Chapter 1

Mr. Darcy entered Longbourn with all the determination a man once spurned could muster. Elizabeth had denied him once, and he'd made sure she couldn't do so again. While he wasn't particularly proud of it, he had hired a less than scrupulous man to look into the Bennet family and see if there was anything he could use to his advantage in making Elizabeth his. Imagine his surprise when the man had returned to him almost immediately and informed him of the attempted elopement of the foolish Lydia Bennet with George Wickham. Knowing his former childhood friend as he did, Darcy knew that the scoundrel had no intention of marrying a foolish 15 year old girl with little in the way of dowry. He knew Wickham was only amusing himself with the girl before he would abandon her and her family to certain ruin.

However, Darcy was not about to let that happen. Not at all. Instead he'd hired retired army men recommended to him by his cousin to take custody of Wickham and Lydia and secure them somewhere safe from prying eyes. He'd then purchased all of the debts Wickham had amounted in neighboring townships and combined them with the ones he'd been collecting since Ramsgate ensuring when the time came the fool would do as he was told or face debtors prison for the rest of his life. With the troublesome duo safely ensconced in a loft tucked away in the backstreets of London, away from prying eyes that could gossip and lead to the ruin of the Bennet family, Fitzwilliam Darcy made his way to Hertfordshire to visit the Bennet family. He'd arrived late last night and been forced to spend the night at the town inn. He hadn't enjoyed it, and was up at dawn to prepare for his day. He intended to call as early as possible so that he could make it back to London by midday. He knew it was rude to call before the polite hour, but given the circumstances he doubted anyone in the Bennet household would put up a fuss.

With the necessary leverage to secure Elizabeth's hand he presented his card to the housekeeper and requested an audience with Thomas Bennet. A man he had no respect for, as the gentleman did nothing to keep order in his own house, but was nevertheless one of the obstacles to obtaining Elizabeth for his own.

A few minutes later he was led into Mr. Bennet's study. The room was littered with books, but it was the man that most surprised Mr. Darcy. Thomas Bennet looked as though he'd aged considerably since he saw him last, and Darcy felt a moment of guilt that he was about to capitalize on this man's misfortune.

'But I will save their family from ruin,' he though to himself. Pushing his guilt aside and getting straight to the point, Darcy greeted, "Mr. Bennet, it is good to see you again."

Without standing, whether from fatigue or a lack of manners, Thomas Bennet indicated the chair in front of his desk and replied, "Mr. Darcy, I must say I am surprised to see you here. I had not thought our acquaintance significant enough to warrant a visit."

"I am not here for a visit," Darcy said as he took his seat and leveled his gaze at the man his Elizabeth adored so much. "I am here to ask for the hand of Miss Elizabeth, and to help your family escape ruin."

Thomas Bennet's entire countenance changed significantly. First there was shock, then intrigue, and then anger as he demanded, "And what is that supposed to be mean, Mr. Darcy?"

Without preamble, Darcy continued, "I am in love with your daughter Elizabeth, and I desire her for my wife. I know of your troubles with your youngest, and to secure Elizabeth's hand, as well as the future of your other daughters, I have located her along with Wickham. They are safe and secure, and it is within my power to assure they are married."

There was a moment of silence before Thomas Bennet muttered softly, "But at a price."

Nodding his head, Darcy agreed, "Yes, for a price, and my price is Elizabeth."

When Mr. Bennet did not respond, Darcy continued, "I assure you she will be well cared for. I love her, and while I know she does not love me, I hope that with time she may come to care for me. At the very least I promise to do my best to make her happy. Anything she desires will be hers. I will also provide five thousand pounds apiece as dowries for her sisters Jane, Mary, and Catherine to increase their chances of making favorable matches. Once Elizabeth and I are married I will also pay for Miss Marry and Miss Catherine to attend school for a year to prepare for a season in town. After Elizabeth has established herself as Mrs. Darcy during her first season in London I am more than willing to host your younger daughters to aid them in search of eligible husbands."

"And Jane," Thomas questioned, still stunned by Mr. Darcy's proposal and at a total loss as to how to proceed.

