by AmyJ
"What if it is all ruse? She could just be after your fortune. You have not seen each other for several years."
"But she is marrying me for my money!" Darcy retorted.
Richard's face immediately flushed with anger.
"You misunderstand, Richard. Her father's estate is entailed to his cousin. As part of the marriage settlement, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters will fall under my protection should Mr. Bennet meet his demise."
"So you are marrying her out of desperation, and she is marrying you for your money."
Darcy shrugged. "In essence, yes; but if she was merely after my fortune, she would not have rejected me immediately." The corner of his mouth twitched at his cousin's questioning look.
"At first, she rejected me outright; she nearly laughed in my face. I spent the better part of an hour convincing her to consider my offer. After thinking about it for three days, she consented. Now tell me what fortune hunter would do
that?"
"So she knows about the agreement with the family?" Richard asked. His face was one of intrigue and disbelief.
"I told her everything."
Richard let out a low whistle. "Even about Wickham?"
One corner of Darcy's mouth inched upward. "I did not have to. Georgiana did." The pride he felt was unmistakable.
"She did?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, this has shown me there is some truth to what your parents have said. Had Georgiana had a sister in which to confide, the whole Wickham disaster might have been avoided." He sighed heavily. "In another year, Georgiana comes out, and we will have our hands full. The more I have thought on it, the more I begin to see the earl's point. Wickham is not particularly bright, and if he could get to her, others will too. Georgiana needs a woman she trusts to guide her. Georgiana loves your mother, but is intimidated by her."
The colonel's head bobbed up and down repeatedly in understanding. After a
generous pause, he asked, "And you believe Miss Elizabeth can fill that role."
"I have no doubt she can."
Richard nodded, feeling somewhat resigned to the idea. It was not an ideal
situation, but if Elizabeth was truly responsible for the change in Georgiana, he would not nay say his cousin's decision. "You tell the earl yet?"
"That is part of my business while I am in town."
Richard chuckled. "You need not wishes for joy, then. I wish you luck!"
"Thank you, Richard," Darcy replied dryly. "But I have thought about it, and I am certain I am making the right decision."
"Very well. I still can not believe you got bullied into that agreement with father and Aunt Catherine, but I wish you joy nonetheless." With an upbeat
change in his countenance, he asked, "When do I get to meet your miracle worker?"
Darcy told him of his plans to return to Hertfordshire, and not unexpectedly, Richard expressed an interest in returning with Darcy and Georgiana.
Darcy spent the following morning with his solicitor, drawing up the marriage settlement. It was a fairly easy transaction, since aside from the condition that he provide for the remaining Bennets upon the demise of Mr. Bennet, no other demands had been made.
After that, he started the process of obtaining a special license. It was not necessary, but he knew enough of Mrs. Bennet to know it would please her.
Under the circumstances, he was prone to making whatever concessions were
necessary to help the Bennets accept this marriage.
That afternoon, he set off for the less desirable task of informing his aunt and uncle of his engagement. As he ascended the stairs to Lanelle House, he felt his shoulders tense, and he assumed a rigid posture in anticipation of the
confrontation.
He was greeted warmly by his aunt and uncle. "Where is Georgiana? I thought she would accompany you," Lady Matlock inquired.
"She is in London, but I have business to discuss, and did not wish her with me this time," Darcy replied.
After receiving a kiss on the cheek from Darcy, Lady Matlock said in a slightly mocking tone, "Then I shall leave you and Marcus to your business."
Darcy lightly cleared his throat. "Actually aunt, I believe you would wish to hear this as well."
Intrigued, the lady resumed her seat.
"Well, do not keep us in suspense, Fitzwilliam," Lord Matlock said with a flourish.
Darcy inhaled deeply. "I have selected a bride, and she has accepted my suit."
The surprise of both his aunt and uncle was evident. Their eyes widened and they exchanged bewildered looks before turning again to Darcy.
Lady Matlock found her voice first. "I had not heard you were courting anyone." She eyed him suspiciously.
Darcy fully understood the implied meaning. His aunt was familiar with every courtier of their social circle, and with her connections, she would know if he had shown a particular interest in any of them.
"Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She does not reside in London, though the name may be familiar." He watched both his aunt and uncle search their memory banks. Seeing neither of them recognized the name, he added
stoically, "Her father owns a small estate in Hertfordshire and was a friend of my father. Miss Elizabeth was my father's goddaughter."
Recognition dawned on Lord and Lady Matlock almost simultaneously. "Your father's penniless goddaughter?" the earl bellowed.
"Yes," Darcy said through a clenched jaw. He had expected this reaction from his uncle, but it did not make the experience any more palatable.
"I had thought you were rid of her long ago."
Darcy flexed his jaw and balled his fists. Even before being reacquainted with Elizabeth he would have taken offence at hearing her spoken of in that manner.
Despite their separation, he still considered her a friend. "I
have always considered her a friend. I was never rid of her. We simply had not spoken in several years."
"Then, how is it that you have been reacquainted?" Lord Matlock asked suspiciously.
"My friend Bingley leased an estate that was not five miles from Longbourn, Miss Elizabeth's home. We met at an assembly."
