Chapter 13
The morning of the wedding, once the gentlemen had finished readying themselves for the ceremony, they had congregated in the library. Mr. Bennet grinned as he watched Darcy pace and the colonel fidget with his cuffs. He remembered the nerves he experienced before his wedding. Of course, he had not had to worry about an interfering aunt and a pesky parson trying to stop the marriage.
A footman came to the door. "The carriage is ready in the mews. John Coachman wishes to inform you that he is ready to leave when you are."
"Please tell him that we will be with him in a few minutes, and also let the ladies know we are leaving," Darcy said as he stopped his pacing and straightened his jacket.
"Yes, sir," the footman said as he left the room.
"Well, gentlemen, the time has come. Let us not be late for church," Mr. Bennet said as he stood.
The journey to St. George's seemed to take an interminable amount of time for Darcy, but he knew it was only his anxiousness to be with Elizabeth. Finally, she would be his own wife as in his dreams. How wonderful is the thought!
Arriving at the church, they were met in the foyer by Lord and Lady Matlock. Smiles graced both faces as the earl clasped both in a brief manly hug before declaring, "I say, Darcy, yours was a brilliant idea to come in the Gardiner's carriage. My sister's spies would not look twice at the conveyance. I enjoyed the ride here, knowing we will foil her plans once and for all."
Darcy only smiled, as his mind was not on his aunt or her plots, but on his anticipation of marrying his beloved. The conversations around him were only a buzzing in his ear, until the colonel poked him with his elbow.
"Cousin, we are to follow the rector to meet the bishop."
Finally, Darcy followed the colonel into the church to the anteroom where they found the two men. After introductions were made, the bishop asked the young men to clarify a few points about the situation with Collins before he asked if they would allow him to preside over the ceremony.
"I have no objection, Bishop Stanton," Darcy assured him. "What say you, Richard?"
"It is fine with me as well." Richard grinned. "And it will add weight to our unions. Aunt Catherine could not say that we somehow falsified the wedding."
"You are correct, Colonel Fitzwilliam," the bishop agreed. "I have been acquainted with Lady Catherine for years, and I must say that I will be pleased to help you in any way I can."
The two grooms were summoned by the rector when it was time for them to take their places in the front of the church. Darcy paid little heed to his surroundings, as his heart beat rapidly awaiting his bride. On the other hand, Richard seemed to take in everything when, in reality, he was as eager for Jane to arrive as Darcy was for Elizabeth.
Within a few moments, the organ swelled and the doors at the back of the church opened. The guests stood and turned to see the two lovely brides on the arms of their father. He escorted them to the waiting grooms. At the question, "Who gives these women to be wed?" Mr. Bennet smiled and gave Jane's hand to the colonel and Elizabeth's to Darcy.
The atmosphere at Matlock House was festive and joyous. All of the wedding guests, the rector and the bishop, gathered round the newlyweds. The breakfast was intimate and casual, especially for one at an earl's home.
Once everyone had their food and found a place at the table, the earl stood. "I wish to toast the two couples. First, thanks to Jane, Richard will not be in danger on the battlefield any longer. May your lives be filled with joy, love, and children. You know your mother and I want grandchildren." He winked at his son as the laughter filled the room.
Once the gaiety died down, Matlock turned his attention to his nephew. "Elizabeth, your love and dedication has brought William back to us. May your lives be happy and filled with love.
"To the newlyweds!" He raised his glass and took a drink to exclamations of "Hear, hear."
Darcy smiled down at his bride and whisptered. "You look so beautiful that my heart almost aches with the joy of it. You are truly mine. It is no longer a dream or a delusion, but more wonderfully real."
Placing her hand over his under the table, Elizabeth beamed. "I am so happy that you are well, and we are wed. I can hardly find words to express my delight."
Richard smirked as he watched his cousin with Elizabeth.
"Why such a look, husband?" Jane asked a smile evident in the tone.
"Darcy seems very happy, but I know that it is I who is the happiest." He paused as he lifted her hand to his lips. "I am older and waited longer to find the perfect woman. There is no way he is happier than I am, my beautiful wife."
Jane blushed but she did not argue with Richard. It had been an odd journey for them, and now, they would make the rest of it together.
The viscount moved to join his brother and his wife. He shook Richard's hand and kissed Jane's cheek. "Sister Jane, I hope you will tell me if my little brother gives you any trouble. I will take care of things."
"Do not worry, Brother," Jane answered teasingly. "I believe I shall be able to keep him in line. After all, I am the oldest of five sisters. A single husband should not be too daunting."
Chuckling at her jest, the viscount said, "I do not know if you have thought of where you will spend your first nights together, as you must wait for our aunt to come to Town. I would like to offer you the use of my townhouse."
"I thought you had tenants there," Richard inserted.