"Miss Bennet will have the same dowry I intend to provide for Miss Mary and Miss Catherine, but I do not think she is in need of schooling as your other daughters are. I had hoped that after Elizabeth's and my honeymoon she might join us at Pemberley along with my sister Georgiana, and later in town. I know how fond of Miss Bennet Elizabeth is, and I also know leaving home will be difficult for her, therefore, I wish to help make her transition as easy as possible, and I believe that having Miss Bennet there would be of great comfort to her."

Thomas Bennet was silent. Never before had his failings as a father been thrown in his face so harshly. Not only was he unable to keep order in his own house, but also another man was here to make right all that he had allowed to go wrong. Worse still, the haughty Mr. Darcy was demanding his favorite as payment for saving his family from ruin. Thomas knew he had no choice but to give his consent, but it broke his heart to do so, and he whispered, "I will not force her, but I will allow you a private audience."

"That's all I need," Mr. Darcy said as he stood, knowing as well as Mr. Bennet that Elizabeth would agree. There was no way she would put her own happiness ahead of what was best for her family.

As Mr. Bennet stood to retrieve his favorite daughter he asked, "You said you know Elizabeth does not love you. I can't but help but wonder how?"

"I proposed to Elizabeth in Kent, and she refused me."

Thomas's eyes narrowed as he surmised, "And now you have ensured she cannot do so again."

Stiffening, Mr. Darcy reminded, "I did not force your youngest daughter to leave the protection of her family and travel alone, entirely unchaperoned, with a man. This situation is not of my making."

"But you are certainly making the most of it, are you not, Mr. Darcy?"

Refusing to be cowed, especially by a man he had no respect for, Mr. Darcy replied, "If I want something, Mr. Bennet, I do what I must to get it, and I assure you there is nothing more on God's green earth that I want more than Elizabeth for my wife and mother to my future children. So yes, I am using this situation to my advantage. I will save Elizabeth and by extension the rest of her family from ruin by making her my wife."

The two men stared intently at each other for a moment longer before Thomas let out a resigned sigh and offered, "I will send her in, but I remind you, that I will not force her if she refuses you again."

"I believe we both know force won't be necessary, Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied as he watched the older man leave the cluttered study.

When he was gone Darcy moved to the window to look out into the small garden. He knew he was taking a risk in making Elizabeth well and truly hate him by doing this, and he knew the gentlemanly thing to do would be to force Wickham to marry Lydia and then begin trying to change Elizabeth's perception of him, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He couldn't chance that Elizabeth would spurn him again. He couldn't chance that she would marry someone else. She had to be his. She would be his. Even if she never came to love him, just having her by his side always would be enough for him. Seeing her grow swollen with his children would keep him from despair. Lying beside her night after night, holding her in his arms, even if he never held her heart, would still be better than not having her at all.

In the hall, and with a heavy heart, Thomas Bennet made his way into the parlor where his wife and four eldest daughters were sitting in silence. Since he had returned three days ago from London with the news that he and Mr. Gardiner had been unable to locate Lydia or Wickham the house had fallen under a silence. All knew that this meant certain ruin for them and their family. They'd known that more than likely the remaining Bennet sisters would have no chance of marrying now, and would need to seek some sort of employment upon the death of their father. As such no one was in good cheer. Even Mrs. Bennet, usually prone to hysterics and fits of nerves, was unusually quiet, knowing her and her daughters' lives were ruined.

So it was a very dreary greeting Mr. Bennet received upon entering the parlor. All five eyes turned to him, some with a slight degree of hope that he might have news of Lydia, but Thomas looked solely at Elizabeth as he announced, "Mr. Darcy has come to call. He wishes a private audience with Elizabeth."

If the room had been quiet before, there was nothing but dead silence after Mr. Bennet's announcement. All knew there was only one reason a gentleman requested a private audience with a gentlewoman, and yet none could quite believe the severe and arrogant Mr. Darcy could intend to ask for Elizabeth's hand, especially considering their circumstances. The whispers in town were already beginning, and with each day Lydia did not come home a married woman the rumors got worse.

