34. Chapter 34

July 1, 2014 - It's July and hot in Phoenix! Appropriate since it is time to confront the dragon. Alas, Tim Howard couldn't do it alone - though he tried. Now that my two countries are out, its time to cheer for the remaining teams from the Western Hemisphere.

Chapter 34

When Darcy arrived with Bingley and Georgiana, he tried very hard not to gaze at Elizabeth. He would swear she grew more beautiful each time she came into his presence. Elizabeth was struggling herself to assume an attitude of common indifference to Darcy. She was failing spectacularly, though only Jane, Mary, and her father noticed. In order to hide her emotions, Elizabeth focused her attention on Bingley to offer her congratulations and to tease him on the rapidity of the conclusion of his courtship of her sister.

Dinner that evening was an elegant affair. Whatever could be said of Mrs. Bennet, she could never be faulted for the quality of her table. Mr. Bennet spent the meal being amused by his second daughter. Something was clearly afoot and he doubted he would have long to wait to find out what it was. When it was time for the customary separation of the ladies and gentlemen after dinner, Mr. Bennet asked the men to join him in the study.

As the ladies rose to leave for the drawing room Bingley asked, "Mr. Bennet, if you do not object, I would like to have a private word with Jane and Miss Elizabeth first. That is, if you would allow me to do so, Mrs. Bennet."

"Of course, Mr. Bingley. Take as long as you have need. Come Mary, Kitty, Lydia. Let us join Miss Darcy in the drawing room," Mrs. Bennet commanded.

After Mr. Bennet showed Darcy into his study, he poured them both a glass of port. Darcy, not wanting to waste the opportunity Bingley had given him, was very direct in his comments to Elizabeth's father.

"Mr. Bennet, I have come to ask for the hand of your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, in marriage."

"Indeed, you come directly to your point, sir. Have you decided to skip the courting stage?"

"It is not necessary. We have had ample opportunity to become acquainted with each other. Both here in Hertfordshire and in Town and in Kent."

"Why should I grant my consent? Have you asked her?"

"Yes, I have, and she has accepted me. You should grant us your consent because I respect, admire, and deeply love your daughter and she loves, admires and respects me in return."

"You make no mention of your wealth, Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Bennet, you of all people should know your daughter well enough to realize that my wealth would not influence her decision. Miss Elizabeth would never marry a man she did not love and respect. That is why she refused Mr. Collins."

"You know about that now, do you? Point taken, Mr. Darcy. I know you speak the truth about Elizabeth's affections. They were on display tonight for anyone to see, if they had been paying attention. Very well, Mr. Darcy, you have my consent and blessing. I suspected from the first time we met that you would be perfect for Lizzy. I am glad you found each other. I will rest easier knowing that she will be so well loved and taken care of."

"Thank you, sir! I promise to always love and cherish Elizabeth." Darcy finally allowed himself a smile.

"I suppose we should discuss the marriage settlement now."

"Mr. Bennet, whilst I was waiting in London for Elizabeth to return from Kent I took the opportunity to meet with my solicitor and have a preliminary document drawn up." Darcy removed a set of papers from his coat and handed them to Mr. Bennet. "If anything does not meet with your satisfaction, I will have it amended at once."

Mr. Bennet quickly read through the documents, his amazement growing. "Only a very foolish man would dare ask you for any more. You are being very generous and I believe the extent of your wealth has been underestimated. I see that you will need additional information from me and I will endeavor to provide that to you in the morning. Enough of this talk about settlements, have you a date in mind for the wedding?"

"Elizabeth expressed a desire to marry the same day as Bingley and Miss Bennet. I dare say that they are discussing that now. Would you consent to such a scheme, Mr. Bennet?"

"I would be a fool to object, Mr. Darcy! How could I reject the possibility of only having to listen to my wife plan for one wedding day instead of two! I think it a marvelous idea!"

"Before we agree, Mr. Bennet, I need to advise you of a potential complication."

Darcy began to tell his future father-in-law of the situation regarding his cousins and his Aunt. Bingley entered the study during this time, but remained silent until Darcy was finished.

"Darcy, Mr. Bennet. Jane and Miss Elizabeth and I have just finished discussing the situation. Jane and I would be honored to share the wedding day with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth… as well as with Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Lord and Lady Matlock have been as second parents to Darcy and Miss Darcy and I know Darcy considers Colonel Fitzwilliam to be the brother he never had," Bingley finished.

"Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, you must do what is best. I will not object to a double, or triple wedding for that matter. I am certain that when my wife learns that she will be planning a wedding that includes the son of an Earl and the granddaughter of an earl that she will be overjoyed! Let us tarry no longer and return to the ladies to make our announcement. Are you certain you are prepared, Mr. Darcy?"

