Page 13

Mrs. Smith asked the butler to inform Jane that she and her nephew were waiting for her in the study. The previous night, before retiring, Andrew had spoken with his aunt and told her that he had spoken with Jane, and she had expressed her willingness to assist them.

For her part, Jane had awakened early but remained in her room, reading the lengthy letter Elizabeth had sent.

Although she knew her dear sister would attempt not to worry her, she understood that her beloved sister was well and that she enjoyed Miss Darcy's company.

Perhaps the young lady was not as proud as her brother and would not harbour prejudice against Elizabeth and her family.

When one of the maids informed her that Mrs. Smith and Lord Norton were awaiting her in the study, Jane put away Elizabeth's letter and went at once. She was eager to speak with Andrew and come to an agreement.

Upon entering the study and seeing Mrs. Smith, Jane was slightly surprised but assumed that the gentleman had likely informed his aunt of what had transpired the previous evening. Moreover, Jane considered it prudent to have an intermediary present to witness the terms they would agree upon.

"Come in, dear. Before you speak with my nephew, I wish you to know that I am here to assist you in all you may require, and that I shall never forget your noble gesture in helping us resolve this painful matter." Mrs. Smith embraced Jane, who could only smile in response.

"Miss Bennet, please sit, and allow me to explain my circumstances," Andrew began, recounting the history of his stepmother, a cold woman who had been cruel to both him and his brother.

"After my mother died, my father left us on the estate in her care, and we saw very little of him.

When he died, my brother assumed the role of head of the family, and together we worked with uncle and aunt Smith to restore the estate's prosperity. "

"My nephews laboured diligently despite all they had suffered at the hands of that woman and their irresponsible father; they were always exemplary children," Mrs. Smith said proudly.

"My brother was fortunate enough to marry a woman who truly loved him.

They had two daughters—Clara, aged six, and Matilda, four.

Upon my brother's death, my stepmother took custody of the girls.

I attempted to gain guardianship, but the judge ruled that a single man could not guarantee the welfare of two young children.

Miss Bennet, I cannot permit Agnes to do to my nieces what she did to my brother and me.

I simply cannot," Andrew said, his voice faltering with emotion.

"I understand, my Lord. In your place, I would not allow it either," Jane replied with compassion.

Mrs. Smith and Andrew shared further details about the girls, the family, and the estate.

Jane listened attentively and could not help but feel pity for the poor children.

She had lost her father, but she still had her mother.

Moreover, she and her sisters were grown and capable of caring for themselves and seeking employment.

"I imagine, Miss Bennet, that you comprehend why I require a wife, and I believe you to be the ideal candidate," Andrew said, somewhat nervously.

"Yes, my Lord, I had surmised as much, and as I mentioned yesterday, I am willing to assist you if you will assist me with my family.

" Jane took a deep breath and disclosed her circumstances.

"My mother and younger sisters will reside in a house my uncle intends to rent in the town where we were raised.

However, the funds my father left are insufficient to cover their expenses, which is why my sister and I were compelled to seek employment. "

"I understand entirely; please do not be concerned. I have an income of nearly six thousand pounds a year, so covering the expenses of your mother and sisters shall not be an issue. If they wish, they may reside with us in Somerset as often as they please."

"But that is not all, my Lord. I wish for my sister Elizabeth to live with me until she marries. And if she should choose not to marry, then I would have her remain with me always."

"Of course," Andrew said, surprised by Jane's selflessness. She had requested nothing for herself—everything was for her family. "Additionally, I shall enter into a sound marriage settlement with your uncle to protect you in the event of anything happening to me."

"That is very considerate of you, my Lord."

"There is one further matter I must raise before you decide.

Miss Bennet, I require an heir… I... I do not wish you to think I intend to— Miss Bennet, I only wish for you to understand that I shall allow you time to become accustomed to me, to grow comfortable in my presence.

But eventually, I do hope to begin a family with you," Andrew said, awkwardly.

Observing how Jane blushed, he could not help but feel he had spoken too bluntly.

