Page 44 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“We’re finished.”

My father looked from one of us to the other.

“In that case, I shall take some air. The simultaneous presence of two reasonable people in my library threatens my reputation.”

He left before I could stop him.

Darcy and I were left alone.

He stood behind the desk, as if the furniture offered necessary protection.

“You’re avoiding me,” I said.

“No.”

“You’ve become as expansive as you were at the Meryton ball.”

“I’m trying to respect what you told me.”

“I told you our kiss wasn’t a promise. I didn’t ask you to pretend it never happened.”

His hand pressed flat against the ledger.

“I couldn’t pretend that.”

“Then why this distance?”

“Because I’ve desired you more since that day, and I don’t know what you expect of me.”

The frankness of his answer took my breath away.

He continued, his voice lower, the words coming with difficulty.

“I don’t wish to court you with my body when your mind remains uncertain. Every time I touch you, I hope you’ll choose me. That makes my gestures less selfless than I would wish.”

I walked around the desk.

“Your gestures don’t need to be selfless. They only need to be honest.”

He watched me approach without moving.

“And what would an honest gesture be at this moment?”

I stopped before him.

“Tell me you’ve thought about that kiss.”

“Every hour.”

“Tell me you wish to do it again.”

“Yes.”

“And wait for me to decide.”

His breathing changed.

I placed my hand on his. His fingers immediately turned to enclose mine.