Read Online Mr. Darcy's Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Susan Mason-Milks
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would have to know her reservations and her true feelings. Taking a deep breath, she began, “I have considered your proposal very carefully as I promised you I would. Your offer to assist my family is more than generous, and it would certainly relieve my mind to know they would be taken care of. After your revelations today, I have a better understanding of your character, and my respect for you has grown as a result.”
Glancing at him, she saw a hopeful look on his face and was not sure if it pleased or irritated her. “You have said you do not like deception of any kind, and the same is true for me as well. Some women in my position would try to deceive you with pretty but false declarations of love. I cannot do that. I believe, however, that marriages of convenience are very common in society. They are often entered into by people who do not know each other well with the hope that in time affection may grow. I have always said I would marry only for love, but it seems events are forcing me to be more practical. So now, knowing all this do you still wish to marry me?”
The question seemed to float in the air for a long time like an early morning mist.
“Elizabeth, I knew what your feelings were yesterday before I declared myself, but my offer has not changed. I have to say, however, that I appreciate your honesty,” he said almost sounding relieved.
“I do not want you to find later that you have regrets,” she told him.
“My only regret would be if you were to walk out of my life forever. But I am hoping for more than just your respect.”
At this point, Elizabeth made the mistake of looking at him. His eyes were dark green pools of intensity. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt as if she were about to walk off a very steep cliff. She had to take a deep breath to stop herself from shaking. “Very well, I accept your proposal, Mr. Darcy. I cannot promise you how my feelings might change after we are married, but I will endeavor to be a good wife to you and sister to Georgiana. I only hope I can live up to your expectations as the Mistress of Pemberley. There are many who will not agree with your choice of a wife.”
Darcy’s smile was so wide that for the first time, she could see both of his dimples. Quickly, she looked away.
“The only person whose blessing I require is my sister’s, and I am confident of her approval.”
Darcy took her hands in his and even through her gloves she could feel the warmth emanating from him. Since she did not have the courage to look him in the eye again, she continued to study his hands as they held hers. She knew that once a couple was engaged, some favors were deemed acceptable, but what would he expect? Would he want to kiss her? She supposed he must be hoping that at least she would look at him. After what seemed like forever, she finally risked a glance and found he was staring at her as if he thought she might disappear.
“You have made me very happy, dearest Elizabeth.” Darcy raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly as if to seal their bargain and then tucked it under his arm. As they walked back to Longbourn, he told her he would apply for a special license so they could be married immediately. He outlined his plan for a small private ceremony with only a few family members present out of respect for her father’s illness.
Elizabeth listened with very little comment amazed that he never once asked her opinion. For a moment, she thought of pointing out to him she had not given him permission to use her first name, but she did not have the energy to protest. She also noted that Darcy seemed to assume it natural that he would make all the decisions and arrangements.
He told her he would like her to come to Netherfield early in the afternoon on that very day to meet Georgiana. Their plans for later in the afternoon and evening would depend upon her father’s condition and her mother’s nerves. Elizabeth was certain her mother’s state of
Glancing at him, she saw a hopeful look on his face and was not sure if it pleased or irritated her. “You have said you do not like deception of any kind, and the same is true for me as well. Some women in my position would try to deceive you with pretty but false declarations of love. I cannot do that. I believe, however, that marriages of convenience are very common in society. They are often entered into by people who do not know each other well with the hope that in time affection may grow. I have always said I would marry only for love, but it seems events are forcing me to be more practical. So now, knowing all this do you still wish to marry me?”
The question seemed to float in the air for a long time like an early morning mist.
“Elizabeth, I knew what your feelings were yesterday before I declared myself, but my offer has not changed. I have to say, however, that I appreciate your honesty,” he said almost sounding relieved.
“I do not want you to find later that you have regrets,” she told him.
“My only regret would be if you were to walk out of my life forever. But I am hoping for more than just your respect.”
At this point, Elizabeth made the mistake of looking at him. His eyes were dark green pools of intensity. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt as if she were about to walk off a very steep cliff. She had to take a deep breath to stop herself from shaking. “Very well, I accept your proposal, Mr. Darcy. I cannot promise you how my feelings might change after we are married, but I will endeavor to be a good wife to you and sister to Georgiana. I only hope I can live up to your expectations as the Mistress of Pemberley. There are many who will not agree with your choice of a wife.”
Darcy’s smile was so wide that for the first time, she could see both of his dimples. Quickly, she looked away.
“The only person whose blessing I require is my sister’s, and I am confident of her approval.”
Darcy took her hands in his and even through her gloves she could feel the warmth emanating from him. Since she did not have the courage to look him in the eye again, she continued to study his hands as they held hers. She knew that once a couple was engaged, some favors were deemed acceptable, but what would he expect? Would he want to kiss her? She supposed he must be hoping that at least she would look at him. After what seemed like forever, she finally risked a glance and found he was staring at her as if he thought she might disappear.
“You have made me very happy, dearest Elizabeth.” Darcy raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly as if to seal their bargain and then tucked it under his arm. As they walked back to Longbourn, he told her he would apply for a special license so they could be married immediately. He outlined his plan for a small private ceremony with only a few family members present out of respect for her father’s illness.
Elizabeth listened with very little comment amazed that he never once asked her opinion. For a moment, she thought of pointing out to him she had not given him permission to use her first name, but she did not have the energy to protest. She also noted that Darcy seemed to assume it natural that he would make all the decisions and arrangements.
He told her he would like her to come to Netherfield early in the afternoon on that very day to meet Georgiana. Their plans for later in the afternoon and evening would depend upon her father’s condition and her mother’s nerves. Elizabeth was certain her mother’s state of
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