Page 27

Not only had he insulted her family – which she could understand in some ways, but still, it was not the way to woo a prospective bride, was it? – but he had also made it clear that this proposal, as it supposedly was, was against all his better judgement. What woman would ever be flattered by such words? Even coming from the admittedly handsome Mr Darcy.

No.

Even casting all of that aside, the reason why she must say no was because of her sister. He had ruined the match that not only would have been her saving grace, but also would have given her much happiness, to be joined to the man she clearly loved. And it was Darcy here who had taken that away.

Her nails dug into the palm of her hand as the anger seethed white-hot through her once more.

"Mr Darcy," she began through gritted teeth, wondering how on earth to make such a rejection polite. "I must—"

"I realise, of course, it is not appropriate of me to ask you whilst you are in mourning for your father, when your situation in life is so unsettled, and I must ask your forgiveness for such a lapse in propriety. But I had to ask you before you left."

She paused. The rejection that had been so readily on her lips died away.

The death of her father. Her much-changed circumstances.

Was that why he was doing this? Some misguided sense of helping her? Of saving her? And yet it wouldn't truly be misguided, would it? Such a marriage would certainly solve many of their problems.

Her mind's eye conjured up Jane. Poor, sweet Jane, who had lost her love because of this man.

Yes… But Jane would have far more chances of happiness as the sister-in-law of Mrs Darcy.

And her mother could be kept in the manner to which she was accustomed, the manner in which her father had kept her, when he probably should have been economising more.

Her younger sisters, Mary, Kitty and Lydia would have no chance of making a good match if they lived on Cheap Street and could hardly afford a new dress.

And yet if she had a position like Mrs Darcy…

It would be a sacrifice for her to marry a man she did not love. She had turned down Collins, and he would have provided their home and a place for her sisters. But even if she didn't love Mr Darcy, even if she thought his methods in separating Jane and Bingley were cruel, she hoped perhaps she could come to respect him. He wasn't a stupid man, of that she was sure. They could have an intellectual conversation.

Could she say no to a second proposal of marriage when saying no to the first had already ensured a much poorer existence for her family?

No, she decided, as he stared at her, waiting for an answer. She did not think she could. And so she swallowed back the refusal and her upset and her anger, and said in measured tones, "Very well, Mr Darcy. I will marry you."

◆◆◆

She had said yes.

When he had planned this conversation, when he had decided that he had to ask her, propriety and station be damned, he had not actually thought about what her response would be, and yet he had heard the words from her own lips.

She would marry him.

She wanted to marry him.

Somehow he couldn't quite believe it, even though he had been pursued many times by women for his money and his position. But he had never once asked for a woman's hand in marriage.

And he was overjoyed that she had said yes.

She was still looking meek and unsure, and he wondered if that was because of the situation, that he had not been able to ask her father, that she was in mourning.

He really should have waited until after she was out of mourning and perhaps approached her uncle instead. But he couldn't risk it. What if he waited and she met some other man in the interim? Once he had decided that he must ask her, then ask her he must.

"Excellent," he said, grinning, but rather unsure what to do with himself.

Did he take her hand? Was that too forward? A kiss certainly would be. He would have to wait, he was sure, to kiss those beautiful lips, until their wedding day. A day he hoped would not be very far off.

But he needed to do something, he thought. So he did reach out and take her hand. And even though it felt limp within his, he felt rather thrilled to hold her hand.

"I promise I shall do my very best to be a good husband to you, Miss Bennet."