“I think nothing of the kind. I merely ask that if you have some attraction towards me, that we test it out. If it proves a success, and if subsequently I do not offend you by my cold or arrogant behaviour, then perhaps in due course you might entertain a second proposal.”
“And what would be your opinion in general of a girl who agrees to such a thing?”
“I have no opinion in general. I know that you are not swayed by the hypocrisies of the world. And I assure you that your reputation, if you care for it, would be entirely safe with me.”
“You would not think me a common slut, Mr Darcy?”
“I should never think you a common anything, Miss Bennet. As for that word, if I should ever use it, it would be in a very different sense from the usual understanding.”
“How so?”
“I think by a slut is
