53. Ch 49:The greatest of these is love pt 2

Ch 49: The greatest of these is love…

Part 2

Rays of sunlight were just beginning to lick the dew off the leaves as the small party departed from Netherfield. Bathed in the morning's golden light, hearts were warmed and none felt the need to break its spell. So the party walked on in affectionate silence. As they progressed down the heavily wooded path, the fragrance of honeysuckle, faint at first, tinged the breeze. Soon they saw the vines winding their way up the trees, heavily laden with white and yellow blooms. Over their heads, the tree branches formed a canopy shading them even as beams of gold forced their way through to dapple the ground in front of them. Without the need to speak, the couples parted ways as the perfume in the air grew stronger.

Mary and Pierce passed a bend in the path and stopped. The air now filled with a heady fragrance and they were surrounded by heavy vines dripping with flowers. She pulled a tendril closer and buried her face in the tiny blossoms.

"Is it not an amazing thing to take such a gift and be able to preserve its essence for the days ahead?" she wondered aloud, clipping the vine and tucking it into her basket.

"I am always amazed at the Good Lord's ingenuity." Pierce laughed, plucking a blossom and putting it to his lips. "Tucking such sweetness into a tiny bloom…"

"Or healing properties into the hips a rose leaves behind?" she teased peeking at him through a curtain of petals.

He laughed heartily, the rich sound startling several birds from their hidden perches.

[i]He has the most amazing laugh. What a wonderful sound.

Pierce stepped closer to her, gazing into her face with a peculiar intensity. "Or such beauty in the eyes of a young woman."

"Oh," she gasped.

He pushed through the branches to stand beside her and took her hand. "I know it was not long ago that I asked permission to court you, Miss Mary. But so much has happened in that time, it seems a life time."

Her face flushed and her heart raced. She gazed deep into his hazel eyes. He has such soulful eyes. "It has certainly been a tumultuous season with Lydia's trip to Brighton, the Carver's departure, my mother's removal to London, Mr. Collins," her voice caught in her throat, "and all that ensued with him. Then the spate of illness in the parish…"

"So very many things in so short a time," he agreed softly. I cannot believe what we have walked through together in just these short weeks. Your strength amazes me. "Because of that, I know this might be the worst possible time to ask this of you…" But I hope not. "Especially with your father away to London."

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth giving him hope to continue. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a fallen log and led her to sit down. Looking up into the sky, he sighed and drew a deep breath. "I suppose it is strange that I, who earn my keep through my weekly oration, should now be at a loss for words." He shook his head, laughing, his sandy hair falling into his face.

She laughed with him. "I hardly think you can rightly compare the two situations. They are so very different. As you do not typically read from someone else's prepared sermons, would I be greatly mistaken to believe that you spend many hours studying and considering what you will say on Sunday mornings? I have seen you carry extensive notes with you. I might even guess that nearly every word you speak is written there before you, is it not?" He smiled sheepishly, nodding. "I see no notes in your hands this morning." She raised her eyebrow. "So it does not surprise me that words are not so readily available to you now."

"Perhaps I should have thought ahead and wrote a few. I shall remember that for the future." He chuckled softly. "How is it you always seem to know what to say to set me at ease?" It is as if you know what troubles me most and unfailingly give me comfort.

Blushing, she shrugged, dropping her gaze shyly.

"It is true Miss Mary. I have watched you as you have helped me call upon the sick in the village and you have the most wonderful gift for knowing exactly what to say to bring ease in the most disconcerting of moments. Time and time again, I have watched you ease the suffering of those around you with your compassion and your wisdom." He tried to catch her eyes, but she did not look up. "I have come to rely upon your good judgment recently. I do not wish to ever be without it."

She lifted her eyes, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I cannot believe that you would say these things to me. You think so well of me.

"This is a season of great change for me. Mr. Bradley's kind offer means there will be many decisions I have to make in the near future. I do not want to make them alone." He reached for her hands and clasped them in his. He stared into her eyes for a long time, a smile spreading across his expressive lips. "In exchange for the kindness you mother has done me in raising such a beautiful young lady, I would like to offer her the kindness of returning to Meryton to find you engaged. I know it would ease her heart." [i]That is not what I meant to say! Pierce grimaced as they laughed softly. "Please, Mary, would you consent to become my wife?"