When no one moved or said anything, Thomas continued to look at his favorite, and explained, "Mr. Darcy is aware of our circumstances, and he has a solution to save our family from ruin. He wishes to speak with you, Elizabeth, and what happens from there is up to you. I have told him I will force you to do nothing."

All eyes turned to Elizabeth, whose face has drained of color, before she rose on shaky legs and walked slowly from the room. No one moved or spoke for a moment, before Mrs. Bennet asked, "Mr. Bennet, what is the meaning of this? Why is Mr. Darcy here? I cannot believe he is here to propose to Elizabeth. A man of his standing would never wish to have a woman such as Lizzy for wife! Such an impertinent thing!"

Mr. Bennet, usually amused by his wife's silly declarations, for once put her in her place by remarking, "And yet again you are wrong, Mrs. Bennet. Not only is Mr. Darcy here to ask for Elizabeth's hand, but he is doing so for the second time. She refused him the first time. Apparently a woman such is Lizzy is a fine prize to man like Mr. Darcy."

Again there was silence before Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "Oh! We are saved! Imagine my Lizzy as Mrs. Darcy! Ten thousand a year he has! What pin money and jewels she will have! And Mr. Darcy can secure rich husbands for our other daughters! Perhaps he can even find a husband for my precious Lydia who was so cruelly used by that dastardly Wickham! Oh Mr. Bennet we are all saved!"

"Silence, woman!"

Everyone jumped and stared at Thomas Bennet with wide eyes. He had never raised his voice before. Not once that any of them could remember, yet now he stood before them with a red face and angry booming voice as he reprimanded his wife, "Do you not understand what is happening, you foolish, foolish woman! Our family is facing ruin because of your precious Lydia, and the only way to save us all is by forcing Elizabeth to marry a man she has no desire to marry! A man she has already turned down once!"

Tears filled Thomas Bennet's eyes as he continued, "I am selling my favorite daughter today. I am selling her to a man who wants to buy her like a she is a pretty piece of jewelry or a fine horse he admires and wishes to own. My failures as a father, and yours as a mother, are costing our daughter her future. None of us are saved today, Mrs. Bennet. Not in the least. Our reputations may be secure, but the happiness of my most beloved daughter is the price. There is no cause for rejoicing here, and you will be silent this instant!"

Mrs. Bennet's mouth opened as though she wished to say something, but one sharp look from her husband had it snapping closed. Her eyes flashed with indignation, but she wisely remained quiet. Her husband had never spoken to her in such a fashion, and she wasn't quite sure how to proceed.

"Perhaps she'll turn him down again," Mary offered weakly.

Jane's own eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "You know she will not. Elizabeth will do what is best for us, despite what her own heart desires."

"Indeed she will," Mr. Bennet agreed brokenly as he sank into a chair and buried his head in his hands as he thought, 'What will my daughter suffer for my mistakes?'

Unaware of the argument taking place in the parlor Elizabeth made her way into her father's study. Upon entering she saw Mr. Darcy standing at the window looking out at the small garden her family's home boasted. With grim determination she greeted, "Hello, Mr. Darcy."

Turning at the sound of his beloved's voice, Fitzwilliam smiled softly at the woman he worshiped, adored, and loved so very much. The sadness and resignation in her eyes nearly broke his heart, but he swore he would earn her love. It might take him the rest of his days, but he would make her happy. He would allow nothing less.

"Miss Elizabeth, how are you?"

"Let's not mince words, Mr. Darcy. Why are you here?"

"I am here to ask for your hand in marriage. Again."

Elizabeth stared at Mr. Darcy in silence for several moments before asking, "And what makes you think my answer today will be any different than it was in Kent?"

Hating to play the villain, but knowing it was necessary until Elizabeth was well and truly his and could never escape him, Mr. Darcy replied, "Because you had the luxury of denying me before, and we both know that is no longer true."

Eyes hardening, Elizabeth observed, "You know of Lydia."

Nodding his head, Darcy replied, "Indeed. Know of her running away, and know of her whereabouts at this precise moment."

