Darcy agreed. Then, swallowing his nervousness, for he had wanted to talk to Elizabeth before talking to her father, but there was no opportunity—well, no opportunity lately—and here he had the perfect opportunity with Mr. Bennet, he began.

“Mr. Bennet, there is something I would like to speak to you about.”

“Ah, yes, of course. What do you wish to speak of?” Bennet continued to peruse the shelves, unconcerned about the impending conversation.

Darcy had planned to have this conversation face to face, but how could he do that when the man refused to turn around? Could nothing go to plan?

“Sir, I would like permission, and your blessing, to marry Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy stated formally.

Mr. Bennet stopped where he was, his hand reaching toward a volume, and slowly turned to look at Mr. Darcy. “You want to marry my daughter Elizabeth?”

“Yes.”

Mr. Bennet stared at him. “Has she accepted you?”

Darcy breathed deeply and worked his jaw. “I have not had a chance to ask her. That is, I have not had a moment alone to offer my hand.”

Mr. Bennet nodded slowly, then walked to a chair near the window and eased himself into it. “Why?” he asked.

“Why?” repeated Darcy.

“Yes, why do you want to marry Elizabeth?”

Darcy looked surprised for a moment, then opened and closed his mouth twice before speaking. “I love her, sir. I do not believe I could lead a complete life without her. I am sure we are well matched in mind and character, and I can assure you that I will always treat her with respect and kindness. I am prepared to be very generous with her settlement and with any children we may have.” He sat in the chair opposite Bennet’s.

Mr. Bennet nodded again, his hands steepled in front of his mouth and his eyes looking into the distance. “You love my Lizzy,” he said quietly.

“Yes, I do. Very much,” Mr. Darcy said, just as quietly.

“Mr. Darcy, I will have to ask you some questions that I know you will not like, but before I can agree to this in good conscience, I must ask them for my daughter’s sake.”

Darcy sat up straight and squared his shoulders. “Go ahead, sir. I would do the same for my own sister and cannot fault your desire to see your daughter safe and happy.”

“Very good. Do you drink to excess, Mr. Darcy?”

Darcy was somewhat surprised. He had thought the questions would be more about his income than his behavior, but he supposed it was a reasonable question, so he answered. “Not often. I have, upon occasion, over imbibed. Usually at a holiday or when something unexpected has occurred, but I do not make a habit of it.”

“And when you have, have you done anything you might regret? Have you gambled unwisely? Do you become violent? Are your morals left behind with your sobriety?”