Lizzy swiftly pulled her hand away from him and stood up. She paced several steps and took a deep breath before replying. “I... I am... In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for your sentiments avowed, but I cannot thank you for it nor accept your proposal. You have repeated several times that I am of a deficient character, with no fortune and still needing to grow and mend my ways in order to meet your expectations of what your wife should be; to become someone that I had never wished or desired to become. I love you like a brother, Will, and yet you use our friendship as a basis to conform me to a model lady that I had never wished to be, of which I am fully aware my insufficiencies! You do not speak of love or affections for me other than that you know me well, but it seems you have forgotten everything about me, Will! And I do not know you right now. All of our discussions, all of the times we spent together as blood-brothers, you are very much mistaken if you cannot see the disguise I don now, wearing these extravagant dresses and behaving as if I am a genteel lady. Did you truly believe that your words would entice me to give up everything I am? I am a rational creature and I have never desired to marry, to be at the whim of a man who cannot accept me for who I am and you are asking me to do exactly that and I cannot consent to a life of such misery.”
“Misery?! How is life with me a misery, Lizzy?!” William shouted. “I can give you everything you want. You will not have to worry for your future and you will have wealth and status at your fingertips. We can continue our fencing lessons and I will give you everything you wish; theatres, travels around the world, jewels, and as many dresses and carriages you want. I can give you everything!”
“As long as I learn to sit still to embroider, to drink tea with other ladies, and gossip about nothing? As long as I give up my writing and attending lectures? To become someone I never wished to be, is that not what you want? I do not wish to mature into a gentlewoman. I would still choose to be a pirate if I could, Fitzwilliam Darcy. I have no wish to be a lady and I certainly do not need your wealth or jewels. I am content to be a poor girl of £50 a year and I have only ever wished for your company and friendship, and I will not become anyone’s wife!” Lizzy ran off indoors as she wiped her tears, leaving William standing frozen alone in the gardens.
~*~
William could not understand what had happened and sat still to review their conversation inside his head. He had thought it perfect that he would be able to provide a life of comfort for the young lady and anyone in their right mind would have accepted him heartily. But Lizzy was unlike anyone he knew and that was what he loved about her. She was unique and brilliant but obstinate and unreasonable. He loved her and still desired her to be his wife more than anything else, and decided to give her time to think on his offer instead of running after her now since he knew she would not listen. He groaned to himself when he realised that he had not spoken of his undying love and how much he adored her for her courage and wit. He was certain he could convince her after he explained himself better and that she could understand how much she would gain as his wife.
He was disappointed that he was not yet an engaged man but he placed the ring back into his pocket and rushed to the stables to have his horse saddled. He headed to White’s to give her space while he strategized his next steps on how to persuade his beloved, that marrying him was the best option for both of their future happiness.
~*~
“Fitzwilliam, I will see you in my study now.” Mr. Darcy commanded with a severe face when his son returned later that evening. “Now.”
William was confused as to his father’s asperity but he obeyed immediately. “Yes, father. What has happened?” He took a seat across from his father’s desk. He became more concerned when his father glared at him but did not speak for several moments.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, tell me what has happened with you and Lizzy. Something happened this morning and you will tell me all.” His father finally stated.
“How did you...” William was surprised that his father already knew and began to divulge everything. “I proposed to her this morning and was soundly refused but I plan on convincing her that she must accept me. I know she will see reason since she is a bright and sensible girl and when she marries me, she will have everything she wants and will not have to worry about her future. I love her and I know she loves me already, father. I only wished to give her some time to come to her own conclusions and I know she will accept me.”
Mr. Darcy rubbed his face as he asked, “And if she accepts you, what kind of a wife do you expect her to be? Why would she refuse you if your logic was so sound?”
William scratched his head, “I did tell her that she
