by Suzan Lauder
“Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, my dear children, I have called you here today to describe a situation which you may not have anticipated, but if you bear with me, you will find it all to your satisfaction. It concerns the inheritance for the ladies. Firstly, Jane and Elizabeth have known for much of their lives that they are wards, but little else except that their parents died when they were very young. Mrs. Bennet and I have treated them as part of our family, including having the Bennet name. Until now, they have not known the identity of their parents because it was the dear wish of their father that they be protected until they were old enough to manage the attention that comes to ladies of their station and fortune.”
This statement resulted in many more questions than it did answers. Four sets of eyes were fastened on him, awaiting his next words. He paused and took a sip of brandy, then turned his regard to Jane and Elizabeth. He feared the knowledge he was about to impart would place distance between him and his beloved daughters, but he was determined not to show his nervousness.
“My darling girls, your real names are Lady Jane Lydon and Lady Elizabeth Lydon, and you are the only children of the Earl and Countess of Shelton in Derbyshire,” Thomas Bennet said, earning a gasp from both Jane and Elizabeth. He observed that Elizabeth, sensing the tension in her sister, took Jane’s hand between hers. Bingley looked as if he were about to ask a question, but Bennet held up his hand to indicate he wanted to continue speaking without interruption.
Taking care not to disclose his true identity, Bennet commenced describing the circumstances under which Lord Shelton and Thomas Bennet met. He spoke of Shelton’s death at sea and his request for the Bennets to be guardians of Lord Shelton’s daughters, of the family circumstances that left Lord and Lady Shelton as the sole heirs of their lines, of the will that was carefully worded to divide the full fortune equally between Jane and Elizabeth, and of Shelton’s very specific request to keep secret his daughters’ substantial inheritance until one of them married or reached the age of five-and-twenty. Bennet faltered but continued on, trying to appear casual in relating the story while his heart was beating frantically within his breast. His face felt hot, and he was certain he betrayed his tension.
Observing the silent interest of his audience, he went on despite his uneasiness. He indicated that Shelton’s closest friend, Mr. George Darcy, was tasked with overseeing the Shelton estates and ensuring the instructions of Lord Shelton’s will were carried out. Any communication regarding the Shelton heiresses was through London solicitors. When George Darcy died, his son was notified of the situation and he then took on the responsibility. Bennet looked to Darcy, who inclined his head in agreement with the statement.
Darcy looked directly into Elizabeth’s eyes when he said, “I was never told the name of your guardian, and I met you and your sister without any suspicion that it was you whose future had been entrusted to my care. You must know how surprised I was by the circumstances.”
Bennet knew why Darcy felt this so important to say; he was apologising for his blunder in the timing of the marriage proposal. Elizabeth was oblivious and gave him a loving look that portrayed her gratitude for the efforts Darcy had made on behalf of her and Jane. Bennet smiled to himself. The expression on Elizabeth’s face was all he needed to see to know that Darcy need not have any fears regarding her acceptance of an apology.
“Mr. Bingley’s marriage proposal to Jane, and my consent and blessing, has brought about a series of events that Mr. Darcy and I have known about for some years now.” Bennet then listed multiple assets, properties, interests in shipping and timber companies, and specific jewels that would be released from trust to the shared ownership of the two daughters. The mechanical act of reciting a list helped to settle him; however, the information caused his daughters to feel a bit overwhelmed.
He also indicated that, unusually, the title of the Earl of Shelton could be passed through the female line.
“Jane, your eldest son will become the next earl and, upon his majority, will inherit all properties belonging to the Earl of Shelton. Should you have no sons, or should your sons die without issue, then Elizabeth’s eldest son will inherit the title and properties.”
“Then I could be the father of an earl?” Bingley asked, and Bennet nodded.
Although disquieted, Jane managed thus far to look composed. She caught Bingley’s eye, but he was too stunned to return her smile. He shook his head in bewilderment as he absorbed the fact that he was marrying a woman of great fortune and circumstance and that he would no longer be compelled to buckle to Miss Bingley’s ambition to shed his roots in trade.
