Georgiana is beside herself with excitement. She has told me no fewer than five times how she has always longed for a sister. I am glad I may oblige her with such a charming one as you.

How do you find the seaside? I wish I could have been with you when you saw it for the first time and thus been part of what must remain an indelible memory in your mind. It comforts me to know that your first sight of The Lakes will be at my side and will be the first of many memories we make together.

I do not know if you will have decided any of this yet, but Georgiana wishes to know what color your wedding gown will be. She will begin shopping soon and she would like to wear something complementary but does not wish to insult you by wearing the same color. There, my promise is now discharged and I may continue on topics more interesting to the male sex, or at least to me.

Have I told you how completely I adore you and with what anticipation I look forward to our union? I am sure that we will be very happy together. Six weeks has never seemed so long.

Think of me while you are walking in the sand and remember how dearly I miss your smile.

Yours,

F. Darcy

How was she to respond to such a letter? What could she possibly say in reply? “It’s all very well that you adore me and cannot wait to be married to me, but I look on the event as one would a trip to the guillotine.” No! She could not! It would be completely inappropriate and likely quite cruel. He seemed to be rather in love with her, though how true his feelings were she could not say. He barely knew her! How could a deep and abiding love come from so slight an acquaintance between such disparate characters?

Deciding it was best to get the unpleasant task dealt with and out of the way, she sat at the writing desk and began a reply. She only left off twice and spent the better part of two days working on it in some form or another before she finally finished and gave it to her father to post.

~

In London, Darcy had just finished his final meeting with the solicitor and walked into his home with a spring in his step. Tomorrow, the final copy of the settlement would be prepared and he could send it to Mr. Bennet. Once the articles were signed, he would announce it to his family and they would know he was a claimed man.