The Engagement

Pride and Prejudice sequel. The story depicts the period of Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement. How will our beloved couple survive three months of constant encounters with family, friends and relatives? Will they find a moment of privacy? Will they break the rules of propriety, anticipating their wedding vows? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You are engaged to whom?” Mr. Bennet exclaimed, staring with wide eyes at his second daughter. “To Mr. Darcy, Papa,” Elizabeth replied, sitting calmly on a chair in the Longbourn library. “Are you jesting with me, Lizzy?” “No, Papa. I am engaged to Mr. Darcy. I love him and I will marry him as soon as can be.” Mr. Bennet dropped heavily into his favourite armchair, being quiet for a minute. “You love him? You always claimed to hate him! You spoke many times about your dislike for his person.” “I did once dislike him,” she admitted. “However, it has been many months now that I have felt quite differently about him.” “May I know since when exactly?” “Last April.” “April? When you visited the Collinses?” “Indeed. We met again at Rosings Park; you must remember that Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy’s aunt. Then, when I travelled with the Gardiners, I met him again. At the time I was ready to admit to myself that I was in love with him.” Mr. Bennet shook his greying head. “It seems that I know nothing about my daughters, even about you, Lizzy.” “I could hardly speak to you about matters of the heart, Papa. What happened between Mr. Darcy and I was so very personal to me that even Jane does not know about everything. She knows that I do not hate him anymore, but she is not aware of my love for him. I plan to tell her everything tonight.” The room became silent. Elizabeth thought that it was the best to allow her father some time to settle with the news before mentioning that Darcy wanted to speak with him tomorrow. She could understand why her father was in such a shock. She had always criticized Darcy in his company, and now all of a sudden she was announcing her engagement to the man. “Forgive me, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet spoke at last. “But I cannot understand your decision. Are you certain that you know what you are doing? You remember how he said that you were not handsome enough to dance with, how he humiliated you at the ball last year.” Elizabeth let out a long sigh, forcing a smile. “I do remember, Papa. Mr. Darcy and I were both fools, fighting the attraction between us. But he was the first to acknowledge that he loved me. He proposed to me five months ago but I refused back then.” “You refused him!” Mr. Bennet interrupted. Elizabeth nodded, then continued, “It took me all those months to understand him and myself, change my feelings. When he asked again earlier today, I did not hesitate even for a moment.” “I see, but Lizzy, are you truly certain? Once you are married to him there would not be a way to go back. Trust me on this, you may be attracted to his good looks and wealth, but he will be someone who you will spend the rest of your life with. Think about it, child. Can you trust him? Will he treat you right? Do you know what kind of man he is?” “He is the best man I know, Papa. He cannot advertise his charms, perhaps, but he is kind, loyal and honest.” “Very well, Lizzy, if you are certain of your decision, I will not try to prevent it. You are of age, and I do trust your judgement. Your mother will certainly be pleased with such news.” Elizabeth came to stand by her father’s side. “Thank you, Papa. He wants to talk with you. I told him that you would see him tomorrow.” “Tomorrow, then.” Mr. Bennet brought her hand to his mouth, kissing it. “I hope that he will be worthy of you.”