The earl snorted, apparently disappointed at the simple explanation. "Have you compromised her in some way?"
"Of course not!"
"Then why her? You have but to ask any other woman!"
"And the only thing I could guarantee is they are enamoured with Pemberley and my ten thousand a year," Darcy retorted hotly.
"And this penniless woman is not?"
"No she is not. She does not give a wit about my fortune, so long as I can help provide for her family should her father meet an early demise."
Darcy watched as his uncle paced angrily. He looked to his aunt, who was
silently taking everything in. Her face was placid, not betraying a single
thought. It was a skill that had served her well in social settings, but Darcy found it damn annoying at the moment.
"How can you be so certain of this Miss Bennet?" Lord Matlock asked pointedly.
Calmly, Darcy replied, "Because I have seen what she has done for Georgiana.
Only someone who sincerely cares for my sister could have worked the miracle Miss Elizabeth has. But that is not all. When I proposed, I spent nigh an hour convincing her to agree to it; then all I extracted was an agreement to think it on it. It took her three days before she agreed to my proposal." He watched with a little satisfaction as the earl absorbed the latest revelations.
Though he masked it well, Darcy could tell his uncle was astonished. "But what can the lady do for the rest of the family, or for Georgiana when she is out? Can she provide connections that will allow her to marry well?"
"I have connections enough for that," Darcy rejoined. "What Miss Elizabeth provides Georgiana is rarer than good connections. Under her guidance,
Georgiana will have the confidence she needs to choose wisely."
The earl continued pacing, his eyes darting about wildly. D
arcy could tell he was searching for another way to dissuade him from his decision.
Finally, Lady Matlock chimed in. "Sit down, Marcus, before you suffer
apoplexy." When her husband did as she bid, she said, "What do you mean, Darcy? What has Miss Bennet done for Georgiana?"
Darcy smiled for the first time since his announcement, and he took a seat next to his aunt. "Georgiana is like a new person. She smiles and laughs, and no longer plays only sad songs. She no long cries at every turn."
Lady Matlock's brows went skyward for a moment. She looked to her husband,
who was silently simmering, then back to Darcy. "And this was not simply time away from London?"
Darcy shook his head emphatically. "Georgiana spoke to Miss Elizabeth one evening, and the following day, she was a changed person."
"She spoke to Miss Elizabeth about..."
"At least that is what I believe. Georgiana told me she wanted to, so I arranged for their privacy." Dryly, he added, "Neither of them will tell me the contents of their conversation."
Lady Matlock smirked. Darcy sounded like a petulant boy who had been left
out of the fun. The fact that Elizabeth had openly defied a request from Darcy intrigued her. There were not many who would deny him anything. "I would like to see Georgiana before you return to Hertfordshire. I assume you are
returning soon?" Darcy nodded an affirmative. "Then I would like to see this miracle, as you call it, for myself."
"Then allow me to me invite you for tea at Arryndale tomorrow."
The countess nodded in acceptance; already she was formulating a plan for her discussion with Georgiana. "Now then, back to Miss Bennet. If I remember correctly, your mother was quite fond of the girl."
Darcy stole a glance at his uncle. He could tell he was still listening to the conversation, despite his effort to feign indifference. "Elizabeth was bequeathed the small house in Bath at my mother's request." Darcy said, providing evidence of his mother's affection for Elizabeth. Looking at his
uncle, he added, "You could say I will be reacquiring some of the Darcy assets by marrying Miss Bennet."
Returning his attention to his aunt, he said, "Miss Bennet is polite and charming. She will not embarrass me or the family. She is a friend that respects and cares for both Georgiana and me. I dare not ask for more under the
circumstances." He knew he need not elaborate on which circumstances he meant.
"Very well, Fitzwilliam. I can see you have thought this through. I will reserve my opinion on the matter until have I have spoken with Georgiana. If I approve of what I see, we will accept her into the family," Lady Matlock said.
At those words, Darcy felt some of the tension slip from his shoulders. His aunt's approval was imperative for Elizabeth's acceptance into their society.
"I will not!" his uncle bellowed and began pacing again.
The countess gave her husband a determined look. "You and Catherine insisted he marry soon. He is doing as you wished."
"I did not think he would go find himself some country ruffian with no dowry and no connections!"
Darcy clenched his jaw. Evenly he said, "She is your sister's most beloved goddaughter."
"Anne was always too good at heart." He flinched slightly at the piercing glare from his wife. He continued to pace, albeit slower than before, and let out another snort or two. Finally, he stopped and rubbed his chin roughly. "You are determined to have her?"
"I am."
His uncle let out an exasperated sigh. "Very well. I gave you my word. We will support your decision, so long as she does nothing to embarrass the family."
"I have no fear." Darcy turned to his aunt. "I intend on proposing a wedding in early April, just after the start of the season."
Lady Matlock nodded, understanding what Darcy had not asked. "If I approve of her, and if she will agree to come to London, say, in February, I will take her around and see that she is properly attired. And we will throw you a ball in May to celebrate your marriage."