"Yes, the Trentworths lease my townhouse, since I prefer to stay at my club or here at Matlock House. However, they have gone to Bath to take the waters. They are to be gone for the next month. Bernard Trentworth asked if I would stay at the house to keep an eye on things and keep the servants from taking advantage of their absence. It would be more private for you and for the Darcys if you were to stay there for a few days."
"Jane, what do you think?" Richard turned to his wife.
"I think it is a lovely idea. Thank you, sir," Jane replied eagerly.
"Then it is settled. I shall write to the butler immediately and send someone round to inform him of your arrival." The viscount bowed and left them to marvel.
"What a pleasant surprise!" Richard exclaimed. "I was a trifle concerned about that aspect."
"As was I," Jane agreed.
Darcy and Elizabeth spent the first day and a half sequestered in their suite, having their meals brought to them. It was not until well past noon the second day that they decided it was time to show themselves to their neighbours and one in particular, Mrs. Carrington-Smythe. The young maid who had let slip the initial information to their neighbour's lady's maid had been reprimanded soundly and transferred to work at Pemberley.
The newlyweds donned their outerwear before descending the front steps to the street. Arm-in-arm, they strolled the wide avenue, making certain that they crossed in front of the Carrington-Smythe home three times before re-entering their house.
"I saw the front curtains of our neighbour's house flutter at least twice as we walked by. Mrs. Carrington-Smythe is certain to have seen us. It is very likely she is writing to my aunt as we speak."
A half an hour later, a footman entered the sitting room which Darcy and Elizabeth sat. Bowing the servant spoke. "You asked me to keep watch on the Carrington-Smythe house. There was an express rider called."
"Please take a message to Matlock House and Colonel Fitzwilliam at Viscount Evans's house. Tell them that we are certain Lady Catherine is being notified."
A quick, "Yes sir," and the footman was gone.
The next day, the earl and his wife welcomed the bishop, the Darcys, Fitzwilliams, and the contingent from Gracechurch Street into their home. They all went into the large drawing room and sat in the various chairs and sofas. No long afterwards, Mr. Hampton and Mr. Buckland were announced.
"I am glad you came so quickly," Lord Matlock said as they were all seated. "It was a good thing that I sent my man Roberts to Rosings to bring any message from Anne. He arrived about an hour ago. My sister has left with Mr. Collins for Town, probably an hour after Roberts did. I am not certain how soon they will arrive, but knowing Catherine, we will not have to wait much longer."
"Did Anne know any more of their plans?" Richard asked from the place next to Jane.
"Only that they planned to come here, once the word from Catherine's spy informed her of Darcy's return to the outside world," his lordship answered.
"I, for one, want this all to be over, so that I may introduce Elizabeth to the world as my wife, and we have already made plans to go to Pemberley as soon as may be." Darcy gazed fondly at his wife.
"I am sure that everyone will be happy once we settle this matter." The earl spoke what was on the minds of all present.
"Of course, you and Lizzy must first come to Longbourn," Mr. Bennet added with a grin. "Your mother will be upset as it is, and if you do not visit, she shall make my life miserable."
"Yes, Papa, we plan to stop in Meryton on our way."
Just then the butler entered the room and announced, "Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr. William Collins."
In unison,, the gathered rose to their feet.
"What is going on here?" Lady Catherine asked in an offended tone. "Why are all these people here?"
"I invited them here. Allow me to introduce my friends."
Lady Catherine gestured away any introductions with one hand, so focused was she in glaring at Elizabeth and Darcy.
"Please be seated, Catherine," Lord Matlock gestured to the two vacant chairs opposite the rest. Everyone else followed suit, reclaiming their seats.
"Tell me why you are here," The earl addressed her ladyship.
"I wish for a private audience with you and Darcy. Send the rest into another room," Lady Catherine demanded.
"If you wish to speak with Darcy and me, you will say it now. This is my home. I want them all to stay."
With a humph, Lady Catherine lifted her chin. "Do not say I did not give you a chance to conceal what I have come to show you.
"I have come to demand your assistance," Lady Catherine said as she reached into her reticule and drew out a piece of folded paper. "I am in possession of an engagement contract signed by our nephew in which he agrees to marry my Anne."
"May I see this supposed contract?" Lord Matlock walked over to his sister and held out his hand.
The lady gave it to him with a self-satisfied expression on her face. "You will see that it is signed by Darcy as witnessed and dated by my parson."
Lord Matlock examined the document closely before handing it to Darcy. His nephew frowned but said nothing as he gestured for Mr. Hampton to come to him. "Look this over, Mr. Hampton, and give me your opinion."
After a quick look at the document, Mr. Hampton said as he handed the paper back to Mr. Darcy, "This is not your signature, sir."
"That is preposterous!" Lady Catherine cried in protest. "I know my nephew's hand."
"I am sure that you do, Lady Catherine," Mr. Darcy answered calmly. "However, I sign my legal documents differently than my correspondence as my solicitor will swear."