A resolute "Yes" confirmed Darcy's intent.

When the gentlemen entered the room, Bingley went to sit beside Jane and Darcy remained standing next to Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet discreetly motioned for Elizabeth to come and join them. After smiling at his daughter, Mr. Bennet asked for everyone's attention.

"I have a little announcement to make. Mr. Darcy has asked for the hand of Elizabeth in marriage and I have given them my consent and blessings. You will now have your two eldest daughters given away in marriage, Mrs. Bennet."

For one of the few times in her life, Frances Bennet was too stunned to speak. She had hoped Miss Darcy would be able to throw Elizabeth into the notice of other men, but she had never dared hope that Mr. Darcy would be that man! Oh the jewels, carriages and pin money that Elizabeth would have! Finally, the enormity of it all came washing over her and Frances Bennet did what any other insensible woman would do. She fainted.

In the confusion that followed Mrs. Bennet's fainting fit, the reaction of the only other two people in the room who did not have a prior knowledge of the engagement went overlooked. Kitty was in too much awe of Mr. Darcy to say anything. She was shocked, but pleased that Elizabeth had found a husband. Lydia's reaction could not be any more different. She had long been jealous of Elizabeth and the favor their father had shown to her. Lydia also had many dreams of being the first sister married. Now there would be at least two married before her. In truth, she was quite vexed and determined to go and visit with Mrs. Forster the first thing in the morning. Harriet Forster always knew how to lift her spirits.

Before he left that evening, Darcy asked for another private word with Mr. Bennet.

"Mr. Bennet, the situation with my cousins and Aunt Catherine demand an immediate return to town. My sister's companion will be joining us at Netherfield next week; she is visiting her grandson now. However, she will not be here before this trip. Would you allow Georgiana to stay here at Longbourn whilst I am away? It would not be proper for her to stay at Netherfield in my absence."

"Of course she may stay. I dare say she will find things much more, er… lively at Longbourn than what she may be accustomed to."

"Thank you, sir. I do not anticipate being gone longer than three days. However, I may be delayed depending on my Aunt's reaction. As soon as she has been informed, I will send announcements to the appropriate newspapers."

"When will you depart?"

"In the morning. The sooner I leave, the sooner this may be resolved and I may see Elizabeth again."

"Do not tarry too long, Mr. Darcy. You will cede too many decisions about your wedding if you do, if I know my wife!"

Darcy made sure he had an opportunity to have a quiet word with Elizabeth before they left. "As we discussed earlier, I will go to London tomorrow. Do not look so downcast, Elizabeth. The sooner I go, the sooner I shall be able to return to you. I will not leave again without you!"

Comforted by his words, Elizabeth eyed him mischievously, "What will you do when my mother decides to take Jane and me to London to shop for our trousseaus?"

"I will ride to London with you and insist you stay at Darcy House."

"Nay sir, the next time I stay in Darcy House it will be as its mistress!"

"As you wish, I would never seek to deny you any pleasure."

"I am counting on that, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth replied in a surprisingly seductive voice.

It suddenly occurred to Darcy that Elizabeth had the full reign of her father's library and he wondered at its breadth of subjects. He would have to give it a more thorough perusal when he returned.

Darcy's carriage left Netherfield just after first light. Darcy had sent his Uncle an express the night before apprising him of the situation and warning him of his intended journey the next morning. When they arrived in London, Darcy ordered his carriage to proceed directly to Afton House. The Earl was not surprised to see his nephew so early.

"Darcy, you made good time! Come inside and have something to eat. We can discuss our options over a meal."

"Thank you Uncle Hugh. As you can see, I came straight to your home from Hertfordshire."

When Darcy was finally seated at the table, he told his Uncle of the previous day's events in more detail than was possible in the express. "Do you agree then, Uncle Hugh, that we should travel to Rosings this afternoon to speak with Aunt Catherine? Considering the ties between Hertfordshire and Hunsford, I believe haste is prudent."

"I am in agreement, William. I will order my carriage ready to depart in an hour. Your horses have had enough for one day. I will go inform your Aunt of our intentions and return."

An hour later, Darcy and Lord Matlock were on the road to Kent. They again discussed all that had happened over the past two weeks and agreed on how the meeting with Lady Catherine would be handled. They arrived late in the afternoon. Lady Catherine was at first puzzled about the unexpected visitors, but then became agitated with the hope that Darcy was finally ready to offer for Anne.

"Catherine," Hugh Fitzwilliam began, "Darcy has asked me to accompany him here today to discuss his marriage."

