Page 30 of Through the Eyes of Love

I am overjoyed for you! Elizabeth must be very special, and I am excited to meet her as soon as you tell me I may. Of course, you may give your betrothed one of my mother’s rings, and she may keep it as long as she likes. My dear brother, I believe my parents are smiling down on you and wishing you all thehappiness you deserve. We are leaving London soon, and I look forward to seeing you and your betrothed.

Your loving sister,

Georgiana

* * *

Darcy askedElizabeth to join him on one of the benches in the garden. “Thank you for meeting me, Miss Bennet. There is something important I would like to ask you.” She was sitting on his right side, and he observed the perfect left side of her beautiful face, her delicate brows, her sparkling eyes, and her full pink lips.Will she say yes?Did she care for him or did she pity a damaged, scarred man?

* * *

Her heart racedas she looked straight ahead. Would he ever ask her what she wished him to ask? No, she was but a servant in his house and he could never ask her to be his wife. Perhaps he wished to know when she would like to return to London and planned to offer her a carriage to do so.

“Elizabeth you are a kind, compassionate person. Your exuberance lights up every room you enter. You are more knowledgeable than any woman I have ever met, and you are not afraid to express your own opinions. I hope you will say you will be my wife.”

She turned her head away so her bonnet hid the expression of shock and sadness on her face.Thatwas his proposal of marriage? He said she was kind yet did not speak of any affection for her, much less love. As often as she had dreamtof his asking for her hand, she never imagined there would be absolutely no emotion in his abrupt request. If he did not care for her, why did he ask her to be his wife? “Mr. Darcy, I am grateful for your offer, but I cannot marry you. I am a housemaid with a red mark on my face. You should marry abelleof theton.”

“My aunt introduced me to so many of those so-calledbellesthat their names and faces were nothing but a blur in my mind. They had no real interest inme, only my wealth and connexions. All they sought was a life of affluence and luxury. I am a gentleman, and you are a gentleman’s daughter; we are equals.”

“Perhaps in station but not in consequence. You are the affluent grandson and nephew of an earl, whereas I have no connexion to anyone in theton. Even before my father’s death we lived simply; nothing compared to what you are accustomed to. I fear if my mother fails to control my youngest sisters’ inappropriate behaviours,my family will be dangerously close to losing all respectability.”

“I understand. I am disfigured and walk with a limp. That is why you will not have me.”

“You should not say those things. I have not seen you use your cane in many weeks. You must trust in yourself once again.” How could he doubt her love for him? His injuries from the fire meant nothing to her.

“How can I trust myself? I am filled with nothing but fear and self-doubts.”

To support him, she attempted to change the subject. “Do you remember you told me about all you accomplished before the fire? You were an excellent master of this vast estate, and you will be once again. Before you were injured, you managed your tenants, the crops, and the livestock, not to mention all your other properties and investments. So many people depended on your guidance and good sense, and nothing can prevent you from fulfilling that role once again.”

“But how? There is so much to be done and I am uncertain as to whether I am up to the challenge. I must relearn everything I once knew about land drainage, crop rotations, and so much more. Everything sounds easy to accomplish whenyousay it.Youwould know what the right decisions should be. I need someone I can trust by my side. I needyou.”

Elizabeth ignored his last statement. Her mind was still buzzing with his startling proposal. “Start slowly and restore Pemberley to what it once was. Begin to rebuild the manor house one section at a time. Start cultivating the land so new crops can be planted. Have the burnt sections of the orchards pruned back so they can once again bear fruit.”

“I see you have already planned my future for me. Mrs. Reynolds gave me similar advice when I was overwhelmed by what was required of me when my father died. How can I accomplish any of those things without you? Please say you will be my wife.”

In her shock, she stared at the tall, handsome man beside her. Was she dreaming? Could this really be happening?Can I see myself married to Fitzwilliam Darcy and as the mistress of Pemberley?She loved admiring his dark wavy hair and his strong chin. Why had he not yet said a word about how he felt about her? Besides, such a man could never truly love her. What should she say? “You are only asking because you think no one else will marry you except someone who looks like me. I was not trained to be mistress of an estate this size.”

“Elizabeth, you are wrong. I like being with you. You are not afraid to suggest I rest in my room when I feel sorry for myself and my mood turns dark. I hope you have noticed that the more time we spend together, the fewer episodes of melancholy I have experienced. I love the sound of your laughter, how you pour all your emotions into your playing and singing. You lift my spiritsevery time you walk into the room. Is being together not better than being alone?”

“I cannot be your wife simply because you believe you should be married, and I am conveniently here.” He was not doing a good job of making his case.

“I am a fool to think you could ever care for me.” He stared at the gravel beneath his feet. “A hideous face and a bad leg,” he muttered as he hung his head. “I suppose you would rather marry Mr. Butler.”

“That is not it at all! I hardly know Mr. Butler. I have come to think of you as more than a friend.” Should she have said that?

He took her hand. “Thank you, Elizabeth. I hoped you cared for me.”

Yetdidhe care forher? She desperately wished to say yes, but what kind of marriage would they have if her sentiments were one sided?

“What say we make it official and tell everyone we are to be married?”

She took a deep breath and sighed, “It seems there is no arguing with you. Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would be honoured to be your wife.” She was going to marry the man she loved!

He took his mother’s ring from his pocket and placed it on her finger. “Pray call me Fitzwilliam.”

“It is so beautiful, thank you.”

“When the Darcy jewels are returned, you will have many other rings to choose from.”