“Your mother, Lady Shelton, brought a considerable fortune to the marriage,” said Bennet, “worth over £70,000 in today’s funds. Her settlement is part of your inheritance, to pass on to your own children.”
As Bennet recited the wealth and consequence of his daughters, Jane and Elizabeth continued to be affected to a greater degree, but at this last piece of information, their eyes widened dramatically. Elizabeth opened and closed her mouth and swallowed hard. She looked at Jane, whose astonishment was now obvious.
“Seventy thousand pounds?” Jane asked in disbelief.
“Indeed,” said Bennet. “Thirty-five thousand pounds each, plus an equal share in the other assets I have listed, with the exception of the properties related to the earldom, which will go to Jane’s, and ultimately Mr. Bingley’s, care in anticipation of an heir.” He looked at Jane and added, “This is why it was so important for you to learn about estate management, my love.
“Mr. Darcy informs me that the interest from the investments will provide at least £1500 a year to each of you.”
Elizabeth was rendered as speechless as Jane. This was not what they had imagined. Usually one not prone to nerves, Elizabeth could feel a constriction in her throat and palpitations in her breast. She looked again at her sister, who was pale. Elizabeth wondered whether this was how women felt when they requested salts. As she took a deep breath in an effort to control the sensation of weakness that was overcoming her, Bennet continued speaking.
“Mrs. Bennet and I decided long ago not to tell anyone about the portions that Jane and Elizabeth have from their birth mother or about the Shelton titles and estates. We allowed rumours to circulate that all the girls have substantially less fortunes than is true.
“Jane and Elizabeth, yours are not the only fortunes greater than assumed. You have known all along that Mary will inherit the Gloucestershire properties, but what your mother and I have kept hidden is that the Bennet assets are such that your younger sisters’ shares are closer to £12,000 each. They will be informed of their fortunes as you have been at the time of a formal courtship or betrothal.
“Though I asked Mr. Darcy to be present today merely due to his legal responsibility as the manager of the Shelton assets, this morning I gave my consent and blessing to his marriage to Elizabeth. I assure you that, in light of his knowledge of Lady Elizabeth’s fortune, I did not grant this permission lightly. Had I not already suspected his particular regard and had assurance of his intention to propose prior to knowledge of Lizzy’s situation, I would have been suspicious of his motives. However, I am persuaded that Darcy is no fortune hunter.” Bennet smiled at his jest. He then addressed his future sons-in-law.
“Up until now, Jane and Lizzy have been known as the wards of a country gentleman of no importance. From now on, their heritage will be known to everyone, and they will become persons of particular interest. You will have to stand by my daughters to make their passage into the next level of society more comfortable, and please try to ensure that they are not importuned by those seeking to gain notoriety by obtaining their friendship and attention.”
“If I may speak for Mr. Bingley, we will do all we can to ensure the comfort of your daughters, Bennet,” Darcy said, and Bingley nodded his assent. Bennet acknowledged this with a bow of his head.
Voices were heard from outside the window, and Bennet pulled aside the light f
abric and saw his steward nearby speaking to his wife. Even though he could trust Akuete with his life, he would have a word with him later. When he saw them turn about the corner of the house that led to the servants’ door, his sense of confidentiality was somewhat recovered. He considered closing the window, but since the Akuetes were no longer in earshot of the discussion and the breeze was making the small room more comfortable, he decided to leave it open. The momentary distraction left him unprepared for Elizabeth’s next question.
“What were our parents like, Papa?”
Bennet swallowed hard.
“They loved you and Jane very much,” he said quietly, “and did their best to protect you from harm. You were the most cherished of babes.”
Overwhelmed by his emotions, he was barely able to hold back his tears. “Your father would give his life for you.”
Bennet was torn by his dilemma. As he observed his daughters’ concerned expressions, he knew they deserved more than the deceit and fear that had been his life. Suddenly, he knew Fanny was correct to urge him to tell the whole story to Elizabeth and Jane. He took one more look at their beautiful, beloved faces and spoke haltingly.