"It is about time you have come to ask me for Anne's hand, William. I had begun to despair of it."

"Aunt Catherine, you mistake my Uncle's meaning. I have not come to ask for you consent to marry Anne, but rather to announce my engagement."

"I do not understand you, William. I thought you would seek my consent to marry Anne rather than declaring that you will do so without any consideration of me as her mother!"

"No, Aunt, again you mistake my meaning. I am not marrying Anne. I have never desired it. She has never desired it. I am to marry another."

"Who, do I know this woman?"

"Yes, you do. I am engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We will be married in July."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet? How dare she! She has obviously used her situation as Georgiana's intimate friend to ensnare you, Darcy! Hugh, how can you stand here and let him do this? You are head of this family. Can you not talk some sense into the boy?"

"Lady Catherine, I am not a boy and I will not have you speak of my fiancée that way. I am my own master and I am beholden to no one. I came here as a courtesy to you and this is how I am treated? You will…"

Lord Matlock interrupted his nephew. "Darcy, that is enough. Will you please excuse your Aunt and me and wait in the library."

"Yes, my lord. Lady Catherine." Darcy bowed and left the two siblings alone.

Lord Matlock waited until they were completely alone. "Catherine, you had better be very careful as to how you proceed."

"I do not need you to tell me what I may and may not do, Hugh!"

"I must disagree. I am the head of this family! If you will not respect that, then I have nothing further to say. However, before you burn all of your bridges you will hear me out. As Darcy has said, he is his own master and can make his own decisions. He does not need your permission, or mine, to marry."

"But that woman is beneath him. She was fine as a companion for Georgiana or Anne. But mistress of Pemberley? Come now Hugh, we both know she has no dowry or family connections. She will be a degradation to us all. You must try and talk some sense into Darcy before it is too late."

Lord Matlock had to smile at his sister's last comment. "My dear Catherine, have you not considered that perhaps maybe I already have." Lady Catherine reacted as though she had been slapped.

"Whatever do you mean, Hugh?"

"When William was here at Easter I received a letter from Richard confirming my suspicions about William's attachment to Miss Bennet. I responded with a letter of my own to Darcy in which I gave him my blessing to pursue the desire of his heart. He had put duty before happiness for far too long."

"How could you?"

"Take a long look at yourself, Catherine. I would not wish any of my family to become what you have become. Love is a necessary component to a happy marriage."

"Love, what a plebian concept, Hugh!"

"There is more to happiness than wealth and connections."

"Nothing is more important than wealth and connections when making a match in our circle, Hugh!"

"That is why so many are so unhappy. No, Catherine, I will not condone such thinking. It is obvious that you will not be happy for your sister's son. Unless you change your mind, you are not welcome in my home, or at the wedding. However, I will not allow your house to slight Darcy. Therefore, I will expect Anne to come to us, as planned, next month and she will accompany us to the wedding. If she is not at Matlock, as planned, in four weeks then I will personally come and escort her myself. You cannot deny her coming. She is of age and has the freedom to leave here whenever she wants.

"If Anne dares defy me, she will rue the day she does."

"Be very careful, Catherine. I will do everything in my power to protect Anne, since her father is not here to do so."

"You cannot frighten me, Hugh. What can you do to stop me?"

"More than you know, Catherine. It is obvious that neither William nor myself are welcome here tonight. We will not impose upon you. Goodbye, Catherine. I expect to see Anne in a month."

Lord Matlock went to collect Darcy and leave. He was pleased to find Anne in the library waiting for him. "Oh, Uncle Hugh!"

Anne threw herself into her Uncle's arms and began to cry tears that had needed to be shed for a long time. "Hush, Anne. It will all turn out well. I promise. I have told your mother that you will be coming to us at Matlock as planned. I also told her you would be coming with us to Darcy's wedding, even if she were not welcome. I would like to take you with me right now, but I need you to stay and judge your mother's acceptance of Darcy's engagement. Based on your observations, we will know what to do next. But if it becomes too unbearable for you, send word and I will come for you."

"Thank you, Uncle," Anne said drying he tears. "Thank you for everything."

Darcy and his Uncle soon left for London again. It was quite late when they arrived back at Afton House where Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was waiting impatiently for them.

"How did your discussion with Lady Catherine turn out?"

"As badly as we feared, Son," The Earl answered. "Do not worry, Richard. I will not leave Anne alone if Catherine becomes vindictive. Anne will come on her planned visit to Matlock and you will be able to see her there. But for now it is imperative she remains at Rosings. Only she can decide how to proceed and she needs to know her mother's mind on the matter. She cannot make such a judgment without firsthand knowledge of the situation."

