RayenneFrost

because, like, that’s the seldom-portrayed romantic dream in the patriarchal hellscape that is our world, isn’t it?

a dude being willing to say, “i understand if you don’t feel the same way about me, and i’ll leave you alone forever about this if my attention is unwanted.”

The next day, he surprises her on her walk. He hands her a letter, asks that she read it, and then takes off.

When this happened to me after I had turned someone down IN REAL LIFE, the letter contained a passionate argument to the tune of “actually you’re wrong and you do like me and you should go out with me” and it was creepy af.

Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth starts with: “Be not alarmed, Madam, on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you”. He goes on to set the record straight about the stuff he didn’t do (as well as the stuff he did) which is *actually relevant* to Elizabeth. And he, as promised, doesn’t romance her further.

Darcy’s second proposal: “One word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”

His whole arc in the book is about learning to consider other people’s feelings and not just his own, but the fact that it’s expressed via who gets to talk and who is told to shut up is so, so telling. The first time around, he imposes his voice on her whether she wants it or not. The second time, he asks how she feels, and in exchange, offers her the gift of his silence.

“Villain, I️ have done thy mother”

“Away you three inch fool”

“I’ll beat thee, but I️ would infect my hands”

“I️ am sick when I️ do look on thee”

“More of your conversation would infect my brain”

“Thine face is not worth sunburning”

“Thou art unfit for any place but hell”

“Thou damned and luxurious mountain goat”

“You are as a candle, the better burnt out”

“Your brain is as dry as the remainder biscuit after voyage”

“Drunkenness is his best virtue”

“Thou crusty batch of nature!”

“The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes”

“Out of my sight! Thou dost infect my eyes”