Chapter 29

It was early afternoon on the Wednesday and Lady Susan Fitzwilliam finally relaxed into a seat for the first time that week.

“You are weary.”

It was not a question but a statement of fact. She nodded at her friend.

“I was some combination of excited and nervous on Monday and I did not sleep well that night. Not that I was alone in that condition as my husband was equally anxious. The matches were only yesterday morning but they seem to be ancient history already. And then Catherine had to barge in and destroy a quiet family gathering.”

“She has been despatched back to Kent?”

“Yes. She even went without much of a fuss. Once you and Miss Bennet left David was as angry as I have ever seen him. He used intemperate words and made several threats. Fortunately, they were all in the heat of the moment but they had a salutary effect. You being a close relation to two Dukes had escaped her notice and even Catherine realised the problems they could cause the family. Well that and David threatening to disown her. He calmed down eventually but Catherine recognised that she had made a pig’s ear of the whole affair. And although not very Christian of me, I took great delight in mocking her, making sure she realised that it was her intervention that brought the two of them together. ‘If you had only remained in Kent Catherine, none of this would have happened.’ Like I said, not my most charitable hour but she has had it coming for many years.”

Lady Maria’s smile was wide and approving.

“How was Darcy?”

“Happy, sitting there with a dopey smile on his face. Andrew, Richard, even young Georgiana teased him and he just laughed at them.”

“Was Richard upset that his day was ruined? The Earl gave a handsome speech and Elizabeth had just gifted the brandy when Lady Catherine interrupted the proceedings.”

“I asked him at lunch today, once Catherine was on her way south, and he appeared sincere in waving my concerns away. The penultimate match with that Naval Captain had been gruelling. He was putting on a good face with us in the afternoon but he needed to rest. Once Catherine had been dealt with Andrew opened his gift and the two of them sat in his rooms and drank the whole bottle. It took three of the footmen to get him to his own rooms.”

She shook her head in an exasperated but motherly manner.

“It is the first time I have ever witnessed a proposal.”

“Do you witness your own proposal? If not, then it is the same for me. Did you see the moment when they both smiled at each other? I will tell you now, whoever catches the eye of Georgiana in a few years’ time in going to have work hard to beat the romance of that moment. But how are you? You have invested a lot of time this season in Miss Bennet. Are you happy?”

“It is an astute question Susan. I have two younger sisters and a younger brother. They in turn all have children who are married. And that is before I get into the extended family like Lord Roderick. Elizabeth is not a relation yet I feel closer to her than I do to most of my own nieces and nephews. From the first time I spoke to her, just before Christmas in ’09, there was something about Elizabeth. There was a sense of sacrifice, between her assisting her uncle’s family and rescuing young Louisa. She has kept me young, made this season most interesting and yet she remains almost stubbornly unaffected.”

“Both she and Darcy have spent a lot of time thinking of family. And it is still disconcerting that neither of them were aware of how they felt about the other. Richard came up with the best analogy to explain it. It has been decades since either of us have had to jump into a cold pond. You remember how each step made the cold water creep ever higher. Richard said Darcy and Miss Bennet just jumped right in. They got over the freezing shock and were fine.”

Lady Maria thought back to her childhood more than 40 years earlier.

“It is not perfect but I can see what he means. Rather than a long drawn out process they just jumped in. Although they did go through a proper courtship, just neither of them realised it.”

“Where is Miss Bennet?”

“Upstairs resting. She and Darcy spent hours walking round Hyde Park this morning. I think Elizabeth explained all the aspects of her background that he did not already know. The poor man looked dazed when he escorted her home. And he has to visit Sir Edward this afternoon to ask for his consent and blessing.”

“Consent?”

“She does not reach her majority until early June, and Sir Edward holds her guardianship.”

Lady Susan knew there was no way to ask all the questions she was intrigued to have answered.

“Will it be a short engagement?”

