Page 65 of Saving Jane
“Mr Bingley is a gentleman for certain,” Elizabeth said.
“He iseverything that a man should be!” Jane insisted.
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Chapter 29.Elizabeth’s Walk in Gardens
The next morning, when Elizabeth took her walk to the gardens at Rosings, Jane remained in the parsonage. Lost in her thoughts for a time, when she saw Mr Darcy approaching her on the lane leading to Rosings, she felt her heart begin to beat faster and a smile that matched her happiest feelings greeted the tall man.
He stopped and stared for a moment before his face broke into a great smile as well. Tipping his hat in greeting, he came to stand beside Elizabeth as they began their morning walk.
They spoke of flowers, tenants, crops, and spring planting; her hand took his arm naturally and his free hand reached over to cover hers. They walked a bit slower this morning, to make the private moment last. As they walked the circuit of pathways around the gardens, they came to the gate leading into the rose garden where they observed Mr Collins and Miss de Bourgh walking close with Anne’s companion standing at the door to the house.
Mr Darcy halted, and Elizabeth turned them to another pathway where they continued along silently for a moment. Finally, Elizabeth said, “I am certain your cousin and Mr Collins are discussing some scripture or some directive from Fordyce’s Sermons.”
Darcy smirked and Elizabeth continued, “And we should not be seen walking alone Mr Darcy–it would appear improper.”
Darcy chuckled. “Miss Elizabeth, if anyone questioned the propriety of our walking together, I should simply tell them we are engaged to be married and then bring you to the altar as quickly as I could obtain a common license.”
Blushing Elizabeth raised her head to reply, “And if I was reluctant to become your wife Mr Darcy? What would you say then?”
He grinned. “I should ask for instruction on how to overturn your reluctance! I would summon my sister to address you and spend each day on bended knee until you agreed to be my wife.”
“I am certain with such persuasions I could be convinced to consider your offer,” she replied. “But only after a great deal of thought and contemplation.”
They came to a bench and Mr Darcy moved Elizabeth to take the seat but then he knelt on one knee and took her hands in his own. Elizabeth smiled; this moment would be etched into her mind forever.
“Elizabeth, I love you...” he declared and then blushed. “I mean...”
Now Elizabeth grinned and said, “Such a heartfelt declaration is welcome Mr Darcy but likely to scare many young ladies.”
He grinned and cleared his throat. “I prepared a fine speech; let me begin again. Elizabeth, I find that I admire you above all other young women. You are kind and considerate of others, learned and sweet tempered. I must tell you that I love you most ardently–will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
He smiled and bent to kiss her hands, looked up and would speak again but she leaned forward and kissed his lips, surprising and silencing him.
“Yes, William! I shall marry you for I love you!”
Moving to sit beside Elizabeth on the bench, Mr Darcy drew her into his arms for another kiss before standing and offering her his arm again. “Let us return to the parsonage and tell your aunt and sister our news. I shall travel to Longbourn this week to obtain your father’s approval to formalize our engagement.”
Once again, at the gate to the rose garden, the couple saw Mr Collins and Miss de Bourgh walking among the fragrant blooms.
“I imagine Anne has asked Mr Collins to quote the verses from the Song of Solomon. It is her favourite passage from the Psalms.” Darcy said.
“Her companion is present as chaperone so there’s no impropriety,” Elizabeth said.
“My cousin is like her mother and needs a mouse of man for a husband.”
“We are engaged only a few minutes sir, but you must know I would do anything to save my sister from marriage to that man.”
“I shall speak of it to your father, but I know of little that can be done, my dear,” Darcy said. “I do not look forward to having Mr Collins as a brother.”
“Nor do I William.” Elizabeth watched the other couple. “What would it mean if he were your cousin rather than your brother?”
“If Mr Collins breaks the engagement, Jane could sue Mr Collins. He would lose his rights to the entailment and your sister would be the heiress of the estate.”
While they continued back to the parsonage, Elizabeth slowed their walk twice. “I do not want this morning to end! William–I like the sound of your name–I admit that I have prayed for your addresses every night since before Christmas.”
“I have been lost to you for many months as well and I could not wait any longer!”
