Page 101 of May I Have the Pleasure
“Richard... Charlotte… I presently own seven estates…seven. I have money piled practically to the ceiling. I probably employ more people just carrying my pounds and pounds around in great barrows than Sweetwater employs altogether. I love that estate. I want it to be what it once was and could be again.”
“All right, that is a three-quarter answer.”
“Colonel—I owe the tenants, tradesmen, schoolmasters, children, villagers, and everyone else under my care aproper master and mistress. I owe my estate the prosperity and care it deserves. Fitzwilliam, Charlotte, and I brought it back from the brink of ruin, but it is far from what it needs to be. Charlotte knows what the property needs, and Fitzwilliam and I will always be here to help or advise. I just believe the two of you are perfect for each other, and the marriage part of the bargain should not be too much of a chore. Think of it as bagging three birds with no more effort than having a hound that can fly so you do not even have to load your rifle. I get two people well settled, and my estate taken off my hands with so little effort. I am surprised it is not obvious.”
“You are insane, Lizzy!”
“Possibly so, but it is done and done for the best. It is my estate to dispose of as I choose. You are of age and need nobody’s permission for anything, Charlotte. Colonel, I have a bit of Lady Catherine in me, and I wish to see you settled. My solicitors have prepared everything. That stack of papers show I amfarmore arrogant and officious than Fitzwilliam ever dreamed of being. I shall leave you to discuss things. If you do not wish to wed, I will make other arrangements for both of you because I willnotwatch you ride off to war again. Charlotte, you are already quite fixed in Sweetwater, so you are going nowhere. My estatedoesdemand a married and settled couple, and a few children might liven the place up as well, soone of youis going to have to marrysomebodyand take up the yoke eventually.”
“This is extraordinary, Lizzy.”
“I warned you that I would demand repayment, Charlotte. Consider this it, and our debts are settled.”
-------------
“I am shocked, Colonel.”
“I as well, Miss Lucas.”
“Lizzy is mad.”
“Yes, her ladyship may well be.”
“Barking mad.”
“Quite possibly.”
“What shall we do?”
“Miss Charlotte Lucas, I need no time or discussion myself. You have had my heart for some time, and I would beg for the honour of your hand in marriage.”
“You heard her ladyship say I only wished for an honourable situation and a good home. That was before I met you. After the past months, I do not think I could ever accept anyone else. You have my heart already, and I will happily give you my hand.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that! Do not look so surprised.”
“You are truly happy?”
“Happier than I ever thought possible.”
“I wonder how far Lady Mawbry made it.”
“If she were her mother, she would be listening at the door. As it is, I suspect we will have to mount an expedition. She knew the outcome before she even sent for us, but she is going to make us suffer a bit.”
“Shall we sally forth, then?”
“Let us go, my love.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“That is convenient, as I plan to use such flowery language frequently, despite my supposedly practical bent. You know of course, any woman who professes to practicality on the subject of marriage is just expressing disappointed hopes. I find myself nearly alarmed to not be disappointed anymore.”
“So, Lady Mawbry must have been jesting when she said you were entirely practical?”
“Lady Mawbry does not know everything.”
“I do not either, but I will, my love.”
