31. Chapter 31

Please see added A/N addendum at bottom - added 8/12/15

Chapter 30

Pandemonium greeted Elizabeth and Darcy when they entered the town house a short time later. She took a deep breath as her Aunt and sister converged on her, wearing identical expressions of alarm mingled with relief. Removing her outerwear, she was quick to reassure them that she was indeed, well and unharmed. Keeping a tight grasp on the ring in her right hand, she searched for her Uncle. He was standing off to the side away from the commotion caused by his wife and niece, his expression grave. She held his gaze as she attempted to answer the many questions from her Aunt and sister. She was eager to hear what her Uncle had to say of his despicable behavior towards Mr Williamson and her mother. He had much to answer for and she would not allow him to prevaricate any longer. She would receive the answers she sought. Today.

Seeing the resolve and determination in her eyes, Gardiners expression changed to one of resignation. He was relieved that Elizabeth was back safe and unharmed. Awaiting word while Darcy and then Jones and Hoskins had left to find Elizabeth had been agonizing. He never would have forgiven himself if his mistakes so long ago had led to Elizabeth being harmed in any way by that man. He sighed deeply. Now, it was time to keep the promise he had made to his niece. He offered a silent prayer for the words and the courage to relate his part in that sad tale; for the next hour would be the most difficult of his life. Giving his niece a brief nod, he turned and proceeded to his study, knowing she would follow shortly.

After promising her Aunt and Jane a more thorough explanation of her meeting with Mr Williamson, she moved towards her Uncle's study with a single-minded purpose. Each time she felt her resolve falter in confronting her Uncle, she remembered the grief stricken expression on Mr Williamson's face and her fist tightened around the ring she clutched in her right hand. Fitzwilliam had followed her, and she was thankful for his strong, calming presence at her side.

She looked at him as he walked silently beside her and in a quiet voice, asked, "Will you stay with me?"

"Of course, if you wish it," he replied.

She nodded, bestowing a grateful smile.

He opened his mouth to say something, but immediately closed it again, shaking his head, his expression conflicted.

Elizabeth gave him a questioning look. "If you have something to say, Fitzwilliam, please say it. I'm not inclined at present to have secrets or things unsaid kept from me."

Darcy ran a hand through his wind blown hair, considering his words carefully. "I don't know all that Williamson told you, Elizabeth." He sighed, his expression one of deep concern. "But I know that it distressed you. And I know what your Uncle has to say will cause you further distress." He stopped, bringing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss before clasping it to his heart. "It just pains me to see you so upset, my love."

Elizabeth smiled tenderly at the man she loved with all her heart. "Fitzwilliam, I know the truth will be difficult, but I need to hear it." With conviction, she added, her expression pleading, "I have to know, Fitzwilliam. Please. Try to understand."

Darcy's gaze softened as he looked into Elizabeth's expressive brown eyes. Usually they were filled with light and laughter, but today her beautiful eyes were filled with sadness and pain. If the truth eased her heart and settled her troubled mind, then he would stand by her side as she learned that terrible truth. "I do understand, my love. And I'm here for you. Always."

Elizabeth felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes, love filling her heart for this wonderful, good man. "Thank you," she choked.

Wordlessly, his gaze never leaving hers, Darcy kissed her hand again before interlacing his fingers with hers.

As they neared her Uncle's study door, Fitzwilliam squeezed her hand before reluctantly letting go. She smiled up at him, confident she could face anything with him by her side. Taking a deep breath, she knocked firmly before opening the door. She strode in, head held high, her unwavering gaze fixed on her Uncle. Seeing the look of despondency on his face caused her to falter, her confident step wavering in the face of his despair. Squeezing the ring in the palm of her hand to give her courage, she stood in front of her Uncle's desk, her eyes filled with quiet determination.

Her Uncle gazed up at her from his seated position behind his desk. "I'm relieved to see you are well and unharmed, Lizzy." He sighed, rubbing his forehead and in a resigned voice, said, "I know you are here for answers. We might as well be comfortable." He stood, gesturing to the sofa and chairs before the fireplace.

As he walked to take a seat he gave Darcy a pointed look. "I don't believe this concerns you, Darcy." He gestured towards the door.

Darcy stared at Gardiner incredulously. Everything that involved Elizabeth concerned him! Did he really think he could just dismiss him? Before he could respond, Elizabeth laid a gentle hand on his forearm.

"I wish Mr Darcy to remain, Uncle." She raised her chin, her eyes slightly defiant.

Gardiner sighed heavily. "As you wish."

