One hour later, just as intermission began, Eliza noticed James pulling out the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket. She watched as he opened it and poured them each a small glass. She smiled, and was just reaching for the one closest to her, but was stopped when James took her hand.
James. "Not just yet my love. There is something I need to ask you."
Eliza was confused. "What is it that you need to ask me?"
James stood up from his seat, walking in front of Eliza's and going down on one knee before her. He took her other hand into his, his eyes fixed with hers. "My darling Eliza, I love you with all of my heart and soul. I have loved you every moment we have been together. You are a brilliant, beautiful, and fierce young woman who I want to spend the rest of my life with."
Eliza felt her heart nearly stop. James loved her, her. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she saw him removed a black velvet box from the pocket of his trousers. "OhJames..."
Smiling, James opened the lid of the box, revealing his mother's ring. "My dearest Eliza, on this very night, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"
Eliza smiled brilliantly. "Yes, yes I will. My dear James, I love you with every ounce of my heart and soul. I have loved you ever since the day we met. You are a kind, humble, and incredible gentleman who I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with."
Beaming from ear to ear, James carefully slid the ring onto her left ring finger. Rising to his feet, he brought her against him for a passionate kiss. "I love you."
Eliza returned his kiss eagerly. "I love you too."
Reaching for one of the glasses, James gave it to Eliza before picking up his own. He clinked it against hers. "Cheers to us my love. Cheers to a bright and happy future."
Eliza returned the gesture. "Cheers to us my darling. Cheers to a lifetime of love."
Exchanging another sweet kiss, they watched fellow audience members file in and out of the auditorium. Their fingers became intertwined as they enjoyed their champagne. Their hearts were filled with love, knowing that no one would come between them again.
***
The next morning, Eliza smiled as she walked into Rachel's room. She couldn't wait to tell her best friend the news of her engagement. "Good morning Rachel."
Rachel looked up from a book she was reading. She smiled. "Good morning, how was your evening?"
Eliza smiled and walked into the room, sitting down next to her on the bed. "OhRachel, it was absolutely wonderful and so romantic."
Rachel put down her book. "I am glad to hear it."
Eliza turned to face her. "However, I do have some news to share with you. Well, I actually have a question to ask you."
Rachel became tense. "What question is that?"
Eliza tried hiding her smile, but it worked to no avail. She took Rachel's hands. "How would you like to be my lady in waiting?"
Rachel's eyes widened. "Lady in waiting?"
Eliza beamed. "Yes Rachel."
Rachel. "But in order for me to be your lady in waiting, you would have to be engaged."
Eliza smiled, revealing her ring. "I am engaged. You, my dearest Rachel, are going to be the lady in waiting to the next Duchess of Devonshire."
Rachel's mouth dropped, and then she smiled. "Eliza, do you mean to tell me that Lord James Dalton proposed?"
Eliza giggled. "Yes he did. He proposed last night during intermission."
Rachel hugged her tightly. "My dearest Eliza, I would love to be your lady in waiting!"
Eliza returned her hug. "Thank you, because I wouldn't want anyone else but you."
Rachel. "We must find you the perfect gown!"
Eliza giggled. "I have a feeling we are going to find the perfect one."
Rachel stood up. "Then let's not waste another minute. We must go to Bond Street."
Smiling like a schoolgirl, Eliza followed Rachel out of the house and climbed into the carriage that was waiting for them. Settling back against the tufted seat, she smiled as she realized her life was forever changed. She was going to become the Duchess of Devonshire. She was going to be married to the love of her life.