Darcy's Proposal · Canon
The Hunsford sitting-room is quiet enough to hear the fire. Charlotte is out; Mr Collins is not at home. Darcy stands at the edge of the carpet, paler than usual, and does not sound like a guest: I have to tell you I love you, against my better judgment. Before that lands, he adds her family, her mother's manners, and how hard he has tried to master it. Elizabeth's fingers tighten on her knee. In the original she refuses him; right now she can also say yes, if she will swallow the sting.