AN: My readers are so encouraging. Thanks again to those of you who sent me especially brightened my day. I hope you all will enjoy the unfolding of the colonel's plan.
Chapter 12
Early the next morning, a carriage stopped in front of Darcy house. The earl of Matlock departed quickly from the vehicle and entered the house. The driver drove around to the mews. Fifteen minutes later, his lordship exited the house with a grim expression upon his face and re-entered his carriage.
Once inside, the earl took his place next to his son and nephew and commented, "I hope I was convincing as a worried uncle."
"You looked either concerned or upset, Father," Richard said with a smile. "Either way, it looked authentic."
"Indeed, Uncle," Darcy agreed. Turning his head so that he could look at the three ladies in the front facing seat, he asked, "Are you comfortable in this rather crowded space?"
"Jane and I are used to more crowding in the Longbourn carriage," Elizabeth answered. "I just hope we are not making Miss Darcy too uncomfortable."
"No indeed, this is, in fact, quite cosy." Georgiana grinned. "If this is what is like to have sisters in a carriage, I am content."
There was little conversation after Georgiana's comment. Each of the engaged couples were too excited to speak rationally to the others. Richard glanced lovingly at Jane, while Darcy did the same at Elizabeth, causing their ladies to blush with happiness.
When they arrived at St. George's, the driver took them around to the parsonage, rather than the church. The earl sent a message to the rector the night before, asking for the privilege of coming to the house. He thought they would be less conspicuous that way.
Once inside, the rector, Mr. Buckland proudly led them into the parlour of the new parsonage. He had ordered tea for his guests after introducing his wife to the earl's party. She left to make certain the tea and refreshments were prepared properly.
When they all had taken seats the rector asked, "Shall I ask my wife to give us privacy?"
Lord Matlock responded with a grave nod. "It is not that I do not trust Mrs. Buckland, but the fewer people know what I am about to tell you the better."
"I understand, your lordship, and so will she," Mr. Buckland replied.
Not long after the refreshments had been consumed, Mrs. Buckland received a tactful gesture from her husband. She smiled and excused herself, taking the tea things with her.
"To begin, I wish you to know that I fully support my son and my nephew. The young ladies they wish to marry are gently born and of faultless character. They wish to obtain common licenses and to be married within the week," the earl stated calmly and steadily.
"Usually in these matters, I would need to obtain a reference from the ladies' pastor," the parson interrupted.
"I do understand, but this case is more complicated than the usual instance. Miss Elizabeth has been betrothed to my nephew for months now. We have the marriage contract, signed by her father with us, and Miss Bennet is of age. It would not take more than a day to send and receive a letter from their parish priest if necessary, but I hope that I can convince you otherwise." The earl pulled some papers from a portfolio. "These were sent to me from my niece, Miss Anne de Bourgh. After overhearing my sister and her parson, she retrieved two discarded sheets, which had been used for practice by Mr. Collins to copy two signatures."
Lord Matlock handed the first two pages for the rector to read. "As you see, one is a copy of my nephew's signature and the other of Mr. Bennet's, the Misses Bennet's father. They are fair facsimiles. However, my nephew never signs legal documents in this manner."
Producing the marriage contract, his lordship pointed to the signature at the bottom. "As you can see, it is always Fitzwilliam John George Darcy. If you need more proof, you can speak to Mr. Hampton, Darcy's solicitor.
"According to my niece, they have forged a contract of engagement between Darcy and Anne and one between Collins and Miss Elizabeth, even though both my nephew and Miss Elizabeth have refused to an engagement to them."
"This is disturbing indeed!" Mr. Buckland exclaimed. "His bishop should be told of this."
"I agree, but I do not wish anything to be done until after the weddings." Lord Matlock's look was severe. "Will you agree to grant the licenses?"
Glancing from one couple to another, Mr. Buckland asked, "Is this what you wish?"
A chorus of positive responses made him smile slightly. "Very well, allow me to gather the documents and my schedule. I believe that these young people can be married in three days. However, I have a request. Mr. Bennet should be here for the marriage ceremony."
"I believe that can be arranged." Mr. Darcy finally spoke. "I shall send an express as soon as we return to my house."
