Chapter 21

Brighton

Late August, 1813

An entire ream of paper had passed, Darcy fancied, between Pemberley and Longbourn and Brighton and Rosings. For some months, he had assiduously courted Elizabeth Bennet via letter. Her every response was but fuel for the glow in his heart, and he read her fine hand with increasing joy at each missive. He had imagined the way she would smile as she wrote of happy events, or the pensive crumple on her forehead as described heavier topics, such as her sister's illness. He could all but hear her voice as her dry witticisms adorned her writing. Yet none of it compared to her presence, to truly hearing and seeing her.

Now, at last, he was to meet her in person, and Darcy's heart sang within him. Lady Catherine had not ceased her mischief and troublemaking, but Richard had solemnly assured Darcy of his ability to handle their mutual aunt for a sennight while Darcy was away. Brighton was but fifty-odd miles from Rosings, and it had quietly galled Darcy that so short a distance separated him from Miss Bennet, yet he was unable to go to her.

Still, it had not been expedient for either of them. Jane Russell and Anne Fitzwilliam had both experienced difficult pregnancies, and just as Elizabeth had been dedicated to caring for her ill sister in the seaside town, Darcy had spent most of his time handling Lady Catherine so that Richard might better ease his ailing wife.

But now, Anne had safely delivered a healthy son, Georgiana had settled comfortably at Rosings with Mrs. Annesley as companion and friend, and Darcy had set out before his luggage carriage and servants to ride ahead on Phoenix toward the seaside town where his fair lady awaited. He had collected her direction from her letters – a house on Marshall Street, less expensive than the houses that overlooked the ocean but close enough for the healthful breezes to reach the woman in delicate condition.

It was a glorious day for riding. The sun shone down, scarcely hindered by the puffs of cloud like heaped cotton-wool that decorated the sky. A brisk breeze, now tinted with only the slightest hint of salt, kept one from overheating. Darcy crested the hill and reined in Phoenix, who pranced once and then stood champing his bit as his rider gazed down on the panorama below.

The sea stretched out to the far distant horizon, an ever-changing tapestry of blue and green, flecked with the white of foam and the gold of sun-topped swells. Gulls wheeled in the sky, their far-off calls carrying up to where Darcy sat. Brighton itself sprawled before him, nestled in between the hills and the bright swathe of shore that sloped down to the waters. Red and brown and green roofs made a pleasing patchwork quilt, sewn together with the threads of twisting roads. To his right, the Royal Pavilion stood proud and grand above the surrounding mansions, tiny workers moving busily to and fro around it. A fantastic waste of money, Darcy thought it, though there could be no doubt that the Prince's patronage had done much to increase the small town's prosperity. When completed, the Pavilion would add greatly to Brighton's charm, and would likely draw even more visitors to the sea.

It was an enchanting sight. Even more delightful was the knowledge that somewhere down there, Elizabeth Bennet awaited him. Darcy's heart urged him to ride down and find her at once, but no, he must first make his way to the Golden Daffodil Inn, where he would be staying, and change out of his sweaty, smelly garments before proceeding to Marshall Street and the object of his affections. His adored lady deserved a tidy suitor.

/

The Russells’ Rented House

Brighton

Two Hours Later

“Mr. Darcy is here to see you,” Alice said, and Elizabeth, who had been trying to read a novel, leaped to her feet as the gentleman entered the room, dressed neatly in morning attire, a shy smile adorning his handsome face. Her book tumbled from her hands in her haste, but she cared not.

“Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed and felt her cheeks turn pink at the admiration in her visitor’s eyes.

“Miss Bennet,” he murmured, bowing deeply and then straightening to gaze into her dark eyes. “It is wonderful to see you again.”

“It is wonderful to see you, too,” Elizabeth managed to say, her heart beating rapidly, her hands tingling in excitement

“Mr. Darcy,” Jane said from her seat in the corner. “Good afternoon.”

Darcy turned in surprise and said, “Mrs. Russell! My apologies, I did not see you!”

“That is quite all right, Mr. Darcy,” Jane said with her usual gracious smile. “I know you and Elizabeth have been eager to see one another for many weeks. Please, will you not sit down and enjoy some tea?”

“Thank you,” Darcy replied, looking at Elizabeth, who smiled mischievously and took her own seat on a settee, whereupon she patted the place adjacent to her own. He grinned at her and sank down, even as Jane said, “I am certain you would like to speak at some length, but before I return to my book, may I inquire as to how the Fitzwilliams are faring?”

