Page 14 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“You could at least try to defend yourself.”

“I will do so in writing. But if, after hearing me, you no longer wish to marry me, I will not hold you.”

Jane’s letter suddenly seemed to burn in my pocket. My family. The debt. I had spoken the word yes thinking to save them, and I had just destroyed that possibility in a matter of minutes.

Mr. Darcy noticed my distress.

“There is something else.”

“No.”

“Elizabeth.”

It was the first time he had used my given name without the shield of a formal declaration. His voice held a gentleness that made lying impossible.

“Is your family’s difficulty the reason you accepted me?”

I did not answer.

He closed his eyes briefly.

“I see.”

“You see nothing.”

“Then explain it to me.”

“I cannot without betraying my father.”

“You were going to marry me to protect him.”

It was no longer a question. The humiliation written on his features shamed me, but I refused to lower my head.

“I told you I did not love you.”

“You also spoke of esteem and possible affection.”

“I did not lie.”

“No. You carefully chose the only truths that allowed you to consent.”

I stepped back as if he had struck me.

He saw it and ran a hand over his face.

“Forgive me. That accusation is unjust. You have been more honest than I was in my proposal.”

“I should not have accepted.”

“Perhaps not.”

His voice nearly broke on the words. He straightened immediately.

“You are free, Miss Bennet. I will consider our engagement broken as soon as you confirm it after reading my letter.”

“And my family?”

The question escaped me.