Page 22

That was a disturbing thought. How many items in the documents at Pemberley might be altered from what they should be? It was not something Darcy truly wished to think about, but it needed to be considered at some point. Just not at this particular time.

Right now, he needed to make a call and extend an invitation. Perhaps by this evening, his present and future life would be settled enough that he would not even care to discover what sorts of mischief George Wickham had played at over the years while at Pemberley.

And thankfully, Darcy’s wish was not to be denied.

“Then, it is settled,” Lord Matlock said several hours later, as a glass of port was being poured for him and the ladies would have, on most occasions, left the table after a successful dinner.

Though, at present, none had either risen or departed from the room.

Darcy knew that this was due to Lady Matlock having not yet received a nod from her husband that he had completed his position in presiding over their gathering.

“I find nothing untoward in the story I have been told about how you came to your current betrothal to Miss Elizabeth,” his uncle continued.

“And I am a staunch supporter of marrying where affection is found if it is at all possible. Therefore, if you are certain that you wish to pay whatever your aunt Catherine demands…”

“Yes, I am certain,” Darcy assured him.

“Then, as I said, it is settled. I suspect that you may be put upon to host your cousin for a season and pay the bills for whatever is needed to see her married – aside from her dowry, of course, which is already set. In order to do my full duty, I must caution you that it will not be inexpensive, since I can also see my sister making ludicrous demands for items that are not needed.” Lord Matlock blew out a breath.

“She is excessively good at venting her spleen far longer than anyone I have ever met.”

Darcy swallowed. He knew that by crossing his aunt in this fashion, he was going to have to bear a great deal of displeasure. However, it could not, and would not, be avoided.

“I will not allow Lady Catherine to treat anyone, but me, with contempt. I would rather be taken to court and the whole affair be aired in the papers than to be expected to bear her slighting any member of my present or future family.”

At this, Lord Matlock smiled. “I told her as much before I left London, and I will support you in your decision to cut her off and not honour this new agreement if she becomes a greater trial than we expect her to be.”

“I will help you with Anne,” Lady Matlock offered. “That way, if you prefer, you can wait to marry until we have seen your cousin settled. That would keep your betrothed safe from your aunt’s barbs and our family name out of the papers.”

Richard guffawed at that. “And how long do you think it will take to find Anne a husband?”

“Your cousin is an heiress,” his mother replied. “And with a bit of attention from my maid and my modiste, she will look the part as well as any lady ever could. She is not without beauty. It is just hidden.”

“I would rather not wait.” Darcy could feel the heat that such an admission created, rising up his neck to his ears.

It would likely be written clearly across his face in a moment.

“Unless, of course, Anne can marry before spring, for that is when I had hoped my wedding would take place.” He blew out a breath and cast a quick glance at Elizabeth.

“Although, I have not discussed the particulars about that with Miss Elizabeth and her family at this point. I just thought you should be aware of my desires.”

His aunt chuckled softly. “I am happy to hear it, and I am willing to attempt to marry Anne off before then. However, I will not hold you to a promise that you must marry after she does.” She turned to her husband.

“Do you think Lady Catherine would be opposed to us renting her something small, but stately, for the season?”

“If it is small, she will protest, but that cannot be helped,” Darcy interjected. “For I will not spend more on Anne than I would on my own sister.”

“Well said, Darcy,” Lord Matlock said. “You may choose whatever address you see fit, my lady.” He turned to Elizabeth’s father.

“Now, Mr. Bennet, I believe we will forego tradition and retire to the drawing room with the ladies, for you look to me to be a gentleman who might enjoy playing a game of chess. You have one, do you not, Bingley?”

“I will see that it is set up,” Bingley assured him.

“And I would be happy to discuss whatever is on your mind while we shuffle pieces around the board,” Mr. Bennet said.

Lord Matlock smiled and rose, indicating that it was time to adjourn to the drawing room.

“Please do not feel you have to hurry from here to there just because I am eager to play a game of chess and get to know Darcy’s future father-in-law. Informality is no offense to me.”

He looked at Darcy. “I expect you to remain here for a few minutes with Miss Elizabeth, as it would be best if we have some details regarding your wedding sorted out before I return to town tomorrow to face your aunt.”

That did seem like a good idea, and Darcy was more than happy to spend time with Elizabeth alone rather than in company.

“Your uncle does like arranging things, does he not?” Elizabeth asked once the others had left the dining room.

“He most certainly does, but for the most part, he is reasonable about it.” He held out his hand to her. “I am certain that the servants would prefer for us to have our discussion in the library so that they can clean up in here.”

“I do like libraries,” Elizabeth said as he wrapped her arm around his.

Slowly, they made their way from the dining room and towards the library.

“Is it really all settled?” she asked. “Will there be any further complications to our agreement?”

“If Lord Matlock has made a decision, there is not much which will shift it,” Darcy assured her. “An act of parliament, perhaps. Anything else is unlikely to touch it.”

“Is he stubborn, then?”

“Excessively so,” Darcy answered, “but only after he has heard a matter and weighed the options, which is unlike Aunt Catherine, who makes a decision based solely on what she wishes to see done.”

“Then … I suppose we have no option but to plan to be married in May.”

“In May?” Darcy said in surprise. That was the exact month on which he had placed his hopes, since it was amongst the most enjoyable months of the year in his opinion.

“It is a favourite month of mine.”

“It is one of mine as well,” Darcy admitted. “I have long thought that May would be perfect for a wedding.”

“Since that is settled,” Elizabeth said as she leaned closer to his side as they walked, “does this mean we should join the others in the drawing room?”

Darcy laughed. “Are you so anxious to be rid of me? For, if you are not, I am certain that we can find something else to discuss – or do – in the library. Surely, someone will come find us if we do not return by the time they think we should have.”

“Is that so?” Elizabeth’s tone was light and teasing. “I did not think you were the sort of gentleman to push the bounds of propriety in such a fashion.”

“I am not, which,” he said with a smirk as they entered the library, “is why I intend to kiss you before we discuss anything else, for it is only proper.”

Elizabeth giggled. “After yesterday’s display on the driveway, I am not entirely sure my father would agree.”

Yes, there had been a bit of grumbling to be borne about that kiss once they had re-entered Longbourn yesterday afternoon.

“I am not opposed to a Christmas wedding even if it is over an anvil,” he told her with a chuckle. He was referring, of course, to Elizabeth’s father’s muttered comment about flying to Gretna Green and being done with the whole matter.

“Not that I would ever,” he continued, “unless forced, deny either your father the opportunity to give you to me in front of a parson or your mother the joy of planning a wedding breakfast. But, be that as it may, it must be made known to one and all that I will marry you, Elizabeth Bennet, even if propriety must be cast aside to do so, for my heart demands it.”

“It is a fortunate thing then, Mr. Darcy, that my heart is in one accord with yours.”

And with those words of promise to one another being said, Darcy sealed them with a kiss that spoke of the happy future which would soon be his ever-present and steadfast joy.