Darcy's first marriage proposal is partially reported

Fitzwilliam Darcy is the novel character who makes a clumsy and arrogant marriage proposal to Elizabeth at Rosings Park. The reader only reads the opening sentence of this declaration, because the text immediately shifts to indirect speech. This technique highlights the anger and resentment of Elizabeth, who has just learned of Darcy's harmful role in the separation of Bingley and her sister Jane.