Elizabeth sat, her posture firm, countenance unyielding. Fitzwilliam took the seat next to her on the sofa, her Uncle across from them. She leveled a pointed look at her Uncle. After a moment, when he didn't say anything, she raised one eyebrow. "Well, Uncle? What have you to say?"

Gardiner remained silent as he studied his niece. His gaze shifted to Darcy, sitting protectively beside her. He smiled slightly. How grateful he was that his niece had found a gentleman worthy of her in every respect. One that not only respected her, but loved her unconditionally as well. He was immensely grateful that his mistakes had not prevented Elizabeth from finding a man worthy of her love and esteem. It made his mistakes worth it somehow. Soon, his guilt would be swept away as she took Darcy's name and she left her home for good; removed from the bitterness of her mother caused by his error in judgment. Yes, all would be made right. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. He knew this day would come, when he would have to confess. His guilt. His duplicity. Soon, he would have no more secrets.

Heart pounding furiously, whether from nervousness or fear, Gardiner said with a calmness he didn't feel, "Williamson spoke to you?" At Elizabeth's brief nod, he took a deep breath. "Would you please tell me what he told you?"

Elizabeth's throat tightened and she looked down at the clenched fist in her lap, holding the evidence of her Uncle's perfidy. Fitzwilliam reached over to take her free hand in his, squeezing it gently in encouragement and comfort. Elizabeth was surprised, but pleased that he would make such a gesture in front of her Uncle.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth began. As she spoke, she kept her unwavering gaze fixed on her Uncles, wanting to see his eyes as she related Mr Williamson's tale. Several times her voice faltered and she had to pause and compose herself as she remembered Mr Williamson's pain and anguish. At one point in her narrative, her Uncle's calm demeanor broke and he leaned forward as if a heavy weight was pressing on his shoulders, his expression full of shame, regret and remorse. Finally, after endless minutes, she finished and her posture relaxed slightly as she waited for her Uncle to concur or refute Mr Williamson's account.

Time passed; the silence stretching out interminably, punctuated by the soft ticking sound of the clock on the mantle. Elizabeth held her breath, her heart thundering loudly in her ears as she watched her Uncle process all that she had related. He gave a deep sigh and closed his eyes, breaking her unrelenting gaze.

In a soft voice, he said, "Everything he said is true."

Elizabeth exhaled loudly. Truth be told, she was not surprised by his admission, but it hurt, nonetheless. Some small part of her had been hoping that he would deny Mr Williamson's story; say that it was all a mistake, a horrible misunderstanding. She grasped Fitzwilliam's hand, finding strength from his firm, sure grip.

"How could you do it, Uncle?" she whispered. "Knowing the pain and anguish it would cause?"

Gardiner opened his eyes, his gaze anguished. "It was for the best, Lizzy. Please, believe me."

Elizabeth shook her head vehemently. "No, I don't believe that, Uncle. I won't believe it!" Nothing her Uncle would say could excuse what he had done. Her eyes closed in pain as she thought of the anguish on Mr Williamson's face. No, nothing could erase what he had done.

"Lizzy," Gardiner said, his eyes pleading. "You have heard Williamson's story. Now, will you hear mine?"

"That is why I'm here, Uncle," she said resolutely.

Gardiner stood and began to pace. "Lizzy," he began hesitantly. "To understand Williamson's story, you need to first understand mine. I just ask that you be patient with me while I tell you." He took a deep breath, gathering his courage.

"My father always assumed that I would become a solicitor and take over his business when he died." He smiled, a faraway expression on his face. "But that life was not for me-I wanted something more. When my father learned of my decision to go into business..." His voice suddenly wavered, indicating deep distress. "He was upset, angry." He lowered his head, his eyes filled with regret and pain. "We exchanged harsh words and in my anger, I left."

Elizabeth felt her heart go out to her Uncle; she knew exactly how he had felt; the pain of not living up to a parents expectation was difficult to overcome. She squeezed Fitzwilliam's hand, grateful for his presence.

Gardiner smiled sadly as he took a seat once again across from her. "Our relationship was strained after that. I visited rarely, using my business as an excuse." He frowned. "My father's health declined and he wrote asking for advice. He wanted to hire another solicitor, someone who could take over after he died, and asked if I knew of anyone who would be interested." He leaned back, rubbing a hand over his face. "I suggested Mr Phillips. I had met him through some business dealings and I knew him to be a good man and I liked him. I knew my father would as well."

