Darcy stared at his aunt, shocked at her behavior. “We were planning to marry, here, at the townhouse, on Friday.”
“Two days, very well, I will stay here until then.” Lady Catherine announced. His jaw nearly struck the floor from surprise. Darcy looked at his aunt with many questions flowing through his mind. “Y…y…you will support our marriage? I am surprised.”
A smile graced Lady Catherine’s lips. “William, I had a long talk with Anne. My daughter has informed me, in no uncertain terms, that she would rather eat worms than marry you.” The ladies chuckled. Darcy was surprised at the conversation. “I know I have been adamant, for most of your lives, you and Anne would marry. But, after Anthony’s death, I realized I should listen to my daughter’s desires more. My brother made many mistakes in his parenting skills, and, if I were to ignore Anne’s wishes, I would be no better. I have spent far too much time demanding my wishes, but it is time to look to the future with my eyes wide open. I wish to see you, Richard, Georgiana, and most of all, Anne, happy and living the lives you desire.”
Darcy held out a hand to his aunt, which his aunt gratefully accepted. Pulling Lady Catherine into his embrace, Darcy whispered his gratitude in his aunt’s ear. Lady Catherine insisted he release her and act properly, before turning her attention back to her future niece.
“Now, may I call you Elizabeth?” Lady Catherine asked her niece to be. When Elizabeth nodded her head, Lady Catherine smiled. “My sister was not happy in her marriage to Gerald Darcy. My marriage was not pleasant either. My brother thought he was in love with his wife at the beginning of his marriage, but it faded within the first years, after her looks faded. My nephew needs to be loved, as he has always taken care of everyone else. Ever since he was a little boy, he was protective and caring to those he loved. It is clear that he loves you, Elizabeth. Do not break his heart, or you will have me to contend with.”
“I plan to keep your nephew happy and well loved, Lady Catherine.” Elizabeth smiled as she suddenly found the elder lady’s arms surround her.
“Aunt Catherine, Elizabeth. I will soon enough be your aunt, so you should start practicing calling me such.” Lady Catherine turned to her nephew. “Now, where is your sister? It has been ages since I last saw her and wish to hear her play the pianoforte. From your letters, she is quite talented. It only goes to show how correct I am, as I have instructed you time and again that she will never be good unless she
practices.”
~~ ** ~~ Lord Bentley decided to visit Darcy House, as he wished to speak with his cousins. He was excited to learn he had cousins, and he could not think of more deserving ladies. After losing everything, their parents and their home, facing an uncertain future, the Bennet sisters rallied and attempted to better their situation. If it were not for Elizabeth’s desire to aid her sisters, she would not be in the danger she was facing. And now, it was within Lord Bentley’s power to make life much easier for them.
Mr Jarvis ushered Lord Bentley into the foyer. “The family and their guests are in the drawing room on the second floor. I will have one of the footmen escort you to the room.”
“Not necessary, Jarvis, I know the house pretty well. I have spent much time here in years past, as you recall.”
“Yes, Sir. I should warn you, Lady Catherine is in residence as well.” Lord Bentley chuckled. “Thank you, Jarvis, it is always important to be forewarned when having to interact with Lady Catherine.”
The drawing room door was open and from inside the sound of music could be heard. Stopping at the doorway, Lord Bentley waited for the song to end before he disrupted the peace which had settled over the occupants. Darcy was the first to notice Lord Bentley.
“Your lordship, welcome. I did not know you were coming today.” “Ah, Darcy, I was hoping you would indulge me. I wished to speak with the Bennet ladies on a matter of importance.”
Elizabeth looked at Lord Bentley, then at her sisters. The ladies had not met his lordship, though they knew of his position as a magistrate, and they were all concerned as to what they were about to hear.
“Have no fear, ladies. The news I bring is good.” Lord Bentley smiled. “If you do not mind, Darcy, I could use something to drink, as what I have to say is long.”