“We did not talk of it last night. Her birthday is in approximately two months, just nine weeks or so. That is not an unseemly rush leading to gossip and speculation, yet it is not a long drawn out affair either. My guess will be June just after her birthday.”

“Will you act as mother of the bride?”

Lady Maria pursed her lips and sighed.

“It will need to be discussed. I would like to be involved but I cannot deny her own mother if Elizabeth wishes her involved.”

“Have more faith. You know that is extremely unlikely. We can all tell that Elizabeth adores you.”

Lady Susan spent a few moments pouring fresh tea for them both, allowing her friend to compose herself and dab her eyes.

--

Darcy sat in his carriage returning to Mayfair. Elizabeth had sent a note to her uncle informing him of their news and assuring him that she was blissfully happy with their engagement. She also let him know that she had shared her financial situation with Darcy. The resultant interview was without rancour. Sir Edward had granted his consent and blessing without any histrionics but had then extensively quizzed Darcy regarding their compatibility. He understood his niece better than anyone, she was the product of his training. Darcy thought of himself on the other side of the desk responding to a request for marriage with his sister. Sir Edward knew his niece and even during his own questioning, Darcy vowed to be as prepared for his sister as Sir Edward was for Elizabeth.

“I would like to discuss Miss Bennet’s ownership stake in your firm.”

“Go on.”

“As you know, by law all assets become the property of the husband. I would like you to continue to hold this investment in trust for Miss Bennet. The income will provide her with significant freedom and independence, something we both know she will appreciate. We will have to consult lawyers for the exact and correct wording of the marriage settlement but in essence I would like this investment to be held in trust, ultimately to provide dowries to any daughters we may have. But the income you distribute will be Miss Bennet’s. I will meet with my lawyers later this week and will deliver a draft for your review early next week.”

“So rather than use her dowry to fund her jointure you will settle Darcy money upon her?”

“Miss Bennet will be set for life, access to the estate, use of the Dower House, all of the standard clauses. We will wait on lawyers for the right words but the Darcy estate will provide for Mrs. Darcy and any sons and Miss Bennet’s dowry will provide for daughters. She will have the legal right to the income, it will not be at my discretion.”

“I understand. I do not think Elizabeth could find a better match. You have my blessing for a long and happy marriage.”

There was nothing else to say.

20 minutes later Darcy was relaxing in his favourite chair, the heat of the fire warming him, aided ever so slightly by the glass of brandy in his hand. Now that the immediate demand upon his time, the interview with Sir Edward, was passed he could quietly consider all the revelations of the morning. At the time it felt like it was one bombshell after another but now that he could think of them separately he was not so sure.

The revelations about her family were not much of a surprise. He had sketched a pretty accurate portrait of the two older Bennets from his time in Hertfordshire. Given his own aunt’s performance the previous afternoon he was in no position to cast shade at another’s family. The only real concerns were the two youngest daughters. He suspected that if they were separated then the second youngest would not be much of a problem. But the youngest was the apple of her mother’s eye and was receiving no guidance at all. It was something to discuss with Elizabeth.

At the time discovering both her companion and personal footman carried knives on their person had been a shock. Yet under the seat of his coachman were a musket, a pistol and two cutlasses. Georgiana did not know but there was also a pistol hidden in the interior panelling of the coach. What was abundantly clear was Sir Edward took the safety of his niece very seriously. The control of the two people had passed to Elizabeth but she never considered leaving the house without their protection. Mrs. Smith had been a discreet but constant companion throughout the season, attending every event. Derbyshire was not the banks of the River Thames but Darcy did not think Elizabeth would relinquish her bodyguards. Their future was another thing to discuss with her. That the Smiths were moving to Derbyshire after her marriage was a given.

Darcy knew that Elizabeth was a woman outside the norms of society. They had talked of it many times over the season; she was comfortable in both society ballrooms and tradesmen’s offices. That she was able to straddle both worlds was a reflection of Elizabeth as an individual. Many of the revelations of that morning were as a result of her involvement in her uncle’s business.

