by Leenie Brown
“You are assuming that my father will give his blessing, sir,” teased Elizabeth.
“Indeed I am. How very forward of me. Will you accept my apologies?” Lord Matlock said with feigned gravity.
“But, of course, my lord,” said Elizabeth just as the carriages pulled into the circular drive in front of Longbourn.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their daughters along with Mr. Collins stood on the front steps to meet them. The Gardiners were first out of their carriage. As the Bennets and Gardiners gave each other hugs and handshakes, Lord Matlock handed his wife and then Jane and Elizabeth out of his carriage.
Mr. Bennet approached his daughters and Elizabeth stepped forward to give him a hug. “Lord and Lady Matlock, may I introduce my father, Mr. Bennet. Father, the Earl and Countess of Matlock.”
“Welcome to Longbourn, Lord and Lady Matlock. I trust your trip was pleasant.”
“It was quite pleasant,” said Lord Matlock. “You are blessed with two very fine daughters Mr. Bennet, travelling with them has been most enjoyable.”
“Thank you for delivering them to me, my lord. Would you care to come in for some refreshment before heading to Netherfield?” inquired Mr. Bennet.
“We would be happy to,” said Lady Matlock.
Once inside the house, Lord and Lady Matlock were introduced to the rest of the Bennet family and Mr. Collins. To Elizabeth’s amazement, Mrs. Bennet greeted her guests with reserved dignity.
“This is a charmingly situated room, Mrs. Bennet,” said Lady Matlock.
“Thank you, my lady,” said Mrs. Bennet. “It is situated quite nicely to take advantage of all the sun available in the dreary winter months. Yet it catches the prevailing breezes in the summer and is shaded by the trees which stand in the side garden.”
Elizabeth handed Lady Matlock a cup of tea prepared just as her ladyship liked it. She took a sip and smiled in appreciation of Elizabeth’s efforts.
“I have come to enjoy the company of your daughters, Mrs. Bennet. They and Mrs. Gardiner joined me for tea just yesterday when we were in town, and we have shared at least one evening in company.” Lady Matlock paused to sip her tea. “I understand you have a daughter who is soon to be wed. Which one is she?”
“Mary dear, come here. Lady Matlock wishes to meet you,” Mrs. Bennet called. “And bring Mr. Collins with you.”
“Lord Matlock, Gardiner has just delivered a fine bottle of port. Would you care to help us inspect its quality?” asked Mr. Bennet.
The men retired to the library while the women and Mr. Collins remained in the parlour where talk focused on the upcoming wedding.
“I have a few pieces of correspondence that have come for Mr. Collins. They are here.” Mr. Bennet reached into a drawer of his desk, drew out two envelopes and handed them to Lord Matlock. “I do not fully understand why I was to keep his correspondence and give it to you instead of him, but I have done as you requested.”
“I am glad that you have. It seems I have a problem with my sister, Lady Catherine, and he is her parson. She has always held to the idea that one day Darcy and her daughter, Anne, would marry. This has never been true and the supposition regarding their engagement is merely a figment of her imagination. In fact, Darcy’s father made it clear to me that he did not wish for his son to marry his cousin Anne. Of course, if they were truly in love, he would have supported the match. However, they are not now and never have been. I should not be the one to tell you this perhaps, but my nephew’s heart is engaged elsewhere although he has not yet had the opportunity to speak to the lady’s father.” Matlock gave a small nod of acknowledgment in answer to Mr. Bennet’s questioning look before taking a sip of his port. “Ah, Gardiner, you do know your port,” he said with appreciation.
“And what does all of this have to do with Mr. Collins’ correspondence?” inquired Mr. Bennet.
“Well, it seems my sister has been made aware of my nephew’s growing attachment to your daughter, and one of her sources is Mr. Collins. I have been led to believe that Mr. Collins esteems his patroness very highly and will bow to her every request.”
“That is true, my lord,” agreed Mr. Bennet.