"No, sending an express to Longbourn would raise suspicion, especially in my mother," Elizabeth explained. "Send it to my uncle Phillips. It might be prudent for him to come to London as well, since he is our solicitor. I shall write a letter to my father which will explain the circumstances in a way that should spur my father into making the trip with my uncle."
"Excellent!" the earl and the parson responded together.
A messenger from Mr. Phillips arrived at Longbourn early the next morning. Fortunately, Mr. Bennet was, as per usual, the first to rise and was enjoying his breakfast when Hill brought the missive from his brother which included Elizabeth's letter.
Astonishment rolled over him as he read her words. However, fury soon drove away that emotion. How dare that idiot parson try to force my Lizzy to marry him, Bennet thought angrily. I must be ready to travel as soon as I can.
Ringing for Hill, Mr. Bennet asked, "Is the messenger still here?"
"Yes, sir," she replied. "He said he was to wait for your answer."
"Tell him to inform his master I will be prepared within the hour, and then see that my small trunk is packed. I will be gone for at least a week."
She left the room to relay Mr. Bennet's orders.
His family began to arrive in the breakfast room just as Mr. Bennet prepared to leave the house.
"Mr. Bennet, where are you going so early in the morning?" his wife questioned in an irritated tone.
"I find I must travel to Town with your brother Phillips on business."
"But you just returned. I do not understand what kind of business would require you to do so," Mrs. Bennet loudly insisted.
"You will know in good time, my dear." He spoke soothingly. "However, Phillips's carriage awaits. I will write when I reach London, for we are to stay with the Gardiners."
Amid more protests from his wife and questions from his daughters, Mr. Bennet entered the carriage and bid them farewell.
The two men did not speak for a few moments as the vehicle rumbled down the drive to the road. However, once they had passed through Meryton, Mr. Bennet spoke with a wry smile on his face. "I would enjoy the anticipation of Fanny's reaction if I were not so very angry at my toad of a cousin. I thought him to be relatively harmless, but to forge my signature and Mr. Darcy's shows that I underestimated him."
Mr. Phillips nodded. "I am as shocked and upset as you are, but it is that patroness of his -the one he lauded as so good and virtuous- who is the author of this farce, which is more upsetting. I do not know what we will encounter. However, I am very happy that Lord Matlock is on our side in this matter."
"To think, we will be the only ones from Meryton to attend the marriage of my two most worthy daughters to such gentlemen. It is almost enough for me to look forward to the confrontation afterwards." Mr. Bennet chuckled, causing his brother-in-law to join him.
The two men were met with great enthusiasm at Darcy House. Jane and Elizabeth were especially happy to see their father again so soon. After the travellers had refreshed themselves and been served tea, Mr. Darcy spoke. "Thank you, sirs, for coming so quickly. I hope the journey was not too tiring."
"No, we were quite comfortable, even though I am not usually fond of this much travelling, I am happy to see my girls again. Also, the trip was for a doubly worthy cause. I wish to see my girls settled with men who love them, and I want to thwart my Collins in his plan to force himself upon my Lizzy."
Mr. Phillips entered the conversation. "I am curious to see the practice signatures that you wrote about in your correspondence. A dear friend and colleague of mine has a knack for ciphering out forgeries. With your permission, I would like to send for him. Fortunately, he lives and works as an attorney here in Town."
"I have no objection," Darcy replied. "I would be happy to have an expert opinion before we confront them."
"I will write to my friend as soon as we arrive at the Gardiners' home." Mr. Phillips sounded excited at the prospect of seeing his friend again.
"I had hoped you would stay here for the time being. I know that you will wish to visit with your daughters. I shall send an invitation to dinner to the Gardiners. After all, we will all be family shortly."
Mr. Bennet smiled and said, "I shall take you up the kind invitation." Winking at Elizabeth, he continued, "I have heard much about your excellent library from my daughter."
Chuckling at his future father-in-law's jest, Mr. Darcy said, "You are very welcome to visit it as often as you like."
After a few moments of more conversation, Mr. Phillips asked for writing supplies. Darcy had them brought immediately, and he penned a short message to the Gardiners. When the two men were finished, Darcy summoned footmen to take the letters to their respective addresses.
