Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Sixty
Abridged for Intermediate-High Learners

Elizabeth, playful again, asked Mr. Darcy to explain how he had ever fallen in love with her. "How could you begin?" she said. "What set you off in the first place?" "I cannot name the hour, the place, the look, or the words," he answered. "I was in the middle before I knew I had begun."

"My manners were often nearly rude. Did you admire me for my impertinence?" "I admired the liveliness of your mind," he said. "Call it impertinence, then," she laughed. "You were tired of politeness and of people eager to please you. I woke your interest because I was so unlike them. Of course, you knew no real good of me — but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love."

"Was there no good in your kindness to Jane when she was ill at Netherfield?" "My good qualities are under your protection, and you must praise them as much as possible. Now tell me: why did you look as if you did not care for me?" "Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no encouragement." "But I was embarrassed." "And so was I." "How unlucky that you always have a reasonable answer! My decision to thank you for your kindness to Lydia had a great effect." "The moral is perfectly fair. Lady Catherine's unjust attempts to separate us removed all my doubts."

"Lady Catherine has been of great use, which should make her happy. But why did you come to Netherfield? Was it only to ride to Longbourn and be embarrassed? Or did you hope for something more serious?" "My real purpose was to see you, and to judge whether I might ever hope to make you love me."

"Shall you ever have the courage to tell Lady Catherine?" "I am more likely to want time than courage. But it must be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall be done at once." "I have a letter to write myself, and an aunt who must not be neglected." Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs. Gardiner's long letter. But now, with happy news to share, she wrote at once: "Dear aunt, I was too cross to write before. You imagined more than really existed — but now imagine as much as you like. I am the happiest creature in the world. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas."

Mr. Darcy's letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style, and Mr. Bennet's to Mr. Collins was different again. "I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give." Miss Bingley's congratulations to her brother were all affection and insincerity, and Jane, though not deceived, answered more kindly than was deserved.

Miss Darcy's delight at the news was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Before Mr. Collins could answer, the Collinses came themselves to Lucas Lodge. Lady Catherine had been made so angry by her nephew's letter that Charlotte, truly rejoicing in the match, escaped to Lucas Lodge until the storm had passed. Elizabeth was glad to see her friend, though it cost her to watch Mr. Darcy endure all the pomp and humble politeness of Mr. Collins, which he bore with wonderful calmness.

Mrs. Philips's vulgarity was another test of his patience. Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from these relatives. The uncomfortable feelings took much pleasure from the season of courtship, but she looked forward with delight to their future family life at Pemberley.