“Just Matlock, please,” said Lord Matlock with a smile. “Yesterday, Catherine came to my house to demand that Darcy marry her daughter. Unfortunately, your daughter was calling on my wife at the time. Catherine made her request to your daughter. Elizabeth is not one to be backed into a corner very easily, Bennet. She is quite remarkable actually.” He paused to enjoy more of his port.
“To come to the point, Catherine has threatened to not allow Mr. Collins to marry your other daughter Mary and still comfortably retain his position at Hunsford should Elizabeth come to any sort of understanding with Darcy. I am sure you are aware that Elizabeth will not marry Darcy if it means harming her sister.” Mr. Bennet’s brows rose in surprise at this news. “She has told me as much. I believe that once you have seen her in company with my nephew, you will agree that for them not to marry would be a grave misfortune. Am I not correct, Gardiner?”
“He speaks the truth, Bennet.”
“I knew from your letter, Gardiner, that there was a fondness, but it has really grown to this?”
“Indeed, it has, brother. And a finer match could not be found for our Lizzy.”
“Or Darcy,” added Matlock. “So our purpose is to keep Catherine from speaking to Mr. Collins until after he and Mary are married. Since Catherine’s daughter Anne is of age to claim her inheritance, I have taken steps to remove Catherine from Rosings completely. She shall not have control over any aspect of the estate unless Anne allows it. This should limit her ability to make life miserable for Mr. and Mrs. Collins. I have also put about to my connections regarding an alternate living for Mr. Collins should Hunsford not remain an advantageous option for him. And while I am here, I hope to sway his allegiance away from Catherine and toward me as I am the head of the family.”
“That is a tall order, Matlock. I do hope you are up to the challenge. Mr. Collins is not the most intelligent of men,” warned Mr. Bennet. “I would not have consented to Mary’s marriage except for the fact that she truly seems happy with him.” Mr. Bennet shook his head as if he still could not believe that anyone could be happy to be married to Mr. Collins.
“I have been given an alternate plan, Bennet, should my plan fail,” said Matlock.
Mr. Bennet raised his eyebrows. “Lizzy?”
Lord Matlock nodded. “Your daughter has suggested she break off her courtship with my nephew and face the derision and unhappiness that such a choice would bring. With this goal in mind, she has asked me to find an alternate living for him. A wedding can happen quickly, but the search for a living within a reasonable distance from Longbourn could take some time. Once the wedding has taken place and Mr. Collins is installed in such a living, she would then be more than happy to reinstate her courtship with Darcy. It is not a plan that I wish to implement as I know the heartache that would come to both Darcy and Elizabeth. However, she has made me promise I would consider it.”
“It is hard not to listen to her when she is bent on a purpose, is it not?” chuckled Mr. Bennet. “I would not like to see us have to resort to her plan either unless we are at the end of all other options.”
“Darcy does not know about Elizabeth’s plan,” said Matlock, “and I will not tell him of it unless we need to employ it.”
“I understand, Matlock. Not a word of the plan will cross my lips,” Mr. Bennet assured Lord Matlock.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth stood outside her father’s study looking at the woman in front of her. She looked like Mary, but she did not act like Mary. Mary had always been quiet and solemn, almost mousy. This woman had just demonstrated an ability to charm her betrothed with the bat of an eyelash better than Lydia could ever have done, and now she was leading her sister into the conference going on inside the study with the command of a general.
“Elizabeth, all will be well,” said Mary. “
I really must speak to father and Lord Matlock immediately. I cannot tell you why while we are standing here. It is not safe. Trust me.” With that, she rapped firmly on the study door and waited. When Mr. Gardiner opened the door, she grabbed Elizabeth’s wrist and dragged her into the room pushing past her uncle in her haste.
“Mary,” said her father in surprise. “What are you doing here?” He looked at Elizabeth, who just shrugged her shoulders and rubbed her wrist.
“I have something that you and Lord Matlock must know,” said Mary curtseying to Lord Matlock. “I assume you are discussing Lady Catherine?” she continued. The men looked at her in surprise.
“Lady Catherine?” said Elizabeth suspiciously.
“Yes, Elizabeth. I have met Lady Catherine, but two days before your arrival.”