Not only did the Gardiners accept the invitation to dinner, but Lord and Lady Matlock joined them as well. The table was less formally seated, and the main topic of conversation kept the evening light and enjoyable. Since Mr. Phillip's friend had confirmed that the signatures were forgeries, and he would swear to it in court, wedding plans were in full swing.
Jane, who was always concerned for the feelings of others, asked her father, "Do you think it is fair to Mama that she is not going to be present, especially since she missed Lydia's wedding?"
"I am certain she will think herself ill used when she finds out, but she is constitutionally incapable of keeping a secret." Mr. Bennet sighed.
"Do not worry, Jane," Elizabeth added. "Once Mama knows who we have married, she will forget her injured feelings and rejoice throughout the whole county."
"I believe your sister is correct," her father said with a smile. "In fact, I am counting on it."
Richard spoke after a small chuckle. "I look forward to meeting the rest of my future family."
Lord Matlock changed the subject. "I heard from my attorney this morning. He has done what I asked, so we will be ready to combat my sister's poor attempts at manipulation.
"Is everything ready for the double wedding in two days?" The earl looked at the betrothed couples.
"Yes, Uncle, it is," Darcy answered for them all. Since he was seated next to Elizabeth, he reached over to squeeze her hand.
"Good!" his lordship replied.
"Do you have your wedding clothes ready?" Lady Matlock enquired of the girls.
"We will order any clothing we need after the ceremony." Elizabeth returned the pressure to Darcy's hand. "We decided that it might raise suspicions if we did so before. Lady Catherine likely has informants in many places."
"I see that you have thought this over. I believe you right about Lady Catherine having spies in various places." A knowing look passed over Lady Matlock's face. "I am certain she is not opposed to making bribes when it is to her advantage. She once approached my maid with a promise of money if the girl would give her certain information about my private dealings."
"What happened?" Jane asked.
"My staff happens to be very loyal. Percy came to me and told me the whole story. I gave her a bonus and confronted Lady Catherine. Of course, her ladyship denied it with a great show of offence at the very idea. However, she never to my knowledge tried anything like it in my homes again."
"My dear wife and my sister never did get along, but that ended any possibility of friendship between them. Catherine is barely civil when she is in our company." The earl smiled and patted his wife's hand.
The rest of the evening passed with stories of the childhood antics of Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and even of Elizabeth. The laughter and camaraderie helped to form a lasting bond between the families.
The morning of the wedding, Elizabeth awoke to the sound of birds singing in the trees in the back garden. Their song added to her feeling of contentment. She would finally become Mrs. Darcy. This would be her true home, as it was already in her heart.
She padded to the window and opened the sash. The air was ripe with the scent of spring. The trees and shrubs were fully arrayed in the lush green growth. The fragrance of the flowers filled her room. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth hugged herself, filled with delight at the world before her.
As the morning still held a chill, Elizabeth reached for her robe, when there was a knock at her door.
"Come in," she called.
Jane entered the room with a beatific smile on her face. "I thought you would be awake. On such a morning as this, who would not be?"
"Indeed, dearest sister," Elizabeth said as she hurried to embrace her sister. "Who, indeed?"
"I must admit that I feel guilty for being glad Mama is not here." Jane pulled back from her sister and looked away.
"You have always thought of what others might feel, but just think how difficult she would make it for everyone else if she were a part of this. It is bad enough that Mr. Darcy knows how she behaves, and has overlooked it." Elizabeth paused to pull her sister to the bed to sit beside her. "However, the Matlocks would be very uncomfortable with her exclamations and nerves. You must think of your future in-laws."
"I shall do that, Lizzy. They are wonderful and accepting people. It would not do to make them uneasy at this time." Jane smiled her sweetest smile. "Just think, our dream of sharing a wedding day is to be fulfilled."
"I am happy to be marrying a man I love at the same time that my beloved sister will marry the love of her life. I can hardly express my joy." Lizzy squeezed Jane's hand.
A knock at the door caught their attention.
Elizabeth opened the door to find a maid with a tray of tea and toast with a selection of jams. She gestured to the maid to bring the food to a small table at the side of the room.
"Thank you, Anna," Elizabeth dismissed the young girl before she and Jane sat down to eat.
They had just finished a cup of tea and a piece of toast when the door opened to their aunt, followed by another maid, carrying two large boxes. "Oh good! You have eaten something. It is time for you to dress and get ready. I have brought you each a gift."
