Most Ardently

by Gabe Cole Novoa

“Going forward, your relationship with one of your parents will never be the same. Your mother will never speak to you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never speak to you again if you do.”

“I know you didn’t tell me perhaps the way you’d imagined, but I’m so glad to know you, son. No matter what, I will always fight for you.”

I admire you, Oliver Bennet. Your spirit, your wit, your open honesty—I have thought of nothing else since we first met.” Tears blurred Oliver’s vision, spilling hot over his cheeks and cooling in the rain. “Darcy—” “I love you, Oliver,” Darcy said. “Most ardently.”

“I suppose your vehement distaste for dresses makes all the sense in the world now.” Oliver couldn’t help it—he laughed. “I hope now that you know the truth you won’t require me to wear them.” Then the strangest thing happened. Mrs. Bennet actually smiled and said, “Require my son to wear a dress? Well, that wouldn’t be proper at all.”

“I’ve already spoken to the physician who delivered him,” Mr. Bennet continued, “who has assured me he will vouch in court, if needed, that Oliver is in fact my son.”