His mood further increased when he saw a letter from Elizabeth on his desk. He ran his finger over the ‘B’ stamped into the wax before opening it and beginning to read. He read it once through, his brow furrowing deeper the further he read, before reading the entire thing again.

Her first lines were about the sea and what she had seen so far. However, when he got towards the middle, he saw this.

I must speak of something difficult, but I fear my justice cannot allow it to go unsaid. I must tell you that I have doubts of our conjugal felicity. You speak of love and adoration, but I cannot help but feel that you do not know me well at all, and therefore I question your feelings. Rather, I question the longevity and depth of those feelings, and if they are strong enough to overcome our differences. Will they wane when the bloom has gone from the rose? Will you eventually cease to think me charming and merely find me impertinent? Will you resent and hate me for not being suited to you and your position in the world? I could not bear to live with a husband who despises me.

I do not mean to be insulting and please take these words with the honest intention with which they were written. I mean this as no slight on your character whatsoever, only that we may not be suited.

I have no desire to injure you or embarrass you. As yet, the engagement has not been announced to my family, and unless you have announced it, you may withdraw without consequence. I certainly would not hold it against you. However, if you wish to continue as planned, you have my word that I will say no more about the topic and I will endeavor to be a good wife to you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Bennet

After the third reading, Darcy was incensed. He quickly dashed off a reply and sent it immediately.

~

Two days later, Elizabeth received a letter. She recognized Darcy’s neat hand and quickly broke the seal.

Elizabeth,

We will proceed as planned.

Darcy

Chapter 12

In London, Darcy was in a fine state. What had she been thinking? Not suited? They were perfectly suited! Why did she think he had chosen her? Because she had a fine figure and a pretty face? Surely she must know he had seen many pretty faces but had never been tempted to propose marriage before. He knew she was sheltered and young, but surely she knew she wasn’t the only pretty girl of his acquaintance?