“Are you well, Lizzy? What is the matter?” He immediately fanned her and pulled out his handkerchief to dab her forehead.
“Oh, I am just a little overheated, Will. I think it was the wine. I am still not used to it and it was stronger than I expected. I should like some water, perhaps a little food to settle the stomach?” Lizzy wiped her face. “I am truly fine, I only need to wait for the wine to wear off.”
William kissed her hand and immediately departed to gather what she needed. He returned in a few minutes and cossetted her to ensure she was feeling better.
“I am still a little child, am I not?” Lizzy giggled as he continued to wipe her face and squeezed her hand. “I am fine, mother!” She scolded him. “I only need a few minutes. Oh, the final act will begin now. Sit back and relax.”
As the lights dimmed, William caressed the back of her hand against his cheek then kissed it, “I love you, Lizzy. I would die if something were to happen to you.”
Lizzy leaned her head against his shoulder, “I love you, too, Will. This is the most wonderful evening of my life and I have you to thank for it. Thank you, Will. You are the best brother in the entire world.”
William grinned and kissed the top of her head, as they watched the fourth act holding hands.
Chapter 5
William handed Lizzy into the carriage and sat down to return to Darcy House. He shifted to her side of the carriage to sit next to her and wrapped his arm around her back.
“Are you all better now?” He asked, as she nodded and leaned her head against his chest. “I was worried for you and will have to ensure you have no more than one glass of wine in the future.” He chuckled. “Lizzy, I truly enjoyed being in public with you tonight and you were beautiful and charming and I know many of my acquaintances were desiring to call on you.” He held her hand and softly caressed it. “I know that I will never find happiness without you and I want you to marry me, Lizzy. I can give you everything you want as your husband and it would bring me great pleasure to have you as my wife. Would you...”
William looked down and laughed as he heard a soft snore. Lizzy had fallen asleep on his chest and had not heard a single word of his proposal.
“Oh, Lizzy,” he spoke to himself, “how I adore you.” He smiled and kissed her forehead.
When they arrived at Darcy House, he shook her gently to awaken her and walked her to her bedroom door.
“I am sorry to be so drowsy, Will.” Lizzy yawned uncontrollably. “I cannot keep my eyes open.”
William leaned down and cradled her cheeks, “It is all well, my love. Thank you for a wonderful night and I will see you in the morning. Happy birthday, Lizzy.” He tenderly kissed her lips.
Lizzy smiled and closed her door behind her to sleep.
William beamed with joy and checked his pocket for the ring. He would have to wait one more day to propose but he knew she was worth the wait and turned to his rooms with a spring in his steps.
~*~
Lizzy was sitting at Lady Anne’s desk and humming a tune from The Marriage of Figaro while writing a letter when William found her there. He stood by the door to watch her lovely figure for a moment and sat down in front of her.
“Good morning, Will!” Lizzy merrily greeted him as she began to sand her letter. “I wrote to Charlotte about the wonderful opera we watched last night and thanked her for the birthday gift she sent. She sent me a lovely handkerchief with a beautiful embroidery of flowers. She is so good with her hands.”
“Are you nearly done?” William asked impatiently. “I have something to speak to you about this morning and wondered if you can join me in the gardens now.”
Lizzy stood after sealing her letter. “But of course, Will! I am ready now. Why the serious face? Has something happened?”
William smiled, “No, nothing, Lizzy. I am only anxious, that is all.” He held her hand on his arm and they walked to the beautiful small garden where Lady Anne grew her favourite flowers.
Lizzy sat down on a bench as she smelled the flowers around her. “It is so beautiful here. It is a little bit of Pemberley and I love coming out here every time.”
William snipped one of the red roses and handed it to her. “A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady.” He sat next to her and rubbed her hand. “You fell asleep in the carriage when I began to speak to you last night but I am glad to have waited. This is a better place in any case and more romantic for ladies.”
He watched her face as he continued. “What I wanted to say to you, Lizzy, is that since we have known each other for ages and you and I know each other better than anyone else, we should marry and I will continue to take care of you. It is perfectly rational that we continue our friendship and move it into a marriage, now that you are sixteen years old. I know you have more learning to complete and even though you will have to give up some of your childish pursuits, you will become a fine, accomplished woman. Even though society cannot find out about some of your unladylike interests, you will be able to adapt quickly and become an exceptional lady and I know you will be fully capable of becoming a wonderful mistress of my homes with my mother and my aunt’s support and guidance in the course