Her green eyes twinkled mischievously. "If I were Lizzy I would surely have to tease you that it is a rare man indeed to think of his potential mother-in-law's wellbeing rather than his future wife's at such a time as this."

Pierce's eyes grew wide and his face blanched. I am truly an idiot! How could I have said such a thing to her? He stammered, unable to find words as he raked his hand through his hair.

"But," she slipped one hand out of his grip and laid it softly on the side of his face. "I am not my witty elder sister. I find it charming and quite like you to be so good as to consider the frailties of my dear mama at a time which most men would consider only their own happiness." She smiled loving, tracing the edge of his jaw with her fingertips.

"I am so sorry, my dear, I wished to…" You deserve so much better…

She laid a finger on his lips. "I would be most honored to be your wife…Ethan." Her voice dropped as she used his Christian name for the first time.

"Mary," he sighed, pressing her hand to his cheek. "You have made me the happiest of men."

"I would say I am the happiest of my sisters this morning, but somehow I believe that there are at least two others on errands similar to yours today." She cocked her head knowingly.

"Mr. Bradley gave us his blessings this morning. Your father had already written to offer his, something about not keeping your suitors in suspense any longer." He smirked at the thought of Mr. Bennet's words.

"I thought no less. My father's sense of humor is rather distinct, is it not? But I suppose having five daughters to marry off does take a toll on a man." She sighed softly. "But having none takes a toll as well. I cannot help but think of Mr. Bradley's tragedy. He is so very dear to me now- the grandfather I have never had."

"He will be so excited to know we have settled things between ourselves. He has been anxious to speak with you about the manse and what must be done to make it ready…" He saw the questions in her eyes. "Mr. Darcy's father had the manse built for Mr. Bradley many years ago when the old vicar refused to quit the parsonage even though most of his time was spent in London." She nodded understandingly. "The Darcy family has been quite generous. Mr. Darcy has promised to supplement what Mr. Bradley has already offered…oh, we must get those papers drawn up…" A faraway look came over his face.

She silenced him with a soft finger again. "All those things are important, no doubt. But it can keep for a little while. Let us just take time to savor these moments, for like these flowers, they will fade away far too soon."

He kissed her finger softly. "Of course my dearest, you are correct." Beaming at her, he rose and helped her to her feet. Wrapping her arm in his, he led her down the path, breathing deeply of the air's sweet perfume.

Fitzwilliam stood a few steps off, watching Jane as the sunlight glistened golden off stray locks that had escaped her bonnet. She hummed to herself a soft folk tune that Fitzwilliam recognized from some of the men he had served with on the continent. His mind wandered back to those days. All too soon his thoughts were filled with the screams and stench of the battle field. Groaning softly, he sat heavily on a large rock and dropped his head into his hands.

How can I do this? Look at her. She is so beautiful, so serene, so happy. Even in the midst of the news of her sister or the fire at Longbourn, I cannot think of a moment when she was without that air of tranquility that always seems to surround her. Look at me, in the midst of this idyllic spot I am tormented by the screams of terrified, dying men and the sound of cannon fire.

What am I thinking? I am no fit match for her. She is a Greek goddess, she deserves a Hero. I am nothing but a broken down old soldier, with not even a home to call my own. What made me dare think I could even approach her?…

A woman's scream drove him from his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a frightened horse bearing down upon Jane. Without thinking, he raced toward her, rushing her from harm's way. Turning back to the creature, he caught its reins and expertly soothed the animal, quickly bringing it under control.

A moment later, a young boy ran up to the still panting animal. "Beggin' your pardon sir! Is the young lady all right? I'm so sorry. The horse ain't properly trained yet. A dog scared 'im 'n 'e run off." A look of terror haunted the boy's eyes.

"All is well. Do not fear." He handed the reins to the boy. "That's a fine animal you have, though he is a bit high strung. Just keep to your training and you should have a fine mount soon enough."