He had just met with the man, grievously injured nearly five years earlier. More than any other person he had moulded Elizabeth. It was he that encouraged her, listened to her ideas, recognised the brilliance of some of those ideas, and in the process made himself rich, renowned and a Baronet. He had also made his niece rich, granted her a share of his business when he did not have to. In a moment of clarity Darcy understood why Georgiana hung on every word Elizabeth uttered. On at least four separate occasions she had demonstrated remarkable insights; the blood brandy, the two ships, the grain purchases for the Peninsula and the tournament. She had the ideas but did not take all of the credit, at times she appeared reticent to take any of the credit. He could not wait to hear her ideas when they were sat in the study at Pemberley.

He did not know what to think about Collins and the rejected proposal. But if he was honest, within the strictures of current society, this was probably the most shocking revelation of all. Rejecting the heir to her family estate and excoriating him whilst doing so? In isolation this act would justify banishment. But of course, it was not so simple and he could only marvel at her strength of character. It definitely cast her parents in a very poor light.

He lounged in his chair thinking of the matters he had missed. The rescue of Lady Maria’s niece was exactly the sort of thing he would expect from Elizabeth. The more he thought of it, the more worried he became about the future. It was a once in a lifetime moment, not to be repeated. At least he hoped so.

On its own Elizabeth maintaining an assumed identity would have been worthy of much reflection. As part of the story of the last five years it was hardly worth thinking about. Darcy suddenly sat up straighter with a big smile on his face. What had Elizabeth mentioned? She had 23 cases of brandy in her personal stocks. He raised his glass to her and took a healthy slug. His smile faded as he considered the last two matters.

What she had endured, been subjected to, and overheard made him angry. But his anger did not have a focus. He had seen the book of bets at his club, the nature of which Elizabeth had overheard. It was no wonder she was so dismissive of men regardless of their status given the way she had been treated. Her talking of the brothel, the Sailor’s Delight, had genuinely shocked him but then she had painted the picture of the women looking exhausted after several ships had left port. He would always remember her, thankfully rhetorical, question; what hard toil had they performed to look so tired? It had been a humbling moment.

And then there was George bloody Wickham. Darcy was happy to swear within the confines of his own mind. Darcy held hundreds of pounds of his vowels, tens of times more than was needed to confine him to Marshalsea or one of the other debtors’ prisons. He had always stopped from taking that drastic step even after Ramsgate. Elizabeth had been worried for the virtue of her sister and so had acted. And her footman Robert knew of the Sailor’s Delight because of her Christian charity. Darcy was not sure of the underlying message there but would accept the result. The blight upon the Darcy name was gone. He was intrigued as to how she was not taken in by Wickham’s lies but it was nothing more than curiosity.

In amongst all the excitement since his return from Kent Darcy had not yet dealt with Bingley, or his vexatious sister. Or remembered to tell Elizabeth that her sister would be at Gracechurch Street that coming weekend. The brandy worked its magic and he dozed off.

--

“How are you feeling Elizabeth? Did you sleep or just rest?”

“I slept for two hours Lady Maria, I did not realise how tired I was. I feel better now. I would like to talk to you about yesterday.”

“Of course. Do you want to talk here while we dine or wait until after dinner?”

“Do you mind if I ramble for a while. It will give you a sense of where my mind is at present and will hopefully make the conversation in the drawing room easier.”

“Go ahead my dear. Talking something through often makes it clearer afterwards.”

“There are still many things that need to be agreed with Mr. Darcy. But I am unconcerned about them, it is merely a matter of us preparing a list and working our way down it. I will need much guidance from you with regard to the Society aspects of our engagement. But like I said, it is just a matter of spending time together and resolving them. Where I am completely lost at present is how do deal with my family.”

This was not unexpected. Lady Maria herself had been pondering the issue.

“It feels like there are endless permutations and few absolutes. The first one is easy, my uncle and his whole family will be at the centre of event. He is my guardian and my wholehearted supporter. But after the Gardiners everything else is a mess.”

