Chapter Text
It was Jim that asked her to marry him. At first she wondered why John said nothing: he neither proposed nor seemed to take any notice of his brother's proposal. Was it merely maidenly reserve that she kept Jim waiting for his answer?
She finally asked her mother, who retorted in surprise, "John Shaw is a gentleman." Of course, he wouldn't ask now.
Elizabeth had fallen in love with John's quiet, reserved manners, the little ways he showed his regard; but she had also fallen in love with Jim's stories and laughter, that Jim wanted to be there with her.