Page 17 of The Earl’s Second Chance

“It proves only that you desired me while despising nearly everything attached to me.”

“I did not despise you.”

“No. You merely insulted me at Meryton, separated Mr. Bingley from my sister, insulted me again in London, and have now explained that my father’s title has rendered me fit to receive the honour of your condescension.”

“Bingley was persuaded your sister felt nothing.”

“Did you ask her?”

“Her composure—”

“Was modesty. You judged her heart as carelessly as you judged my worth.”

Darcy’s shock hardened into pride. “You reject me?”

“I would reject you if my father were still only Mr. Bennet of Longbourn and I had not a shilling. I reject you now as Lady Elizabeth with sixty thousand pounds. Neither woman could respect the proposal you have made.”

The words echoed across the misted water.

Darcy’s face closed. “I have understood enough.”

“At last.”

He bowed with rigid formality and walked away.

Elizabeth remained upright until he vanished. Then anger broke through her control. She covered her face with both hands.

“Elizabeth.”

She turned. Richard stood several yards away, stricken.

“How much did you hear?”

“Enough to wish I had heard less and arrived sooner.”

Humiliation burned through her. “Then all your family shall know by luncheon.”

He flinched. “Is that what you believe of me?”

She looked at him and saw no curiosity, no triumph—only concern.

“No,” she whispered. “Forgive me.”

He came nearer but did not touch her. “You owe me nothing.”

“I am so angry.”

“You have every right.”

“He spoke as if my father’s title purchased my humanity.”

“Darcy has spent years confusing rank with character because rank is easier to measure.”

Tears slipped between her fingers. “I will not cry over him.”

“Then cry over being insulted. Tears need not be tribute.”

The gentleness undid her. Richard opened his arms only after she moved toward him. For one perilous minute she rested against his chest, hidden by fog and trees, while the footman turned his back with heroic discretion.