Page 21 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

I forced myself to smile.

“Such a frightening prospect that I am astonished Mr. Darcy survived the mere act of proposing to me.”

“He is blinded.”

“Then you should speak to him.”

“He refuses to listen to me.”

A shameful satisfaction swept through me.

“That must be very painful for you.”

Lady Catherine flushed.

“Promise me you will break this engagement.”

“No.”

The word came out before I had decided to speak it.

She stared at me.

“No?”

“I will make you no promise concerning a decision that belongs to Mr. Darcy and myself.”

“Then you persist in hoping to become his wife.”

“I persist in believing that his choice belongs to him.”

She threatened me with the contempt of his relations, the opposition of his family, and a permanent break with Rosings. I listened to the end. The more she spoke, the more a strange certainty grew within me: I could not bear for Mr. Darcy to renounce his happiness out of submission to this woman.

That did not yet mean I must be that happiness.

But I refused to let Lady Catherine decide for me.

When she left, Charlotte found me standing by the window, my hands trembling.

“I suppose the interview went smoothly.”

“She informed me that I would be despised, incompetent, and ridiculous.”

“And what did you reply?”

“That I made her no promises.”

Charlotte smiled.

“I believe Mr. Darcy would have appreciated that.”

The thought brought a warmth I immediately pushed away.

I left Hunsford two days later. Mr. Darcy had already departed for London. He did not come to say goodbye. I should have been glad of it. Instead, every turn in the road reminded me of our walks, his hand around mine, his face when he understood the reason for my acceptance.

At Longbourn, Jane greeted me on the front steps. She was paler than I remembered, but her smile held its usual gentleness.

“Lizzy, I am so happy to see you.”