"In my father's next letter he thanked me for suggesting Mr Phillips and he also mentioned that he had hired a young clerk as well." He stopped, meeting Elizabeth's steady gaze. "Mr Williamson." He sighed. "His letter was full of praise for both Phillips and Williamson, but especially the latter. He extolled his many good virtues, that he was determined, hardworking, and intelligent." In a quieter voice, he continued, "I admit I was a little jealous at his effusive praise. I didn't go back to visit after that. Not until my father sent for me."

"The first time I met Williamson was the day before my father died." He paused, rubbing a hand over his face wearily. In a tight voice, he continued, "But his regard for Williamson didn't mean he approved of him as an appropriate suitor for his eldest daughter."

Elizabeth blinked at her Uncle in shock. She shook her head, her brow lowered in bewilderment. "I don't understand. Mr Williamson said no one knew about his engagement to Mama. That it was a secret."

Gardiner shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he knew. You think my sister could keep her affection for the clerk hidden from the keen gaze of her father?" His expression softened and he said sympathetically, "Fanny has never been good at hiding her feelings."

Elizabeth looked down, swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, pain filling her heart. Yes, she knew firsthand that her mother didn't know how to hide her feelings. She raised her head, her eyes flashing with indignation. "That still doesn't excuse..."

Gardiner held up a hand. "Please, Lizzy. This is hard enough. Let me finish before you accuse me."

Elizabeth nodded and Fitzwilliam squeezed her hand gently.

"When I arrived in Meryton, my father immediately asked to see me and we talked for quite some time. Among other things, he told me about Williamson and Fanny's understanding. He knew they were secretly engaged. He then related to me why he couldn't condone such a match."

Elizabeth held her breath, leaning forward slightly on the edge of her chair. She had never known her grandfather, but she knew that he had been a good, kind and honorable man. He must have had a good reason to disapprove of their match.

"Father was concerned that Williamson was pursuing Fanny for her dowry of ten thousand pounds."

Elizabeth sat back, her eyes wide. She shook her head in disbelief. "No. No, I don't believe it, Uncle! The man I talked with today didn't care about money! You're wrong!"

Gardiner looked at Elizabeth, sadness in his eyes. "My father had a right to be concerned, Lizzy."

"I don't understand."

Gardiner leaned forward, his countenance solemn. "My father related to me that he had overheard a conversation between Fanny and Williamson. A conversation in which he heard him say that with Fanny's dowry they would live very well. That they didn't have to wait to marry." Gardiner sat back and he lifted his hands, palm up. "What was my father supposed to think, after hearing a comment like that?"

"He should have asked them!" Elizabeth cried. "Instead of assuming he understood the context of their conversation!" She stood, unable to sit any longer. She clenched the ring tighter in her fist. "I don't believe it, Uncle. I can't believe that my grandfather would tell you to separate them! To perpetuate this farce! This duplicity!"

Gardiner stood, facing his irate niece. He held out his hands in a supplicating gesture. "Please, Lizzy. You're right, he didn't." He paused, looking her in the eye and taking a deep breath, said, "I made that decision."

Elizabeth stilled, staring at her Uncle. "Why?" she whispered.

Gardiner gestured for her to sit but he remained standing. He turned away, taking deep, even breaths, feeling the blood rushing in his ears. He said a silent prayer that Elizabeth would understand. That his decision was out of a desire to do what he felt was best for his sister.

Turning back to face his niece, he glanced at Darcy, who had been still and silent the entire time. The man could hide his emotions better than anyone he had ever met; his face revealed nothing. But glancing down, he could see the taut lines of his clenched fist, while his other hand gently held Elizabeth's. He sighed in contentment. Yes, he had made the right decision. How could he regret a union that had produced Elizabeth? If Fanny had not married Bennet, Elizabeth would not be here and Darcy would not be sitting next to her, holding her hand like it was the most precious thing in the world.

Gardiner sat, placing his hands on his knees, bracing himself for what he had to say. "Apart from his concerns about Fanny's relationship with Williamson, he also told me that he had invested some money. In my behalf."

Elizabeth furrowed her brow in confusion. "Forgive my skepticism, Uncle. But I find it hard to believe that my grandfather had money to invest. Indeed, I find it difficult to believe that my mother's dowry was ten thousand pounds, when I always believed it was five thousand."

Gardiner shook his head. "My father was very good at what he did. Despite living in Meryton, he had many clients who lived in London, wealthy clients. He had gained a reputation for being honest, discreet and expeditious. And he was extremely frugal." With a wry smile, he added, "To the endless despair of his wife and daughters. But, my father wanted to leave each of his children something upon his death, to leave my mother well provided for. So he saved every pound he could. I don't know how, but he managed to raise my sisters dowries to ten thousand pounds and to give me ten thousand as well upon his death."