Lady Maria watched Elizabeth brace herself.

“I might as well be blunt. I do not want my parents at my wedding. They banished me, or as good as, and they have lost my respect. I still love them in some deep familial way but they are no longer part of my life.”

She looked at Lady Maria with a warm smile.

“I have received more love and guidance from you than I have ever received from my own mother.”

Lady Maria was startled at the declaration. There was gently alluding to something or there was just blatantly stating it so that there was no doubt. Why was she surprised that Elizabeth took the second path? After Lady Susan’s declaration that afternoon she was ready for the tears, they did not catch her by surprise. Even although they were at the dining table she and Elizabeth held a hug for a long moment.

“It is true, and this day would never have come without you. You will always be dear to my heart. But if my parents are not to be invited to my wedding what happens to the rest of the family. I remain on good terms with my other aunt and uncle, they are the hub through which all my correspondence with Jane and Mary flows. The fact of my banishment is just never raised. My aunt is my mother’s sister and rather than choose sides we both ignore the matter. But inviting the Philips to my wedding but not my own parents? I just do not know how I can do that. And what of Jane and Mary? Mary cannot travel to the wedding without my father’s permission and although Jane is of age, she is a resident of Longbourn and will have to deal with the consequences.

“Then there is the news that I received from Mary just today. The Militia is leaving Meryton at the end of April and is going to camp at Brighton with other units for summer training. Which in and of itself is good news, they will be gone from the neighbourhood. But Mary tells me that Lydia is now good friends with the young wife of the Colonel of the regiment. There is talk that Lydia will be invited to journey with Mrs. Forster to Brighton for two months. Mary is in disbelief that my father is even considering such a ridiculous suggestion. And I share their concerns.”

There was a pause as another course of the dinner was served.

“I was painfully honest with Mr. Darcy this morning so I am going to continue my candour this evening with you. I do not want my mother at my wedding because it will immediately no longer be my wedding. She will ignore my wishes and make a horrendous fuss every time any of her demands are ignored. They may be couched as suggestions but they will be demands.”

She shared the story of the first hour back at Longbourn in September.

“Can you imagine her reaction if I do not have enough lace on my dress. I have no idea what my wedding dress will look like and for all I know it may end up with no lace at all. But it will be my choice. A choice she will take away from me.”

Elizabeth shook her head and was silent for many minutes. They each took a plate with the small dessert tarts through to the drawing room. Lady Maria could see Elizabeth was extremely anxious but waited for her to start.

“Mr. Darcy and I are engaged because of how we view family. We will start our own family but that does not mean we can ignore where we came from. He has less to deal with than I do, but as yesterday afternoon showed he too has family members that can be an embarrassment. I am not embarrassed by my uncle or my aunt in Meryton. But I am embarrassed by my parents. It was my mother’s own lament, voiced every Christmas, that was the first thing I thought of when I heard the news of Aunt Madeline’s death. We do not need to endlessly recap the following four years but I was industrious. Circumstances and luck played a role but I had the chance to lead an independent life.

“I do not know that I have ever confirmed it explicitly, although I am sure you have guessed, but my parents have no knowledge of you, the incident that led to us meeting, or that through my uncle I have a dowry.”

Lady Maria inwardly smiled. Just for a moment she thought there may be an indication but like Lady Susan that afternoon she was to be denied.

“The announcement of our engagement will be in the newspaper by the end of the week. My parents will learn of it, and if they miss the news I am sure the gossips and busybodies of Meryton will inform them at the first opportunity.”

She abruptly changed the conversational direction.

“Do you know that my mother has been pestering my uncle to visit ever since the announcement of his Baronetcy? She came for two days once he had been released from hospital but then no interest for four years. All of a sudden, she is desperate to visit. Neither of us know how to deal with this. As her younger brother, he accepted that he would need to support my mother as well as any unmarried daughters. Yet that attitude has changed. She and my father are living an indolent, almost frivolous, life while he works very hard in London, despite his injuries. And I spent four years helping the man my mother expects to ‘save her from the hedgerows’ but as soon as I returned to Longbourn I was to be sold off to an obsequious idiot masquerading as a parson.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and took several deep purging breaths. She looked up and ruefully smiled at her mentor.

