Reputation, An Easy Thing to Lose

Elizabeth looked around the room. There was a large oak desk with a massive black leather chair against the wall. Two smaller leather chairs sat in front of the desk, and they looked stiff. The desk loomed large in the room and the smaller chairs were in a definite position of inferiority. Perhaps the elder Mr. Gardiner had used the difference in furniture size to gain the upper hand in business negotiations. Whatever the reason, the effect was profound.

In the corner of the room sat a much less menacing couch covered in a dusty white sheet. Darcy was already carefully folding the sheet to avoid kicking up any dust. She followed his silent lead and sat on the edge as far from him as possible with her hands folded in her lap. How does one start such a conversation?

I love you desperately, but you know you cannot marry me.

Think of Miss Darcy! We cannot ruin your baby sister.

I could not bear it if you came to resent me for ruining your life.