He paused briefly, before continuing. "My father told me that he had invested my inheritance the year previously without my knowledge. He said it was a gesture of goodwill, that he meant no hard feelings with my decision to go into business instead of following him. He wanted to give me more than what I expected. To help me make my start." In a burst of feeling, he cried out, "If only he had told me! I could have safely invested the money and been sure of a sizable return!"

Elizabeth unconsciously leaned forward, gripping Fitzwilliam's hand tighter. "What happened?"

Gardiner looked at her, his gaze solemn. In a quiet voice, he said, "He lost almost all of it. He trusted the wrong man. A man who knew nothing about investing." He shook his head, his countenance dejected. "My inheritance went from ten thousand pounds to barely a thousand."

Elizabeth didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry, Uncle."

Gardiner smiled wryly, turning to Darcy. "I suppose it seems like a paltry sum to you, Darcy. But to a young business man just starting out, ten thousand pounds would have helped tremendously."

Darcy nodded. Although, he couldn't understand, he had watched Richard struggle with being a second son, knowing that he would have to make his own way in life. But thanks to the man sitting in front of him, Richard was financially stable and if he ever decided to retire, would live very comfortably.

Gardiner sat, gazing at Elizabeth with fondness. He studied her features, the resemblance to his sister was striking; except for her eyes. She had her fathers eyes in shape and color. From her mother, Elizabeth had inherited her liveliness and spirited nature; her love of laughter. From her father she had inherited his love of learning and inquisitive nature. She was the perfect complement of two imperfect people. How could he regret what he did, when Elizabeth was the result?

After a moment, he continued, rather haltingly. "When I realized what had happened, I was angry." He shook his head sadly. "But I couldn't blame my father. I blamed the man he had trusted and I blamed myself. I asked if he had invested my sisters dowries as well and was relieved to hear that he had not. He then told me of Fanny's secret engagement to Williamson and his concerns. Concerns which I shared."

Gardiner leaned forward slightly, piercing Elizabeth with his gaze, pleading for her understanding. "You have to understand, Lizzy. After my father's death, I was responsible for my mother and sisters. For their welfare. Their happiness."

"So you separated a couple who loved one another? Why? Tell me why you did it, Uncle?" Elizabeth implored.

"Fanny was eighteen, Lizzy. Eighteen. Williamson was barely three and twenty. They were too young to contemplate the realities of life. And knowing that Williamson was relying on Fanny's ten thousand pounds to live?" He shook his head angrily. "It was not good enough! He should be responsible for providing for a wife, not the other way around!"

Elizabeth stared at her Uncle with wide eyes, surprised at his impassioned outburst. "But you admit yourself, Uncle, that you didn't know Mr Williamson. How could you know that they were ignorant of life's realities? Didn't he tell you that he wanted to become a solicitor? He even said you gave him money to do so! Why go through all the subterfuge of accepting his suit if you meant to deceive him?"

"I gave him five hundred pounds," Gardiner responded in a monotone voice. "I felt that he would take the money, leave Meryton and never return."

Elizabeth looked at him in horror and she felt Fitzwilliam tense beside her. "What? Do you honestly think that you could have bribed him to leave my mother? What of the letter he left her? The letter that I believe you never gave her? If you were so sure that Mr Williamson would leave Meryton without any intention of returning, why didn't you give my mother the letter?"

Gardiner sighed deeply and stood, going over to his safe, he removed a bundle of letters tied with a blue ribbon. Wordlessly, he handed the bundle to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stared at the letters sitting innocuously in her lap. Releasing Fitzwilliam's hand, she quickly untied the ribbon holding the letters. They were yellowed with age and every single one was addressed to her mother. The first only had her mother's name in a firm, strong hand. The rest were addressed to her mother's former residence in Meryton. She could clearly see that they were all unopened.

In a bitter voice, she said, "At least you had the decency not to read Mr Williamson's private letters addressed to my mother. Although, if you had, you would have seen how much he loved her."

Gardiner looked at Elizabeth with sadness and resignation. "Lizzy, your mother was young. Although she was a woman, she was still a child in so many ways. She couldn't contemplate what her life would have been like married to a poor man like Williamson. She was much better off with your father. He could provide for her, give her the home that she deserved. And I daresay, desired."