“Lady Catherine was here?” questioned Mr. Bennet. “Why do I not know of this?”
“Mother had taken Kitty and Lydia to town. Remember, Papa, they are not allowed to travel to town by themselves since….” she looked at Elizabeth but did not finish the sentence. “You and Mr. Collins were out for a ride about the estate. I alone was here to greet her.”
“What did my sister have to say to you?” asked Matlock.
“A considerable amount, my lord, but to sum up the conversation, she tried to get me to answer questions about Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. I did not have the information she sought. She then tried to get me to promise to dissuade Lizzy from ever accepting Mr. Darcy. I could not. She then told me that I would be miserable as mistress of Hunsford if I did not reconsider and assist her in this matter. She informed me that she would be in communication soon with Mr. Collins after a quick trip to London.
“I assume, Lord Matlock, that you have come to Longbourn to discuss a plan which will allow both my sister and me the freedom to marry as we choose?”
“Your daughters, Bennet, are extremely adept at putting together facts and coming up with correct assessments,” said Matlock with a chuckle. “Yes, Miss Mary, I am here to discuss how we can protect both you and Miss Elizabeth.”
“Good,” said Mary. “I have a plan.”
“Another daughter with a plan?” said Mr. Bennet. “How ever did you all become so conniving?”
“Have you met our mother?” said Mary with an impertinent grin, sending a ripple of laughter around the room.
“Yes, I believe I have had the good fortune of meeting the woman,” said her father. “So, Mary, what is your plan? Lord Matlock has already shared Elizabeth’s plan with me.”
“I believe we should move up the date of the wedding,” stated Mary. “I am sure that I can convince Mr. Collins that it would be an excellent idea since such an illustrious member of his patroness’ family is here as a representative to give their blessing to the union. Once we are married, we will only need to deal with the living at Hunsford.” She moved to stand next to her father.
“I believe that Lady Catherine’s daughter has reached her majority, has she not? I also understand that eventually she shall be mistress of Rosings in her mother’s stead. Could we not assist her in assuming her rightful role?” She circled the room. “Then, Lady Catherine’s influence may not be felt as strongly, allowing Mr. Collins and me to reside in relative comfort. And perhaps, there might be some agreeable young men we could present to Miss de Bourgh as possible suitors. She cannot marry Mr. Darcy if she marries someone else, now can she?” She stood near Elizabeth, her hands on her hips looking very determined.
“Who are you?” asked Elizabeth.
“I am your sister Mary,” said Mary taking Elizabeth’s hand. “I have just found my voice is all. I realize that the seemingly scheming nature of this plan does not coexist readily in your mind with the picture of the moralizing sister I have always been.”
“Indeed, it does not.”
Mary held both of Elizabeth’s hands securely and looked her in the eyes. “But, Elizabeth, it would not be right to stand aside and allow Lady Catherine to continue in her unkind and controlling manner. Providence has brought Mr. Collins and me together as well as you and Mr. Darcy. It would be unconscionable to allow any man or woman to work so forcefully against the designs of the Almighty and to do so in such an unchristian fashion.”
Matlock laughed. “Miss Mary, I quite enjoy your straightforward approach to the situation. You do not mince words. But, it will still be possible for my sister to make life miserable for you at Hunsford.”
“I am aware of that. Does she not have a house in town to which she can be removed if she were to be too much of an interference? I have not met Miss de Bourgh, but I have heard she has a fragile constitution. It might actually be best for Miss de Bourgh to have some time without her mother when she is assuming the role of mistress. I can well imagine how a mother’s presence could be overwhelming and cause a great deal of stress to her daughter.”
Mr. Bennet snorted.
“Your points are valid. I could ask Darcy, Richard or my eldest son, Thaddeus, to assist Anne in her new position. Of course, my wife would also wish to help her with those things of which the men may not be aware and to provide the proper appearance of a chaperone.”
“Then it is settled, gentlemen.” Mary smiled widely. “I will speak to Mr. Collins about the wedding date while you, Lord Matlock, continue to move Rosings from Lady Catherine’s possession to that of her daughter. Papa, your job is to speak to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley and give them your blessing. Mr. Gardiner, you must see to it that my mother is kept unaware of the circumstances of which we have been speaking.”
