A Most Civil Proposal Read Online Free PDF Page A

convinced of Jane’s indifference, and she could not help remembering Charlotte’s opinion that Jane ought to make her partiality known. She was forced to admit that, though Jane’s feelings might be fervent, there was some justice in his assertion that she did not often display them openly.
    But how dare he act so when he could not know her true feelings! she told herself angrily, but then she remembered his demand that she consider the situation if the tables were turned — if Jane were rich and Bingley were not. She could not help but admit the justice of that. She was so confused!
    After some minutes of silence, Elizabeth finally responded, her voice flat and emotionless. “I confess, sir, that certain points of your . . . explanation . . . do indeed make me question some of my previous opinions.”
    Darcy stiffened as a momentary thrill of hope went through him at Elizabeth’s words, but her chin came up sharply as she looked directly back at him, “But I do have considerable trouble lending your explanations sufficient credence when there are yet other matters that give me cause to question your character.”
    “And those matters are . . . ?” Darcy said, more sharply than he had intended, wounded and angered that she would somehow doubt his character and his honour.
    “One of those matters we have touched on before, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said with growing heat, “and that is your treatment of Mr. Wickham. Many months ago, he unfolded your character in his recital of the misfortunes, which have been by your infliction. On this subject, what can you have to say?” She could have continued, but she stopped herself, shocked by the sudden look of fury on Mr. Darcy’s formerly impassive countenance. She watched in horrified fascination as his fists clenched and unclenched, his arms quivering as all his muscles convulsed in a frenzy of emotion and the obvious struggle to gain control of himself.
    Wickham again! he raged. I know not what he has told her, but how could she believe him? How could she have been so deceived? And then he remembered Wickham’s skill at presenting himself, the easy grace of his manners, the way in which he had almost convinced Georgiana to —
    Enough! He was tempted to turn and leave the room immediately, and several minutes went by while he debated furiously in his mind. Surely, in this matter he could defend himself, but should he? It will do no good; she will not listen; she has been poisoned against me! But the part that still loved Elizabeth cried out, You cannot let Wickham do this, for then his revenge will be complete!
    He turned around finally, at least outwardly composed, and he found that Elizabeth had retreated to the other side of the room. He was dismayed by the look on her face. It was fear.
    The realization that she was afraid stunned and mortified him, but it was enough to force him to settle his mind. No matter what happened, he must make her understand about George Wickham.
    “Miss Bennet, I am greatly sorry,” he said gently. She watched him, ready to flee the room if he so much as moved. “I am sorry that I have frightened you. Events of today have sorely tested my self-control, and I let my rage against George Wickham show. Please forgive me.”
    She nodded, but whether in forgiveness or acknowledgement, he could not tell. He sighed. “Madam, I would have wished never to have reason to remember again what I am about to tell you, but the present situation leaves me no choice. It is not only for my justification but also for your protection that I must inform you of what lies between George Wickham and me. May I sit?” he asked, and she jerkily nodded her head.
    He pulled out a chair. “Well, at least you have not yet fled the room,” he said dryly.
    His attempt at humour, feeble as it was, seemed to break the spell that had held Elizabeth frozen, and she moved to seat herself. “I considered it, sir,” she said coolly.
    “I daresay. My sister has