Free Mr. Darcy's Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks Page A

actions show he is very skilled at this kind of deception. His good manners and handsome demeanor make it hard to believe any ill of him, but I think we must. I am certain what Mr. Darcy shared with me is true.”
    “How bold Mr. Wickham was in telling those terrible stories!” said Jane.
    “If you think about it, he waited until Mr. Darcy was no longer in the county before spreading his version of the truth very widely. He knew just how to take advantage of the fact that most people, including me, were already predisposed to dislike Mr. Darcy because of the way he had acted here. Nevertheless, I am ashamed of myself for being so quick to believe the worst of him. You know I have always prided myself a good judge of character. I do not understand how I could have made such a grievous mistake in judgment!”
    “Do not be too hard on yourself, Lizzy,” Jane told her sister. “We were all taken in by Wickham’s charms.”
    “It still does not make it easier for me to bear. I should have been more discerning.”
    Jane turned her attention back to cutting flowers and asked casually, “So, Lizzy, have you decided what your answer will be to Mr. Darcy? Has this new information made any change in your disposition regarding his proposal?”
    Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have made up my mind. I told Mr. Darcy just a few minutes ago that I would marry him.”
    Jane looked up at her with wide eyes.
    “But I felt obliged to tell him that I am uncertain as to my feelings for him. As long as he was willing to accept me on those terms, then I could agree.”
    “Oh, Lizzy, I hope you did not wound him too much with your honesty. At times, your manner can be a little too direct.”
    “I think in some ways he appreciated that I did not try to flatter him as some women might, but I do believe he is hoping that with time my opinion of him will improve.”
    “And do you think it will?”
    “I cannot say what will happen although I do have more respect for his character after what I learned this morning.”
    Jane hugged her. “Let me be the first to wish you joy. You certainly deserve all the very best. When will you be married?”
    “Mr. Darcy will have to obtain Father’s permission, but I do not think that will be an obstacle. I am planning to inform Papa so he will not be too shocked when Mr. Darcy calls on him. Then, we will be married once he has obtained the special license.”
    “Oh, Lizzy, so soon!”
    “Yes, we thought it best to be married immediately in a small private ceremony.”
    “Have you thought about what might happen if Father recovers? Would that make you regret your choice?”
    “I cannot think about that. The fact remains that someday—be it now or in the future—our family will need the kind of support and protection he has offered. I believe I must be practical. One of us has to marry well to ensure security for rest.”
    Jane looked at her sister sadly. “Oh, Lizzy, it should have been me as the eldest. I wish you would not make this sacrifice for all of us.”
    “Dearest Jane, do not say that,” she reassured her. “I have made my decision, and we will speak of it no more. Now, I have some news that I hope you will find more pleasing.”
    “News for me?”
    “Your Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield this very day, and I have it on the best authority he plans to call at Longbourn this afternoon.”
    Jane’s eyes grew wide. Though she tried to contain her excitement, Elizabeth knew her well enough to be sure this unexpected news cheered her greatly.
    “He is not ‘my’ Mr. Bingley,” said Jane casting her eyes down.
    “Yes, but I think that will change very soon,” Elizabeth reassured her.
    Jane blushed, but quickly regained her composure. “It is very kind of him to think of paying his respects to our family under the circumstances.”
    “I am sure he is concerned about Father, but Jane, he is coming expressly to see you.”
    Jane put