"Do not concern yourself, my Lord. I understand your need to ensure the continuation of your family's legacy. And I thank you for your consideration. If I marry you, I shall support you in all things and endeavour to begin a family with you."

"Thank you for your understanding. It is essential that we are both clear on what this marriage entails and how it shall alter our lives.

Lastly, I would appreciate your absolute discretion.

We shall marry in two weeks, but we cannot announce it in the press or hold a grand celebration.

Agnes has many acquaintances who monitor my actions, and should she learn of my intention to marry, she may abscond with the girls, and I may never find them again. "

"If my mother and sisters cannot attend the wedding, I believe I shall inform them of it only once it is done," Jane replied with sadness.

"Dear Jane, I know it is most unfortunate that your family cannot be present, but Madeline and your uncle shall accompany you," Mrs. Smith said in an attempt to console her.

"Once we are wed, we shall travel with my aunt to Parkland to recover my nieces. Afterward, we shall return to London and host a grand celebration for our families, and I shall personally see that your sister Elizabeth comes to reside with us."

"Thank you very much, my Lord."

"Well, that is all I had to communicate, Miss Bennet. Of course, you need not answer me at once. I can wait until tomorrow for your decision."

"That shall not be necessary, my Lord. I accept all that you have proposed and give you my word that I shall strive to be a good aunt to your nieces and a good wife to you. My mother and sisters are the most precious part of my life, and I know you will help me ensure they want for nothing."

Andrew and Jane shook hands like two merchants finalising a business arrangement.

"I am pleased we were able to settle everything. Tomorrow, we shall begin executing our plan. Now, let us go to breakfast; we may continue our conversation there," said Mrs. Smith.

Andrew was gratified by the outcome. He had expected a far greater difficulty in speaking on such matters with a lady he scarcely knew. Yet there was something in Miss Bennet that inspired trust, and he began to feel that his future life might be far more satisfying than he had ever imagined.

◆◆◆

"At last, my dear Georgiana has written to me. I have sent her no fewer than five letters this past month, and she has not responded to a single one," said Caroline as she seated herself at the breakfast table with her family.

"Caroline, it is quite impossible for Georgiana to reply to every letter you send, particularly when you write to her almost daily. Besides, she is presently at Pemberley, and letters take several days to reach their destination from here," said Mr. Bingley, spreading butter on a slice of bread.

"Charles, you ought to have informed Mr. Darcy and Georgiana that we were willing to travel with them and spend part of the winter at Pemberley," Caroline insisted.

"I am sorry, Caroline, but I prefer to spend the winter in London.

There are so many delightful entertainments here.

We have already lost several months in Hertfordshire—surely we need not forfeit more to remain in a dull place like Derbyshire," replied Mr. Hurst as he placed some ham upon his plate.

"Please, Arthur, you cannot compare Derbyshire with that place full of savages. Pemberley must undoubtedly be the most beautiful estate in all of England," Caroline exclaimed with indignation.

"Hurst is quite right, Caroline. You do not enjoy life in the country, which is precisely why you ought to remain in the city.

Besides, when Darcy is at Pemberley, he is always preoccupied with matters of the estate, and we should only be an inconvenience.

Allow me to remind you that, but a few weeks ago, you were extolling the delights of the London winter season with great enthusiasm," said Mr. Bingley with a laugh.

"Caroline, I forgot to mention that Miss Spencer invited us to her home for tea tomorrow afternoon.

She informed me that her aunt, Lady Beatrice, has made the acquaintance of the new Baron Norton and that he is quite a handsome young man," Louisa interjected, hoping to distract her sister and prevent another quarrel.

Caroline and Louisa immediately began speculating as to whom the new Lord Norton might marry, while Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst turned their attention to planning their afternoon.

Mr. Bingley, in particular, was eager to keep himself occupied, so as not to dwell on thoughts of his angel.

He was certain he had never been more deeply in love with a young lady, and he feared it would take him a great while to forget her.