“They are very well, thank you,” Darcy said with a smile. “My cousin Anne is recovering well, and their little son is growing rapidly.”

“Praise God for that,” Jane replied, her hand moving unconsciously to the bulge in her own gown. Elizabeth, regarding her sister with a critical eye, was pleased at what she saw. Jane was still a little pale and thin, but her eyes were brighter than even two weeks previously, and she was now eating well. Elizabeth was enormously relieved; she had been quite anxious about her sister, who had definitely endured a difficult few months.

“Yes, we are grateful and pleased,” Darcy agreed.

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” his hostess continued.

“Yes, I would like nothing more.” Darcy said.

Jane nodded and said, “Now, I will read Robinson Crusoe for the fifth time, and I beg you to enjoy a pleasant talk.”

She picked up her book off a side table and deliberately turned so that the light would fall on the page.

“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “I am incredibly happy for Anne and her husband. It must be wonderful for there to be a little one in Rosings after so many years.”

“Indeed it is,” Darcy replied with a grin. “I have never seen Richard so delighted in life.”

“Has Lady Catherine visited her grandson?”

“She has, twice, under the careful eye of her son-in-law. She is, thankfully, very proud of little Lewis and inclined to take credit for his sturdy limbs and healthy lungs. I will, at least, admit to her influence on his lungs; she is a noisy person, my aunt, and my infant cousin is as well.”

Elizabeth laughed. “That is a reasonable statement. I confess that during my visits to Rosings, I was often astonished at how long Lady Catherine could speak without growing tired, and about the most remarkable range of topics, including things she obviously knew nothing about.”

Darcy grimaced and said, “She really is a ridiculous person, but until recently, her position as mistress of Rosings gave her substantial power. I cannot be thankful enough to my cousin Richard for marrying Anne, who is his perfect match, and then taking on the arduous task of bringing the estate into order, and also restraining Lady Catherine.”

“Given that you are master of your own massive estate, it is good that Mr. Fitzwilliam took on that burden,” Elizabeth remarked.

Darcy gazed at her, then glanced at the window, and said, rather hurriedly, “Miss Bennet, would you be interested in walking to the ocean front with me?”

She was startled but entirely pleased, and turned to her sister. “Jane, my dear, do you mind if we leave you for a few minutes?”

“Of course, dear,” Mrs. Russell returned placidly. “You need not hurry; I may well ascend to my chamber for a nap.”

Elizabeth rose and walked over to plant a kiss on her sister’s capped head, and then said, “This way, Mr. Darcy.”

She donned her gloves and shawl and hat and then stepped out onto the small stoop of the house, where Darcy joined her. Once they had descended the stairs, he held out his arm toward her, and she took it, and shivered slightly at the feel of those strong muscles underneath the elegant green coat.

They walked down the street and turned left toward the ocean, and Elizabeth found herself caught between her usual wonder at the sight of the endless waters, and the thrill at walking arm in arm with the master of Pemberley – an intelligent man, a kind man, a man … she loved.

She did love him, and if he still wished to marry her, she would accept. She would become Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley.

They made their way to the boardwalk, which ran parallel to the shore, and began walking toward the west, the wind cooling their faces, the sun beginning its stately descent toward the horizon.

“Is it not lovely?” Elizabeth asked after a few minutes of silence.

“It is surpassingly beautiful,” Darcy agreed, and then, after clearing his throat, said, “but still not as lovely as you.”

She turned toward him and chuckled. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

He stopped and turned toward her, his gloved hands reaching for hers. “I meant it.”

Any inclination to merriment disappeared at the gravity, the passion, in those dark eyes, and she suddenly found herself breathless.

“Miss Bennet?”

“Mr. Darcy.”

“We have been corresponding for many months now...”

“Yes.”

“And I wonder if you feel ready to make ... to make a decision about whether we are suited for marriage.”

Elizabeth, whose eyes had lowered to fix on Darcy’s lips, raised her gaze back to his eyes, and smiled. “I am.”

He looked startled and then joyful, augmenting his already considerable good looks. “In that case, Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”

The adoration in those dark eyes nearly took her breath away, but she managed to say. “Mr. Darcy, it would be my honor and my pleasure and my privilege to become your wife.”

Now the gentleman’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and he pulled her a little closer. “Elizabeth, I love you.”

“I love you too, Fitzwilliam, so very much,” she replied, choking back a happy sob.

There were, of course, details to consider and decisions to be made, but for now, they merely gazed at one another, indifferent to the strangers walking past them, caught up in their mutual love, adoration, and respect, two young people looking forward to a wonderful future together.