Assembly

Assembly

28 November 1812 Kympton, Derbyshire

Dearest Jane,

I can hardly contain my surprise at the events of this evening’s assembly, and you can be in no doubt that Mary will send you her own impressions forthwith. It is full dark in the middle of the night here in Kympton, but I cannot rest until I have written it all for the morning post.

As you well expect, I visited the assembly last evening. I was looking around and just getting my bearings, while I could see several gentlemen apparently trying to work their way up to securing an introduction, when I heard a voice behind me that I have both longed to hear and feared ever since my epiphany.

What he said was so memorable, I must quote it exactly.

“I must dance! I will not stand around in this stupid manner, and it would be a punishment to dance with any other lady than the most handsome woman I have ever beheld, Miss Elizabeth.”

I spun around in surprise at such a reversal of that gentleman’s first words in my hearing, with heartfelt thanks for all that he had done on my lips, determined to get them out, but I was struck mute before I could utter a single word.

Mr Darcy was standing there, dressed impeccably, handsomer than ever, and showing me an expression that even the most stubborn woman in England could not misinterpret. It had all the hope of a puppy the first time it opens its eyes to see its dear mother, combined with the adoration I see between Aunt and Uncle, and the fixedness of purpose of a bear tearing apart a tree for honey.

I knew at that very moment my heart was well and thoroughly lost, although I suspect it has been for some time.

As you know, when I was rethinking every interaction of the past year, I concluded that he either respected me and wanted me as a family friend or that he was in love with me—or at least he had once been. His expression clearly and unambiguously showed me which case was true, and the thought I had only barely dared to even think was there to guide my heart.

I could not speak a single word, and Mr Darcy is a man of few words at the best of times, but I do believe we were, for the very first time in our entire rocky acquaintance, in a state of absolute, complete, and perfect understanding.

I could barely register Miss Darcy standing beside him, but I must own that I am surprised that I could see the gentleman at all, as Miss Darcy’s smile was as bright as a dozen suns, and she jumped over to grab me in an embrace that I thought was likely to kill me. She apparently has also been appraised of both my blindness and my stubbornness, so wanted to leave me in no doubt as to her sentiments.

Even with this inducement, I could not but help seeing the look on Mr Darcy’s face as he beheld the two of us embracing. His eyes were speaking a language that I was finally able to understand, and it was saying that all was right with the world.

No formal application for the dance was needed or desired. He simply held out his hand, Georgiana put my hand in his, just in case I thought of resisting, and we left to join the set.

It was a sublimely beautiful dance, or at least I believe it was, as I can barely remember anything about the music, or the hall, or the other dancers. There was only him, and I am certain for him there was only me.

I was still nervous about what was to happen next, and then he said something so very memorable, that I am afraid I must quote exactly. His speech showed everything wonderful and unexpected, including his wry sense of humour.

“I am most vexed with you, Elizabeth. On your last visit, both you and your esteemed aunt, steadfastly refused to suggest a single alteration for your chambers, so I am afraid you must accept them just as they are.”

Your astonished sister, Lizzy

~~~~~~

P.S. Of course, he proposed properly in the usual form of a question and an answer, and it is a truth universally acknowledged in Kympton that both were lovely, since both were performed in front of his sister, my sister, and the entire assembly. I am of age, and not inclined to ask permission from anybody for anything, but I will beg for your blessing, as I already have Mary’s. The banns will be read on Sunday, and we are to be married in one month by Mary’s husband, here in Kympton—well, he will not be her husband for another two days, but why quibble?

~~~~~~

P.P.S. The carriage in the drive is for you, and the man that handed this letter to you is Mr Darcy’s steward. He brought a maid, a footman, and Georgiana’s companion, Mrs Annesley, so please bring Kitty when you come to attend my wedding. Plan to stay six weeks at least, but you need not bring too many dresses, as my intended is quite anxious to have his sisters be as happy as his wife. I will ask you to indulge him on this matter, regardless of your own sentiments, as he is the second stubbornest person in England.

Naturally, it is Tuesday morning right after breakfast now, so you must hurry and be out of the house before luncheon. Simply have Mr Bennet sign the document attached for permission, unless of course he already has a very different document to sign with Mr Bingley.

Of course, Aunt and Uncle Gardiner will attend if their business allows it, and since my beau’s note makes copious reference to the miserable state of his trout stream, I believe we may just be indulged.

~~~~~~

P.P.P.S. Also, if you can find it in your heart to forgive Colonel Fitzwilliam, I would be most appreciative. He is off to the continent for duty soon, but he will be present at our wedding and is most anxious to meet the rest of the Bennet sisters. Once I finally understood that he thought Fitzwilliam saved Mr Bingley from a fortune hunter, I have forgotten all anger, and I can see why you liked him back in Rosings. He is my third favourite Northman.