His fingertips brushed hers, sending a contradictory shiver down her back.
He pulled away, leaving her holding his coat.
“Please, take it.” The bull-headed Mr. Darcy crossed his arms, lowering his chin to glare at her.
“Not until the fire warms the room or we return to the ballroom.”
Papa snapped, “For heaven’s sake, take the coat!” With his usual sarcasm, he added, “You have already secured a proposal and therefore have no need to suffer from a chill.”
Elizabeth did not appreciate his humor when it was directed at her.
He nodded at the offensive garment. “Is that tear from your efforts to break down the door?”
Mr. Darcy nodded.
“You did notice that the hinges face the wrong way for such an exhibition of brute force to succeed?” Papa seemed intent on picking at every weakness of their actions when none of that mattered anymore.
“Nonetheless, I had to try.” Mr. Darcy’s tone carried no disdain. “I beg your pardon for pressing the matter, Mr. Bennet, but time is precious. Will you accept my offer and clear your daughter’s name of all reproach?”
No!Elizabeth wished to scream. She crossed her ankles and tightened her arms around her, her eyes intent on her father, who seemed to be in no hurry.
Finally, he addressed Mr. Darcy. “Am I to trust the gentleman before me or the man who insulted my daughter and the greater portion of Meryton and Longbourn with his taciturn manners and insults?”
Mr. Darcy took in a sharp breath.
Hope rose in Elizabeth’s chest, and she loosened her hold around herself. Surely Papa would not make her marry the very man who had affronted her vanity.
Her father continued, “If the latter is making the request, I shall have to reply with a resounding no. Lizzy is the light of my life and the joy of my heart. I could not give her away to a man who has made plain his disdain of her, her family, her friends, and her neighbors.”
Elizabeth could hardly breathe. Pride for her father’s outspokenness dueled with shock at his plain speech and Mr. Darcy’s reaction. She had expected an outburst.
On second thought, this was stoic Mr. Darcy. He was not one to lose his composure. However, observing him now, she saw a man who appeared thoroughly chastened.
What would it take to make him show some emotion?Elizabeth wondered. Not that she would ever have to find out, given the direction her father had taken their conversation. Thank goodness.
Mr. Darcy slowly raised his head to meet her father’s stare, his shoulders straightening but not to their usual stiffness.
Before he could speak, Papa pressed on. “However, if it is the former making this request”—he glanced at Elizabeth, who now sat frozen in place—”the same man who is willing to attach himself to a family beneath him to spare my girl’s reputation in a situation not of his or her own making, who saw to her comfort and did not lose his patience when her exertions undermined his better plan, who did not once cast the blame on her during his explanation, and who placed himself at my mercy when he implied a secret engagement…”
Elizabeth held her breath. Mr. Darcy had done all that, but could she give up her freedom to him? Papa looked at her then, tenderness in his eyes. Her throat tightened and her eyes burned.
“... then I give my consent along with my wholehearted desire that you seek each other’s happiness.”
Mr. Darcy’s exhale was audible. “Thank you, sir. I shall prove myself worthy of your trust.”
What?! What was this?!
Papa rose from his chair. “I believe you will, and for that reason alone, I grant my blessing.”
Elizabeth leaped to her feet. “Papa!!” Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest. “We could break off the engagement!”
The askance look her father gave her was one he usually bestowed on Lydia. “After you were seen alone in a dark room with his hands in your hair and you wearing his ripped coat?”
She could not give up yet. “We could allow everyone to believe this farce, then call it off. Something about not agreeing on the settlements. It happens all the time.”
Now, his eyebrows rose to his hairline. “When your mother has ensured everyone knows he has a fortune of 10,000 pounds a year?” He turned to Mr. Darcy. “I apologize for my wife’s outspokenness. It cannot be pleasant for a gentleman to have his affairs pronounced so publicly.”
Mr. Darcy nodded, but he said nothing.