"You are correct, Father, as usual. I will wait and prepare as we have planned."

"Good! Richard, please trust me. All will be well."

"I have no choice but to trust you, Father. So, Darcy, how go the wedding plans?"

The gentleman spent an hour in conversation before Darcy left to return home. He planned on leaving for Netherfield after church the next morning. He missed Elizabeth and renewed his vow to not leave her again before the wedding.

Back in Hertfordshire, Lydia set off for Meryton directly after breakfast. She was sure a visit with Mrs. Forster would cheer her lagging spirits. Unfortunately, the only new information to be had was the posting of the order to move the regiment to Brighten for the summer. Lydia could not imagine anything worse than the removal of the regiment. Her disappointment was short-lived however, because of the invitation Mrs. Forster extended to her dear friend Lydia.

"The Colonel and I discussed this quite at length last night. He will take a house for us in Brighton and you are invited to join me as my particular friend. We shall have such a merry time. There will be all manner of parties and balls to amuse us. I do so hope you father will allow you to come," Mrs. Forster effused.

"He will not stop me. I will not be able to stay the entirety of the summer, though. Both Jane and Lizzy will be married in July and I am certain Papa will insist I come home for the wedding. I shall not mind too much for Mama is sure to buy us new gowns for the occasion."

"You sister Elizabeth is engaged? To whom?"

"Lizzy somehow managed to capture that rich Mr. Darcy. Now Mama will not stop talking of how rich Jane and Lizzy will be. It is rather annoying, but I hope that it will mean invitations to come with them to town for the season. Lizzy will then be able to buy me all manner of lovely new gowns and introduce Kitty and me to many rich men. Unfortunately, I do not believe that there will be many officers among them. I so do like a man in a red coat!" Lydia responded dreamily.

Mrs. Bennet was in raptures over Lydia's invitation until she realized her absence would come as the wedding was being planned. She was ecstatic over the prospect of arranging a double wedding for her two daughters' rich suitors. Jane and Elizabeth had announced their intentions to share their wedding day last night after Elizabeth announced her engagement. A date of July 11th had been agreed upon earlier, when Jane had become engaged and the rector of Longbourn church had confirmed it that morning. This left just over two months to prepare, but Mrs. Bennet was confident enough in her own organizing abilities to not be overly bothered with the short engagement. The sooner her two daughters were settled, the sooner her future would be secured.

When Lydia applied to her father for permission to go to Brighton, he was at first loath to grant it. However, upon reconsideration, the prospect of a Lydia-free home during the hectic next two months held an irresistible charm. When he announced his consent at dinner that evening Lydia was all in raptures. Mr. Bennet was surprised though, by his three middle daughter's reactions. Elizabeth did not seem very happy with this news. He could tell by the look on her face that she would be visiting him later in the evening. Mary, normally indifferent to such matters was likewise distressed. Kitty, the one he expected to be distressed, instead appeared relieved. This was most puzzling. Jane, of course, was her normal serene self.

After dinner, Elizabeth left Georgiana in the company of Kitty and took Mary with her to see their father. "Papa," Elizabeth began, "Mary and I are both concerned about your allowing Lydia to accompany Mrs. Forster to Brighton."

"I would have thought you would appreciate the opportunity to plan your wedding in peace, Elizabeth."

"While the idea of not having to listen to Lydia's silly opinions on every detail is very appealing, I cannot think but that it is a mistake to allow her to go. Mrs. Forster is very young herself and I have great concerns over her ability to properly chaperone Lydia. I fear she would return with her character fixed as a flirt of the worst kind who will only make herself and her family appear ridiculous."

"What is your opinion, Mary?" her father asked.

"I agree with Elizabeth. Since the regiment arrived she has grown even more untamed, if it were possible."

"I understand your concern girls, but at Brighton she will be of less importance and hopefully she will learn of her own insignificance. Fortunately, she is too poor to be the prey of any fortune hunter. I believe it will all turn out well. She may go for six weeks so she is home in time for your wedding, Elizabeth. Unless you do not wish her here, then I will let her stay the whole summer."

"Very well, Papa. I can see your mind is made up on the matter. But do not forget that Lydia will soon have two very wealthy connections. You must warn Colonel Forster to keep a close eye on her," Elizabeth replied.

"You have a very worthy point, Elizabeth. I will speak pointedly to the Colonel before she leaves."

"Thank you, Papa."

Elizabeth and Mary were still uneasy after they left their father, but there was nothing more they could do. Hopefully, as their father had said, it would all turn out well. They took that thought back with them into the drawing room and back to Georgiana.

A two month engagement wasn't actually a long engagement. Now days it would be considered too short for most people.