“And what shall I do?” asked Elizabeth.
“You,” said Mary with a magnanimous smile, “have the hardest task of all. You and Mr. Darcy shall do nothing.” She looked to Lord Matlock, who vigorously nodded his approval. “I shall need you and Jane to be my support and deal with our younger sisters, but other than that you shall do nothing. I am sure your plan was a good one, but I am just as sure that your plan would have left you with a far greater wound than the one that scars your arm. I am also sure your plan put my desires and wishes before your own. You have always protected me as much as you were able while we were growing up. It is time, Elizabeth, to let me do this for you. Allow me, Papa, Lord Matlock, and Uncle Gardiner to protect you from injury. Can you do that?”
Tears stung at the corners of Elizabeth’s eyes. “I can try,” she said.
Chapter 11
“Anne, what brings you to Matlock House?” Thaddeus stood as she entered the drawing room.
“I had heard Richard intended to join your parents at Netherfield, and I was hoping I could go with him. Spending much more time with my mother will surely drive me to Bedlam,” said Anne in exasperation.
“Is your mother still going on about Darcy?”
“Does she ever stop talking about Darcy?” Anne laughed. “I am tired to the point of weeping from hearing her carry on about our cousin. I have told her time and again that I do not wish to marry Darcy, but will she listen? No, her mind is set, and there seems to be no possible way of unsetting it.” Anne dropped into a chair.
“She can be stubborn, but then again, it is a Fitzwilliam trait, is it not?” Thaddeus offered his cousin a glass of wine.
“Indeed it is,” said Anne. “I also wish to meet the lady who has captured our cousin’s heart. I have heard only my mother’s account of her, and I am sure my mother’s description is far from the truth. Did you know that both this Miss Elizabeth and her sister, Miss Mary, who is to marry my mother’s parson, stood up to my mother?” Thaddeus’ eyes grew wide in astonishment.
Anne nodded. “Neither one would give her satisfaction, and it has her furious. Your father has effectively confined her to her townhouse by sending her carriage back to Rosings with strict instructions that it not be returned to London until he has sent for it.” Anne settled back into her chair. “She will not be leaving town for some time, I should think. I do not see her reconciling herself to Darcy’s marriage anytime in the near future. The vitriolic la
nguage I have endured since yesterday at this time when she came home from Matlock House has been shocking even for my mother. Thankfully, Mrs. Jennings and I were able to escape to come here.”
“I have heard tell of battle lines being drawn, and I have also heard some description of Darcy’s lady from Richard. I think we would like her.” Thaddeus cocked his head to the side and smiled. “Say, what if both you and I join Richard? I could use a bit of time out of town, and I would also like to meet this Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“But, are you not to remain in town and procure a bride?” teased Anne. “Your mother is starting to despair of either of her boys ever giving her grandchildren.”
“Ah, but I think Richard may assuage my mother’s desires before me. I am safe for the time being. Besides, the women of the ton are shallow. I have yet to meet a genuine soul among them.”
“Richard has his eye on someone?”
“He has not told me ─ not that I would expect him to ─ but he is selling out his commission and seems very eager to journey to Hertfordshire. It is my understanding Miss Elizabeth had friends visiting her while she was in London,” explained Thaddeus. “Perhaps Hertfordshire is the new marriage market for those seeking sensible mates?”
“I wonder if it is only sensible females or if there are some sensible and marriageable males among the inhabitants of Hertfordshire?”
“Are you looking, too?” asked Thaddeus in surprise.
“Thad, I am not getting any younger, and I would like to get married someday—as long as it is not to Darcy.”
“What is so wrong with Darcy?”
“There is nothing wrong with him. He is handsome and honourable and wealthy …” Thaddeus snorted.”…but he is Darcy. He and I have been thrown together since we were in leading strings. He is like a brother to me, and I would never be able to think of him as my husband.” She shuddered at the thought.
Thaddeus laughed and looked at his pretty, delicate cousin. “So, no marrying of a cousin for you?”