Page 36 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“You take other people’s concerns on your shoulders this morning? You are too good, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, squeezing his hand to emphasize her assurance. “I will, with relative certainty, guess you hope I might think of solutions with you. If you intend to unburden yourself, I am willing to offer my opinion.”
“I am obliged, for I cannot decide without it. I have come to recognize from the first moment of our acquaintance that I listen to you as I have to few others. I also recognize you have no true need of me. When I leave, your life will continue as it has always been, though I am selfish enough to hope you will miss me when you sit here. I wish there were a place in Town where we had met so I could visit it and think of you.”
“I have often been to my uncle’s warehouses, which you claim to have cause to visit.”
“I do, but…. Yesterday, though I had yet to depart, I already missed you. It first occurred when my aunt and uncle discussed our leaving Hertfordshire. Then, I recognized I looked for you in every room, even when I knew you to be at Longbourn. I seek you in the gardens, hoping you might be around the next hedge. And every night, you…”
Elizabeth caught his blush before he looked away. She understood well enough. She would not want to admit to any of the dreams she had of him, either awake or asleep. Ones that caused her to anticipate and dread any hours spent alone. She squeezed his hand, signaling her understanding of what had not been spoken. “You may feel so now, sir, but we have been in the company of one another just above a month. Perhaps, for you, it is a fleeting fancy rather than a lasting…inclination.”
“I cannot believe it is true. I treasure even our moments of quietude, which is not at all the solitude I know in London or Pemberley. We discuss any subject that comes to mind, and you tell me your honest opinion without reference to my own. That is invaluable to me. I notice you suggest it might be fleeting for me, not both of us.”
Unable to look away from him, she said, “I very much value you. Your opinion and your company, Mr. Darcy.”
“I may, on occasion, rue hearing yours if you explain what I should have surmised on my own. You have helped me better consider decisions. IknowI need you, Miss Elizabeth. I dread the thought I might leave Hertfordshire without you. At worst, without a promise that you will be by my side forever.”
“To what end? As your sister’s friend?”
“Miss Eliz—”
Elizabeth wondered at such a great man being at a loss for wordsbecauseof her. It gave her reason to hope in a way she had never dared before.
“You have a profound effect on me, madam.”
“It was unconsciously done.”
“Do I have cause to hope? Might you one day come to love me?”
Her entire being filled with sweet joy. “Can you not tell? My fingers tingle only when they touch yours. Your clove and heather scent makes me feel as if I have imbibed too much wine. The comfort and safety in your presence make me long for…so much.”Would you just kiss me, William?
“You employed no arts or allurements to gain my attention, yet you have arrested me. These mornings when I know I will have your company, there is little I have anticipated as much. From the very start of our acquaintance, I have witnessed to your generosity of spirit, your love of family. I am not a jealous being by nature, but I find myself envious whenever your attention is fixed on another.”
“I am well aware you enjoy my teasing you.”
“It seems I am making a muddle of this.” Darcy stood with an unexpected abruptness and started to pace.
Elizabeth stood to join him, her anxiety increasing when she bore witness to his. If he needed to pace, she would join him. After they had made a few circles around the top of the mount, she asked, “What can I do to help you?”
Darcy took two steps, then turned to face her. “Relieve my suffering by saying you will marry me.”
Elizabeth could see Mr. Darcy was proud of having rendered her speechless. When he approached her, she stilled, watching the distance between them close within mere inches. “You want to marry me?”
“Yes. Moreover, I am certain you are the only woman whom I will ever want by my side. You have bewitched me, Elizabeth. I know you did not intend to cast the spell, but you have made me a man who cannot be happy without being near you,” Darcy murmured.
“What of your sister? What of your relations? What of—”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “None merit discussion if you do not want to marry me.”
Elizabeth could no more resist kissing his finger than she could the need to draw her next breath.
“Only a foolish woman who would turn down a man of your standing, Mr. Darcy. As you are also the best and most handsome man of my acquaintance, it is impossiblenotto want to marry you. The thought of your leaving hurts because I gave you my heart. I am honored and relieved you are gifting me yours in turn. Yes, Mr. Darcy, Iwantto marry you.”
“It is William, Elizabeth. I ask you to call me William. Say youwillmarry me.”
When he lowered his forehead to hers, she pressed back, allowing the feeling of the connection to be shared.
“And I shall, Mr. Darcy. I would like to marry you. Very much.”
Elizabeth was relieved to see Mr. Darcy’s jubilation.
