Read Mr. Darcy's Proposal for Free Online Page B

of his ears. “I owe you an apology for that remark. It had nothing to do with you.”
    “Nothing to do with me? You insulted me and yet insist it had nothing to do with me? I do not understand, sir. I heard what you said quite clearly. I was only a few feet away, and my hearing is most acute.”
    “Bingley was pressing me to dance when I did not wish to. The only way I could dissuade him from torturing me was to feign indifference.”
    “What about the disdainful way you treated almost everyone here in the neighborhood last fall? You barely deigned to speak to anyone.”
    “You have mentioned this before, and let me say again I am not comfortable conversing with people I do not know.”
    “You must tell me how you become acquainted with people unless you speak to them. You move in the highest circles of society, sir. I find it difficult to believe you have no skills in the art of conversation.”
    Darcy’s eyes widened at her comment. “Miss Elizabeth, although I do not have first-hand knowledge of how marriage proposals are usually received, it would surprise me very much if young ladies take it as an opportunity to argue with the gentleman who is asking for her hand.” His eyes were deep and intense, but there was a hint of humor around the edges. Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to blush.
    “But as I said, you are not like any woman I have ever met. I admire not only your beauty but your spirit and intelligence as well.”
    Elizabeth mumbled a thank you, but found she could no longer look him in the eye. Looking away, her gaze came to rest on the tea stain on the carpet again. Its presence irritated her now more than ever.
    “I remember last fall when you walked three miles through rain and mud out of concern for your sister. I respected you for that. When I saw you again in Kent, I had to acknowledge that my feelings had not diminished, and I resolved to make you an offer of marriage.”
    “I had no idea,” Elizabeth said softly.
    “Surely, you must have known that I intentionally sought you out on your walks around Rosings Park. Did you think that our frequent meetings were merely by chance?”
    “But you barely spoke to me.”
    “As I told you, I am not as adept in the art of conversation as my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I was enjoying the pleasures afforded by simply being in your presence. I thought you understood that.”
    “Clearly, I did not,” said Elizabeth raising an eyebrow.
    “I was foolish enough to think you returned my regard, but that evening at the parsonage, I discovered my error. I have taken your words to heart. I have been hoping my actions over the past few days might persuade you to think better of me. I hope you will agree to become my wife—if not for your own sake, then for the sake of your family.”
    “Mr. Darcy, how could you think I would even consider accepting you after the way you came between Mr. Bingley and my sister,” she said feeling her anger and frustration rising again.
    Although he looked surprised at her bluntness, he answered evenly, “If you remember, I told you that I would try to make amends for my error, In fact, when I call at Longbourn tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Bingley plans to be with me.”
    “Mr. Bingley, here?” She could not disguise her shock.
    “He is escorting my sister and Mrs. Annesley, her companion, here. They will arrive this evening.”
    “I am quite astonished, Mr. Darcy. And you are certain he means to call on us?”
    “Before I left London, I met with Bingley to confess that the advice I had given him about your sister’s feelings was in error. I abhor deception of any kind. I had already carried some guilt for my part in those events, and after your words at Hunsford, I resolved to tell him the truth.” Darcy’s eyes seemed to challenge her. “I told him I had reason to believe that Miss Bennet still held him in high esteem and that he would be warmly received should he decide to renew the acquaintance. I hope you will forgive