Lady Matlock's List
Mr Darcy had arrived in London three days before he called on his Aunt and Uncle at Matlock House. And in those three days he had come to the conclusion that the only way to get over his infatuation with Elizabeth Bennet, was to begin actively looking for an appropriate wife. Luckily, his Aunt Matlock was a leading figure in the Ton and had been badgering him to marry for years.
When he entered the drawing room his Aunt called to him from the other side of the room, "William, I was wondering when you would come to call." Contrary to what Lady Catherine may believe, after the death of his mother, it was his Aunt Edwina who had become the closest thing he had to her. She did not try to replace Anne, but she was there whenever he needed her to be. Therefore, he trusted her completely when it came to finding him a wife.
Unfortunately for William, his Aunt Edwina was not alone as he wished she was. He forced his face into a neutral expression and walked further into the room. "I apologise Aunt, but there was some business I wanted to take care of before making social calls."
"Oh, it is no matter now." She invited him to sit beside her and poured him a cup of tea, placing his favourite biscuit on the saucer before handing it to him. "Do you know Lady North and her daughter?"
"I know Lord North but have never had the pleasure."
Miss North preened at his words, while her mother's mouth formed into a sly smirk. It was a rare phenomenon for a young lady to have an opportunity to converse with Mr Darcy in a private setting as he rarely took callers and only ever went calling when it was absolutely necessary for him to do so. "It is a pleasure to meet you also," Miss North replied fluttering her eyelashes in such a way that Mr Darcy was inclined to hide behind his Aunt in a manner which would hardly be gentlemanly.
Conversation beyond that point was decidedly mundane. Mr Darcy answered all questions directed at him, but did so shortly, not inviting more conversation that was needed. Despite this, when Lady North eventually guided her daughter out of the room, they both seemed rather pleased with themselves.
"I'm sorry about that," his Aunt said as they left the room. "I know such interactions make you uncomfortable."
"Actually Aunt, this is what I wanted to speak to you about."
Lady Matlock did not try to hide her surprise. Her nephew had never once shown any interest in women, to the point she had begun to grow concerned.
"You see Aunt," he continued, "I have decided to marry. But I know very little about the ladies of the Ton and was wondering if you could help me."
"Yes of course I could help, but I have no idea where to start. What are you looking for in a wife?"
"Would you like a list?" He knew this was not exactly the way he had always wanted to find a wife but needs must. His Aunt ran quickly to the writing desk next to the window, to retrieve paper and pen to jot down his request. She nodded to him to begin. "Well, she has to be pretty. I'm not asking for a great beauty but pretty enough that I-." He froze, not finishing his sentence wondering how on earth he had almost managed to say such things in front of his Aunt. Her small smile was enough of an indication that she knew exactly what he had meant to say.
"Go on."
"She should be well read and not utterly consumed by gossip. She will not just be my wife, but Georgiana's sister so they must get along also."
"Any preferences on her family or dowry?"
"Her dowry does not concern me. Pemberley is not in need of the money. Her family does not have to be well renowned or such, but they must be sensible."
"Is that all?" Lady Matlock was slightly concerned. When her eldest son had expressed an interest in finding a wife his list had been almost 4 times as long. Of course, the woman he had eventually married had only met a fraction of his demands. In fact, she would probably have her son's head if she found out there had been a list to begin with.
"Yes, that is all."
"Well then, I shall see what I can do."