Page 14 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
“If we were to do this,” she said slowly, “where would we go? How would we proceed?”
“Gretna Green,” Mr Darcy replied. “It is the only place we could marry without banns or licence. We would travel there directly, with only such belongings as you have with you now. After the ceremony, we would journey to Pemberley.”
“This is folly,” she murmured.
“Perhaps,” Mr Darcy conceded. “But is it any less of a folly than returning to a marriage you know will bring you misery?”
He had a point. A maddening, logical point.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “If I were to consider your proposal, I would require certain assurances.”
“Name them.”
“That I would have freedom to write, to send my work to publishers, and to pursue my ambitions without interference. And that as my husband you would assist me in negotiation in my behalf, as it is frowned upon for a woman to do so.”
“Granted.”
“That I would have my own chambers, as you suggested, with privacy respected.”
“Of course.”
“That if I should wish to leave before the year is complete, you would not prevent me.”
Mr Darcy hesitated. “I would ask only that you not leave without discussion. If you are unhappy, we should address the cause before taking such a drastic step.”
“That seems reasonable,” Elizabeth conceded. “And one more condition. That you tell me, honestly, why you are so reluctant to marry according to your family’s wishes.”
Mr Darcy was silent for a long moment, his expression guarded. Then, as if coming to a decision, he spoke.
“My parents’ marriage was arranged, but fortunate. They developed genuine affection for one another over time. My father respected my mother’s intelligence, valued her opinion, treated her as a partner rather than a possession.”
He paused. “Alas, I have observed many marriages among my acquaintance that lack such harmony. I have witnessed the profound unhappiness such engagements breed, even when carefully concealed behind polite smiles.”
“And you fear such a fate for yourself.”
“I do,” he admitted. “I do believe that marriage should be founded on mutual respect and compatibility, not merely on fortune and connection.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Your proposal offers a solution to both our dilemmas. But it is a step not easily undone, even with the provision for annulment you suggest.”
“True,” Mr Darcy acknowledged. “Which is why I would not press you for an immediate answer. Take time to consider—”
“There is no time,” Elizabeth interrupted. “My father will be searching for me even now. If I am to escape this fate, it must be immediately.”
She rose from the bench, her decision made. It was reckless, perhaps even foolhardy, but what choice remained?
“Mr Darcy,” she said, extending her hand. “I accept your proposal.”
He rose to meet her, his expression solemn as he took her offered hand. “Are you certain, Miss Bennet? This is no small undertaking.”
“I am certain only that I cannot marry Jonathan Blackfriars,” she replied honestly. “Your proposal offers an alternative I had not imagined possible.”
“Very well.” Mr Darcy released her hand. “Shall we leave at once?”
“Yes,” she said, then hesitated. “Perhaps you might take me to Cheapside, I wish to bring a few of my belongings. My family will still be at the church, I am certain. I wish to leave a note, letting them know I am well.”
“What if they come back before you are ready?”
“I will be ready. My things are already packed as I was to travel to my new husband’s home this very evening. I shallrush inside, leave my note, collect my things, and then meet you outside.”