“As you tell it vexes me ever so slightly.”

They both laughed, to break the tension and let Elizabeth relax.

“I really to wish there was some brilliant solution that you had overlooked but I am afraid there is not. At least as far as I can discern. I do not wish to sadden you, although what I am about to say will do so. If you wish your sisters Jane and Mary to attend your wedding then you are going to have to invite the other members of your family. Knowing Darcy I imagine he has no desire for a large and lavish wedding, he can save that for his sister. An intimate wedding with little more than 20 guests is possible. You have to ask yourself what do you want. From the way you have described it, if you invite your family you will not enjoy the day. There is no way to please everyone and if you try the most disappointed person will be yourself.”

Elizabeth nodded with resignation on her face. She was trying to fix the unfixable.

“All of the problems come back to your father Elizabeth.”

“All of them?”

“I presume there is a dower house on the estate?”

“There is.”

“Why is your mother concerned about the hedgerows when she will be in the dower house? It should be readied so that if something unexpected happens to your father she will be protected.”

“It has never been discussed, at least within my hearing. It has sat empty.”

Elizabeth stopped and thought.

“For longer than Papa has been the master of the estate. The scarlet fever outbreak in 1790 killed my grandparents, both my uncles and all of their families. It was devastating to the whole county. But I do not know if my great-grandmother was still alive and living in the dower house. It has never been discussed. The outbreak of scarlet fever is never talked about at Longbourn. Jane learned the bare essentials from our neighbours. It has sat empty for at least 22 years, possibly longer.”

“The estate should be able to provide for the widow and unmarried daughters. Part of the issue is that your father has not explained any of this to your mother.”

All Elizabeth could hear was the sardonic mocking tone of her father whenever he had to deal with his wife. A wave of shame rolled over her.

“I know that Mr. Bennet has not, and will not, do any such thing. He is basically ignoring the estate, and any kind of planning, leaving it for my uncles to deal with after his death.”

“Do you wish to discuss your sisters; the youngest two I mean? You referenced the latest letter from Miss Mary.”

“Despite my apparent disdain for them, I am firmly of the belief that they are capable of being taught genteel and modest behaviour. I look at the example of my oldest cousin.”

“I do not follow.”

“Young Edward has just turned 18 and has been apprenticing with his father since last June. He has taken over as the eyes, ears and legs of my uncle, the role I used to perform. In July of ’07 I hugged Eddie on the night of his mother’s death. I was the very first person to call him Edward, given that he had to grow up so quickly. We are cousins and I raised his siblings. But four years of schooling taught young Edward the ways of society. And in this example I mean that he does not believe women should have anything to do with business. We are not. Well you can finish that sentence with any number of words; capable, competent, we are too hysterical, you know all the usual balderdash that infuriates me. But four years of schooling have left that attitude ingrained in him. Despite everything that the business has achieved over the last four years, and the total lack of that attitude in his own father. So I have seen how education can change a person, although in young Edward’s case I am unsure if it is for the better.”

“You think if you can get Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia into school or at least with a governess then they will change?”

“I have to hold onto that hope. Despite my mother encouraging less than appropriate behaviour and my father’s utter indifference.”

“Are you and Mr. Darcy going to intervene, take over the responsibility?”

“Another of my tangled thoughts about family. Why should we? Of course I will not let anyone starve in the hedgerows but I am not the parent. And the counter to my own counter, is the worry that either one or both of them might ruin the family.”

“You worry that Mr. Darcy will withdraw his suit?”

“No. I have faith in his consistency. It would be just more unnecessary drama when there is too much already.”

Elizabeth went to bed with her head spinning. Her family, who had discarded her, were still causing problems months later.