Darcy nodded his head and rang for Mrs Jarvis. “If you would be so kind as to bring tea and
refreshments, I would be grateful.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy. And if you require strong libations, my husband restocked the sideboard only this morning.” The housekeeper nodded her head towards the liquor bottles.
After taking requests from Lord Bentley and Mr Gardiner for a glass of brandy for each, Darcy poured a glass for himself before taking his seat beside Elizabeth.
“So, Lord Bentley, allow me to make the introductions. I believe you know my aunt, Lady Catherine, my cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, Charles Bingley, and Mr Gardiner, who is the uncle of the Bennet ladies. Beside Mr Gardiner is his lovely wife, Mrs Helen Gardiner, and their nieces, Miss Jane Bennet who is seated by Bingley, Miss Katherine and Miss Mary Bennet, who are seated on the settee. And last, but most definitely not least, my fiancé, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Everyone, this is Lord Bentley.”
After everyone had acknowledged each other, Lord Bentley began his story. “When I was just a young boy, I overheard my father and grandfather discussing a family disagreement which had happened before I was born. In the disagreement, one of my grandfather’s brothers left the family. He was angry at my great grandfather, though I cannot remember about what the fight was. My great grandfather was Frederick Bentley, father of Robert and Joshua. Robert changed his surname, and moved to Hertfordshire. He changed his name from Bentley to Bennet. It was with his inheritance, which he was given when he came into his majority, which purchased Longbourn.”
Elizabeth gasped, as did her sisters. Lord Bentley continued. “It has been investigated, and you ladies are the last family I have. Fortunately, there is no entail on my properties, so I am able to name who I wish to inherit. I have already instructed my solicitor to begin the paperwork which will be required to make you my heirs.”
Mr Gardiner was shocked. “How can this be possible? Thomas never said anything to me of being of the Bentley family line.” “I know it is difficult to understand. It could be that the information Thomas was given was incorrect, or not explained properly. I also learned that the man who is currently claiming to be the heir to Longbourn, the very man who forced you ladies from your home before your were able to have your parents and sister buried, is not the true heir to Longbourn. He is not a legitimate member of the Bennet family, as he was your father’s cousin’s stepson. Your father had little contact with the cousin, and, when your parents did not have a son, Mr Collins senior falsely claimed his stepson as his son by birth. I have already begun the paperwork to evict the man from Longbourn. Even if none of you wish to return to your childhood home, such a man should not profit from a lie.”
“This is all too much to understand.” Jane said, taking hold of Bingley’s hand. “What does all of this mean to us?”
Lord Bentley smiled. “It means that you will inherit when I die. I have three estates, business holdings, a handsome fortune, and a townhouse in Town. All will be divided between you ladies and your families.”
“If we are able to break the entail on it, with Longbourn, there would be four estates to be divided between the sisters. One estate each.” Darcy smiled. “If you do not mind, I would suggest the main estate, Drummond Place, be given to Mary. I believe there is Forest Hills and Billingham, besides Longbourn. Jane should have Forest Hills, and Kitty should have Billingham. That leaves Longbourn for Elizabeth. Does this meet with everyone’s approval?”
Everyone looked at Darcy, a question on the minds of all who were present. Darcy grinned as he continued. “Forest Hill is closest to Pemberley, which would allow Jane and Elizabeth to be near each other. Mary, Drummond Place is a beautiful place, and it has a grand library. I know you are quite fond
of reading, and Lord Bentley has a marvelous pianoforte in the music room there. It is nearly half way between Pemberley and London, so we would all be close enough to visit often. As for the other two estates, Billingham is not far outside Town. If it meets with the approval of everyone, it would be an ideal situation, given Kitty’s tender age, for the Gardiners to live with her there. It is close enough to Town for Mr Gardiner to still conduct business, yet allow everyone the pleasures which come from a country estate. As for Longbourn, Elizabeth and I have Pemberley, so we have no need for one of the larger estates.”