Mrs. Gardiner gestured for the maid to put the boxes on a chair. She opened the first box and unfolded a dark blue cloak. "I bought this for you, Jane. The hood will cover your hair and dress. It will help to keep your identity hidden."
Moving the empty box to another chair, their aunt opened the second box. She took out a dark green cloak this time. "And this is for you, Lizzy."
Both of the girls thanked Mrs. Gardiner with an embrace.
"How did you know the right colour?" Elizabeth queried.
"You will remember I helped choose you the gowns you are to wear. It was easy to find the garments after that." Their aunt grinned with satisfaction.
"You can be quite cunning, Aunt," Jane answered for them both with a pleased smile. "I shall go fetch mine, and Lizzy and I can get ready together."
When Jane returned, she held a light blue dress that had always been her favourite. Tiny, dark-blue flowers were embroidered around the neckline, cuffs, and hem. From the large box, Mrs. Gardiner also gave Jane a coronet of blue silk flowers for her hair. She would wear a necklace with a single sapphire pendant and matching earrings, gifted to her by the colonel.
While the maid fashioned Jane's sister into a lovely upsweep of braids with small curls around her face, Elizabeth laid out her dress, which was a pale green silk trimmed with a wide gold ribbon around the square neckline, hanging down from the high waist, and hem. Mr. Darcy had sent up emerald hair pins with matching earrings and necklace.
Mrs. Gardiner helped Elizabeth don her dress while she waited for the maid to be finished with her sister. Once it was Lizzy's turn to have her hair done, she sat in the chair Jane had vacated and submitted to the hands of the maid. Her hair was much curlier than Jane's, so it was made into a much different style, with many ringlets cascading down the back. The emerald pins were just the finishing touch it needed.
A footman brought the message that the gentlemen were ready to leave for the church. They were to take the Gardiner's carriage and the ladies the servants' carriage so that the Darcy coach would not be noticed leaving the house. Mrs. Gardiner informed him that they would follow in less than ten minutes.
Just before the ladies exited the house through the servants' door, they all put on cloaks which sported larger than normal hoods to partially cover their faces when they left the carriage at the church.
Both Jane and Elizabeth buzzed with excitement as the carriage made its way to St. George's. Elizabeth's stomach fluttered so much that she thought she might be sick. Her sister sat serenely except for the twisting of her gloves.
"Relax, girls," Mrs. Gardiner admonished. "Everything will be fine. I hope my little discussion with you did not cause undo distress."
Although her face flushed a lovely shade of pink, Elizabeth answered with a smile, "No, Aunt, although I admit I was a little uncomfortable. You were very kind to take the time to give us the information. I am certain had my mother been the one to try to impart such, I would be far more nervous than I am."
Jane silently nodded her agreement without looking at either of her relatives.
With their minds thus occupied, they were pleasantly surprised to find that they had arrived at the church. Mr. Bennet greeted them after moving down the front steps and helping them from the carriage.
"The gentlemen are eagerly awaiting you two." Their father smiled and winked at them. "Let us not keep them waiting any longer."
Once inside they found Lady Matlock holding two small bouquets of white roses. She handed one to each of the girls as she kissed their cheeks.
"I have not seen my son or nephew in such a state before this," she said softly, a smile curling her lips. "I am so pleased for you both. I believe that it bodes well for you all."
After Jane and Elizabeth expressed their gratitude, her ladyship and their aunt left them with Mr. Bennet. He offered an arm to each of his daughters.
"I will miss by two most lovely daughters. Do not forget your old papa."
Elizabeth kissed her father's cheek first, followed by Jane who said, "We could never forget you, Papa."
Pleased and proud, Mr. Bennet changed the subject. "We only have to wait for the music to begin."
As if on cue, the organ began to play, and the doors into the church were opened by an usher. Mr. Bennet escorted his daughters down the aisle to their waiting grooms.
There were few witnesses besides the earl and his wife. The colonel's brother, Viscount Evans, Langley Fitzwilliam, sat next to Georgiana across the aisle from his parents and the Gardiners. Rev. Buckland and Bishop James Stanton stood at the front with Darcy and Fitzwilliam.