Page 59 of May I Have the Pleasure
“Would I be marrying the better man or the particular idiot?”
“The better man—though I would hope that does not negate my ability to be an idiot. Are we not all fools in love?”
Elizabeth gave him probably the first genuine smile of their acquaintance and it was one that Jane would envy. “Then it becomes a leap of faith, I suppose.”
“Yes, but with this proposal we will have time to look at the ground underneath us before we leap.”
Elizabeth smiled again, thinking about all he had said.
Being a man of action, Darcy wanted to move on to the next phase. “May I negotiate your mother and sisters’ security with your father so you can reject Mr Collins with a clear conscience?”
She stared at him hard for a moment, and then forgetting the rules of propriety entirely, she stepped forward until they nearly touched. “I think it might be simpler for you to simply ask for his consent and blessing. The seriousness andthoughtfulness of your offer, coupled with your rare ability to see the problem from my perspective proves your worthiness. I am ready to make the leap.”
“You mean?” he asked in apparent wonder.
“Yes… I mean… ask your question.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, love of my life, would you do me the great honour of accepting my hand in marriage.”
“Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. Yes! I will honour you. I will protect you. I will be your helpmeet. I will…” then she stared up into his eyes, “…love you, until my dying breath.”
Their first kiss, standing on that hidden path in Hyde Park, took both their breaths away, as well as that of the dozen spectators they had not noticed during their final tête-à-tête. Their wedding night a month later put paid to the ‘unpleasant but brief’ idea, since, apparently, when you were with the man you loved a little bit more every day, it was neither unpleasant nor brief (nor singular, for that matter). The births of their first and last children only cemented their love tighter and tighter.
Many years later, Mrs Elizabeth Darcy sat at her husband’s deathbed, offering peace, comfort, love, and assurances in the strongest of terms that he was and had been for many years,the very best of a GOOD lot.
~~ Finis ~~
The Propriety Advisor
[One Act Play]
Here’s something completely different. This story takes the unusual form of a one-act play, with admittedly quite a bit of silliness.
Since the rules of propriety are sort of like laws, what happens when you violate one… or two… or maybe more? What happens if two different people break the code? Do they cancel each other out, or do you have 'two wrongs don't make a right'?
If any of this unclear, do you need a referee or umpire… or maybe a Propriety Advisor.
SCENE I.
ROSINGS DRAWING ROOM, KENT
The drawing room of Rosings Park, on an April morning around 11. Lady Catherine, a dowager of around 50 years is in conference with her two nephews, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, both well-dressed gentlemen around 30. The two gentlemen are taking their leave before the journey to London, having spent the last fortnight assisting Lady Catherine with her estate business.
The conference has been going on for some time when the door opens, and the butler announces an unanticipated visitor. The lady is announced and proceeds to walk over towards the others.
(Butler enters stage-left with a lady following behind)
BUTLER
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
CATHERINE
Miss Bennet, this is a surprise.
(Elizabeth curtsies politely while taking a few steps towards the group as the butler exits)
ELIZABETH