“Darcy, you are quite intelligent. I doubt I would have come up with such a perfect solution.” Mr Gardiner declared. “And now, I can inform any of the harpies who speak ill of my soon to be niece, Elizabeth is an heiress and a member of Lord Bentley’s family.” Lady Catherine nodded her head. “Bentley, you have delivered news at the best of times. And you say you have already begun the necessary paperwork to give my former clergyman the heeve ho? Such wonderful news indeed.”
“I take it you do not have a favorable impression of Mr Collins?” Lord Bentley asked. After learning the fact that Collins had been in possession of the living at Hunsford, and his abandonment of his position without notice to the grand lady, his lordship was pleased to learn that the man he was preparing to evict on behalf of his cousins was unworthy of any consideration. “Now, how will we handle the situation with Armstrong?” Lord Bentley asked.
“I believe Colonel Fitzwilliam is investigating the shooting which occurred, killing Miss Bingley.” Mr Gardiner stated. “The shooter was an expert, there are not many of them good enough to make the shot from the tree.”
“From a tree?” Lord Bentley was astounded. “I had heard of the shooting, and Mr Bingley’s sister being killed, but the man fired from a tree?”
“From across the street, in the park.” Colonel Fitzwilliam stated. “The man, most likely, has military training. I know of only a few men who could have made that shot, and I have contacted some of the men I have served with, asking them for information.”
“If you would not mind, my investigator is very good at uncovering information. He is the one who discovered the truth of Mr Collins, and our family history. I have also asked him to look into the matter of the highwaymen who murdered your parents and sister. Miss Bennet, if we were to locate the men involved, as the only living witness to the event, would you be able to identify the men?”
“They had their faces covered, though I believe I recognized the voice of the leader of the group. There was something familiar about his voice, though, I must admit, I was frightened out of my wits.” Jane replied.
“Well, we can cross that bridge when we arrive at it. My investigator is Mr Sheridan. I will send word to him to come here and speak to you.” Lord Bentley tapped his fingers against the arms of the chair. “I would like to place a notice in the papers, publically acknowledging the Bennet sisters as my heirs. Do any of you have objections to such?”
“I do not see where it would harm the ladies.” Darcy stated. “I was planning to place a notice of my marriage to Elizabeth, waiting until after the wedding. If we placed it before, announcing the day, I believe it would be courting danger.”
“When is the day?” Lord Bentley inquired. “Friday, at ten in the morning. If you are not otherwise busy, we would love to have you join us.” Elizabeth declared the invitation.
“My dear cousin, it would be an honor to attend. And, by then, we should have papers ready to sign for the inheritance. There will be a financial settlement as well, which I would like to see you begin to receive before my demise. I believe my assistant stated thirty five thousand pounds each. It will be placed into accounts, and you will have access to the amount, or live off the interest. It should allow you to live comfortably. And the estates each bring in roughly four thousand pounds per annum, so you will have those funds as well. My age is bringing me ailments, which keep me in town most of the time, to be close to my physician. When I can, I would hope to be welcomed at the estates.”
“Lord Bentley, you will always be welcome with my sisters and myself.” Mary proclaimed. “I feel blessed by your generosity, and would be pleased to welcome you to my home.”
“I agree with Mary.” Kitty said. “And I am sure my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner would agree, as they will most likely be with me.”
Mr Gardiner smiled. “Kitty, it will be your home, and it is your decision as to who can visit. I do agree with you though, Lord Bentley is always welcome wherever I am.”
“Very good. Now, we must do away with the title. If it meets with everyone, I will simply be Bentley, or Cousin. Might I have your approval to refer to each of you informally?”
“I approve of your calling me Gardiner or Edward, and my wife is Helen. With our family, Elizabeth goes by the name of Lizzy, and Kitty’s true name is Katherine. Jane and Mary simply go by their names.”
“And I am Bingley, or Charles. You know Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Bingley added. “It is an extreme pleasure. I have spent far too many years alone. Now I have a family for the remaining years of my life.” Lord Bentley smiled.
~~ ** ~~ Lord Bentley had only been gone for an hour when Richard sought out Mary Bennet for a private conversation.
“Miss Mary, I believe you know I have your uncle’s permission to court you.”
