Page 59 of The Sole Love

“You know Papa has forced me to accept your proposal.”

Bingley nodded sadly, but deep in his heart, he was overjoyed. He did not truly care why she accepted him. The important thing was that Jane would be his wife.

“I have not forgiven you!” she said harshly.

“I understand, but what can I do to earn your forgiveness?”

“I am only marrying you for your fortune,” she said, but her voice was less severe.

“I am sure you are,” he replied, knowing that the angel who walked beside him could never marry for money.

“I shall need you to buy me…and my sisters…many trifles,” she said, and he smiled towards the pale moon that had appeared in the sky long before the sun had completely set.

“May I kiss you?” he asked timidly.

“No!” she cried.

Then, remembering they were engaged, she decided to ignore the man and enjoy the betrothal, an experience every woman dreamed of having.

But when Mr Bingley’s lips met hers, a strange thing happened: her body responded with such intensity that she sighed…to his delight.

It must be the betrothal that gives me such turmoil, she thought. And while she continued to hate Mr Bingley, she acknowledged that being engaged was full of surprises and pleasures. She took his arm and, several steps later, stopped to be kissed again.

∞∞∞

It was the merriest dinner since they had arrived at Pemberley. Everybody talked and laughed, barely able to understand one another. Even Mr Bennet participated in the general gaiety. Jane shone in the role of intended bride, while Bingley, at her side, was so ecstatic that nobody attempted to speak to him. Words were unable to reach his ears, blocked as they were by his intense focus on Jane. He needed neither food nor drink; love was enough.

No one knew that Jane still hated Mr Bingley, as she appeared to be the happiest lady in the world.

“I shall cover you in jewels,” Bingley whispered in her ear.

“Oh no, Mr Bingley.” She again spoke severely. “We must buy Netherfield or another house in the neighbourhood. How can you be so reckless as to spend money on jewels?”

He ignored her scolding and kissed her hand, sure that no one at the table had seen his gesture. But it was impossible not to notice Jane’s face becoming rosy, a reaction she would have found extremely difficult to explain.

At the other end of the table, opposite Darcy, Lady Matlock shared in the general happiness. She looked with pleasure upon this cheerful family. She had known them for only an afternoon, but they had made a favourable impression upon her. London would welcome the new Mrs Darcy and Mrs Bingley with pleasure, and she would make certain of it.

∞∞∞

“Are you happy now? Am I totally forgiven?” Darcy asked Elizabeth after dinner.

She thought that the moment of his actual proposal had finally arrived and nodded at his teasing expression. But to her surprise, he invited her to approach Mr Bennet. Elizabeth could see the familiar sarcastic smile at the corners of her father’s mouth. His former humour was finally returning.

“Mr Bennet, in the past several months, I have tried repeatedly to propose marriage to Miss Elizabeth, only to be refused each time. I did not know there was another method available to me, but since the ones I have used in the past have not had the desired effect, please, sir, would you give me the hand of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

Elizabeth looked indignantly at her father, who was plainly laughing at the man she had adored until a few moments ago.

“Well, Mr Darcy, in your case, there are some conditions,” he replied.

“Anything, sir.”

They spoke as though Elizabeth were not present.

“I want unrestricted access to all your libraries.” He smiled again, this time looking at Elizabeth.

“Sir, you may use them any way you choose: take books home or stay at Pemberley or my town house…forever.”

“Then, my boy, Lizzy is yours!”