Entirely a Matter of Chance by Sophia King

Author:Sophia King [King, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-05T04:00:00+00:00

22

Elizabeth had almost been right. As soon as they opened the door, she heard a scrambling sound. Her mother and sisters stood in the middle of the passage, engaged in animated conversation as if they had not just stood with their ears pressed to the wood. Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged looks. Darcy gave her a quick, knowing smile and for a moment, Elizabeth’s heart lifted at the brief camaraderie between them. Mr Bennet emerged from a nearby room and raised his eyebrows when he saw his daughter’s hand in Darcy’s.

“I take it we have an announcement to make?” he asked.

Mrs Bennet squeaked and placed her hand over her lips to calm herself. She looked as though she might burst with excitement. Jane looked at Lizzy in concern while her younger sisters giggled.

Darcy wrapped his hand firmly around Elizabeth’s.

“I have been honoured with the acceptance of Miss Elizabeth’s hand in marriage, and I have Mr Bennet’s blessing. I hope we might be married as soon as possible.”

Mrs Bennet shrieked and sprung forward, throwing her arms around both of them.

“A daughter married. Oh, I shall run distracted. This is the best news I have ever heard. My dear, sweet Lizzy! What a sly thing you are! We knew nothing about it!”

Elizabeth exchanged a look with her father. Mrs Bennet had heard the rumours as much as anyone, but it appeared she was determined to rewrite history and pretend it had been a love match all along. Well, there would be little point in contradicting her.

“You shall be married by special license,” Mrs Bennet declared next. “You must and shall! Mr Darcy will have no problem obtaining it, will you, sir?”

“I do not feel there is any need for that,” said Darcy dryly. Special licenses were hard to obtain, even for one as wealthy as Mr Darcy. “We shall call for the banns to be read as soon as possible.”

“So, it is true then,” cried Lydia. She jumped up and down, unable to contain her glee. “It is, is it not? What everyone has been saying? You did spend the night alone together? Ha! I knew it all along. And Lizzy was so smooth about lying. I did not know you were so sly, Lizzy!”

“We will not talk about that now,” said Mr Bennet firmly. “I think we might as well toast the happy couple.” His voice dropped, but though he muttered it under his breath, Elizabeth heard his words. “No matter how little it is deserved.”

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