Again Elizabeth fell silent as she contemplated his words. Combining them with what her father had said in the parlor she quickly came to the correct conclusion and stated, "You are here to buy me. You'll see them married and my family's reputation restored as long as I agree to be your wife."

"Yes."

When Mr. Darcy showed no remorse for his actions, no sign of empathy for the situation her family faced, Elizabeth, for the first time in her life, felt the urge to strike someone. She wanted to smack the arrogance right out of Mr. Darcy, but knew she could not. As much as she wanted to hurl his proposal back in his face as she'd done in Kent, she knew it was not an option. She would not put her own happiness ahead of that of her family. So despite loathing Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy with every fiber of her being, she conceded, "Save my family and I will marry you."

Gathering his hat and cane, Mr. Darcy bowed his head and said, "There will be an announcement in the papers tomorrow of our engagement. My solicitor will be by tomorrow as well with the settlement papers for your father to pursue. I shall return in a few days with your sister and her new husband."

Moving forward Mr. Darcy took hold of Elizabeth's hand and kissed her knuckles softly, all the while holding her gaze. When he released her he vowed, "I will make you happy, my Elizabeth, I promise you."

Her eyes hard and full of loathing, Elizabeth replied, "I sincerely doubt that."

Mr. Darcy looked into Elizabeth's eyes for a moment longer before bowing his head and leaving. When he was gone Elizabeth sank into one of the chairs in her father's study in total shock. She felt numb, and she could scarcely believe what had just happened. It was some moments before her solitude was disturbed as Mr. Bennet and Jane came into the room.

Both stood watching her staring off vacantly for a moment before Thomas asked, "So you accepted him?"

Turning her rapidly tear filling eyes to her father, Elizabeth whispered, "Yes. There will be an announcement in the paper tomorrow, and his solicitor will be coming by with the settlement papers as well. He said he should return in a few days with Lydia and Wickham. They will already be married."

Jane dropped to her knees next to her sister, tears running unchecked down her cheeks as she whispered, "Oh Lizzy, I'm sorry!"

The two sisters embraced, both crying freely now, as Thomas Bennet moved to the same window Mr. Darcy had been looking from before. Listening to his eldest daughters cry he thought to himself, 'How could I let this happen?'

…

…

…

The next morning Darcy strode into the small loft in London with a grim countenance. Upon entering he heard Lydia, the foolish girl, going on and on about all the places she'd like to go once she and her "dear Wickham" were married. The man himself was seated near the fire with a drink in one hand as he ignored the prattle of the foolish girl he'd chosen to amuse himself with. He'd attempted to escape a number of times, unsure of what Darcy had planned for him, and even more unwilling to find out, but the eight men Darcy had hired to keep watch over him and Lydia prevented his escape each and every time.

So he'd been forced to listen to Lydia's inane nonsense day after day while he waited for Darcy to return. He couldn't understand why Darcy was going to such lengths to punish him. Even when he had threatened Georgiana's reputation Darcy hadn't acted thusly, so Wickham was at a loss as to why his old childhood friend was so concerned by his dallying with a stupid girl like Lydia Bennet.

Hearing someone enter the loft he turned to see Darcy and jumped from his seat as he demanded, "Darcy! What is the meaning of this! You cannot keep me here! I insist on being released at once!"

"Oh yes!" Lydia chimed in, "I wish to go shop for my wedding trousseau! I will certainly need a new dress to be married in!"

"Indeed you shall," Darcy replied curtly before gesturing to one of the guards. When the man moved forward Darcy whispered in the his ear for a moment before the former soldier nodded and moved to take Lydia's arm.

"What's going on?" Lydia asked.

Trying to be patient, Darcy replied, "A carriage is downstairs, Miss Lydia. My sister's companion Mrs. Annesley is inside and she is waiting to take you to a modiste to get a gown for your wedding. When you get back I will be escorting you and Mr. Wickham to the church to be married. Your Uncle and Aunt Gardiner will be there waiting for us. Please make haste. The sooner you are back the sooner you can be married."

