Page 30 of Mr Darcy Gets Angry
The travellers were received in London with triumph, mingled with a few reproaches, for Lord and Lady Matlock had expected them much earlier.
“Where have you been until now?” cried Lord Matlock, yet he belied his remonstrance with warm embraces; even Mr Gardiner he held in his arms for a few moments, his eyes brimming with tears.
“Never shall I be able to repay you for the immense service you have rendered my family,” he said, and Mr Gardiner blushed with pleasure.
“Your lordship, our children are above all things, and we make any sacrifice for them.”
Mary embraced Elizabeth at length, and even this was a significant change, for in the past, a mere kiss performed usually in the air had been a rarity.
“What have you been able to discover?” Darcy interrupted, for he knew that in London the final verdict would be given.
He had explained upon the road to Elizabeth and Mr Gardiner that, in their society part of what must be decided was arranged amongst men in the offices of government or in clubs; yet conversations in the ladies’ drawing-rooms were no less meaningful, in there Lady Matlock might gain significant support from the wife of some official, who needed only to whisper a few words to her husband to turn matters in the right direction.
Elizabeth had smiled at this, for in her own family and circle, it was the same. At times, matters were settled by the ladies and cleverly addressed to the husbands.
“We have reached Lord Liverpool, who has lately become the Regent’s right hand,” said Lord Matlock. Lady Matlock only smiled, for she had, in fact, spoken with Lady Liverpool—but that did not matter anymore, so she let her husband take all the credit.
“Tomorrow Richard arrives in London, and though he is for the present placed in a garrison, he is not under arrest—”
“Robert!” cried Lady Matlock, forgetting in her indignation all protocol. “What arrest? There can be no question of it. Richard will be required to make his declarations here, and then he shall come home.”
There was such assurance in her voice that Elizabeth suspected Lady Matlock would even contrive an escape for him if it became necessary.
“It will not be easy, but matters will settle, especially once they find that Frenchman and his wife,” said Lord Matlock.
Finally, when Mr Gardiner asked permission to withdraw, all accompanied him to the carriage, and even Lady Matlock herself, who conveyed her compliments to Mrs Gardiner.
Elizabeth smiled gently at Darcy, for neither of them had dreamt that their marriage would be regarded with such favour. There was no thought of her returning with Mr Gardiner, as if, until the wedding, her family in London were the Matlocks.
The adventures of the past days were recounted by Darcy and Elizabeth after dinner in Mary’s presence, in the most natural manner.
“We also have taken certain decisions,” Lord Matlock said, after every detail of Richard’s problems had been discussed and rediscussed.
“I perceive that Richard was the more easily ensnared because in families such as ours, only the firstborn inherits the estate. This must change. Lady Matlock and I have resolved that the property in Derbyshire shall be Richard’s—”
“Excellent!” cried Darcy with delight. “It is a most admirable idea; the estate may become very productive.”
“Precisely,” said Lord Matlock. “Richard will be bound to grant his brother a rent, but the estate and the rest of the income will be his and his children’s.”
“And what will the viscount say?” asked Darcy, now somewhat less pleased, realising that ill-will might arise between the brothers.
“He has no voice in the succession,” Lady Matlock spoke with determination, and Elizabeth felt assured that the plan had arisen in her apartment rather than her husband’s.
“What remains is that Richard must find a wife who will support him in all that he wishes to undertake in London and at Matlock Park.”
At this, Lady Matlock looked strangely at Mary, who blushed.
But at that moment, Elizabeth and Darcy could think of nothing but their approaching marriage.