Meryton Medley: Four Pride and Prejudice Novelettes by Cassandra B. Leigh

Author:Cassandra B. Leigh [Leigh, Cassandra B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

My dearest Miss Elizabeth,

I plan to bring you to the library later this evening after dinner and make my address. If you are reading this letter, it means that you still have not accepted me. But I shall not be dismayed; I shall only blame myself for failing to convince you of my steadfastness and devotion.

I shall return to Longbourn on Monday and continue to hope that my efforts shall be rewarded by your acceptance. If you wish for a courtship, I shall easily agree. If you need any additional assurances, I shall surely provide them. If you desire to hear love poetry, I have studied the masters and I am prepared to recite the poems and sonnets of your choice. I shall do whatever you require to secure your hand.

Your devoted suitor,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

She folded the letter and returned it to her pocket. “He really is the most wonderful man of my acquaintance.” She could not help but smile at her Mama as she chattered on in an excited manner; she had no doubt that she would be elated when she learned of her betrothal to Mr. Darcy.

~~~

“Mr. Darcy to see you, Sir,” Mr. Hill announced at the Longbourn study.

Thomas Bennet had been expecting the young man and welcomed him in. They exchanged civilities and were seated. “How may I assist you?”

“First, Mr. Bennet, I wish to apologize to you for my offensive behaviour last autumn. I believed myself to be above company and was short-tempered. But your daughter has shown me the errors of my ways,” Mr. Darcy said with a repentant smile.

Thomas laughed. “Did she?”

“She reproached me most unmercifully and I have done everything in my power to gain her good opinion.”

“Yes, she can be quite outspoken.”

“I admire her outspokenness and impertinence; it is quite a refreshing change from the submissive daughters of the Ton.”

Thomas could not disagree. “I believe you will never be able to accuse Elizabeth of being submissive, Mr. Darcy.”

“Nor should I ever wish her to be so. Her character is much to my liking.” Thomas nodded in agreeable silence waiting for the young man to continue. “I love your daughter, Sir, and have come to humbly request your consent to marry.”

He chuckled and observed Mr. Darcy relax. “Lizzy told me to expect you.”

“Yes, she thought it best to approach you since I left an unfavourable impression in the area last year.”

“I should say you did.”

“But I have endeavoured to be worthy of her,” he replied with a guilty smile. “I offered for her in Kent and she rejected me.”

Thomas wondered why his daughter had neglected to disclose that bit of information. “She rejected you?”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “Most vehemently. Did she not tell you?”

“Indeed she did not.”

“Well my address was less than admirable and she had no other choice but to reject me,” he replied, to which Thomas laughed with amusement. “You may well laugh, Mr. Bennet, but the wounds inflicted from that lashing shall forever remain with me,” he replied with a pained expression.

Thomas nodded.

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