Page 24 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“That is not what I asked.”

Darcy was silent.

Mr. Bennet’s eyes were sharp. “At present, sir, everyone seems very interested in your honour. I am interested in my daughter’s happiness. Do you wish to marry her when you are not feverish?”

Darcy felt something settle inside him. “Yes.”

“Why?”

He had not expected the question. “Because I love her.”

“That is generally considered useful.”

Darcy almost smiled.

Mr. Bennet did not. “My daughter does not love you.”

The words landed harder than they should have. Darcy knew it. He had known it before the fall. Elizabeth teased him, challenged him, sometimes smiled at him. None of that was love.

“I understand.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.” Darcy forced himself to meet his eyes.

“Then I will not hold her to an answer she gave under such circumstances.”

Mr. Bennet studied him. “Good.”

Darcy’s chest tightened. Then Mr. Bennet said, “Unfortunately, London seems determined to hold her to it for you.”

Darcy frowned.

“The engagement is known.”

“How widely?”

“Lady Matlock informs me three duchesses, two countesses, and one particularly malicious viscountess have already sent inquiries.”

Darcy shut his eyes. “I see.”

“My daughter proposes a compromise.”

Darcy opened them. “She will allow the engagement to stand publicly for the present.”

Hope rose before he could stop it.

“Privately,” Mr. Bennet continued, “you are to consider it a courtship. A long one. You are to get to know one another properly. If, when you can walk again, she wishes to end it, you will release her without complaint and take responsibility for the announcement.”

Darcy did not need to think. “I agree.”

“Do not answer too quickly.”

“I have already made one disastrous proposal while concussed. I assure you, sir, this answer is considered.”

Mr. Bennet’s mouth twitched.

Darcy added, “And if she chooses to end it, I will protect her reputation as far as I am able.”