Page 160 of Near Pemberley

His gaze returned to hers. “I will not have people totally unrelated to me dictate my life.”

Elizabeth’s expression softened. “Even if people speak against you?”

“Let them.” The answer came without hesitation. “I know the truth. You know the truth. Those whose opinions matter know the truth.” A faint smile appeared. “And if others choose to believe that I have ruined myself by marrying you…”

He paused.

“Then they will have to endure the disappointment of seeing me perfectly content.”

Elizabeth could not help but smile.

“You make it sound very simple.”

“It is not simple.” His expression became serious again. “It is merely clear.”

He lifted her hand gently. “I would rather face every whisper in London with you beside me than spend another day wondering what I sacrificed because I was afraid of what people might say.”

“And Georgiana?”

“She is sixteen. It is another two years before she comes out. Or we can wait a year more if needed, but by that time other scandals will interest the crowd… and hopefully, London will not be interested in a fifteen-year-old country girl.”

First, Elizabeth said nothing. Then quietly, “You truly mean it?”

Darcy looked at her. “With all my heart.”

It took a few moments for Elizabeth to be able to speak.

She looked at him – at the man who had once seemed so proud, so certain of his own judgement, and yet now sat before her, asking not for acceptance but for a choice.

The difference was not lost upon her.

“Then allow me to answer you properly.”

Darcy looked at her.

Elizabeth’s fingers tightened gently around his.

“I do choose you.”

He swallowed. The words seemed almost too simple for the weight they carried.

“I choose you,” she repeated, her voice softer. “Not because of your name. Not because of Pemberley. Not because of what you have done for my family.” Her eyes filled. “I choose you because I know you.”

Darcy’s expression changed.

Elizabeth wiped her eyes. “I know your pride. I know your reserve. I know that you are sometimes far too determined to carry every burden alone.” A faint smile touched her lips. “And I know that beneath all of it is the kindest, most honourable man I have ever known.”

He looked away briefly, as though the words affected him more than he wished to show.

Elizabeth continued. “I once believed you incapable of understanding the feelings of others.” A pause. “I was wrong.”

Darcy looked back at her.

“I once believed you thought too highly of yourself.” She smiled faintly. “I now believe you think too little of yourself.”

That earned the smallest breath of laughter from him.

“And if you still wish for me after knowing all my faults,” she said, “then I think you must allow me the same privilege.”