“And what would be my role?” she asked at last, gathering courage, resolved to refuse at once the idea of becoming his wife, however she might wound him.
“I have not yet fixed upon a title, but I thought we might adopt that of Principal of the Academy—a title which, as you may know, exists at least in one Oxford college.”
“And that would mean?”
“That you should govern the Academy as you see fit. When I met you, I entirely altered the description of the lady I sought to direct it. You answered perfectly in point of education, though formerly I had looked for older women. I have since perceived that your youth is in truth an advantage, not a hindrance.”
“And…is there something more? Are there other conditions?” she asked, striving to appear composed, though her heart beat fast.
“What more should there be? That is precisely my design: I wish not to manage, but to behold, with perfect satisfaction, an establishment conducted without my interference.”
“You would have me be…the Principal?”
“Indeed. Yet there is one more point,” he continued, and Elizabeth discerned hesitation in his voice. She grew fearful again. To be what he called the Principal of an academy was a dream she had scarcely dared to imagine—the crown of all her secret wishes of independence. She would have accepted at once, had that been all, but there was clearly something more. She could not be his wife, and she now felt determined to refuse his proposal without delay. She forced herself to be calm,hoping that reason might convince him she could be an excellent Principal but a most unsuitable wife.
“I am listening,” she said.
“In the past, just after Mrs Talbot died, I endeavoured to find a lady between forty and fifty, but unfortunately, those who came had no notion of my design. I need a young, active, educated woman who can build upon what Margaret began. I need a new and—if I may say so—a revolutionary vision. Then the ladies of thirty married, as I told you.”
“A difficult enterprise,” observed Elizabeth cautiously.
“Indeed it was, until I met you. I need you, Miss Bennet. Yet there is one condition. I observed how Mr Darcy looked at you.”
Elizabeth coloured slightly. “I have no intention of ever seeing Mr Darcy again.”
“Good. I had been under the impression he was about to offer you marriage.”
“I have no intention of marrying any one at present,” she replied so decisively that Mr Clinton sighed and smiled.
“That is precisely what I wished to hear.”
“With no one,” she repeated, now almost relieved to give expression to her feelings and her resolution.
“That is excellent news, Miss Bennet. You see, the difficulty with single women is that they often marry. Twice have I engaged one, and twice have I been obliged to part with her; for though I can have a married woman to manage the Academy, no married woman will choose to remain in such a post.”
He paused a moment, as though to give his words more weight. “Miss Bennet, I can offer you four hundred pounds a year to become Principal at once; but if you will accept one condition, I shall make it double.”
“Double?” Elizabeth repeated, scarcely believing her ears. It was an immense sum—half her family’s income.
“Exactly eight hundred pounds,” said Mr Clinton distinctly.
“If?” she asked again, a little fearfully, yet resolved to refuse any proposal of marriage; but after all, why should he offer a salary if he intended her for his wife?
“If you will agree to a firm engagement to direct the Academy for five years.”
“You mean to impose a condition that I must not marry during that time?” Elizabeth asked, half laughing, yet plainly relieved to discover that it was not a proposal of marriage.
“I could not impose such a rule, but if you consent to manage the Academy for five years, that will suffice. I trust your honesty.”
“And you know well that no man would tolerate his wife presiding over an academy.”
“Most probably not,” returned Mr Clinton, smiling.
“Five years!” exclaimed Elizabeth, with evident hesitation.
“Yes, it is the minimum term required for establishing a sound system of education for young ladies when a new vision appears. That is why I have fixed it so.”
Elizabeth reflected for some time, and Mr Clinton made no attempt to interrupt, understanding well her hesitation and her doubts.