Lydia was all excitement as she moved to kiss George on the cheek before dashing from the loft, exclaiming on how she would be the first of her sisters to be married. Once she was gone Darcy shut the door and moved to sit next to Wickham by the fireplace. The two eyed each other steadily for a moment before George scoffed, "You are out of your mind, Darcy, if you think I am going to marry that foolish chit. She was good for a roll or two, but I am done with her. She never stops talking and she hasn't a shilling to her name!"

"Her ability to annoy you pleases me greatly, George, and believe me when I say you will marry her."

Grinning, Wickham laughed, "And why would I do that?"

"Because if you do not I will see you in debtor's prison."

"I'd rather spend a few years in debtor's prison than spend the rest of my life married to that stupid girl."

His own smile appearing, one filled with triumph, Darcy replied, "A few years? I think not. Since Ramsgate I've been collecting your debts, George. All of them."

Wickham went still. Very still as his eyes searched Darcy's. Seeing the hard glint there he asked shakily, "All of them?"

With a shrug, Darcy replied, "Or very nearly. You've racked up quite a lot of debts over the years, Wickham. Some even in Scotland."

When George blanched at the mention of Scotland, Darcy continued, "All total it is over thirteen thousand pounds. Enough to ensure you spend the rest of your life rotting in debtor's prison."

"For God's sake, Darcy! Why do you care if I indulged myself with that girl? Why are you doing this?"

"Because I wish to marry her sister Elizabeth, and in order to do so that means Lydia must be married."

George's expression showed his shock as he exclaimed, "Marry Elizabeth? But she has no money! No connections! Why would you want to marry her? She's a wild, pretty thing to be sure, would probably make a fine mistress, but marry?"

When Darcy's expression darkened and filled with rage, George laughed, "By God you're in love with her! A nobody from the country!"

"Yes, I love her, and I will not listen to a man such as you demean her."

Eyes lighting with greed, George offered, "You must love her very much, enough to spend so much money purchasing my debts. That means you want this marriage badly. You need it."

Knowing what George was getting at, Darcy leaned forward and warned, "Listen very carefully to me, George, because I'm only going to say this once. I have two plans to see to the saving of Lydia Bennet's reputation and thus that of her family's. The first is seeing the two of you married and settled far away, and the other? Well the other is less appealing, but still affective. Lydia needs to return home married, but not necessarily to you."

Unaffected by his former childhood friend's veiled threat, Wickham scoffed, "And what would you do if I refuse? There are ways out of debtor's prison you know, and if I do go I will ensure Lydia's reputation is ruined, and therefore her sister Elizabeth's. I will tell everyone and anyone of how she was all too eager to spread those legs of her for just the slightest compliment from me."

He never saw the attack coming. One second he was sitting in his chair, taunting his former friend, the next he was flat out on the floor with a broken and bleeding nose as Darcy stood over him with fists clenched. He had no time to process what had happened, however, as Darcy grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall with his hands around his throat. For the first time in his life Wickham was truly afraid. He was beginning to realize he didn't know what Fitzwilliam Darcy was capable of. Not at all.

Darcy leaned close to Wickham, looking him dead in the eye as his own reflected his barely controlled rage. His voice was soft, but hard as stone, as he continued, "You listen well, Wickham, if you refuse to marry Lydia I will ensure you never pose a problem to me or anyone else ever again. You say there are ways to get out of debtor's prison? Well I can assure you that there are even more ways to ensure you never leave."

The threat was understood, and Wickham knew that if he went into prison, Darcy would use his money and connections to make sure he died there. George slowly nodded, unable to speak due to the tight hold Darcy had on his throat.

Seeing that Wickham finally realized the predicament he was in, Darcy released him and let the fool drop to the ground gasping for breath. He stared down at his old companion and continued, "You will marry Lydia today. As soon as she gets back we will head for the church. Do you understand?"

Nodding, Wickham finally found his voice and asked with a raspy voice, "And how will we live? She has no dowry."

