Elizabeth felt an unexpected warmth rise to her cheeks. “I had not imagined,” she said after a moment, “that I had made such an early impression.”
Darcy’s expression softened. “You did. I must confess your stay at Netherfield was not easy for me.”
Elizabeth turned her face slightly away, pretending a sudden interest in the garden wall. It was a most disconcerting discovery.
All this time, she had believed that if his opinion of her had improved, it must be a very recent change. Yet now it seemed that even while she had been laughing at him, he had already begun to admire her.
When she spoke again, her voice was quieter. “You see, Mr. Darcy, this information alters several of my previous conclusions.”
“I hope it improves them.”
Elizabeth glanced at him again. “It certainly complicates them.”
Darcy appeared perfectly satisfied with that answer.
He was silent for a moment, as though considering how best to continue. “I should perhaps explain something further, Miss Elizabeth.”
She looked at him again.
“When I first came to Hertfordshire,” he said slowly, “I did not expect to form any particular attachment here.”
Elizabeth listened without interrupting.
“My visits to the neighbourhood were meant to be temporary. I had business with Mr. Bingley, and some affairs of my own to settle. Society in a country neighbourhood was not among my anticipated concerns.”
Elizabeth allowed herself the faintest smile. “I imagine it was not.”
Darcy continued with calm seriousness. “I expected to return to my usual life, where certain expectations – of family, of position, of society – guide most decisions.”
Elizabeth understood him very well. “You mean,” she said quietly, “that gentlemen in your situation are not entirely free in such matters.”
“That is often the case.”
They walked a few steps along the wall.
Darcy then added, more deliberately, “I did not suppose that I should meet a lady here who would cause me to reconsider those expectations.”
Elizabeth felt again that peculiar warmth in her cheeks. “And yet you claim that I have done so.”
“I do more than claim it.” He met her gaze. “I know it.”
For a moment Elizabeth could not answer.
Darcy continued. “I do not pretend that the difference in our situations does not exist. It would be foolish to ignore it.”
Elizabeth appreciated the honesty.
“But I have come to believe that character, understanding, and mutual respect are of greater consequence than such considerations.”
Elizabeth looked down at the path. “You speak very reasonably, Mr. Darcy.”
“I hope to speak truthfully.”
He paused, then said with quiet firmness, “For that reason, I asked your father’s permission.”
Elizabeth’s heart began to beat faster again.
Darcy continued, “I do not ask for an answer now. Indeed, I should think very poorly of myself if I expected one. I would by no means wish to follow in Mr. Collins’s footsteps.”
