The next day did come and Billy was up early and pacing through the downstairs rooms. The ring was in it's velvet box in his pocket and he kept taking it out and looking at it. Virginia was preparing lunch in the kitchen. "It's still an hour to go, we should have invited her to dinner last night," he said. He paced about the room and kept going out into the hallway to check the clock.
She couldn't help but laugh at him. "Billy, calm down. The time isn't going to go any faster with you pacing about. Why don't you play the piano while you wait? Some music would be nice and it might help you relax. The way you are now, you'll be on one knee the moment she walks through the door."
He stopped and stared at her. "Is that what I have to do? Kneel when I ask her?"
"Yes, I think that's usually what's done. It's what Charles did when he asked me," she said tasting the soup she was making.
"Down on one knee or both?" he asked.
"Just one," she replied.
"And what should I say?"
"Well, you should start by telling her how much you love her and that you hope that she feels the same way. When she agrees that she does, you should then tell her how happy she makes you and that you hope she'll make you even happier by agreeing to be your wife. That's when you go down on one knee. Open the box and say 'Elizabeth Robbins, will you marry me?'" Virginia's voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears. "Oh look at me, getting all teary just talking about it!" She took a deep breath and then continued, "She'll say yes, and she will say yes, don't worry about that, and then you place the ring on her finger and kiss her."
"Alright. Say all that again," he said.
Laughing, she said to him, "Billy, you only need to say what's in your heart. It'll come out just fine."
He walked out of the room muttering to himself, "I love you, you make me happy, even happier be my wife, down on one knee..." Moments later she heard a lively tune being played badly on the piano.
The Robbins' carriage finally arrived and Billy watched as both Elizabeth and her mother stepped out. Virginia greeted them at the front door and letting Elizabeth go ahead she whispered to Mrs. Robbins, "Did Mr. Robbins speak with you?
With a broad smile, she nodded and whispered back, "Yes, he did. This is very exciting!"
They were seated in the front parlor at a small table where they ate lunch. Billy was anxious and nervous throughout the meal. Elizabeth repeatedly asked him if he was alright, while Virginia and Mrs. Robbins exchanged knowing glances.
After the meal, Virginia began to clear the dishes and the older woman offered to help carry them to the kitchen. Elizabeth stared at her mother in astonishment. She was astounded that her mother would leave her unchaperoned with a young man. Seeing her expression, she said to her daughter, "I'll only be a minute dear."
The moment they were gone, Billy nervously asked her if she would like to move to the sofa. They sat down and Billy took her hand in his. He told her how he felt about her and when he asked if she loved him too he held his breath waiting for her answer.
She bashfully lowered her eyes and said quietly, "Yes, Billy, I love you too."
He was so incredibly happy that he forgot the rest of his eloquently prepared speech and immediately knelt in front of her. He dug the small box out of his coat pocket and opened it, displaying the sparkling ring inside. "Elizabeth, will you marry me?" he asked in a quavering voice.
She stared open mouthed at the ring in the box and then into Billy's eager face. Her eyes filled with tears and her lips spread into a joyous smile. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes, Billy, yes," she said, pulling him close. Leaning back she looked at him with shining eyes and said, "Yes, I'll marry you."
With shaking hands, Billy slid the ring onto her slim finger. He had asked the jeweler to make it small and it fit her perfectly. He sat beside her on the couch and taking her glowing face in his hands he gently kissed her. He looked down at the ring on her finger and smiled. He then jumped up and yelled, "She said yes!"
Virginia and Mrs. Robbins rushed into the room to congratulate them. Her mother hugged her as Elizabeth asked, "You knew? How did you know?"
"Billy spoke with your father yesterday and he told me."
"Are you happy Mother?"
"Yes, dear. I couldn't be more thrilled."
"When will the wedding be?" Virginia asked excitedly.
"Oh I don't know. Soon," Elizabeth said uncertainly.
"How about twelfth night?" her mother suggested. "That's close enough without being too close."
Staring into Billy's eyes, Elizabeth said, "That sounds perfect."
The next few weeks passed in a whirl for Virginia. She was already busy planning the Christmas Ball, as well as trying to make herself some dresses and now there was also a wedding to plan. She had set her ball for New Year's Eve and was consulting a calendar when a cold thrill suddenly shot through her. She stared at the calendar without seeing it. Drake will be back any day now she thought. What would she do if she saw him? How would she react? How should she react? Should she rush into his arms and forgive him or should she be cool and distant? She sat down on a couch and thought about it. I'll be pleasant and polite, she thought and then base my words and actions on how he behaves. Satisfied with her decision she resumed her task.
Later that day, Billy found her in the library checking the guest list. "Have many people responded to the invitation?"
