Expecting His Proposal

After congratulating herself that no one need ever know how much her heart had been engaged by the prospect of capturing Mr. Darcy’s fancy, she began to consider that all in all, she had no cause to repine. Her trip had indeed been very pleasant. The five weeks that she had now passed in Kent had made a great difference in the countryside, and every day everything she saw and heard reminded her why she loved the springtime. She was on the point of turning back, when she caught a glimpse of Mr. Darcy pacing in the lane just up ahead. She halted her steps and observed him. From where she stood, she detected he was absorbed in deep thought despite his animated gestures. Whatever was troubling him, Elizabeth was determined to discover, and she set off to meet him.

Startled, he quickly tucked the paper he was studying so diligently into his pocket. “Miss Elizabeth!”

“Mr. Darcy, I saw you walking back and forth, looking as though you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Pray whatever is the matter?”

“The fact is I do have a great deal on my mind. I’ve been walking in the grove some time in the hope of meeting you this morning.”