A/N: Hi guys – my shocking lack of updates/new fanfic in the past two months or so is due to a massive midyear exam on all stuff we've learned so far, plus more than one mega assignment plus music commitments. So sorry about that – hopefully once the exam is over (June 15), there will be more.

Anyway, let me know what you think of this drabble!

Proposal

'I must – indeed I must avail myself of this precious opportunity to declare sentiments which must already be well-known to you, hoping – fearing – adoring – I believe I shall die if you refuse me…'

As he paused for breath he sneaked a quick glance at her to see how she was responding, and was pleased at the result of his speech thus far. She was affecting astonishment, as was required of her modesty – but he was sure she knew and understood him by now.

'But I flatter myself that my ardent attachment and unequalled love – my unexampled passion could not fail of having some effect.' It was the correct moment to raise his beseeching eyes to hers, and he did so, inwardly satisfied with the effect.

'Everything that I have said or done these many hours – nay, days – past has been with the view of marking my adoration for yourself. Surely you can bring yourself to accept me?'

She fluttered her eyelashes. 'Oh, Mr. Elton–' she had begun to exclaim in tones of utterly feminine – and utterly feigned – confusion.

He cut across her, seizing her hand in his and covering it with kisses. 'Philip, my love – call me Philip!'

'Very well… Philip. I must say, your most gracious proposal has taken me completely by surprise, though my friends did think you admired me beyond the common. In fact, dear Selina was saying to me that on the very day we met, you…'

His attention began to wander as she reflected on the minutiae of their (thankfully brief) acquaintance.

Good God, would the woman never shut up? Well, he didn't care really, so long as she gave him a positive answer. He had hardly picked her for her wit, after all. Her brand of beauty was in the style of Emma Woodhouse's, though her mode of dress looked – to his eye – far more fashionable and expensive; and her birth might be inferior, but her fortune, though not to rival Miss Woodhouse's, was nevertheless considerable.

Yes, they would do very well together. If she would ever stop talking about herself and give him an answer, that is.