Mr. Darcy's Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks Read Free Book Online Page A

was still a little warm. Darcy’s visit—that had seemed an eternity—must actually have been quite brief.
     

Seven
    After sitting for a while in shock, Elizabeth returned to her father’s room and found Jane sitting at his bedside. “Do you think he has improved?” she asked putting a reassuring hand on Jane’s shoulder.
    “No improvement, but he does seem to be resting more comfortably now. Lizzy, was that Mr. Darcy in the parlor?”
    “Yes, he came to inquire after Papa, but there is more to tell. Come to our room where we can talk. I would not want to wake him,” she whispered.
    As they walked arm in arm along the hallway, Elizabeth thought about what she would say. Part of her wanted to share all that had happened, and another part of her thought if she spoke of it out loud, it would become much too real. She knew she could not tell Jane about Mr. Bingley’s return at this point, as she did not entirely trust Mr. Darcy yet.
    Once in their room, they sat cross-legged on the bed facing each other as they had so many times before when sharing confidences. “Remember, I told you yesterday that Mr. Darcy’s behavior recently has been quite puzzling to me,” said Elizabeth. “I could not understand why a man so conceited and so self-absorbed would ever want to help me, but I think I finally understand.”
    “It was very kind of him. You see, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy is not as bad as you thought him to be. I have always said he has some very admirable qualities.”
    Elizabeth squeezed Jane’s hand. “You always believe the best of people. I wish I had your goodness to see the world that way.” Elizabeth was reminded again of Darcy’s influence on Bingley, and how much that interference had cost her sister. Even if Mr. Bingley renewed his suit, nothing could erase the pain of these past few months. If Jane only knew, how might her opinion change?
    “I have something to tell you that you may not believe. I hardly know how to think about it myself.”
    “What do you mean?” asked Jane.
    Elizabeth hesitated for a moment and then took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy has asked me to marry him.”
    Jane’s eyes grew wide. “What? Mr. Darcy? Just now?”
    “Your surprise is no greater than mine.”
    “But you always believed he did not like you. I still remember how upset you were with him after the Meryton Assembly.”
    “Not handsome enough to tempt him? Yes, his insult is etched upon my memory.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
    “I believe he was more pleasant to you later when we were staying at Netherfield.”
    “But still, he always looked down at everyone around him,” said Elizabeth.
    “You saw him again in Kent, I believe. Was he any different there?”
    “In some ways, I suppose. I also met his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. You could not find two gentlemen as different as they are. I very much enjoyed talking with the Colonel. He has all the charm and ease Mr. Darcy does not.”
    “So you liked his cousin, Lizzy?”
    “He made my visit more enjoyable. We were invited several times to dinner and tea with Lady Catherine, her daughter, and nephews,” said Elizabeth smiling and rolling her eyes. “I actually think Lady Catherine extended the invitations because she was bored and felt the need of some entertainment.” Elizabeth went on to explain how she and Darcy had met several times on her walks around Rosings Park. At first, she had thought it a coincidence. Now, she realized he had been seeking out her company.
    “He is not indifferent to me at all, Jane. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I do not know what I did to bring this on. I never desired his good opinion nor tried to win his affection. If anything, I mocked his prideful manners and haughty attitude.”
    “Maybe he was drawn to you because you treated him so differently than other women of his acquaintance,” Jane observed. “Caroline Bingley’s behavior was shameful as she tried to win his attentions.”
    Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders