Author's Note: this short piece came about while watching the 2005 movie, and the scene where Bingley attempts to collect himself enough to propose to Jane. He and Darcy always amuse me greatly there.

All I Shall Say

'I recall feeling so terribly nervous. I could not have collected my thoughts to save myself,' Bingley said one night after a sumptuous feast at Pemberley.

Perhaps it was a strange conversation to be conducting, but Mr Bingley was rather animated on that particular evening and Mr Darcy, too, was in good spirits. No one objected when, on the eve of the first wedding anniversary, Bingley shared his preparations to propose marriage to Jane. 'Mrs Bennet had all but derailed my first attempt, and Darcy – kind, obliging fellow that he is – put me to rights soon enough. I'm eternally grateful that he brought me to my senses, otherwise I may have still been trying to find the courage and the words to approach Jane.'

'Is that so?' Mrs Darcy enquired, a playful grin on her lips. 'My husband was the calm and controlled individual in the set? Shocking!'

'Lizzy, dear,' Mrs Bingley gently admonished her sister, 'must you always tease your poor husband so relentlessly?'

'Thank you, sister,' spoke Mr Darcy finally, his manner open and engaging as he took the seat beside Elizabeth. 'I'm grateful to have your support, at least.'

'How nervous were you?' Elizabeth redirected her attention to her brother but not before holding her husband's eye and bestowing him with a lively smile. 'I'm very curious to know. I recall you seemed distracted when you entered the drawing room again. "I know this is all very untoward" were your opening words, I believe.'

'We shall not share what transpired between us, once Mr Bingley was granted a private audience,' Jane answered on her husband's behalf. 'He was terribly hard on himself, and I know not what he must have thought my answer would be.'

Elizabeth smiled warmly as she watched her sister and Mr Bingley exchange a fond look. 'As if there could have been any doubt.'

'But what of you, good man?' Bingley directed to Darcy. 'You've never once spoken about the offer of your hand to Elizabeth.'

Elizabeth laughed and raised an enquiring eyebrow at her husband. He gazed back unperturbed. 'Mr Darcy?'

'I was somewhat nervous, I admit.'

'Come now! You cannot have me believe you were not altered,' cried Bingley jovially. 'Or are you a superior man than most others in love?'

'You flatter me,' was all Darcy responded with, although Elizabeth could see the amusement lurking in his features.

'Elizabeth?' queried Jane. 'Will you share?'

'All I shall say, is that my husband is a most ardent and passionate man.'

'And all I shall say,' returned Mr Darcy, 'is that my wife is a most generous and spirited woman.'

A bemused glance was shared by one married couple in the room, but the other couple laughed openly and, in complete abandonment of propriety, raised their clasped hands to rest against Elizabeth's enlarged abdomen, their heads resting together lightly.