32. Chapter 32

June 29, 2014 - Much better on the whinging front. Nary a pout seen other than the now familiar, "post soon" pleas. Some bad-regency in this chapter, which I will discuss at the end.

Chapter 32

Darcy did not have an opportunity to talk with either of his cousins before dinner. However, one look at them convinced both him and Georgiana that something momentous had occurred. There was nothing one could put one's finger on; they just looked…finally…at peace. After the meal, when the ladies and gentlemen separated, Darcy lost no time inquiring after their ride.

"So, Fitzwilliam, by the look on your face I must assume you and Anne had an enjoyable ride?"

"Yes, Darcy. We were most agreeably engaged!"

Darcy raised an eyebrow to this veiled statement. "And what kept you so agreeably engaged, Fitzwilliam?" Darcy continued.

"We were taking the time to more intimately acquaint ourselves, Darcy!" deciding to have a little more fun at his cousin's expense he continued. "I would hazard a guess that you were doing the same 'acquainting' with your Miss Bennet today yourself." Darcy managed to blush at such a statement. Finally the Colonel decided to have pity on his cousin. "Anne has consented to marry me, Darcy."

"That is wonderful news! I wish you both a happy life together. When do you plan to inform Lady Catherine of this?" Darcy asked, hoping that it would not be before they departed in two days.

"Anne and I agreed not to tell her yet. I will go to my father and ask his opinion on how to proceed. I do not wish to deny Anne her rightful inheritance if we can help it. Perhaps we will wait until after you wed. Aunt Catherine might be more disposed to approve of the match then."

"It is wise to speak with the Earl first, Fitzwilliam. Aunt Catherine still fears him and he might be able to talk some reason into her. Please be assured that I will help you in any way that I am able. You may even share my wedding with me, that is if Elizabeth consents."

"Thank you, Darcy. That is a very gracious offer though I have come to expect no less of you cousin. I would be honored to share a wedding day with you, if the ladies would consent. I will suggest this to my father. But do you wish Aunt Catherine to be at your wedding? When she learns who will be your bride she will be most put out!"

"I am not afraid of our aunt. But let us assume nothing until you have spoken to your father, Fitzwilliam. He may very well have another, better course of action for you to follow." Darcy finished and then suggested it was time to rejoin the ladies.

The rest of the evening was unremarkable in everything but for the slight smile that often graced Anne's face as she looked upon her intended, when she knew her mother was not looking. When it was time to retire, Georgiana walked with Anne to her rooms for a more private interview. When they were finally alone, Anne was able to tell Georgiana of the events of the day. Anne's happiness overflowed when she moved to discuss Darcy's engagement as well.

"Miss Elizabeth will be the sister you have always wanted, Georgiana. I am so very happy for you and your brother and for Miss Elizabeth. She will make William a fine wife!"

"Thank you Anne. I believe you will be just as happy with Richard."

Back at the parsonage, Charlotte noticed Elizabeth's high spirits but attributed it to the news of Jane's engagement. While she suspected Darcy's attraction to her friend, she had no idea that they had even met today. Elizabeth was uneasy concealing the news from her friend. But she recognized the prudence of the course of action she and Darcy had chosen. There would be a time for sharing such news later. For now, she was content to keep her secret from the Hunsford party. After supper she excused herself to write two letters, one to her father and one to Jane. She wished to have them ready to give to Darcy to take with him to Longbourn. She knew he would waste little time gaining her father's consent and blessing and she wished to convey to her beloved father her joy at the match. Once her father had consented, there was nothing to keep from Jane. She also asked Jane to convey the news to Mary, but asked that it go no further. Elizabeth knew she should be the one to inform her mother. Whatever she had said to Lizzy in the past, all was sure to be forgotten in the light of the match. Elizabeth also felt guilty asking anyone else to have to suffer through her mother's first reaction to the news.

Darcy was waiting for Elizabeth the next morning on the path just out of sight of the parsonage. Having visited Rosings every year of his life, he was quite knowledgeable of the many hidden areas in the park. Afraid of any chance of observation, Darcy gallantly leaned over Elizabeth's hand to bestow a gentle kiss. Not releasing it, he tucked it in his arm and began leading her down the path. Soon he struck out on another less conspicuous path that quickly led them into a secluded area. Once safely out of view, Darcy took Elizabeth in arms and began, once again, to worship her with his kiss.