Rolling his eyes, Darcy explained, "I have purchased a commission for you. Richard recommended an excellent post. This Colonel is one of the most ruthless in the military according to him. He will not allow any nonsense, and will keep you in line. I will rent a suitable home and pay for its upkeep through a solicitor. It will not be extravagant, and I will only pay for one servant to help Lydia, but it will keep the two of you off the streets. The solicitor will pay the monthly rent, pay for the servant, and pay the merchants for what supplies are needed to keep your house running."

Glaring at Wickham who had some degree of hope in his eyes, Darcy explained, "Do not misunderstand me, George, the solicitor will keep a close eye on the expenses to make sure you are not trying to live beyond your means. He will ensure that Lydia is well cared for, but he will also ensure you have no access to any of the finances I provide. You will not squander the money I provide to keep Lydia clothed, housed, and fed on gambling and women. The solicitor will also expect to see you the first of every month with half of your monthly wages to go into a savings and investment account to pay for the schooling of any future children you have. If you are not there with that money I will have you sent to debtor's prison, and have Lydia brought home to live with her family."

"Darcy, that is unreasonable!"

Arching his brow, Darcy asked, "Is it? I find it very reasonable. This is more than you deserve, Wickham. Far more, and know I do this for Lydia and her future children. Not you. I will not stand by and see them suffer for your wicked ways. Should Lydia need anything else she may put in a request to the solicitor who will pass it along to me. I will approve or deny the requests as I see fit. Again, I mean to provide for Lydia and her future children's comfort, nothing more."

There was a tense silence before Wickham hung his head and conceded, "Fine. I'll marry her."

"Damn right you will." Turning away from the man he despised Darcy collected his hat and cane and headed for the door as he said, "I will return in four hours. No doubt that will be enough time for Lydia to purchase a wedding dress. These men will ensure you don't try to escape. My man will be along with something suitable for you to wear."

At George's forlorn expression, Darcy sneered, "Cheer up, Wickham, today is, after all, your wedding day."

Saying no more Darcy turned and headed from the loft. Outside he handed a coin to the boy he'd agreed to pay for watching his horse. Once mounted he headed toward his townhome at a brisk trot. He needed to speak to his solicitor and his attorney. His solicitor was to have the marriage settlement papers with all the stipulations he'd provided ready for his perusal before he sent the man to Hertfordshire, and he needed to speak to his attorney about what progress the man had made on breaking the entail on Longbourn.

The streets were surprisingly clear of carriage traffic and he made good time. He was pleased to see both his solicitor and his attorney already waiting for him. Wanting to see to the marriage settlement first so his solicitor could make it to Hertfordshire by end of day, Darcy invited him into his study first.

Once they were both seated Darcy asked, "Have you included all the provisions I've asked you to?"

Nodding his head, Mr. Galloway, Mr. Darcy's long time solicitor as his father before him had worked for the family as well, agreed, "Indeed sir, though I must again voice my concern over—"

"Enough, Mr. Galloway. While I appreciate your concern, I am resolute."

Releasing a sigh, Mr. Galloway gathered the papers from his satchel and slid them across the desk towards Darcy as he detailed, "Miss Elizabeth will be given forty-five thousand pounds upon your marriage, and I've seen to the purchase of Netherfield as you requested. Upon your death it will go to her, and in the meantime any monies collected from the estate will go into an account. In the event no children result from the union everything will be turned over to her. Should you die before her and no children have been born she will remain at Pemberley as mistress with full control of all the accounts until her death at which time Pemberley and the main savings account will go to your sister or her children."

As Mr. Darcy read over the settlement papers, Mr. Galloway continued, "As you stipulated what happens to Netherfield and the savings account from its' earnings after your wife's death, assuming there are no children, will be determined by Miss Elizabeth once you are married and I have a chance to speak with her. Should you have children the second son or any daughters will divide equally between them and their mother the money from the Netherfield account. And of course Miss Elizabeth will maintain control of the forty-five thousand pounds you're settling upon her at marriage. Pemberley and the main household account, as expected, will go to your first son, or should you only have daughters the oldest will inherit and the younger ones will split the Netherfield account with their mother. In addition, of course, with any money you set aside for dowries in the future. Also, five thousand pounds will be provided for three of Miss Bennet's sisters as dowries. I've also already paid to have Miss Mary and Miss Catherine to attend the same school your sister went to. They are expected the first of next month."

