Needs: A Pride and Prejudice Exploration
Chapter Eleven
George brought his phaeton to a stop in an area where several other vehicles were gathered and reaching in the back presented a basket packed with a lite fare, cheese, fruit, fresh bread and of course utensils and plates. He announced that this was his first effort at entertaining al fresco. Looking around her, Anne's comment was simply George could not have picked a more pleasant setting.
After they finished Lady Anne took the initiative and invited George back to Matlock House for supper, stating that it was her duty to provide the next meal. Of course, George readily accepted.
The very next day, at the earliest hour that custom allowed, George was again present at Matlock House and asked for an audience with its' master. He was ushered into the library which contained a large table where George saw several papers that had his solicitor's seal on them. He was then fully aware that Lady Anne's father had gone over them thoroughly. George was welcomed and instructed to take the chair facing his host who sat back in his chair and said,
"Mr. Darcy, never have I been as impressed to the degree that your financial release has afforded me. Tell me, were the majority of these properties of recent acquisition?"
Of course if that were so, it would testify favorably as to George Darcy's financial abilities.
George Darcy, not one to toot his own horn inquired,
"Could you be more specific."
"For instance, the properties in Scotland, are these all ancestral homes?"
"Glasgow, has been in my family since the time of King James. The other two properties were purchased by my grandfather and are managed by very capable stewards who are under the charge of my own steward. He makes regular visits to inspect the properties. The sugar plantation is also managed by tested supervisors and there has never been any enslaved workers on that property. Most people have heard of Manchester, while smaller than Pemberley, it is presently being rented to a retired naval captain. I have been extremely fortunate to have secured extremely capable and loyal supervisors and grateful tenants, at all my properties. The tenants on these properties work and acquire one-quarter of the profits that come from the harvest. Some have even been able to purchase their own residences which allows them to then live rent free."
The Earl looked at the young man and said,
"Your management ideas are revolutionary."
"Sir, I have been born into privilege, those who station happens to be beneath me are there by the same circumstances beyond our control. My station and wealth because of birth can never be attainable to them, however, my station allows me to treat them with dignity and compassion. Their wishes and hopes mirror all of ours, to live a fulfilling life, provide for their family, and hopefully give their offspring a better life. Such ones will never be able to share most of my experiences, but I can attempt to not make them suffer in their own station in life."
The Earl looked at Darcy for a long while and then said,
"How may I be of service to you?"
"I wish your permission to court your daughter, The Honorable Lady Anne."
Lady Anne's father eyed his young visitor and then asked,
"Does she welcome you?"
"From all appearances, Sir, yes, she does. But I believe as her father you must ascertain that information for yourself. If is agreeable, I will take my leave and return tomorrow morning and receive your decision."
George found James and Lady Anne in the drawing room and made a quick departure stating that pressing business required his attention.
He wondered if the look of disappointment that appeared on Lady Anne's face was for him as a person of merit or as an entertaining guest; he hoped he was the former.
The next day, again George was early and was greeted most graciously by Lady Anne and then ushered into the Earl's library. He stood before the man's who would become his father-in-law's desk who smiled at him and said,
"Mr. Darcy, I wish that you will stay the day and sup with us. My wife will be arriving late this afternoon and I wish to introduce her to you. I have it on the strictest guarantee that your suit is welcomed by my daughter. If you wish you may spend time away from my daughter and visit the billiard room with my nephew. But of course, it would not be out of place for my daughter to show you our small garden in the back. Her maid may accompany her.
Of course, George did not take long to reveal his preferred activity and so a short time lady he and Lady Anne were seated on a bench in the garden with her maid seated a distance from them.
George cleared his throat and said,
"I find it hard to believe that you have singled me out for this privilege."
"Mr. Darcy, I am going to be very bold. My cousin James has talked of you constantly. He is not the sort of man to be impressed. For some time I have been most anxious to meet you and was grateful when James finally brought you here to Matlock House. Please do not think me unladylike or improper because of any of my statements. But, believe me kind sir, I welcome your attention to me."
With that George took both of Lady Anne's hands in his and gently kissed them.
"Then our feelings are mutual," was what he could finally say as she smiled at him.
That evening, before dinner George was introduced to Lady Matlock, a stunningly beautiful woman with good sense. She had been informed of her husband's approval of George Darcy and felt relieved that her daughter would at last have the comfort and security that a good marriage would afford her.
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Having no idea of how much time had passed, George Darcy opened his eyes to the present. He had had the perfect marriage and would never love another woman, but he knew, what he was attempting would be using a woman. How would his Anne have viewed his present actions? Would she agree to a loveless joining, would she want him to be viewed as an old man attempting to regain his youth? Anne had always protective of him. As a matter of fact when the Ton was aghast at Anne's engagement to an untitled gentleman, she defended her choice for she knew theirs was a 'love match., not one of convenience or ordered by parents.
During their courtship, she made certain that they been seen in public. When the banns were read and thus the engagement was announced, she insisted that there not be a long engagement and so what would normally have been the Christmas holiday festivities proved to be the time of their marriage, which was attended by many and any prophet or prophetess of doom were finally convinced that this was one marriage that should be most successful.