"And good morning to you, Fitzwilliam!" Elizabeth said once he finally broke off their kiss. "I was wondering where you were taking me. You seem to have an intimate knowledge of Rosings Park!"

"You noticed! I missed you last night. This next week will be excruciating without you, Elizabeth!" Darcy took the opportunity to reinforce his statement with another kiss.

"What are your plans after you leave tomorrow, Fitzwilliam? As you know, I will be remaining here for one more week before I return to London. I will stay that night with the Gardiners and return to Longbourn the next day."

"Bingley has invited Georgiana and me back to Netherfield. Would you wish for me to stay in Town and take you back to Longbourn or do you wish me to go to see your father before you return?"

"I am of two minds. The sooner you obtain my father's consent, the sooner we may begin to enjoy the benefits of a public engagement."

Darcy stopped her from finishing her thoughts with another kiss. "I do not believe that is an acceptable benefit to a public engagement, sir!" Elizabeth weekly protested.

"Ah, but it is a private one!" Darcy replied rakishly and kissed her again.

Elizabeth grudgingly pushed him away. "You did not let me finish! Now then, where was I? Oh yes, I also would like to be at home when he grants his consent. I would want to be able to assuage any doubts he may harbor over the steadfastness of my affections."

"Then we will wait. I do have some other good news. Richard has proposed and Anne has accepted. Only Georgiana and I, and now you, know of this. Richard wishes to speak to his father before approaching Lady Catherine."

"I agree now that you should wait to go to Netherfield. It seems I have written these letters in vain." Elizabeth showed Darcy the two letters she carried with her. "I prepared these for you to take to Papa and Jane if you were to travel to Longbourn before I left Kent." Elizabeth explained. "Will you tell Lord and Lady Matlock of our engagement?"

"Yes I will, Elizabeth. Do not concern yourself over their approval. They almost ordered me to pursue you! But I do believe our engagement will have an influence on what the Earl recommends. I should also tell you now that I have offered to share our wedding with Richard and Anne if they desired. I told Richard that it was, of course, dependant on your approval first."

"I can see the prudence of such an action but I was meditating on the possibility of be married with Jane and Mr. Bingley."

"I had not considered that but I would certainly be happy to share my wedding with my best friend, and your sister. We could become brothers and sisters together!"

"And possibly cousins?"

"A triple wedding?" Darcy cried.

"Let us not jump to any conclusions until you have spoken to your uncle and I have spoken with Jane." Elizabeth stopped and smiled, "She will indeed be quite surprised!"

"I hope she will be happy for you."

"Of that I can assure you. Jane spoke to me of you before the Netherfield Ball. She asked me then if I would accept your attentions if you offered them. At that time I could not give her an answer."

"When did you change your mind?" Darcy was very curious to hear her answer.

Elizabeth blushed at the memory. "After our first dance at the Ball."

"What a fool I have been! We could be married by now, Elizabeth, if I had not been too proud to act on my impulses! Please forgive me, Elizabeth!"

"There is nothing to forgive, Fitzwilliam. Do you not recall that I knew I was below your notice? What stroke of good fortune allowed me to find a man who cared for me more than the potential scorn of society?" Darcy answered her with another kiss. This one lasted longer though. He needed to have more of her and she was willing to give it to him. At last he realized the danger of his passions and broke away first.

"I believe I should allow you to return to the parsonage for your breakfast. I will see to it that Georgiana is ready on time for your walk. Would you mind if, by chance, Anne, Fitzwilliam and I met up with you as well. There is much we should discuss while we have the opportunity to do so."

"I would not refuse any chance to be in your company, Fitzwilliam." Darcy was very pleased to hear her say that and gave her one last kiss before they immerged from their concealment.

Once again Darcy bowed over her hand and gave it a loving kiss. "Until later then, my lady!" And off he strode.

Elizabeth and Georgiana were admiring the view from the top of the hill when they heard a team of horses coming up the path. Georgiana was in high spirits over her happiness at the prospect of gaining a sister in Elizabeth. The two had spoken of nothing else since they had left Rosings. As soon as they were safe from any prying eyes, Georgiana had not been able to control herself any longer and had pulled Elizabeth into an embrace. Now that they were about to be joined by her brother and cousins, Georgiana shifted the conversation to her cousins' engagement.

