“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

What does it mean?

Mr Darcy tried hard not to fall in love with Elizabeth, but he failed. Now he must tell her how strongly he feels.

Key vocabulary

In vain

without success

repressed

kept hidden or controlled

ardently

with strong, passionate feeling

• “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”– Jane Austen
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• “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!”– Jane Austen