“Yes, Colonel, I am quite aware of your discussion with my uncle.” Kneeling before her, Richard took hold of one of her hands. “I was planning to speak with you, to learn your desire. You have stolen my heart, Mary Bennet. Even before the announcement by Lord Bentley, I wished to ask for your hand. Though, at the time, I knew I did not have enough to make you a proper home, being a military man. I have seven thousand saved, and my grandmother left me a small property in Ireland, which brings me two thousand pounds per annum. Though I knew I loved you, I was uncertain if I would be able to give you the life you deserve, due to my lack of fortune. You deserve to have a comfortable home, servants to take care of you, and everything your heart desired.”
“Richard, it does not matter. Between the two of us, our income will be more than sufficient, and we will have an estate.” Mary stated.
“I do not wish you to think I am asking for your hand only due to your inheritance. I loved you before Lord Bentley made the announcement. And I would love you even if you were penniless.”
“And I would love you, if you were penniless. But with this news, you will be able to resign your commission, and none of us will need to fret about your having to return to the battlefields.” Mary said as she raised a hand to place it gently on his cheek. “Now that we have settled the fact that we love each other, were you attempting to propose to me?”
Richard Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Indeed, I was. And making a fool of myself as I spoke. Miss Mary Bennet, would you do me the great honor of marrying me, loving me and sharing our lives together?”
“Richard, I accept your proposal. Though we have only known each other a short time, I feel as if you have been with me a lifetime. And I know, in my heart, that you are the only man I will ever love.”
Richard scooped his betrothed up into his arms, and twirled around with her. “Mary, you have made me the happiest of men.” He placed a kiss gently on her lips. “I will resign my commission. I wish to spend my life with you, raising a family of our own, as we tend to our estate. And I will have you know, I wish for many children.”
“How many children would that be?” Mary laughed at Richard’s silliness.
“At least a dozen, maybe more.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 14 “Well, dearest Jane, shall we announce our engagement before or after Lizzy and Darcy’s wedding? I know we had discussed waiting, but with all the changes since Lord Bentley’s announcements, are you certain you wish to wait?”
“After all Lizzy has been through, I think it should be her special moment to enjoy. There will be plenty of time for our announcement.” Jane said in a sweet
voice. “Besides, with your sister’s death, it would not be wise to make known, just yet, our intent to marry. It is difficult enough, as my family should still be in mourning for my mother, father, and Lydia. I can understand the reason why Lizzy and William wish to marry now, as it will protect Lizzy in many ways. And now, learning we are heirs to Lord Bentley’s legacy, society will have a time getting to know who we are.”
“Never count on what the ton will do, as it never works out that way.” Bingley chuckled. “Besides, with their desire to avoid Town and enjoy Pemberley, I doubt anything the gossip mongers would have to say would matter to the Darcys.”
“I know how much Lizzy misses her long walks in the outdoors. It is pleasant to spend time in the gardens here, though I am certain Lizzy cannot wait to take a walk at Pemberley, or even return to
Longbourn.”
“Would you prefer to live at Longbourn?” Bingley asked his fiancé. “I do not believe Longbourn will ever be the same as it was when we were young. With all that has happened, it would be a constant reminder of the past. I do not think I could bear to live there, wishing to see Papa in his study, or Mamma in the drawing room as she ranted about the latest fashions. I would miss seeing Lydia teasing Kitty over some new ribbons and hear her wishing for a ball and plenty of men in red coats with whom to dance. No, I would much rather start new. With the estate near Pemberley, it would allow us to be close to Lizzy and William. I think it would be the best situation for us.”
Bingley leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss on Jane’s lips. “I love you, Jane. You are so dear to me. We will have a wonderful life together.”
Jane smiled. “Yes, we will. And you have made me see past what happened to me, giving me a future. I cannot thank you enough, Charles, for making me open my eyes.”
~~ ** ~~ Lord Bentley smiled, when, two days after meeting with his cousins and announcing their relations, he read the notice he had placed in the papers.
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