"I am so happy for Anne, Elizabeth. I do hope Uncle Hugh will be able to find a solution for her and Richard. Aunt Catherine will be furious when she finds out about you and my brother. I shudder to think what she will do when she hears about her own daughter willfully defying her."

"I believe that is the reason Fitzwilliam asked to join us today. Our fortunes are all interconnected in this matter and it is wise that we are in agreement on how best to proceed."

Soon the horses came into view, pulling a large curricle with Darcy at the reins. Once they were stopped, the Colonel leapt down to help Anne. Elizabeth offered her congratulations to the couple whilst Darcy saw to the horses. Anne and the Colonel were just as delighted to return their congratulations to Elizabeth.

When Darcy finally joined the party he was carrying a hamper full of refreshments.

"I believe you shall prove yourself a thoughtful husband, Fitzwilliam." Elizabeth teased.

"I shall endeavor to prove it to you every day of my life, Elizabeth," Darcy replied, losing himself in Elizabeth's eyes.

"Enough of that, you two, we have much to discuss!" The Colonel mirthfully admonished.

Recovering first, Elizabeth started. "I would like to start by saying that Fitzwilliam and I have talked and I have agreed that if it is your wish, we would be happy to share our wedding with you, Colonel and Miss de Bourgh."

"Miss Bennet, we are to be cousins. Will you not call me Anne?"

"And you must call me Richard!" The Colonel echoed.

"I would be delighted as long as you will call me Elizabeth."

"Now that is all settled. I would like to discuss what we should do during this next week. Anne, Elizabeth will remain at Rosings for one more week. We have decided that no one, other than those present, shall know of either engagement for the time being," said Darcy.

"I also believe that we should revert to our formal address when in company, Anne. It will be less to explain." Elizabeth offered.

"I agree with you, Elizabeth. There is no need to give rise to any suspicions."

The Colonel was next to speak. "I shall speak to my parents tomorrow evening after we have arrived in London. Darcy, do you wish to be present at that meeting?"

"Yes, Fitzwilliam. I also believe I should inform your father of my engagement first."

"I agree, Darcy. Anne, as soon as I have news, I will have my mother write to you as we have agreed. Georgiana, Darcy, please do not mention anything Lady Catherine might grow suspicious over in any letters to Anne. Elizabeth, would you consent to act as a courier if my parents feel it wise not to chance a letter?"

"Of course, Richard. Only remember that I will remain in Kent for only one more week. After that, you will have to find another means of communication."

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it. So, are we all in agreement?" Darcy asked. "Good, then shall we see what cook sent in the hamper?"

They enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, talking comfortably until it was time to return. Darcy asked the Colonel to drive Anne back to Rosings so that he could accompany Georgiana and Elizabeth on their walk back. Grateful for the time alone with Anne, the Colonel joyfully agreed. Darcy was pleased to walk between the two women he adored.

"Do you still approve of your new sister Georgiana?" Darcy teased.

"Fitzwilliam, honestly! What shall I do with you! Elizabeth, you must promise me to use your arts and allurements to entrap this man into a more dignified treatment of me!"

Elizabeth laughed at Georgiana's speech. She was so pleased at the easy teasing the two siblings now engaged in. Gone was the melancholy young woman she had met last summer. And gone too was the distant man Fitzwilliam Darcy had become during her stay in London. Elizabeth thought with pleasure of the intimate family party the three of them would make back at Pemberley.

Pemberley! 'Oh my, I completely forgot about Pemberley. How shall I ever be a worthy mistress of such a place!'

Darcy perceived the change in manner of his beloved Elizabeth. "Whatever is the matter, Elizabeth?" he asked full of concern.

"Until this moment I had not thought of the many responsibilities attendant upon becoming Mrs. Darcy." Elizabeth admitted.

Before Darcy could respond, Georgiana replied, "Elizabeth, do not make yourself uneasy. I have never met another woman more perfectly suited to be Fitzwilliam's wife than you. I am confident that, once you have learned them, you will be able to manage all of your duties associated with your position as if you had been doing them all of your life. Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Thomas will be of great help whilst you are settling yourself in. They both are very fond of you."

Elizabeth was silent for a few moments until she looked at Georgiana. "Thank you, Georgiana. I do not know what came over me, but your words were what I most needed to hear." She then turned her head towards Darcy. "I will do my utmost to make you proud of me, Fitzwilliam."