At his nieces skeptical look, he said, wryly. "Oh yes, Lizzy. Your mother was hardly indifferent to your father. Indeed, before I left Meryton and Williamson arrived, your mother had stated quite emphatically that she would marry him one day."

"She was barely a woman, Uncle! My mother was only sixteen when Mr Williamson arrived in Meryton! So, she must have told you she wished to marry my father when she was fourteen? Fifteen?"

Gardiner shook his head. "Lizzy, I have a letter from your mother after Williamson arrived in Meryton. She spent the entirety of the letter saying how she had danced two dances with Bennet at the Assembly and that she was determined to marry him. She didn't mention Williamson. Not once."

Elizabeth responded, angrily, "But my mother loved him! Why would she agree to marry him if she didn't?"

"Lizzy," Gardiner responded, his tone as if explaining to a child. "Your mother, as you know, can be very fickle. She was even more so as a young woman. I believed her to be infatuated with Williamson. Nothing more."

Elizabeth drew herself up, her eyes blazing. In a tight voice, she said, "Then tell me why my mother is so resentful. She has no love, respect or esteem for my father. And it has been so for as long as I can remember. Explain that, Uncle. If she didn't love Mr Williamson, what else could cause her to become so bitter?"

Gardiner looked at her with sad eyes. He was weary. Spent. Heartsick. He closed his eyes. How could he betray Bennet? Elizabeth thought the world of her father. To learn that Bennet had suggested...It would destroy Elizabeth. He shook his head. Enough.

Opening his eyes, he met Elizabeth's gaze, blazing with indignation and determination. "I have told you, Lizzy, that I only wish to protect you, keep you from learning things that would be best left unsaid. Unknown."

Elizabeth shook her head angrily. "I'm not a child, Uncle. You promised me answers and you're trying to convince me of something that is not true." She leveled an accusing look at him. "Has anything you've told me been true, Uncle?"

Gardiner was shocked. "Of course. Everything I've said has been true, Lizzy." In a small voice, he added, "Except my knowledge of your mother's love for Williamson."

Elizabeth sucked in a breath. "Enough, Uncle! Tell me. No more lies, no more prevarication. I have a right to know."

Darcy glared at Gardiner, incensed that he had again tried to keep things from Elizabeth. The man was the worst sort of coward. He glanced at Elizabeth. His brave, wonderful, beautiful Elizabeth. He rubbed her back in soothing circles, uncaring that Gardiner was present. He could feel the man boring holes in the side of his head, but he didn't care. Gardiner had gone down greatly in his estimation today.

"Lizzy, I'm imploring you. You will not like what I have to say. Please, believe me when I tell you that it is better for you to remain ignorant. I'm only trying to protect you! Please."

"From what, Uncle? The truth of why you separated my mother and Mr Williamson?" She clutched the letters in her hand and held them up. "What could possibly be worse than keeping Mr Williamson's letters from reaching my mother? For telling him that she had died? For letting my mother believe that the man she loved and agreed to marry had abandoned her without any explanation! Tell me, Uncle! What could possibly be worse than that?"

"That it was your father's idea to separate them!" Gardiner exclaimed.

Darcy felt, rather than heard Elizabeth's sharp intake of breath as his hand was on her back. Her face went white, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. He slid his hand up her back, wrapping it around her shoulders, bringing her close to his side. He turned his head, kissing her temple as he whispered, "I'm here, Elizabeth. Breathe, my love."

Elizabeth turned her body towards Fitzwilliam's, resting her head on his shoulder as she attempted to compose herself. She closed her eyes, breathing in his familiar scent, letting his presence calm her aching heart. No! It couldn't be true! Her mind and heart rebelled at what her Uncle had told her. Her father could not possibly have had a hand in separating her mother and Mr Williamson! Why? How?

When she felt her emotions were under control, she straightened, looking up to meet Fitzwilliam's compassionate gaze. Wordlessly, he reached up, wiping the tears from her face. She was not even aware that she had been crying. She gave him a tremulous smile before turning to face her Uncle. Her eyes hardened as she met his sorrowful gaze.

"Explain what you mean, Uncle." Her tone was cold.

Gardiner felt his heart break at the bleakness in Elizabeth's eyes. He had wanted to prevent her from this, the knowledge that her father had a hand in separating two people who loved each other. And that he had agreed. He closed his eyes, bracing himself for crushing the idealized man Elizabeth had looked up to, even idolized since she was a little girl. Forgive me, Bennet.

He took a deep breath. "First, I want you to know that your father loved your mother, Lizzy. What he did, he did because of that love." Elizabeth remained silent, her gaze steady, unwavering.

