Page 12 of Suddenly Married

"I swear, Louisa, had I not been present, our foolish brother would have gone after that woman.

If you had seen the way he looked at her, you would agree that we must be cautious—particularly now that Mr. Bennet is about to die.

Can you imagine being obliged to care for that entire atrocious family?

" Caroline then recounted to her sister all that had occurred the previous day when they encountered Jane Bennet, and how Charles had intended to visit her that very morning.

"I was obliged to repeat what we have told him so many times—that she seeks only to marry him to secure a protector for herself and her family, and that she has never, and will never, love him.

It took me an hour to persuade him! As soon as Mr. Darcy returns from Kent, I shall ask whether he might assist us in removing these absurd notions from Charles's head.

" "You acted rightly, Caroline. Yet we cannot be forever watching over Charles.

I hope Mr. Darcy will aid us in this unfortunate matter; Charles trusts him greatly.

" "I know. That is precisely why we must not risk losing his friendship.

I cannot imagine he would wish to associate himself with friends connected to such low-class people.

" Caroline was well aware of Mr. Darcy's low opinion of the Bennet family.

Although she had once suspected he might have felt a particular attraction for Eliza Bennet, she had long dismissed the notion.

Many months had passed, and Mr. Darcy no longer even recalled her name or her ridiculous fine eyes.

Still, should her brother marry Jane Bennet, he might well withdraw from their society altogether.

Caroline, who continued to cherish the hope of becoming the next Mrs. Darcy, could not allow such a disaster.

Mr. Darcy was the perfect gentleman for her—immensely wealthy, exceedingly handsome, and well-connected.

He possessed every quality she sought in a husband.

"Caroline, I have an idea to resolve this matter.

Mr. Hurst's uncle has invited us to spend a few weeks at his house in Bath.

At this time of year, many distinguished people are there.

It will remove Charles from London and prevent Jane Bennet from contacting him.

Moreover, we might enjoy ourselves, and perhaps Charles will meet a more suitable young lady—one who will make him forget that girl with such a dreadful family.

" "A splendid idea, Louisa. Upon our return, Mr. Darcy will be back in London to assist us.

" The sisters continued to discuss and arrange their brother's life for the remainder of the morning, while Charles remained shut away in his study, feeling utterly wretched.

'My dear angel,'he thought,'I hope you understand that I do this not only for myself but for you as well.

You deserve to marry the man you love. Removing myself from your life is the greatest proof of my devotion. '

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Richard spent a few days at his parents' house before returning to his military duties.

He was still reflecting upon Anne's proposal; he loved his cousin dearly, yet he was uncertain whether he could undertake such a step.

At the same time, he understood that Anne required someone's support to free herself, once and for all, from her mother's oppressive and unceasing control.

More than anything in the world, she wished to live a normal life, even if only for a short while—and Richard was the only person who could help her achieve it.

Yet that was what Anne had told Richard to persuade him to accept her proposal.

In truth, she harboured long-term designs for her estate and her family's legacy.

"Richard, I need to speak with you," Lord Matlock abruptly interrupted his son's reflections.

"Can you tell me what is the matter with Darcy?

He informed me two days ago that he intends to marry a woman without fortune or connections.

I had always thought him a sensible young man, but I begin to doubt it.

" "Father, there is nothing to explain. It is the usual love story.

He fell in love and lost his reason," the colonel replied with a laugh.

"So you knew of this madness. And I do not think it a matter for jest." Perceiving the thoughtful look in his father's eyes, Richard decided to alter the tone of the conversation.

"I know the young lady, Father. She is charming, very pretty, and intelligent.

Darcy is deeply in love with her, and he has no need of further wealth or connections.

When one is as rich as he, it matters little whom one marries.

You know that you will, sooner or later, require his financial assistance, and you will have no alternative but to accept his wife.

Therefore, I do not understand why we waste our time in dispute.

You are well aware you could not maintain your present style of life without his support.

" "That does not mean I cannot voice my concerns and consider my nephew's future.

Such an imprudent union will provoke much idle talk and many unwelcome rumours during the season.

" "You know well that Darcy cares nothing for the season or for theTon.

Once married, he will go to Pemberley with his new wife, and when he returns to London, no one will remember the suddenness of his nuptials.

" "I hope you are correct." "Besides, with your support and my mother's, no one will dare slight the new Mrs. Darcy.

" "We shall see about that. Well—tell me how matters stand at Rosings.

" "As always, Lady Catherine hears only what she wishes to hear.

" Lord Matlock chose to change the subject.

He knew his son was right—he could not afford to create a rift in his relations with his nephew.

He had no choice but to accept Darcy's decision and to offer both his and the countess's support.

Such a measure would help the new Mrs. Darcy secure her place in society.

Lord Matlock was well aware that his nephew differed from most young gentlemen of his rank.

He was industrious, earnest, and serious for one of his years.

He also knew that Mr. Darcy had never kept a mistress, though he had heard that many women would willingly attach themselves to him—whether for his fortune or simply for the pleasure of being in the company of so handsome a man.

Moreover, Mr. Darcy was deeply attached to his moral principles, much as his father, George Darcy, had been.

Thus, Lord Matlock understood that Miss Bennet must be of serious character; Richard was correct—his nephew must indeed be in love with her.

Those who truly understood Mr. Darcy's disposition knew how fiercely he protected those he loved, and so Lord Matlock recognised that he had no choice but to accept his future wife.

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