Page 17

After swallowing, he placed his cup back on the saucer.

“Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Sir Lewis possessed significant magic until he died with only a daughter to inherit the estate. My aunt manages Rosings with an iron fist. If your cousin is unwed, I am certain she will have ordered him to seek a wife. She maintains that anyone who has one of her livings must be wed. She does not believe an unmarried man can tend properly to the needs of the parish without a wife.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Bennet. “And he indicated in his letter that he must seek a wife from amongst my daughters. I shall allow him to stay for the time he has specified, but I shall not sanction a match between him and any of my girls, even though my wife will be determined to have him marry one.”

Elizabeth grimaced and squirmed in her seat. “It will likely be me. She is most disturbed by my presence. Whether he is suitable or not will mean little to her in comparison to the idea of having me removed from her life.”

Her father sat forward and propped his forearms on his desk.

“That is why I hope to announce your betrothal at Samhain. I confess I have concerns over waiting for you to wed, but I also do not want to rush you, my dear. Darcy has been quite accommodating in allowing you to know him better, but I would prefer your connexion known before your cousin arrives.”

With a sizeable gulp, Fitzwilliam bit his cheek.

This Mr. Collins could complicate matters!

“I am not opposed to announcing our engagement, but I do wish to warn you that my aunt has long planned my marriage to her daughter, Anne. My father told her many times I was not at liberty to wed my cousin, yet he never mentioned Elizabeth for fear of my aunt seeking her out. Mr. Collins learning of our engagement will likely bring her to your door.”

Mr. Bennet pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yes, I am aware of Lady Catherine’s machinations. Your father mentioned them more than once in our correspondence. Do you know what talent she possesses? ”

His forehead bunched. “I do not remember her ever using magic, though she is knowledgeable of the magical community. Hunsford is a larger village and is a mixture of those who still practice and those who no longer have magic. Giving the living to someone who is non-magical makes sense.”

The older man stared at him for a moment. “You are not aware of her ability?”

“No. My father assumed it was insignificant, or she was unaware of it, which is why we have never seen nor heard of her using it.”

“Curious,” said Mr. Bennet. “Nevertheless, I would prefer to announce your engagement so no misunderstandings exist. I shall allow the two of you to discuss the matter for five minutes before I require an answer.” Without further comment, Mr. Bennet departed the library.

Elizabeth bent her head to the side and lifted her eyebrow. “Now that you know me some, do you wish to run, Mr. Darcy?”

Run? What was she speaking of? “I do not understand.”

“Well, you have mentioned I am impertinent, and I believe I am far too outspoken. Would you be willing to endure such a wife?”

He stood and took her hand, pulling her up to stand before him. “I rather enjoy your impertinence.”

She gave a burst of laughter. “You enjoy my impertinence? You are teasing me.”

“I assure you; I am in earnest.” He tugged her closer. “When you are being clever, the slight curve of your lips begs to be kissed.”

“How shocking—and forward. We are not wed. . .yet.”

“Then you should put me out of my misery, relieve me of my torment, and consent to be my bride.” She was fighting her amusement. That barely-there twitch in her cheek gave her away.

“You exaggerate, sir. ”

“Do I? I believe I tell the absolute truth. I have come to care for you deeply, and I would be honoured to have you as my bride.”

“What of my tongue?”

“What is amiss with your tongue? Open your mouth and let me see. Is it forked or. . .” He feigned as though he was going to peek into her mouth.

“Mr. Darcy! I spoke of my inability to—”

“I am aware of what you speak, but I do not mind your outspokenness. I have been called proud by some, so perhaps your open nature will help to prevent me from being so anxious in company.” When they were dancing at the assembly, he had relaxed some due to her presence nearby.

It stood to reason she would be of aid in other situations as well.

“Elizabeth, we are not getting married tomorrow. If you are still uneasy at the thought of me being your betrothed, we can delay the announcement until closer to the solstice.”

She smoothed his cravat away from the pin and stared at it for a moment. “No, I am well. We shall wed when Papa decrees it should occur.”

Fitzwilliam’s heart beat quicker than he was accustomed. She had agreed! She would be his! His palms cupped her cheeks. “You have made me exceedingly happy today, Elizabeth.”

When her eyes lifted and their gazes met, he leaned down and claimed her lips.

He only intended to press his mouth to hers once more, but as soon as she rose on her tiptoes and returned the pressure, he groaned and tugged at her lips, persuading them open.

Before he could give in to temptation and taste her, a knock made him step back in haste.

Mr. Bennet entered a second later, his eyes darting between the two of them. “Have you settled matters?”

“Elizabeth said we would marry as you decreed, sir.” Fitzwilliam steered Elizabeth to her chair for her to sit, but instead of resuming his place in the chair beside her, he set his hand on her shoulder.

“Good,” said the gentleman. “So you will be wed on the full moon before the solstice per the agreement with your father. As you know, marriages on the full moon are blessed with prosperity and good fortune.”

“The full moon before should be at the end of November.” Elizabeth glanced back at him. “Are we to be publicly wed or will you conceal it until the solstice?”

Her father tapped a finger on his desk. “That is complicated. You see, I intend to hide the duchess in the small house in the forest.” Fitzwilliam’s head jerked up. House? In the forest? He had not been through the entirety, but he had not found such a place.

Elizabeth’s hand covered his. “It is not far from the stream and hidden well with several charms and spells. Most who happen upon the place see the forest in front of them and feel the urge to walk in the opposite direction. It is the perfect place for the duchess.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Bennet, “but I would have hidden you away there until the solstice if she was not coming. I do have time to repair the dower house. It is small, but we could use the same charms and spells on it as on the house in the woods so those who approach are forced to depart.

“Darcy, you would need to have some excuse for your hosts.”

He nodded. “I can easily claim a need to return to London before the wedding.”

“I can be visiting Uncle Gardiner in town,” said Elizabeth.

Mr. Bennet gave a definitive rap of his knuckles on the wood surface. “I shall speak with the vicar. He is a circumspect man. We have no need for concern that he might reveal our intentions. So, with that, I believe we have everything sorted. ”

Elizabeth looked at him and bit her lip. She still appeared ill-at-ease about marrying him, but he would ensure she never regretted accepting him as her husband. They would be happy. He would never allow their marriage to be anything less than perfect. After all, his happiness was at stake as well.