The assembly’s self-appointed host passes by and stops short when I hail him. “Sir William, thank you for your hospitality this evening.” I impulsively reach out and heartily shake his hand, utterly astounding us both. “Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated; and although we may not meet at St. James’s, I shall look forward to continuing our association here in Hertfordshire whenever I visit, which I hope will be often.”

His surprised delight at such trivial compliments almost makes me ashamed of my former opinion of the man. He is simply a jovial fellow, not unlike Bingley; and I suspect he wishes the same well-being for everyone around him. Sir William walks away with chest puffed and both spirits and chins raised. I am taken aback at how little effort it takes on my part to so positively affect another’s dignity.

I turn back to Elizabeth and am honoured with one of her radiant smiles. The tenderness in her expressive brown eyes nearly bowls me over, and I experience a wondrous epiphany. Further contemplation is forestalled by the arrival of Mrs. Long. My moment of insight flits away as Elizabeth commiserates with the poor woman over the loss of her beloved canary. I join the conversation, nonchalantly inquire where she acquired such a pet, and memorize the London address. Insisting it is no bother, I offer to procure one of the birds on my forthcoming trip to Town and deliver it to her upon my return. Mrs. Long’s eyes well up as she thanks me profusely for my compassion and assistance. Sheepishly, I accept her gratitude as well as another of Elizabeth’s tender looks.

A servant, carrying a tray of refreshments, offers wine to our party. At last year’s assembly, I refused to imbibe what I assumed was inferior vintage. Tonight my throat is parched, due, no doubt, to so much talking, smiling, and, now, resembling the cat that ate the ca … never mind. I graciously accept a goblet and swallow both my pride and a quenching mouthful of robust red wine. It is surprisingly flavourful and satisfying.

Elizabeth’s uncle, Mr. Phillips, joins our group. The attorney explains he has just arrived, having been detained by an overload of paperwork at his office. Like others have done tonight, he remarks on Hertfordshire’s extraordinarily balmy weather and the county’s immense moon. Perhaps it is the combination of brandy and wine ingested, but I am in too blithe a frame of mind to inform him the orb is the same one currently shining on Derbyshire.

Seen through the eyes of requited love, the Meryton assembly has taken on a dreamlike quality. Wine has never tasted half so ambrosial as the elixir being served this evening. Musicians have never played half so skillfully as those currently performing, and their lively reels are entirely in tune with my jovial mood. Boisterous voices have never sounded so merry, and unrestrained laughter has never been so amusing. Elizabeth’s parents and younger sisters never seemed so … Well, the Bennets are much the same as always; but they are soon to be my family, so I have decided to accept them, warts and all.

Although I have led a privileged life for eight and twenty years, tonight, for the first time, I truly understand what it is to be granted a privilege. Elizabeth Bennet has bestowed upon me the very great honour of becoming her husband; and although it would not take much effort to swagger and strut like a proud peacock, I opt for a less pompous stride as we take a turn around the room.

There is too much to be thought, felt, and said here and now, in the midst of a boisterous country assembly; and I yearn for a moment or two of seclusion. Others have been waxing lyrical about the magnificent harvest moon which presides over the town tonight, so I profess a great curiosity to see this lunar singularity. Elizabeth consents, and I am… over the moon.

Smiling and nodding the whole time, I escort Elizabeth through the assemblage of Meryton merrymakers. As we pass the pier glass in the hall, I hardly recognize the man therein with the tomfool smile plastered across his face. Practice has paid off handsomely; exercised facial muscles neither protest nor become fatigued. I am all cheerful countenance and happy heart as we exit the building, ostensibly for a breath of fresh air and astronomical enlightenment. Whether I have an ulterior motive, I will not say.

The night air is invigorating and charged with excitement. I am exhilarated and awed by the nonpareil sphere suspended before us. Has there ever been a full moon so close or shining so brightly as this one? Rather than inducing lunacy, this luminous night has brought sense, joy, and harmony to my life.