"You will never disappoint me, Elizabeth." Darcy reassured her as they made their way back to Rosings.

That evening, Darcy, Georgiana and the Colonel called at the parsonage to take their leave. Next morning after breakfast, they departed for London, with a promise to Anne to send news as soon as they could.

Darcy decided to leave Georgiana at Darcy house whilst he accompanied Fitzwilliam to his parents' home. Lord and Lady Matlock would be pleased with his news. After refreshing himself, Darcy had his carriage pick up Fitzwilliam on his way to Afton House. The two were immediately shown into the parlor where the Earl and his wife awaited them.

The colonel greeted his parents first. Darcy patiently waited until he had the attention of them both.

"Uncle, Aunt, I have some news for you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has consented to be my wife."

Lady Matlock burst out in a smile and began offering her sincere congratulations. "Oh, William! I am so happy for you. Miss Bennet is a fine woman. You two will do very well together! Georgiana must be ecstatic!"

"Yes she is, Aunt!" Darcy chuckled. "She has been trying to matchmake between us for many months now. Fortunately, she was successful, though her intentional efforts had little to do with the match. That honor, goes to you and Uncle Hugh. I cannot thank you enough for your letter. It relieved the one impediment left for me to seek Elizabeth's hand. Though I am ashamed that such a letter was needed in the first place."

"Do not be too hard on yourself, William. The important point is that you are engaged. And it is about time! Perhaps Richard here will finally decide being a bachelor is no way to spend the rest of his life." The Earl finished his speech and turned to look at his younger son. He was shocked to see him blush. "Ehm, Richard, is there something you wish to tell your mother and me?"

"Father, mother, since Darcy here was no longer available as a marriage prospect to Anne, I decided to fill in to bridge the gap. Anne has accepted me."

"You were right, Helen!"

"Excuse me, I believe I just informed you that I am to marry Anne!" The Colonel protested.

"Yes, son, we know and we are very, very happy for you." Lady Fitzwilliam replied

"Then what was father talking about?"

"Your mother had long argued that your Aunt Catherine had fixed upon the wrong cousin. You were always the one best suited for Anne, Richard. I am very happy for you both!"

"Father, the reason we both came to you tonight is that we need your advice. I do not wish to endanger Anne's inheritance. However, we are still prepared to marry even if Anne were to be disinherited."

"I believe I may be of great service to you son. I have never told any of the rest of the family, but your Uncle, Sir Lewis, had another will drawn up before he died and placed into safekeeping. His solicitor and I are the only ones who know of its existence. It was not to go into effect unless I, or my heir, delivered a letter to the solicitor informing him that the conditions had been met for its being revealed and enforced. Only that letter would trigger the events."

The three other occupants of the room were stunned.

"Despite what you may have heard, Sir Lewis doted on Anne. He loved her dearly and was very despondent at the thought of not seeing her grow into womanhood. He was also very concerned over the treatment she would receive from her mother if he were not there to oversee her up bringing. By the time Anne was six months old, Catherine had already began to intimate that she would be the perfect bride for Darcy and had begun to pressure Lady Anne into accepting this. Your mother, Darcy, of course would never agree to such a thing but Sir Lewis was worried about Anne's future. He had a new will drawn up that he never told Catherine about. He came to me and informed me of its existence and its rather unusual terms. It would not be valid unless I, or my heir, triggered it."

"What must you do to have to trigger it father?" the Colonel asked.

"Sir Lewis was concerned that Anne would be forced to marry against her wishes or that Catherine would seek to revoke Anne's inheritance as delineated in the existing will. If I learned that this was to occur. I was to present his letter to the solicitor and the new will would be revealed. There are some very interesting terms in this document. As you are to marry Anne, Richard, and you are also somewhat involved, William, I shall relate them to you. First, if Anne were coerced into marrying you, William, Rosings would revert to a distant branch of Sir Lewis' family. Lady Catherine would be left with only the house in town and whatever was left of her original dowry. Anne would receive only a dowry of £ 5,000." Darcy was shocked. He was sure that Lady Catherine would be indignant if this ever happened. "The second term was that if Anne were coerced into marrying anyone other than Darcy, She would receive a dowry of £ 30,000 and Catherine would again receive the house in town and the remainder of her dowry. The Estate would be placed in trust, only to be given to Anne's heirs, if she had any. If not, then the estate would devolve to you, Richard, or to your heir. If Richard had no heirs then it would devolve to the heir of you, William." This time both Darcy and the Colonel were stunned. "And the third term: if Anne married without her mother's consent or blessing but with mine, Anne would receive her dowry of £ 30,000 as well as a yearly allowance of £ 1,000. Catherine would still be allowed to live at Rosings but the house in town would immediately be Anne's. Also, Rosings would be placed in trust, with the current living Earl of Matlock as trustee, until Catherine passed away. Finally, if Anne were to be married without either of our consent or blessings, she would receive her dowry alone and not inherit Rosings until after Catherine had passed."