“What I am about to say is in the strictest confidence. Until now, the Gardiners were the only other persons besides your mother and me to know all of this, and it has remained so all these years because we exercised great caution in our actions and words.”
Bennet paused and drew a long breath, then took a deep draught of brandy before continuing his speech.
“Thomas Bennet is not the name I have had all my life. I took that name when I married your mother, Mrs. Frances Bennet, upon the death of the real Thomas Bennet in 1792. I was born Miles Lydon, Viscount Westley, heir to the title of Earl of Shelton. I was originally married to the woman who gave birth to you, Olivia, Lady Shelton. I am not only your guardian as Mr. Bennet, but I have always been your father. The real Mr. Bennet and I agreed on the transfer of our identities when he was on his deathbed. I agreed to take care of Mrs. Bennet and your sister Mary, and she became your mother as a result.
“I had not decided until just now whether to divulge my own identity to you when I unveiled your true identities and fortune. I could easily have kept it hidden for the rest of your lives.”
There was dead silence. Bennet regarded all in the room and wished he could know what was going through their minds. He saw from Darcy’s expression that his friend felt for his agony in wondering whether his revelation would be well received. Bingley looked flabbergasted, opened his mouth as if to say something, and then closed it again, appearing as if he was searching for an answer to a question that had not been spoken. But Bennet was most concerned about the reactions of his daughters. He looked to Jane. As far as he could tell, she was filled with bewilderment; she seemed unsure as to what she had just heard. Elizabeth was teary-eyed but obviously curious about the revelation. She was the first to respond and spoke with a clarity that surprised him.
“But why, Papa? Why would you hide who you are and have Mr. Darcy and his father manage your estate for nearly twenty years? Could you not have just married Mama and made her Lady Shelton?”
“This part of the story is difficult for me, my dears, so please be patient.” He sighed and wiped a tear from his face.
“I was in exile. I fought a duel and fled the country rather than be held up for a murder charge. The other duellist was the murderer of Lady Shelton.” Bennet’s mouth was in a grim line. Jane gasped and her tears flowed freely. He crossed the room, lowered himself beside her chair, and held her in his arms.
“He was a vicious man, Jane,” he said with passion as his daughter wept. “It is difficult for me to relate this to your gentle ears, but it must be said. His intrigues, all honoured with the title of seduction, had been extended to every county. He attacked both Lady Shelton and Mrs. Bennet, leaving Lady Shelton to die from her injuries, and your mother with painful memories. There is no one who deserves your hatred more than Lord Malcolm.”
With a fury that defied his character, Bingley spoke. “Am I clear that you killed the miscreant?”
Bennet nodded to affirm. “It was not my intent to do so; I merely wanted to injure him to show that there were consequences to such bad actions. But God help me, I have no remorse.”
Jane, still in her father’s arms, appeared to be in shock. Bennet decided to cease the ghastly recollection and speak of things more palatable to her tender sensibilities. He then described the true circumstances of his meeting the real Thomas Bennet on board the ship to Bermuda and their agreement to exchange identities, and that he and Mrs. Bennet enter into a marriage of convenience.
“Jane and Elizabeth, know that my marriage to Mrs. Bennet soon evolved into a love match, much like yours will be.
“Lizzy, you asked about your parents. I believe that you already know me, so there is little to tell there. I hope I have not disappointed you in your lives. You must know that I love you very much, as does the mother you have known since you were very small children.” Bennet’s voice broke, but he smiled.
“Lady Shelton was a very beautiful woman. She looked a great deal like both of you. Jane has her fair hair and blue eyes, and Lizzy, you resemble her in face and figure. In nature, you both also take traits from her. Just like you, she was intelligent beyond most women and always challenging me intellectually. She loved nature and rode almost every day. She was also confident and gregarious, the belle of the ball, always causing a stir wherever she went.
