Page 29 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

He took leave of my mother, my sisters, then of me.

“May I come tomorrow?”

“Mr. Bingley will be here.”

“I was not asking after him.”

“Then come.”

His eyes softened.

Once the door closed, my father called me.

I found him before the fire, two glasses of port on the table. He gestured toward one, then reconsidered.

“Your mother would reproach me for corrupting a nearly married daughter.”

“I am not nearly married.”

“Does Mr. Darcy share that opinion?”

“He awaits my answer.”

“With a patience that strikes me as suspicious.”

I sat down.

“What did you discuss?”

“The obligation. He's already had his man of business buy back the debt. Harcourt can no longer pursue legal action. We've arranged repayment over twelve years, at an interest rate I insisted on raising despite his protests.”

“You accepted?”

“Yes.”

I released the breath I had been holding for weeks.

Longbourn was safe. My mother and sisters would not be cast out by some immediate disaster. My father would have to cut his expenses, but he would keep his dignity and control of his estate.

“He wants no guarantees tied to your marriage,” my father continued. “He even asked me to sign a document stating that the agreement will remain unchanged if you refuse him.”

I lowered my eyes.

“I told you so.”

“Yes. I'm beginning to understand why you're no longer certain you want to detest him.”

“I never detested him.”

My father raised an eyebrow.

“You had a singularly energetic way of not detesting him.”

I stood to avoid his gaze.

“What do you think of him?”

“That he's proud, too accustomed to being obeyed, and dangerously serious. I also think he listens to you, which is rarer than fortune. But my opinion won't suffice. Do you respect him?”