While Mr. Darcy continued to read over the papers, Mr. Galloway concluded, "I have also seen to the purchase of a small townhome in Cornwall for Mr. Wickham and his future wife. It is 300 pounds per annum, and has enough room for them should their family expand. Also, a suitable kitchen maid has been hired. Everything is in order and waiting for them now. As you requested an acquaintance of mine, a solicitor who I trust completely in the area, will oversee the accounts and he has been told to keep yearly expenses below 200 pounds in addition to the rent for the townhome."

Nodding his head, Mr. Darcy announced, "I am well pleased, Mr. Galloway. I applaud you for getting this all in order on such short notice."

Mr. Galloway, not wanting to incite Mr. Darcy's anger, but wanting to protect the interests of the man he held such respect for, remarked, "Mr. Darcy, are you sure you wish to delegate so much of your money in the settlement?"

Smiling at his solicitor, Darcy replied, "I am most certain, besides you know that I bring in more than ten thousand pounds per annum. That is only Pemberley's earnings. Despite what the matchmaking mamas think they know when they bandy about my price during their scheming, few are aware that my father began increasing our family fortune discretely through trade when he married my mother, or that I have continued to do so as well. You know as well as I that this will not put a significant dent in my savings. Plus, once I improve upon Netherfield, that estate will bring in nearly five thousand pounds per annum."

"Yes, but you want all of that money to go into an account for Miss Bennet. Not to mention you want the forty-five thousand pounds turned over to her as soon as you are married."

"I intend to make sure my wife is well cared for, Mr. Galloway. I want her to have her own funds. I don't want her to ever have to worry about money, or have to ask anyone for it."

"Even you, sir?"

There was a moment of silence, and Mr. Galloway began to suspect that he had overstepped himself before Darcy replied with an even broader grin, "No, Mr. Galloway, I do not want my wife to even have to ask me for money."

Shaking his head, not understanding why Mr. Darcy wished to give so much of his money away, Mr. Galloway said, "Very well, sir. I will be on my way to Hertfordshire to speak with Mr. Bennet. I should make it there in time to speak with him this evening."

"Thank you Mr. Galloway. Please ask Mr. Spears come in on your way out."

When his attorney entered and closed the door behind him Mr. Darcy waited for the man to take a seat before asking, "So what have you found?"

"The entail is entirely breakable, Mr. Darcy. I have found several legal avenues in order to break the entail. If Mr. Collins refuses to sell the estate to you outright for the sum you have provided, then I estimate it will take no more than three years to have the entail broken in court."

Extremely pleased, Mr. Darcy said, "Very good. I appreciate all the work you put into this, Mr. Spears. As I requested before I would like for you to wait until after my marriage to approach Mr. Collins."

"Very good, sir, and I believe you said that he is likely to be stubborn over this?"

"Indeed. His patroness, my aunt, has long held delusions I will marry her daughter, and my marriage to Miss Elizabeth will no doubt enrage her. It is entirely possible he will refuse to sell simply to court favor with her. Advise him my wrath carries more weight than his noble patroness's, but if he refuses still begin with whatever legal measures are necessary to break the entail."

Making a few notes, Mr. Spears asked, "And once I have seen to the breaking of the entail what is to be done with the estate?"

"That will be for my wife to decide. It is her home."

"Very good, sir."

Once his attorney was gone Darcy moved to get himself a glass of brandy from his sideboard. He returned to his chair and sipped the liquid slowly as he considered the day's events. While he hated having to resort to such measures, he would do it all again if it meant having Elizabeth for his own.

'It won't be long now. Elizabeth will be mine,' Darcy thought with no small amount of satisfaction. 'Surely once she sees the lengths I'm willing to go to make her happy, to take care of her and her family, she'll realize how much I love and admire her. Surely she will begin to love me as much as I love her. And if she doesn't? Well having her with me always, seeing her be a mother to my children, that will be enough.'

Taking another sip of his brandy, Darcy muttered, "More than enough, as long as she is mine."