"Thank ye' sir," the boy bobbed in an awkward bow, relieved at the man's good humor. He quickly led the horse back down the path he came from.

Fitzwilliam turned his attention back to Jane. He was not certain how, but a moment later he held her in his arms, quieting her frightened sobs.

"I'm so sorry! You must think me quite the fool. I am terribly afraid of horses," she cried into his coat, clinging to his lapels.

"All is well, dear Jane. I shall not allow that creature to harm you," he soothed, a gentle hand on her back. "A beast out of control like that is a frightening sight for sure." I have never seen you so discomposed before. I had no idea horses frightened you so much.

She pulled back, brushing tears from her face until he handed her a handkerchief. She mopped her eyes with the fine linen. "Silly girl that I am, I did not even bring a handkerchief with me!"

"You are many things, but a silly girl is not among them," he admonished firmly, guiding her to sit with him on a tree stump.

She looked down at her hands, clutching the embroidered square in her hand. "Thank you for rescuing me, sir. I suppose it is not a proper thing to say," she looked up, tears still filling her eyes. "but have I ever told you how safe I feel in your presence?"

He brushed a stray hair back from her forehead. "No, you have not." A smile lifted the corner of his mouth.

"When we were small girls, Lizzy would make up stories and tell them to me at night. She is a most delightful storyteller, most of the time. But sometimes she would devise the most fearful stories."

"Why would she do that?"

"I suppose it was difficult for her sometimes. I am sorry to say that my mother has always favored my youngest sister and me. She was not always patient with Lizzy's more adventuresome side. There were times she would admonish Lizzy to be more ladylike, more like me. I am certain she hated that. But she was far too good to be spiteful. I think she was angry with our mother and it came out in those frightening stories of beasts in the woods and highway men…" Jane shuddered. "I know it is silly of me, but the woods still frighten me. This was the first time I can remember not being afraid out here." She blushed hotly with the admission. "When you whisked me away from that horse I felt like a princess delivered by her knight in armor." She glanced up at him shyly.

"Would that I could always be such a man for you," he murmured glancing back down the path. "You deserve so much more than I can give you. I am no knight, just a soldier, broken and scarred from battle. I have no castle, not even a town house. What I have saved, though sufficient for my desires, does not nearly constitute a treasure. A woman such as you deserves a prince…"

"I do not want a prince," she declared firmly.

"What do you want then?" He turned to meet her eyes.

She paused for only a breath before replying, "Though my parents tried to shelter us from the reality of my mother's experiences, my Aunt Phillips shared with me more than she should have. I have walked in fear from that every day since I was twelve. More than castles or treasure or princes, I wish to feel safe." What a weak fool he must think I am. I can hardly believe I have said such a thing.

"I never knew you were fearful. So much has happened in the last weeks and never once have you been anything other than a tower of serenity." Wonder filled his eyes. [i]I wonder what happened to her mother? Life can be incredibly cruel.

"My mother's nerves are very fragile and she is very fearful. I discovered quickly that if she saw fear in any of us it discomposed her severely," she whispered, staring over his shoulder.

"So you learned to hide it from her, from everyone. No one knew, not even your dearest sister, so there was no one to comfort you." He lifted her chin up to make her look into his eyes.

She nodded slightly, swallowing back the lump in her throat. "That is what happened. I do not regret it, but…," she bit her lip and sighed.

"There are few things in my power to give you, dearest Jane, but one thing I can promise you. I promise to protect and comfort you always." His heart pounded so loudly he could hardly hear. "Would you be willing to allow me that chance?"

Tears spilled out over her cheeks as she whispered, "Yes, Richard, I would most gladly do so."

"Is that enough for you? You are worthy of so much more than I have. Will you be my wife, despite all that I lack?" Without realizing it, he held his breath.

"Because of all that you are, I will be proud to be your wife." She smiled lovingly at him.

Unable to help himself, he pulled her into a tight embrace, crushing her to his chest. "I promise you will not regret me, Jane."

"I know." She melted into his arms and drank in his warm scent, memorizing it against the backdrop of the honeysuckle.

Her bonnet slipped back and he kissed the top of her head. Perhaps this old soldier can be your knight after all.