Has there ever been a more idyllic setting for romance? I had not noticed previously, but Meryton is quite an enchanting little town. Even the rowdy drunkards in the street are entertaining. I toss my flask, still three-quarters full, to a poor man who appears in need of a good, stiff drink. Raising my voice to be heard by him, I say, “Keep it, my good man; but do not look therein for answers or solace.” He doffs his cap and makes a leg. I have come outside without my beaver hat, but I mimic his exaggerated actions; and Elizabeth laughs at our antics. With this woman as my bride, I know I shall have no further need of strong spirits to chase away the blue devils.

Ah, yes, I shall have a strong, spirited spouse and solace from blue devils. Elizabeth does look devilishly good in that blue dress, and I am already tempted to seek comfort in her arms. Silently I recite Proverb 7:18, ‘Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.‘

Patience, man! I take a deep, satisfying breath of aromatic Hertfordshire air. It is, of course, her fragrance which fills my senses, tantalizing and arousing me. I rein in inappropriate, visceral desire, however natural and just, and conjure something less sweetly redolent than lavender. “Onions.”

“Onions, Mr. Darcy?”

By God! Either my future spouse is a mind-reader or I have mistakenly spoken aloud. Had I a choice, I suppose the latter would be infinitely preferable.

Guided by the light of the moon, I steer Elizabeth around the corner of the assembly hall and stall for time by whistling tunelessly through my teeth. Shall I lie through them as well? She pulls away and stands facing me. Her amused, expectant expression makes me grin despite vexation. Onions. Of all the clay-brained, idle-headed hogwash to utter, I had to bloody-well blurt onions. I furrow my brow, dither over aversion of the truth, and pray for inspiration.

“Pray, sir, what has inspired both grin and grimace? Shall aught remove your scowl? Honestly, such pungency could make one weep. Why, yes, I do believe a teardrop is about to leak from my eye.”

“Miss Bennet, our engagement is not yet common knowledge. I may have to rescind my offer if you insist on peppering your speech with pungent puns. No more talk of dankish shallots, or fly-bitten leeks, or damned, rump-fed, reeling-ripe, bloody onions!”

Oh, blast it! I close my eyes and bite my insolent tongue. And I thought her mouth was possessed by demons? God’s teeth, man! I swear the pollution of my vocabulary is the direct result of extensive reading plus spending formative years in company with George Wickham and adult ones with an army officer cousin. The latter’s tutelage was certainly enriching.

“My dear, I must apologize. Such tasteless language should not have been used in your presence.”

“Tasteless, sir? I do believe onions are considered rather flavourful … as was your choice of choice words.”

“Please forgive me. I am truly sorry for spoiling our recent, joyous understanding with talk of vegetables, no matter how exemplary, and for verbalizing vulgar vocabulary.”

“You shall be pardoned once you confess why you uttered what you obviously wish you had not. Onions.”

The explanation cannot be escaped now. Rather sheepishly, I begin, “Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth …” I am determined to be excessively attentive to delicate little compliments which are, apparently, always acceptable to ladies. Oh, whom am I trying to hoodwink? I have not the talent which some men possess of using elegant blandishments. Just speak plainly, and get on with it, man. “I have, from the moment of your acceptance, been entertaining thoughts of … stealing a kiss from you.” No need to mention I have, at least since this summer at Pemberley, been dreaming both day and night of doing much more than kissing her. Hah! Summer … day and night … dream. Eureka! “Are you familiar with A Midsummer Night’s Dream?”

“I am. Are you making a sweet play to divert the subject away from onions? I will get to the Bottom of this onion business.”

I cannot help but admire her cleverness in identifying the correct scene. I grasp her hand in mine and raise it to my lips before quoting the Bard’s words. “And, most dear actors, eat no onions nor garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath.” I move even closer and confess. “I yearned to take you in my arms and touch my lips to yours, but Nichols included onions this evening in just about every dish. While an apple a day may keep the physician away, an onion keeps everyone away. I had no wish to repel or repulse you.”

The dim light cannot conceal her blush, and I cannot resist her charms. Like the appearance of the moon, she has never been this close nor shone so brightly. Elizabeth smiles with such welcome as I have never known. My breath hitches, my pulse quickens, and my blood rushes. I tentatively stroke her cheek. Blasted, clapper-clawed gloves! While I struggle to remove the earth-vexing, hell-hated gloves, my bride-to-be rises to the occasion with tactile assistance as well as a quote from Jonathan Swift.