“Has he asked you again?” Mrs. Gardiner asked. “Has he asked you to change your ways to meet his expectations or to take on the skills of an accomplished lady to fit into his world? I cannot imagine he would do so after the last time.”
Lizzy softly smiled as she pulled out her handkerchief, “No, never. He has been constant and he even embroidered this for me with his own hands.” She showed her aunt the beautiful work. “He has changed for me after the first proposal and never once has he asked me to be someone I am not. I love him, aunt. I believe I love him with the deepest of affections as I would a husband and no longer see him only as a brother. He has changed for me and I want to change for him.”
Mrs. Gardiner shrieked in joy and hugged her niece, “I knew I loved your uncle when he called on me week after week in Hertfordshire and his dedication for my contentment was evident in every interaction and looks. William looks at you with admiration in his eyes and it has been plain to see it for the rest of us. That you wish for his happiness above your own is surely proof that you love him. You will accept him, then? You will marry him and become Mrs. Darcy?”
Lizzy laughed, “He is determined to not ask me again but I would accept him now. He is perfect for me and I had been blind by my own prejudices that I could never be a good wife, but if he willing to overlook my deficiencies and still wants me to be his wife, I will acknowledge that I will never be perfect but do the best I can for him. I am poor and stubborn but if he can love me as I am, I will learn all I can to be a good wife to him.”
“He does not care about your fortune or connections; he never has, you know.” Her aunt responded. “You must tell him soon. Tonight! He must know that you have changed your mind!”
Lizzy giggled, “I will tell him, aunt. But will you help me? How do I make conversations on topics that I abhor? How do I sip tea and pretend to enjoy the gossips that I care nothing about?”
“Not everyone is interested in table designs and laces, Lizzy.” She answered. “Some speak of charities, as you have seen with my friends, and you can speak of children or travels. If you feel the conversation absolutely insipid, you can always spill your tea and excuse yourself to return home.” They both laughed heartily. “And you will never need to embroider, as William seems very efficient and you will have maids to do it for you. Your duty as a wife would be to keep your husband happy and William is never happier than when he is with you.”
The ladies sat and waited for Mr. Gardiner’s arrival, playing with the children and discussing their plans for dinner at Darcy House that evening.
It was most unfortunate that another event was taking place on the other side of town, which would bring heartache to the impertinent young lady.
Chapter 12
“Bingley! Miss Bingley!” William exclaimed. “I did not know you would be in town already.” He shook his young friend’s hand then bowed to Miss Caroline Bingley out of respect for her father and brother. He liked the nineteen-year-old young man very much but did not know how to address his sister after their last meeting at her coming out ball four years ago.
“Yes, I am on holiday from school for a month and father's lease ended at Rosings Park so are staying in London until father is able to locate another country estate for us. We are currently in a townhouse near Grosvenor Square, quite close to your home, Darcy.” Charles Bingley replied. “We heard your cousin is getting married!”
William smiled, “Yes, the colonel is finally retiring next month and will be married in June. It took some convincing but the earl realised that keeping his valiant son happy is best for us all and has approved of the marriage after the Grantleys restored the relationship.” He turned to Miss Bingley and raised an eyebrow, “Mrs. Eleanor Woods’ elder sister will be daughter to an earl and will bring £20,000 to the marriage. Most acceptable, I say.”
Miss Bingley blushed with his glare and replied softly, “I am most happy to hear it, sir. I must apologise for my horrid behaviour before and I am most thankful that you have been kind to my brother. I am truly grateful for your continued friendship with Charles.” She lowered her eyes shyly.
“Caroline has been a good sister, Darcy, and although she is one and twenty now, she has been in no rush to marry and has been patient in learning about the duties of a mistress at Rosings.” Bingley beamed. “Once I complete my schooling, I shall be glad to have my sister join me to be hostess for my home someday. Father is looking at Hertfordshire, since your father has such a good opinion of that part of the country.”
William relaxed with the information and looked at the pretty woman again. She was indeed one of the most beautiful ladies he had met and his reason for finding her attractive in the first place had still remained. “I am heading home now for dinner and I wonder if you are able to join me. I know it is late notice but Cook will have plenty of food since we have
