Page 29 of Georgiana
“Had you smiled in her direction?”
“I honestly don’t know because I did not even know what Miss Featherington looked like. Nathan had to point her out at the next soiree we both attended.”
“I suppose you do understand what my experiences were like.” Darcy stroked his chin in a thoughtful manner. “I presume that is why I adored Lizzy from the start. She didn’t give two farthings what I had by way of land and money. She was far more interested in how I treated people. We had some interesting conversations of my attitude.”
“By conversations, I assume you meant arguments?”
“Absolutely. The best one was the first time I proposed to her.”
“You proposed more than once?” Max stared at his friend, shocked at his admission. “That means she refused you?”
“Yes, she did,” Darcy said with a secretive smile crossing his face. “And rightly so. I was an absolute prig.”
“I find that hard to believe. You are the epitome of politeness and social etiquette.”
“There is an inherent problem of looking down from the lofty heights of social standing.”
“And what would that be?”
“While I was busy looking at all the faces of those beneath me, all they saw was the hind end of a gentleman.”
“Darcy!” Max started to laugh and couldn’t stop. He’d never heard the master of Pemberley speak so plainly before. “Where in the world did you come up with that?” he finally managed to choke out.
“In one of our more private arguments, my wife succinctly pointed this out.” Darcy grinned. “And, she was right. My Lizzy is always honest with me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I believe your marriage has balanced you in ways you’re only beginning to understand.”
“Now that is a true statement.” Darcy settled back in his chair and assessed Max. “This conversation has been pleasant, but I’d like to know the real reason you have come by today. I know you continued on to Adborough Hall after the incident at the inn, but to return in under five days is quite remarkable, even for you.”
“Most of the groundwork had been taken care of by my steward. I convened a meeting between the two tenants. Fortunately, we worked things out I was able to leave a few days earlier than expected. I was most anxious to return and find out how Miss Darcy fared.”
“As I reported, she is well, all things considered.” Darcy still watched him carefully, his next words measured. “And that is the only reason for your visit today?”
Max swallowed hard. The one thing he’d dreamed of was about to come to fruition.
“I’ve come to request your sister’s hand in marriage.”
“There’s no need, Adborough. Richard offered to step into the breach if…” Darcy stood and ran a hand around the back of his neck. A sure sign he was embarrassed.
“If nothing better comes along?”
“Well… yes.” Darcy stopped harassing his cravat and walked a few steps toward the fireplace.
“And you believe you can do better than a Duke?” Max teased with a slight smile. “You do know the next step above me is Royalty?”
“It’s not that,” Darcy said. “I don’t want you to feel obligated because you were the one who rescued her.”
Max joined him by the fireplace and stared into the flickering flames. Was it safe to reveal how deep his feelings were? He finally lifted his eyes to Darcy and decided on a more cautious approach.
“I can assure you my intentions are honorable and I hold your sister in the highest regard. Even without this debacle, she is someone I have considered as a wife.”
Darcy held his attention with a steady gaze for a few long minutes and Max returned it with calm regard. Finally, he nodded. “I accept your proposal on behalf of Georgiana. I shall contact my solicitors to begin drawing up the marriage settlements.”
Relief swept through Max’s body at those words, and he couldn’t help but tease his normally stoic friend. “Do you not think I should ask your sister if this is something she wishes?”
“Georgiana has no other option. Marriage is the only way to save her reputation and I cannot think of another man more capable than you to make her happy.”
“Even though I’m not her cousin?”
