Page 63 of The Wager
Immediately, Ashton, Jane, and Trenton exited the room, followed by Darcy and Elizabeth. The minute the terrible trio had turned the corner to traverse the hall toward the library, Darcy snagged Eizabeth's hand and hurried toward what used to be his mother's private parlor. Upon entry into the room, he closed the door and turned the key in the lock.
"You are aware that if we are discovered, we will be hopelessly compromised," Elizabeth laughed when he spun her around to face him.
"I can have a license by tomorrow afternoon."
"I have only begun purchasing my trousseau."
"You will not need many dresses for the first five months of our marriage. I am not letting you out of our chambers," he said and lifted her hand to his lips. "Gilding the lily is not required. You are beautiful just as you are."
"My family will take at least half a day to arrive in time."
"I shall send an express at first light. They will be here by noon and the minister can be here by three."
"You are determined for us to marry sooner rather than later."
"I have wanted to marry you since the assembly in Meryton. You captured my heart when you set your stepfather upon me with his quips and teases about husbandry."
"Oh, dear. And here I thought I was so clever."
"Clever enough to light the path of my heart toward you." While holding her hand, Darcy took the ring from his inner waistcoat pocket and dropped to one knee. "Elizabeth Rose Hamilton, would you accept this ring as a token of my love and affection?"
"William," she breathed out with a sigh. "It is beautiful. Yes, I will accept it."
He rose gracefully and enveloped her in a tight embrace, kissing her with an intensity that made it seem as though his very existence hinged on this moment. And in many ways, it did. Her presence had forever changed his life, and he couldn't fathom living without her.
A sharp tap on the door broke the spell that had wound around them.
"My lady," came the muffled voice of Elizabeth's faithful servant Matthews through the closed door. "Mr. Darcy's guests are becoming concerned about your absence."
"Thank you, Matthews," she replied after Darcy set her back onto her feet. "Please advise my aunt that Mr. Darcy and I shall return in a few minutes."
"Yes, Ma'am."
She dared to peek up at him, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue of pink.
"I forgot Matthews is your faithful shadow," he whispered, feeling like a little boy caught by his parents doing something naughty. Which, he almost had. The tenuous grip he had on the control of his desires had nearly fallen away completely the minute his lips met hers.
"I admit, I did as well. You make me forget a lot of things."
"As long as you never forget you love me."
"That, you silly man, will never happen." She twined their fingers together and pulled him toward the door. "Come with me. I have a ring to show off and a wedding to plan."
As they walked back to the drawingroom, Darcy told Elizabeth that he had received a brief note from Bingley, who advised him that he wished to sever their friendship as he and his sister were returning to Scarborough and he felt ill-used by both Darcy and his cousin, the viscount.
"What brought all this about?" she asked.
"I asked if I could purchase the remainder of his lease. Ashton and I plan to stay at Netherfield until the wedding, although I did book some rooms at a local inn for the month, just in case he refused."
"Poor Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said, shaking her head. "So much potential. I truly hope he finds his happiness in Scarborough."
"Happiness cannot be purchased, it comes from within yourself."
"You have become a philosopher, Mr. Darcy."
They were nearing the drawingroom and could hear the gentle hum of conversation filter out into the hall.
"I am a realist, Elizabeth. I am happy when I am with you. Money cannot purchase a gift like this."
