Page 77 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
“I admired Eilís from the first moment we met. I was intrigued by your mind, impressed by your wit, and utterly bewitched by the time I discovered your exceptional eyes. No superlatives could ever do them justice. They are not only large and of the finest green, but full of character and so expressive whether they are flashing in indignation or softly adoring. They are so bright I could see my reflection in them.”
If Elizabeth was honest, her heart believed it was better to be admired by the fine, noble-looking gentleman than adored by every man in the world. She contemplated the bitter sufferings of their past. Love was the most arbitrary, ungovernable passion of nature. Like a wild, feverish dream and days of delirium.
“You are the handsomest woman of my acquaintance,” Mr Darcy assured her.
“I would as soon call my mother a wit,” Elizabeth countered before he perjured himself any further.
Mr Darcy bowed his head in mortification. “You heard me,” he whispered. “And my shame is complete. I am a selfish man who was taught good principles but chose to follow them in pride and conceit. So, I would still be if not for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!”
“I believe your description was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt you.”
He flinched but stepped closer, and with a finger under her chin, he gently raised her head to arrest her in the depths of his blue eyes.
“Firstly, that was obviously a barefaced lie, and my abominable behaviour was inexcusable. I deserve no forgiveness, so I shall not ask it of you. But I can explain why I uttered the lies and behaved so rudely. I did find you pretty, and that irked me because I had set my course. I was determined to find Eilís and look at no other lady before I had discovered whether our connection was as strong as the night of the masquerade implied. I was in a foul mood when I entered the assembly, having been thwarted at every turn in that endeavour, which was emphasised by greatly failing my sister. I declare it aged me into my dotage, and I became a churlish old curmudgeon who enjoyed trading boorish sarcasms with Miss Bingley. You are clearly very handsome but of a vivacious and expressive beauty that stole upon me by degrees—after we became acquainted, rather than what might have struck me upon first sight. Your charm is difficult to describe, aje ne sais quoi, an irresistible allure that drew me in even against my will. My heart was set on Eilís, and little did I know you were one and the same.”
“I shall not prevaricate but strive to be equally honest. My heart shattered at the assembly, but I am not made for misery, and I am breaking in a brand-new heart. It is hard—this second time—but there is a depth to you that draws me in. I am quite defenceless and shockingly vulnerable to your charm.”
“I shall endeavour to be worthy of you. To be your friend, protector, and, if you will have me, your husband and lover. You may be repulsed by how needy I am,” he admitted, taking hold of her hand, “but I have been heartsick for so long and crave your touch, your approbation, and ultimately, your love.”
Her happiness was of a tranquil nature—closer to melancholy than mirth in its expression. It was as though a profound sense of peace and comfort had descended. Their lips met in a long, delicious kiss, sweet yet so ardent in its expression it drew a warm current into her youthful heart and reanimated its wildest passion.
Elizabeth drew back, rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed. Releasing months of grievances and looking to the future with pleasure was not without its perils. Her heart had decided that she loved this man—the flawed gentleman and not the hero she had worshipped as a child. Back then she had pursued shadows and lived on hope. Her feelings were no longer of a wild and rapturous nature but had calmed into sanguine certainty. There would undoubtedly be sorrows, interspersed between joy and felicity, but a weight had lifted from the region of her heart. He may still be a little too proud, and sometimes a bit patronising; butshewas not flawless, and Fitzwilliam loved her. There were no doubts in her mind that he found her attractive because who would so relentlessly pursue someone they found only tolerably handsome? Certainly not Mr Darcy. He was used to having his way, and she was fortunate that she was the lady he desired.
“I adore you,” he whispered fervently into her ear. “Not only as a lover or a friend—but in essentials.A chuisle mo chroí—the pulse of my heart.”
“You have learnt Irish?” Elizabeth muttered into his shirt in amazement. His embrace tightened around her, pulling her close.
“I am not an eloquent man, but I am clever, and I searched through my library to find something to say to you that might persuade you to marry me. Have I succeeded?”
“You have,” Elizabeth admitted, tired of fighting what could not be conquered.
“You will marry me?” Darcy asked again.
“I will.”
“How soon?”
Elizabeth chuckled at his eagerness. “As soon as the banns are read. Would that suit you?”
“We could marry in a week with a common licence,” Darcy suggested with hope in his voice.
“And deprive my mother the pleasure of pestering Papa for a fortnight with lace and flower arrangements? I think not. She would never forgive me.”
“Your parents have a peculiar relationship.”
“Thank you for putting it so delicately. But yes, they have a singular sense of humour. Do not let their banter fool you, because they do love each other. Unfortunately, Lydia has inherited a combination of their worst traits. She can be trying. In fact, on the day… No, that is a story for after we are married.”
“You cannot leave it at that. I simply must know.” Darcy smiled. “What did she do?”
“She put all my dresses in the scullery at once. I was left with a stained one I had long since outgrown.” Elizabeth hoped he would leave it at that as her face flamed in embarrassment. But he was studying her and touched her warm cheeks, so she blurted it out. “I may have encountered two gentlemen riders out on my morning walk and had to climb up a tree to avoid being seen in my abominable attire. Though the view of the pond was worth the injuries to my pride.”
Darcy looked thoughtful, but she could see when he realised exactly what her implication insinuated.
“Did the gentlemen go for a swim?”
“You know as well as I that the pond is too shallow. Though I feel it incumbent upon me to assure you that my eyes never strayed from one particular gentleman…”
He was baffled for a moment before his face erupted in a wry smile.
