Mr. Darcy says, “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” when he proposes to Elizabeth Bennet. The declaration appears during his first proposal at the Collinses’ home in Hunsford, near Rosings Park.
Darcy’s proposal is emotionally sincere but socially awkward. He admits that he has struggled against his feelings because of Elizabeth’s lower social connections and the perceived inferiority of her family. Although he expresses powerful love, his wording also reveals pride in his own social position. Elizabeth rejects him, partly because she blames him for separating Jane from Bingley and believes Wickham’s accusations.
Darcy later writes Elizabeth a letter explaining his actions and correcting her understanding of Wickham. After Elizabeth visits Pemberley and learns more about Darcy’s conduct, her opinion changes. His second proposal, near the novel’s end, is more restrained and follows the mutual recognition that both have overcome their earlier pride and prejudice. Wickham, Collins, and Bingley do not speak this line.