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Merciful heavens, no! Elizabeth only just prevented herself from crying out.
This was not possible! It was a cruel joke. Two marriage proposals in one day? She schooled her features into a semblance of calm; perhaps he intended something else entirely.
But this hope was destined to be dashed as her visitor continued. “It has come to my attention that you have recently been the victim of scurrilous accusations and threatening behavior. I cannot be happy knowing you are at risk—not when I can be of assistance to the beloved of my dear friend.”
“That is not necessary. I am certain all will soon be forgotten.” she demurred hastily. Perhaps she could prevent the entire uncomfortable scene.
But the lord was not to be deterred from his full share of awkwardness. “I do not believe so. Please allow me to say my piece.”
Elizabeth wished she could somehow prevent the coming disaster, for his sake as well as for hers. However, she could conceive of no polite way to prevent a man from offering marriage.
No longer able to contain his energy, Lord Kirkwood sprung from his chair and almost bounced among the room’s various pieces of furniture.
“I feel a great deal of fondness for you, and I flatter myself that you return some measure of my affection. I would like to offer you my hand in marriage, to protect and cherish you for the rest of my life.” His pacing brought him in front of Elizabeth, where he smiled endearingly at her. As she contemplated the necessity of declining his offer, she felt as if she was planning to kick a small, eager animal.
For a moment, Elizabeth was actually tempted to swear. Why did everyone assume she needed protection? Taking a deep breath, she tried to relax the tightness in her shoulders. Lord Kirkwood wished to help; he did not deserve to suffer her frustration.
Best to dispense with the unpleasantness as quickly as possible. Elizabeth steeled herself. “I am very honored by your offer, Lord Kirkwood, but I cannot accept.”
His face fell so dramatically that Elizabeth struggled not to laugh. He resembled nothing so much as a small child who had been deprived of his favorite toy. Indeed, the whole situation was somewhat ridiculous given that it was not the first proposal of the day.
“I do not believe I am in need of such protection as you are offering,” she said softly.
He appeared quite crestfallen. “I beg you to reconsider!” Were those not the same words Mr. Darcy had used?
Elizabeth recalled the tangle of emotions she had experienced earlier in the day; at least Lord Kirkwood did not inspire such a confusion of feelings. “It is too soon after Richard’s death. I cannot offer my heart to another man.”
Lord Kirkwood’s shoulders slumped as he fixed his eyes on the floor. “Darcy said as much, but I did not wish to believe him,” he muttered.
“You discussed your proposal with Mr. Darcy?” She cried. What could that possibly mean?
The lord blinked. “Well, yes, I saw him at White’s yesterday and mentioned my plan. I thought he would be relieved—in case his sister has been anxious for you.” Elizabeth smoothed her skirts with palms that were suddenly damp with sweat.
Lord Kirkwood continued, “He tried to dissuade me, but I decided to try my luck.” Apparently, the lord viewed her as akin to a particularly elusive deer he was stalking.
Why would Mr. Darcy propose to her on the morning of a day when he knew another man planned to make her an offer? She almost addressed the question to Lord Kirkwood, but he obviously knew nothing of Mr. Darcy’s attempt to preempt him, and the poor man already looked so defeated that she did not wish to compound it.
Perhaps Mr. Darcy somehow disapproved of Lord Kirkwood and sought to rescue her from him? Did he know of gambling debts, a drinking problem, or some other deficiency rendering him an unsuitable husband?
No. Why would he not simply warn Elizabeth against the man?
Mr. Darcy’s avowed goal was protecting her from scandal, but as far as Elizabeth knew, the Kirkwood family name was untarnished, thus serving the purpose admirably. Why not simply allow Lord Kirkwood to propose?
Oh, that vexing man! Every time she believed she understood Mr. Darcy, he showed how she was in error.
Lord Kirkwood’s anxious stare brought her to the realization she was scowling. “I hope you are not angered with Mr. Darcy. He cannot be faulted for failing to sway me from my course,” he said.
“No, no, of course.” Elizabeth carefully applied a smile to her lips. “I do not blame him for that.” However, I do hold him accountable for other actions.
Suddenly the absurdity of the situation struck her. Two proposals in one day. It would make an excellent plot for a comic opera! She stifled an irrational impulse to laugh and covered her mouth with her hand.
Lord Kirkwood’s expression was bemused, and Elizabeth struggled to appear appropriately solemn lest he believe she was laughing at him. He glanced to the door. “I believe it is past time for me to depart.”
Elizabeth rose to escort him toward the entrance hall. “Lord Kirkwood, I am very touched at the care you demonstrated for me. Someday, you will fall in love with a woman and will be very happy I refused you today.”
He grimaced. “I pray you are right.” He stopped and gazed deeply into her eyes. “But I am pleased we may part friends.”
Elizabeth smiled at him. “As am I.”
