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

offered his handkerchief, she waved it away. Searching his face, she saw concern for her but also fear that she did not believe him.
    “I believe you, Mr. Darcy. I do not understand why he would have done that to your sister. I suppose it makes sense if you think that his actions at Ramsgate might have been a sort of revenge on you for refusing him any additional help.”
    “Revenge and the opportunity to gain control of my sister’s fortune,” said Darcy looking visibly relieved that she seemed to accept his word.
    “Were you aware that when Wickham was in Meryton, I was not the only person he told that you had treated him so abominably?” she asked.
    “It does not surprise me that he would try to turn me into the villain yet again. I am sure it allowed him the double pleasure of making people think ill of me and bringing sympathy to himself.”
    “If you suspected he was spreading falsehoods, why did you not reveal the truth about his past?”
    “I am a very private person, and I decided his character and actions were no one’s business but my own. There was also the risk that if one part of the story was revealed maybe someone might learn all of it. I could not take a chance that Georgiana would be hurt again just when she is beginning to recover a small measure of confidence.”
    Elizabeth continued to rearrange in her mind everything she had believed about the relationship between the two men. “I am ashamed to say I was taken in by his lies. I had thought myself a better judge of character,” she said quietly.
    “Do not blame yourself. George Wickham has always been very charming. My father was so taken in that he never saw him for the scoundrel that he is. When we were boys, he would lie and my father believed every word. There was always a hint of truth in his lies—just enough to make them plausible. Worst of all, Mr. Wickham has no conscience, and I am sure no remorse for the way he lives or the damage he caused Georgiana.”
    Elizabeth walked over to him and placed her hand on his arm. “Mr. Darcy, would you mind walking me home?”
    “Yes, of course, if you wish.”
    She noticed that he looked calmer than he had a few minutes ago. Elizabeth was not sure if the relief came from simply unburdening himself of the truth or that she had believed him. As they walked together, Elizabeth considered what she had just learned. If she had been wrong about Wickham, what else might she have been wrong about? Everything seemed in question now. This new information did not make Elizabeth like Mr. Darcy more, but now she was at least beginning to see that there were many sides to him she did not know.
    In her mind, she reviewed all of her objections to his proposal. He was attempting to make amends to her sister Jane by speaking to Bingley at no small cost to himself. His version of his interactions with Wickham rang true especially after hearing about Miss Darcy’s near escape. There would be no advantage for him to lie to her about this and then offer his cousin to verify the truth of these events. Based on what he had just told her, it made even more sense that he needed her help with his sister. As for his behavior, he seemed to be making an effort to change in that area also, but there was no way to know if he would be successful in keeping his pride under control in the future.
    Soon they emerged from the woods and continued on the path that ran along beside one of the freshly plowed fields of her father’s estate. Drinking in the familiar earthy smell that mixed with the scent of wildflowers and new grass, she felt her mind slowly clearing. One final question remained. She took her time, choosing her words carefully. After walking along in silence for a full quarter hour, Elizabeth was finally ready to speak.
    “Mr. Darcy, I have something I must ask you before I can give you my answer.”
    “You may ask whatever you wish.”
    Elizabeth knew that she could not enter into a marriage through any deceit. He