add you are beautiful, bewitching, and beguiling.”
Mr. Darcy seemed to be bathed in the rays of morning light, and Elizabeth said, “I am certain it is you who has cast a spell, Mr. Darcy.”
“Spells like this are cast whentwopeople see what they desire in each other.”
Darcy lifted her hand to kiss it. “There would be life at Pemberley because of you.”
“Will you speak with my father?”
“Bingley and I both intend to visit Longbourn today. I cannot think of anything more important,” Darcy assured her.
Chapter 15
Two Daughters a Courting?
While the Bennets sat down to breakfast, a great ruckus was heard above stairs. None had ever heard Mr. Hill raise his voice in all the years he had been at Longbourn.
“You will not order me about.Youare not master of this house. And I tell you this, beast. Given your mutterings about the Bennets and our dear girls, you had best find a new housekeeper and a man to help you. I will never allow my wife to serve so vile a man asyou,” Mr. Hill said, pointing his finger at the offender. “You cannot think I would let you compromise one of our dear girls. Are you that much of an imbecile?”
Everyone left the table. Upon reaching the first floor, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet both exclaimed at hearing so alarming a charge.
“After helping braid Lydia’s hair, Sarah saw him sneaking down to the girls’ rooms.” Mr. Hill explained with great feeling, not allowing Mr. Collins to move.
“What?” Mr. and Mrs. Bennet said this again in chorus.
“You would have no cause to sabotage me if one of your daughters were my wife.”
Now Bennet recognized the man’s father in Mr. Collins’s sneer. “By noon, all would know you had compromised my daughter, and you would be more despised than if you were high-handed. Should you harm any of my family, you would be ostracized.”
“’Tis a lesson I just learnt. Your worst deeds dictate how your neighbors first think of you,” Lydia said, spearing Mr. Collins with an intimidating glare.
Mary looked as if to murder the man.
“I sleep with a book, and it makes an excellent weapon,” Elizabeth said.