"Thank you, aunt." He stood and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Back in his carriage, Darcy leaned his head against the back cushions. It had been difficult, but he had garnered his aunt and uncle's approval. He still needed to inform a few others, but he was relatively confident of their
responses.
Lady Catherine would be angry, but that would happen regardless of whom he
chose to marry, unless it was Anne.
Lord Blakeslee, however, would be amused, but would stand by him. The
question was, could the Dowager Countess Blakeslee counter Lady Catherine's
influence amongst the ton, and would she be willing to do so? And how much should he tell his friend of his marriage? Wesley knew nothing of the
agreement with his family, and he wished to keep it that way. The whole ordeal was too fresh; he could not risk others finding out about it unless it was
absolutely necessary.
Chapter Thirteen
Darcy smiled brightly as he saw Wesley approach his table at White's. He stood and exchanged a hug with his friend. "Wesley! It is good to see you!"
"Darcy!" Wesley returned. "Good to see you whole and hale. No beastly encounters in Hertfordshire?" ‘Beastly encounters' had long been the term the two friends used to refer to matchmaking mothers and daughters.
Darcy chuckled and invited his friend to sit with him. "As you see, I am unscathed. A pleasant visit on the whole."
"And how is Bingley's foray into the ranks of the gentry?"
"He has his hands plenty full, but is faring well enough." With a chuckle, Darcy added, "At least his steward has not gone running yet."
Wesley shared in Darcy's amusement, though his curiosity was piqued. It was not like Darcy to jest, at least not recently. "And Miss Bennet?" he inquired.
Darcy started, then recalling he had written him of her, said with alacrity, "She is well. She and Georgiana have become fast friends and have promised to
correspond." Hesitantly he added, "We are to return to Hertfordshire near the end of the week."
"You are returning?"
Darcy cleared his throat lightly. There was something suspicious in Wesley's tone; and he was not sure he liked the direction of the conversation. "Georgiana wished to spend the remaining time before Christmas with Miss Elizabeth...
and Miss Bennet." He mentioned Jane almost as an afterthought, hoping to quell any questions Elizabeth's name alone might raise. Unfortunately his ploy did not work.
"Miss Elizabeth must have made quite an impression on you, as well, to be returning so readily," Wesley said with a smirk. "I found your letter rather intriguing."
Darcy shifted in his chair, giving him time to raise his guard. Wesley was
wheedling for information he was not ready to divulge. He and Elizabeth had agreed not to mention their engagement to anyone outside the family. As much as he trusted his friend, there was still a chance Elizabeth might change her mind, and he was loath to do anything that might cause her any embarrassment.
"We are friends, as we were before."
"I would hardly call your previous relationship with Miss Elizabeth friendly.
You two were always plotting against each other." With a laugh he added, "I shall never forget the look on your face the morning you found Odin with his mane and tail tied up in colourful ribbons."
Darcy could not but laugh. Not that he would ever admit such a thing to
Elizabeth, but he had deserved that particular prank. He knew better than to laugh at lady's hair style. He had simply been so surprised the first time
Elizabeth wore her hair pinned up and curled, he could not help himself. She had retaliated in a very fitting manner.
"Miss Elizabeth must be what, nineteen now," Wesley commented.
"A bit older than that," Darcy corrected. He cursed to himself. The words had spilled out of his mouth before he could stop them. Blakeslee was sure to
notice the quick correct
ion. He shifted in his seat, ready to do to battle.
"So she is out?"
Darcy nodded the affirmative.
"I imagine she turned out to be a rather pretty thing. I recall she always had the most expressive eyes."
Almost instantly, an image of Elizabeth's sparkling eyes came to the forefront of Darcy's mind. He could hear her laughter and see her smile as she teased him. He took a sip of wine to hide his discomfort. "She is pretty in her own way," he answered.
"In her own way?"
"All right," Darcy conceded, "she is pretty by most standards." At another pointed look from Wesley, Darcy threw up his hands in surrender. "She is pretty."
Wesley returned a triumphant smile. "So how is it Bingley's estate happened to be located in Hertfordshire?"
"Mere coincidence."
"Bingley does not buy a waist coat without your approval, yet he managed to purchase an estate without you knowing?" His arched brow spoke of his
disbelief.
"I have been busier than usual this summer. And he leased the estate. I travelled with him to give my opinion on purchasing it."
"So, Bingley happens to lease an estate three miles from the home of your pretty father's goddaughter."
"Yes. We met at a town assembly and picked up where we left off."
"Friends."
Believing the inquisition to be over, Darcy nodded and took a long drink of wine.
Wesley chose that moment to ask, "Are you going to court her?"
Darcy managed to swallow most of his wine, but choked on a small bit. After a coughing fit, he said, "Court her?" Then, taking another moment to collect himself, he added, "She is a friend."
Wesley chuckled at Darcy's reaction, knowing he had uncovered something. "It was just a question. You are both single. You were friends when you were
younger. It would not be unheard of for you to court her."
"Must you pressure me to marry as well?"
"You manage to escape your aunt's company easily enough, so she must resort to paying me to do it for her."
"I did not realize Trentholm was in such dire straits."
"Touché. Very well, enough about your Miss Elizabeth. You will be at Pemberley for Christmas?"