"After I buried my father, Bennet came to see me." He cleared his throat. "He told me that he had gone to my father almost two years previously to ask for Fanny's hand in marriage. My father refused, stating that Fanny, barely sixteen was too young to be a wife. He told Bennet to court his daughter and come back in a few years when she had matured. He agreed and he waited. And then he watched as the woman he had come to think of as his fell in love with another man."

Gardiner paused to gauge Elizabeth's reaction. Her gaze seemed to have softened some and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He noticed that Darcy was gently rubbing her back again. He narrowed his eyes at the man's audacity. To his credit, Darcy's gaze didn't waver from his, nor did he cease his tender ministrations to his niece. Gardiner sighed.

"Desperate to have Fanny, Bennet told me that he knew that my father had lost my inheritance and he offered a solution that would work for my benefit, as well as his and Fanny's." He paused, taking a deep breath. "If I agreed to a marriage contract, he would forfeit Fanny's dowry of ten thousand pounds."

Elizabeth stared at her Uncle, mouth agape. In a strangled voice, she asked, "To what end?"

Gardiner looked at Darcy, unsurprised to see he understood immediately what Bennet had been suggesting. His gaze was disapproving and slightly horrified. He bent his head and with shame in his voice, said, "I would be able to take Fanny's ten thousand pounds to help me in my business ventures."

Elizabeth sucked in breath, bringing her hand to her mouth, trying to keep her emotions under control. In a horrified whisper, she said, "You sold my mother to my father." Gardiners eyes widened, shaking his head in denial. In a burst of feeling, Elizabeth cried out, "You did! How else can you explain it, Uncle? My father offered you money in exchange to marry my mother!"

"And how is it any different than a father offering money to a future husband to marry his daughter!"

Elizabeth stood, her eyes blazing with indignation. "It's not the same, Uncle. What you and my father did was wrong and not the behavior of a gentleman. You did this without my mother's knowledge. You conspired to get rid of Mr Williamson. For money!" she spat.

Gardiner held up his hands. "Please, Lizzy. It's not as bad as all that."

Elizabeth laughed derisively. "No? Please tell me, Uncle. What could you possibly say to make this right?"

Gardiner sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I couldn't agree to just take Fanny's dowry, Lizzy. I told Bennet I would take it as an investment, that in exchange I would provide for Fanny upon her death, and..." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Provide dowries for any children that they had."

Elizabeth sat heavily on the sofa, incredulous. She shook her head. "That still doesn't make it right, Uncle! It doesn't justify what you did to my mother and Mr Williamson!"

"Lizzy," Gardiner said gently. "Can you honestly tell me that this hasn't worked out for the best? If Fanny hadn't married Bennet, you would not be sitting here, beside the man who is soon to be your husband."

"Stop justifying your behavior, Uncle!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "What about the happiness of my mother and Mr Williamson? What about the pain and anguish they have both suffered? My mother for thinking the man she loved abandoned her and Mr Williamson for thinking she had died?"

Gardiner countenance deflated. "You're right, Lizzy. Looking back, it is clear that it was badly done. But please believe me, at the time, I was truly trying to do the right thing for your mother. I knew Bennet loved her and I knew that she had claimed for years that she wished to marry him. I thought this romance with Williamson was a passing infatuation. That as she matured, she would realize that Bennet was the practical choice. Indeed, I would have agreed to the marriage contract even if Bennet had not forfeited her dowry. That's how sure I was that it was the right thing to do!"

"Then why send her to Bath? Why keep her letters from her? Why tell Mr Williamson that she died? If you were so certain it was the right thing to do, why keep it from my mother? Why all the deception?" Elizabeth whispered, her voice agonized.

"I was trying to keep Fanny from making a mistake, Lizzy." Gardiner admitted tiredly. "She was not ready to face the realities of what her life would have been like if she married Williamson. I knew it would be years before he could provide adequately for her, assuming that he followed through and became a solicitor. Even then, it was no guarantee that they would have lived well. I was making the best choice I could for my sis-"

"But it was not your choice to make! It was hers!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Darcy gently rubbed circles on her back, trying to keep his anger and disgust from showing. He had never been so angry towards another human being in his life. He didn't know who deserved the share of the blame, Bennet for suggesting something so despicable or Gardiner for agreeing to it. Despite Gardiners pleas that he was doing the right thing for his sister, his motives were selfish and he couldn't help but think that greed had a lot to do with it as well. Two lives irrevocably altered because of two men's unscrupulous behavior. He smiled wryly as he thought of the message Williamson had sent to Gardiner that morning. Perhaps the man did know what Gardiner and Bennet had done, or at the very least, suspected.