Even Lady Fitzwilliam was shocked! Sir Lewis would have his last revenge on his shrewish wife from far beyond the grave.

"Now then, I think we should decide how best to proceed." Lord Matlock added.

An hour later, Darcy was able to return home. They had weighed many options, but had opted for a course of action that would be predicated by Lady Catherine's response to the announcement of Darcy's engagement. It was decided that after Darcy had gained Mr. Bennet's approval, he would travel back to London. From London, Lord Matlock would accompany Darcy to Rosings. After Darcy informed his Aunt of his betrothal, Lord Matlock would intervene as necessary. If Lady Catherine took the news as poorly as anticipated, they would leave immediately and begin the second phase of their plan. Under no circumstances was Lady Catherine to find out about the engagement of Anne and the Colonel. In the unlikely event of Lady Catherine intercepting Anne's correspondence, it was decided to write Elizabeth immediately with the news and ask her to convey it personally, along with a note from Richard, to Anne. They would use Georgiana's correspondence as the means of delivering it.

Before he had left however, Lady Helena arrived home from an evening of cards at a friend's home. Darcy was very happy to see his cousin again.

"William, it has been a long time since I have seen you. It seems we keep missing each other. How long will you be in town this time."

"Helena! It has indeed been many months. I am afraid I have had to suffer your brother in your place! I will be leaving for Hertfordshire next week. My friend Charles Bingley is newly engaged and has asked Georgiana and me to keep him company whilst his sister is in Lincoln."

"From what my mother has told me, Georgiana will be most anxious to be in the vicinity of her dear friend again."

"That she will be. You must excuse me, Helena; I need to return home now. Please come and call on us. I am positive Georgiana will wish to see you."

"Tell her I will come on Saturday."

"Very good! Uncle, Aunt, Helena, Richard" Darcy bowed and left.

Lady Helena was very intrigued by the far away look in her cousin's eyes and the smile that crossed his face when Miss Bennet was spoken of. Unable to resist, she asked, "Have you given William the 'Fitzwilliam Family Talk' Father?"

"Why do you ask?"

"My cousin had the look of a lovesick man a moment ago. If he is as smitten as he appears, I would hope he does not allow his overdeveloped sense of duty to deny him happiness. You seem to approve of her. Any lack of connections or dowry should be of little consequence to a man like him."

"I am happy to hear you say that, Helena. I would not worry about your cousin. He will make a prudent choice," Lady Matlock replied cryptically.

"He is engaged," Lady Helena stated as a matter of fact.

"Yes, but you must keep this information to yourself for the time being. He has yet to gain Miss Bennet's father's consent. That should be accomplished by next week's end. Until then, we must keep his secret." Lady Matlock replied.

"Because of Aunt Catherine?" Lady Helena asked.

"Yes, I will accompany William to speak to her after he has gained consent, but before it is announced in the papers." Lord Matlock informed his daughter.

"I would love to be a fly on the wall at Rosings that day. Lady Catherine will not be pleased! Poor Anne!"

"We will do all that we can for Anne. Do not be surprised if she comes to visit us, alone."

Back home, Darcy informed his sister of the discussions and the decisions that were agreed upon. Georgiana was happy to be of service and went to write a short cover letter to Elizabeth. Darcy wrote his own letter informing her of his plans. His cousins would bring over his one page letter in the morning. All that was left to do was wait.

So, this is the part where the very big regency error comes into play. Anne, as heiress of Rosings Park cannot lose her inheritance by some whim of her mother. Things just didn't work that way. Same thing with a secret will. Its way to late to fix it all, so just enjoy a little (ok, a lot!) of author's license to be... creative.