Page 13 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

His gaze darkened.

“Bingley is easily influenced. His affection was strong, but I did not know if it would last. Your sister gave nothing away. As for your family…”

“Say it. You did so yesterday with such eloquence.”

“The conduct of certain members of your family exposed my friend to ridicule.”

I felt my cheeks burn.

“And that is why you separated him from Jane.”

“It is one of the reasons.”

“The other being her supposed lack of love. How fortunate for her that you came today to show me how poorly you understand Bennet women.”

He turned his face away for a moment. When he looked at me again, something softer had entered his eyes.

“If I was mistaken about your sister, I will regret it.”

“You were mistaken.”

“Then I will do what can be done to repair my error.”

This immediate response unsettled me, but my anger did not waver.

“And Wickham?” I asked. “Am I to believe as well that all his accusations are merely the product of your benevolence?”

The name made him stiffen.

“I will write you everything I cannot tell you here without betraying my sister’s confidence.”

“Your sister?”

Real pain crossed his face.

“Yes.”

I understood that this subject touched a wound I knew nothing of. Yet it was too late for caution.

“You see, Mr. Darcy, how little we know each other. Yesterday, you asked me to become your wife. Today, I learn that you destroyed Jane’s happiness and that your history with Wickham contains secrets you cannot share. I accepted in ignorance.”

His eyes fixed on me.

“Do you wish to end our engagement?”

The directness of the question nearly robbed me of my voice.

“Yes.”

He did not protest. He remained motionless, his face drained of all expression.

“Very well.”

I should have felt relief. Instead, this calm acceptance wounded me in some absurd way.

“You accept so easily.”

“What would you have me do? Use your word from yesterday to hold you to it today?”