“Each one of you was anticipated with joy. She doted on you both; she said you were her little angels sent from heaven. She planned your come-outs while you were still small, imagining the lively parties you would attend and all the hearts you would break as men lined up to be your beaux. She would be very proud of the young women you have become.”
Jane’s breathing became more even as she returned her father’s smile. Shuddering, she wiped away her tears, and her father released her to continue his recitation.
“You have some connections that I would like you to meet. Jane’s godparents are Lord and Lady Matlock. Lady Matlock was your mother’s sister, and I intend to ask her to sponsor you in your introduction to higher society. As you all know, the Matlocks are Mr. Darcy’s uncle and aunt.
“Elizabeth, your godparents are both deceased. They were none other than Mr. Darcy’s parents.” Elizabeth’s eyes once again widened in surprise, and she looked to Darcy, whose smile showed that he shared in her joy at the connection.
Bennet spoke specifically to Darcy in a gentle voice. “I apologise to you, Fitzwilliam, in your good father’s stead. He never would have understood the reason I did not divulge the name of the guardian for my daughters and kept his and Lady Anne’s goddaughter away from their lives. It was hurtful to me also, but I had to do it to ensure my concealment.”
“I accept your apology on behalf of my father, Bennet,” was Darcy’s reply.
“You may have surmised that Mary is actually my stepdaughter, and that Catherine and Lydia are Mrs. Bennet’s and my birth children. But in my mind, as in Mrs. Bennet’s, all of you belong to both of us, no matter who your birth parents are.”
***
A short time later, Elizabeth was walking alone in the gardens, pondering her father’s words. She had left the gentlemen in the library while Jane was quietly talking to Mrs. Bennet in the drawing room. She was pensive, excited, confused, amused, agitated, and pleased all at once, in contrast to Jane, who had been quiet and contemplative and was likely pondering all aspects of the future with the clarity and common sense that were in her nature.
Elizabeth recalled her conversation with Jane and Mrs. Bennet immediately after her father’s news.
“When Jane and I received the fateful letters,” said she, “we had suspected that the meeting Papa called us home for had to do with Jane and Bingley’s marriage.”
Jane added her own recollections. “When Mr. Bingley paid me court, my father had hinted in his letters that
Lizzy and I had better fortunes and connections, and I was relieved that we would have something to offer to our husbands.”
“And how do you feel now that you are newly privy to this information?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“I am astounded at the events of the morning,” Elizabeth replied. “In fact, my mind dwells on one thing and then another.” Her countenance was full of energy as she continued.
“I must admit that I am very excited and proud that Jane and I are titled heiresses with exceptional benefits to bring to our marriages. Had anyone else even hinted that I would have such increased worth, I would have been suspicious of their motives at the very least and curious of the source of the ridiculous rumour.”
Jane smiled and nodded. “I wonder how we are going to absorb all we have heard?”
“It is all so surprising! Since I can remember, I have known that Jane and I were adopted, but it mattered not to either of us. We were given the Bennet name and felt as cherished as our sisters. We have never had want for comfort or love in our lives.”
“You offered great filial affection in return,” said Mrs. Bennet.
“We both love you and Papa very much, Mama,” Jane said tenderly, glancing at her sister.
Elizabeth nodded and commented, “But we were certain that our sisters’ portions would be higher than ours.”
“Yes, we had discussed it and feared that because we were wards, Lizzy and I would have no rights to your marriage settlements.”
“Your father and I thought it would be best not to divulge your fortunes and connections,” Mrs. Bennet said, “but we assumed you believed your shares would be the same value as your sisters. Oftentimes when I was alone, my conscience would chastise me for intentionally misleading my friends and perhaps causing you to worry that you would bring so little to your marriage, but Mr. Bennet assured me it was for the best.”
“Papa’s other information was also such a surprise!” Elizabeth said. “Even though it must be kept only to ourselves, we can secretly take pride that our birth father was the man who raised us. It was also good to know a bit about our birth mother, since I had always wondered about her.”