Page 102 of Shields and Roses

"Yes, thank you, sir," Darcy added.

"Well, well. That is enough excitement for now, I suppose. Shall we have some breakfast before some other monumental event befalls us?" Bennet asked, heading to the sideboard where the hot food awaited them.

"Then we have your blessing?" Darcy asked, wanting to be sure on what footing he stood.

Bennet turned back from the food to look carefully at the hopeful couple. "Well...I do not know," he said, pausing for effect. "Yes, you have my blessing," he finally finished with a smile. "Now, eat. You will need to be fortified for a day of secrecy."

With smiles they could not contain, Darcy and Lizzy joined him at the sideboard. Soon all three were enjoying their breakfast.

Chapter 49: Amusements

It soon became evident that Bennet's warning to fortify themselves had been a wise one. Darcy and Lizzy realized within minutes of the arrival of other family members in the breakfast room that they would have to be very careful or they would inadvertently betray their secret without ever saying a word.

The main problem was that every time Darcy looked at Lizzy, a warm glow bubbled up inside him and burst out over his face in the form of a delighted smile. From her delighted expression, he guessed that Lizzy was similarly affected.

Bennet, of course, saw it all and enjoyed it immensely. His pleasure in the situation came not just from watching the two, but also because he knew his Lizzy would be in good hands going forward. Once they were married, there would be little Lady Catherine could do to harm her. Even if she tried, Darcy and all the rest of his family would be ready to protect Lizzy.

Fortunately for the couple, Mrs. Bennet was occupied with the impending arrival of the Damasks and Madeline Gardiner's other relatives, along with the expected return of Sir Barnaby Linton. Even though the new arrivals would be staying in other homes, she knew they would be frequent visitors to Longbourn, and she wanted to be sure to display her abilities as a hostess to best effect. She spent breakfast talking about having a full formal dinner party on Friday evening after everyone had arrived. Mrs. de Bourgh and Jane were consulted on their ideas, and Lizzy, Kitty and Lydia were dragged into the conversation as well.

Sir Phillip sat near Darcy and Bennet, well away from the fuss and uproar. Unlike Mrs. Bennet, he did notice something was up. As the gentlemen excused themselves to enjoy a game of chess while Bennet did some estate work in the study, he pulled Darcy aside.

"What is up with you today?" he asked. "Your expression is almost, well, the best word I can find is effervescent."

Darcy gave him a big grin but since they were still in earshot of the ladies in the breakfast room he just gestured with his head in that direction while remaining silent. Sir Phillip took the hint and nodded even as Bennet broke into what was definitely a snicker behind them.

Entering the study silently, Darcy and Sir Phillip made their moves on the miniature board before heading to the chairs in front of the fireplace and the large board set up there. Bennet had settled into his chair behind the desk as they played on old Mr. Darcy's behalf. Now, he stopped them before they could sit.

"Mr. Darcy, before you begin your game, I wonder if you would do me a favor in consideration of your new role as my future son-in-law?"

Sir Phillip guffawed, slapping one leg in amusement. "I knew there was something big in the air," he said. "So, Miss Elizabeth accepted your offer."

"She did," Darcy confirmed. "Just this morning. We are waiting to inform Mrs. Bennet until after Miss Mary arrives on Thursday."

"Oh, you two will never keep the secret that long with the way you are looking at each other," Sir Phillip said, still laughing.

Darcy looked at his companion closely for a moment. He raised one eyebrow questioningly and asked seriously, "When did you become Richard?"

Bennet began to laugh again as Sir Phillip answered, "He is not here, so I must be his proxy."

Darcy rolled his eyes, just as he would have at a comment like that from his cousin. He turned to Bennet.

"Was there some task you actually wished me to do, sir? Or was that just a way to let the cat out of the bag?"

"Oh, no," Bennet said. "My request may have served that purpose, but I actually do need a favor."

"How may I assist?" Darcy asked.

"One of my tenant families, the Clarkes, who live on the farthest point on the estate from this house, sent word of a problem on their farm that needs immediate attention. With all the recent excitement, I really do not feel able to walk all the way out there and my steward is busy working on another issue. Would you be willing to ride out and act as my proxy to examine the situation and suggest some solutions? I know you have the necessary experience to handle the job well."

"Of course. If you give me directions, I will change into riding clothes, have Wickham's horse saddled and head on over."

"I would like to join you, if I may," Sir Phillip offered. "Unlike you, I have no practical experience, but this sounds like a way to gain some, assuming Mr. Bennet has a horse I might borrow for the ride."

"I do not keep one for myself, but you can use one of those I have on hand for the stable boys when they carry messages for me. I will send to the stable to have the horses saddled while you two change clothes."

Bennet proceeded to give detailed directions to the Clarke farm, along with a little history about the tenant that he thought Darcy might find useful. Before too long, the younger men were on their way.

It turned out to be an interesting assignment as well as an enjoyable ride. Darcy appreciated the opportunity for the exercise. He also appreciated seeing more of the estate and getting to know the place where his future wife had grown up. He knew Lizzy often accompanied her father when he handled estate business, so it gave him a little more insight into the influences on her childhood.