After several moments, Elizabeth felt more composed, taking deep, even breaths, her heart slowing to its regular rhythm. Her mind rebelled against what her Uncle had told her. The rational part of her mind agreed with her Uncle's assessment. She didn't doubt that her Father had loved her mother at one time, and had been heartbroken when he watched her turn her affections from him to another. He had acted out of desperation, uncaring who he harmed in his pursuit to get what he wanted-her mother. But seeing Mr Williamson's anguish at learning that her mother had married another...She closed her eyes, her heart breaking.

In a dull voice, Elizabeth stated, "You told Mr Williamson my mother died so he would not come back for her and ruin your plans."

"Yes." Gardiner watched his niece carefully. Could he have done things differently? Seeing her distress, he was not sure that telling her about Bennet's role had been wise. How he wished he could spare her from the disillusionment she was experiencing.

"Before he left Meryton, he gave me the address of the boardinghouse where he would be staying." Looking at Darcy, Gardiner added, "The same boardinghouse he is staying in at present."

Darcy narrowed his eyes at Gardiner, his anger at the man mounting. He knew. From the very beginning, he knew where he could be found. Darcy took a deep breath, releasing his anger. Elizabeth needed him right now; he had to stay composed and under control. For her.

Gardiner looked down, unable to hold the accusing gazes of his niece and Darcy. "I...kept an eye on him. Paid the mistress of the boardinghouse to keep me appraised of any pertinent information, to give me any letters addressed to Meryton. It was she who told me of his plans to return to Meryton. To see Fanny."

Elizabeth didn't know if she wanted to hear anymore. She grasped for Fitzwilliam's hand, squeezing it tightly.

"I met him near his boardinghouse and I told him...I..." Gardiners voice trailed off and he lowered his head in shame.

"That my mother died," Elizabeth finished, a hard edge to her voice. "Tell me, was that my Father's idea as well?"

Gardiners head shot up, his eyes wide in shock. "No! No, Lizzy. Your father didn't know. After I signed the marriage contract with Bennet, I made him believe that Williamson had left of his own accord."

He met Elizabeth's reproachful stare. In a softer tone, he said, "Bennet didn't even know that they were engaged, Lizzy. Not until much, much later. Even then, he didn't care. He just wanted Fanny. He thought that she was infatuated with Williamson, as I did. But he was afraid that she would do something rash." With raised brows, he added, "Such as run off and elope. He just wanted Williamson gone before he convinced her to run off with him. He left all the details to me. All he cared about was that your mother married him. The rest was immaterial."

How magnanimous of him, Elizabeth thought bitterly. It appeared that everyone received what they wanted except for her mother and Mr Williamson. Suddenly a thought shot through her mind and she gasped. "What year did Mr Williamson leave Meryton?"

Gardiner looked at his niece in puzzlement. "What year?" He rubbed his chin. "Well, my father died in late spring of eighty-seven, Williamson left a few weeks later. Why?"

"Three years," Elizabeth whispered. "My mother waited three years for Mr Williamson to return for her before marrying my father."

Gardiner nodded, his expression full of remorse. "Yes, she did. When she returned from Bath and discovered that he was gone and that she was to marry Bennet, well...I admit that it surprised me, her tenacity. She was furious with me and with your father. She refused to see him or talk to him for months. She kept insisting that Williamson would not abandon her, that he would return. Whenever I brought up marrying Bennet, she would leave the room. I thought that she would come around in time, the marriage would take place and all would be well. But she would not give in. For three years she refused. That more than anything convinced me that she had truly loved him."

"And you still hold to the belief that you were doing what was best for my mother?" Elizabeth looked at her Uncle, incredulous. "Why didn't you tell her? Give her the letters?"

"What good would it have done, Lizzy? Williamson was gone-he had moved to Scotland to live with his last remaining relative. The marriage contract was signed. Legally, she was bound to your father! What could I have done?"

Elizabeth stared at her Uncle, furious. "You mean my mother's dowry had already been transferred to you!"

"Lizzy," Gardiner said in an appeasing tone. "That is not true! I told you it was never about the money!"

"You can try to convince yourself of that, Uncle. But I don't believe it. At any time during those three years you could have contacted Mr Williamson and told him you lied. Yes, it would have been a breach of contract, but it was the right thing to do! Although, it was an informal engagement, they were still promised to one another! You have convinced yourself these past twenty-five years that you made the right decision. But I don't believe you would have hidden it from my mother if that was true. You would not feel such guilt, otherwise."

