“I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, but— “
She took a shuddering breath, and stared into his eyes which she now, belatedly, realised were filled with love—the same love she had confused with censure in Hertfordshire because it was impossible to believe.
“That is to say… I do not believe a love story should start with gratitude. Charlotte, believe it or not, is very wise. That night you mentioned at Lucas Lodge, she said, ‘We can all begin freely—a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.’”
She looked at him intently. “You have done so. I can assure you that I gave you no encouragement whatsoever. Idohope you did not fall in love with me just because I am the first eligible woman you ever met who didnotgive you encouragement.”
“Would that be so terrible if it were true?”
“Not as such. It would not be an adequate basis for love,” she had to stop and think for some time, “but on the other hand, it is no less arbitrary than a dance, or cliché like a look across a crowded ballroom.”
“Or a sonnet?” he said, and they both burst out laughing. For the first time, they were both feeling like they just might have something.
“I quite despised you, you know. Part of that was Mr Wickham’s poison, which I will want you to clarify at some point, but most of it was my wounded vanity. It is hurtful to be so summarily dismissed—though many women endure worse every day, so I have no room to complain.”
He grunted. “If Mrs Bennet’s behaviour in public is any guide, I surmise you probablydidendure worse every day.”
She sighed, any mention of her mother being an effective way to kill a good mood.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, and she finally said, “I do not believe I have answered you.”
“I doubt not the whole thing comes as a surprise. Perhaps I might have been better served by asking to court you properly.”
She snorted, again like Lydia. “Yes, being courted by Mr Ten Thousand under the watchful eye of my mother, or by Mr Repudiator under the haughty eye of Lady Catherine would be ever so much fun.”
“What do you suggest?”
She laughed. “I think the most amusing thing might be to buy a common license and force Mr Collins to marry us tomorrow, since when I rejected his suit, he claimed I would never receive another offer of marriage… but the joke would not be worth the price.”
“Would you settle for a special license and the archbishop in London? He is my godfather.”
Elizabeth laughed for some time, then stopped abruptly.
“You are serious?”
“I am. Naturally, your elder sister, and maybe even the next younger, would come live with us if you agree.”
“You certainly know the way to a lady’s heart.”
“Have I made it tomy lady’sheart?” he asked nervously.
She smiled demurely. “You have! I will marry you. Since my uncle in Cheapside has my father’s authority, I am inclined to just get on with it. I am not in love with you yet, but I am halfway there and see no reason we cannot finish what we have begun. I am quite ready to put away my childish things.”
Darcy took both her hands to his lips and gave them a good kiss, but since there was a good chance Lady Catherine or Mr Collins would burst through the door in high dudgeon any moment, he restricted himself to her hands.
“Is Miss Bennet still in London to stand up with you? Are you absolutely certain you do not wish aproperwedding in Meryton?”
Elizabeth laughed. “I think having Mrs Bennet as your mother-in-law will be punishment enough. You need not endure her as a wedding planner. My father will be satisfied with any solution that does not involve effort or expense.”
Darcy frowned, but when he saw her start getting angry, he quickly said, “I am not frowning for your relations. I am frowning formine.”
“As in?” she said, somewhat mollified though not entirely convinced.
“Lady Catherine has for at least a decade advanced the incorrect belief that I am engaged to her daughter because our mothers planned it in our cradles.”
“It sounds like negligence on your father’s part, not writing it down and the like.”
Darcy chuckled and kissed her hands again.
