Page 66 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Not today.

“You cannot purchase forgiveness for insulting my family.”

“I am not attempting to.”

“You cannot compensate me for a proposal I accepted while you were half-conscious by increasing the settlement.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

Darcy’s restraint cracked. “Because I have more money than I need and I want you protected!”

Elizabeth stared. He stood too quickly, reached for the desk, and grimaced as weight struck his healing leg. She took an instinctive step toward him.

He lifted a hand. “Do not.”

She stopped.

Darcy’s voice remained controlled only by effort. “You will leave Longbourn. You will enter a family and society with greater wealth and expectations. If I die, I will not leave you dependent upon the goodwill of an heir or relation. If we have children, I want you to have independent means. If we quarrel, I do not want your security tied to whether I am pleased with you.”

Elizabeth’s anger shifted.

He continued, “Yes, I regret my conduct. Yes, I regret how our engagement began. But do not reduce every act of care to guilt simply because guilt exists.”

The room became silent.

Elizabeth looked at him. Darcy looked back, breathing hard.

She said, “You might have explained that before looking offended when I asked.”

“You might have asked before accusing me of purchasing absolution.”

“That is fair.”

He blinked.

“You need not look so astonished.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I am adjusting to victory.”

“Do not press your luck.”

His mouth twitched.

Elizabeth came nearer. “Thirty thousand is still absurd.”

“It is not.”

“It is.”

“Twenty-five.”

She stared. “Are we bargaining?”