Gardiners countenance deflated. "I don't know what else to say, Lizzy. Do I regret my actions? Yes, I do. But it is done. I can't change the past, but I can predict the future. You will marry the man sitting next to you and you will have a happy and blessed life." With a pointed look, he added, "All because your mother married your father and not Williamson."

Elizabeth stared at her Uncle for a moment before carefully setting the ring she had clutched like a talisman during their conversation in front on him on the table. "This ring represents one man's anguish at losing the woman he loved. No one's happiness, least of all mine can ever erase or justify that, Uncle."

Gardiner stared at the ring. As comprehension dawned, his eyes widened in horror and he respectfully picked it up. He held it in his palm, his eyes filled with anguish as he beheld the mourning ring made in his sisters memory. He didn't know that Fanny had given him a lock of her hair. He closed his eyes and lowered his head, as the full weight of his deception became clear.

In a broken voice, he whispered, "Please forgive me, Lizzy."

"I'm not the one who requires your forgiveness, Uncle," she replied in a soft voice. She felt an unexpected wave of compassion for the man sitting before her. She had always looked up to her Uncle like a second father, a man she could rely on. Trust. Respect. She knew that trust and respect had been damaged this day, but she had hope that it could be repaired, with time.

Elizabeth stood. Her Uncle needed time alone and she needed the comfort only Fitzwilliam could provide. As she walked to the door, Fitzwilliam close behind her, she turned and said, "I would seek Mr Williamson's forgiveness soon, Uncle." She waited for her Uncle to meet her gaze before continuing, "He's dying."

Elizabeth left the study as her Uncle began to sob softly. Closing the door firmly behind her, she stood unmoving, trying to process all she had heard that day. She had never felt so emotionally spent; her emotions raw, her heart shattered. She needed time to work through her Uncle and Father's deception. But not now. At this very moment, she just wanted to forget this morning had ever happened and find solace in Fitzwilliam's embrace. She grasped his hand like a lifeline, the only thing holding her to reality, from shattering completely.

Darcy silently watched Elizabeth, his heart aching for the pain she was experiencing. She had been betrayed not once, but twice this day. He couldn't imagine the turmoil she was feeling but he wanted nothing more than to take it away. Although he hated the anguish she was feeling, he was glad that she knew. Now, she could move past it and heal. And she would be stronger for it. And he would be there for her. Right now, he wished for nothing more than to pull her into his arms and tell her that everything would be well. Looking up, he saw the same obliging alcove from their brief interlude that morning. Smiling, he gently pulled her towards it.

After pulling the curtains around them for privacy, he wordlessly gathered her into his arms, holding her close to his heart. Tenderly kissing her temple, he asked, "What do you need, Elizabeth? What can I do?"

Elizabeth lay her head on Fitzwilliam's chest, wrapping her arms around him tightly. The steady beat of his heart soothed her troubled mind and aching heart. "Just stay with me, Fitzwilliam. Hold me close," she whispered.

So Darcy did. For a long, long time.

A/N: .Brutal *collapses against the chair in emotional exhaustion* You're probably thinking, but, but...what about their dowries? How much is it? (Am I right?) Well, it just didn't seem appropriate to mention the amount of their dowries in this chapter-Lizzy could care less about the money and same goes for Darcy. But it will be mentioned later. Any guesses to how much it is? Remember, he is providing dowries for FIVE nieces plus Mrs B. So, do you believe Gardiner, that he was truly trying to protect Lizzy from the truth or just hiding his guilt? Do you think it was due to his greed? Or a desire to do what was best for Fanny?

Please review and tell me your thoughts.

Much love,

MAH

A/N Addendum (8/12/15) So a lot of you were expecting E to find out why Mrs B dislikes her so much in this chapter. I apologize for the misunderstanding (it wouldn't be P&P without a little of that now would it?:) I stated in A/N on chapter 20 and 28 that E would find that out AFTER she returns to Longbourn (I double checked that I had told you that and not just thought that I did). That little secret needs to be revealed by Mrs B and no one else. Yes, Gardiner feels guilty because he feels indirectly responsible for his sisters disdain towards E but it is Mrs Bs issue and no one else's. Although Mr B is not without blame as well. So again, I am sorry if you were hoping/expecting for that bit to be revealed. There will be some speculating on that however between E and J and I've decided to reveal the secret behind Mrs B naming Elizabeth since a lot of you have guessed it anyway :-)

Keep reading and reviewing!