"My parson will swear in a court of law that he witnessed it," her ladyship asserted heatedly.
"I see," Darcy said without emotion. "Mr. Collins, I have a question for you."
"I am happy to answer you to the best of my ability." Collins leaned forward in his chair and rubbed his sweaty palms on his trousers.
"I remember when we first met in Hertfordshire you spoke at great length about your ordination and your appointment as the parson of Hunsford. You said that you were ordained at Easter last year. As I was at Rosings at that time, a curate presided over the service that year. Rosings records show you came in May. You could not have witnessed anything at the time."
"I-I-I," Collins stammered but could not think of an answer.
"You are wrong, Darcy," Lady Catherine insisted. "He was at Hunsford by Easter."
"I disagree with you, Lady Catherine, but Mr. Collins was not at Hunsford last Easter." Bishop Stanton stated firmly. "I took part in his ordination service. It is impossible that he was also in Hunsford."
Her ladyship looked over at Collins before she turned an angry shade of red. "Well, we have another piece of evidence which shall prevent a marriage between this vulgar Bennet chit and Darcy. Show it to them, Collins."
With obvious nervousness, Mr. Collins handed a paper to Lord Matlock. His lordship read the document silently for a few moments before lifted his head and spoke. "This claims to be an engagement contract, as well; only one between Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet which promises Miss Elizabeth is to wed Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet, did you make and sign such an agreement?"
"I certainly did not. After my daughter refused him, I, in complete agreement with her, would not give my consent. He proceeded to propose to our friend and neighbour, Miss Lucas the next day and was rejected by her as well. He left in a huff soon after." Mr. Bennet answered with satisfaction at the memory.
"What day did he leave?"
Mr. Bennet grinned broadly. "It was Saturday, the seventh of December. I remember because I have always considered seven to be my lucky number."
"Interesting, because, this is dated the twelfth of December. Did he return on that date?"
Mr. Bennet shook his head. "No, he did not, for I told him he was no longer welcome in my home. This is the first time since then that I have laid eyes on him."
"You idiot!" Lady Catherine hissed. "You have ruined everything. You will leave Hunsford immediately."
"I completely agree." The bishop had risen to his feet. "Mr. Collins, you are stripped of your credentials of ordination and removed from your post as parson of Hunsford parish."
"But what will I do?" Collins looked as pale as a sheet with sweat beading on his forehead.
"That is not my concern. Most importantly, I am concerned for the people of the parish."
The bishop turned his attention to Lady Catherine. "I am taking the appointment of a parson at Hunsford from your hands. I shall assign one personally. You have proven that you are incapable of good judgement, especially in this case."
"I will speak to the archbishop," Lady Catherine protested loudly, pounding her cane on the floor. "He will listen to me."
"I am afraid you are wrong, Madam," the bishop stated emphatically, "As I have already discussed the matter with him. He is in agreement with me."
Before Lady Catherine could answer, Lord Matlock stood to move closer to his sister. "Catherine, you are defeated in this. You shall not have everything as you wish any longer. I have already arranged to take over the trusteeship of Rosings. Your husband left provisions for such a time as this. You have tried to defraud your own nephew and the Bennet family. You will be lucky if they do not sue you in court for this."
"You cannot do this! You would need more time to make these kinds of preparation. I will not permit it," she said as she stood nose to nose with him.
"I can and I have," Lord Matlock said as he took her by the shoulders and sat her back in the chair. "If you will remember those two incidents at Darcy's house, I began to look into it the first time. Hampton has all the papers to prove it."
Turning to the solicitor, Matlock nodded. Mr. Hampton stood and brought the documents to his lordship. "This is court recorded in accordance with Sir Lewis's will. You will live at his hunting lodge in Scotland. The jointure left to you in the marriage articles will pay for the servants and your upkeep.
"Your husband thought that you might wish to deprive his daughter of her rightful place as mistress of Rosings by whatever means necessary. In view of this, he put into place several provisions to safeguard Anne. You were to have no idea what they were until the time came to implement them.
"You did know, however, that Anne was to inherit Rosings on her twenty-fifth birthday, which is upon us in one week. Not only did you hide the fact from your daughter, but you tried to bully Darcy into marrying her, so that you could keep on at Rosings as its mistress. You have failed, pure and simple. If you had abided by your late husband's wishes, you could have lived at Rosings the rest of your life. Since you have proven that you have not, you will not see it again once your things are removed. I shall accompany you with several of my men to assist you with your packing. The de Bourgh jewels will not leave with you, including those you are wearing."
Lady Catherine clasped her hand over the necklace she was wearing. Her face reddened with anger. "How dare you act against your own kin! I will fight this," she threatened.
"I suppose you could try, but I have all of the correct papers. You will lose any court battle and ruin your standing as you do it. No, Catherine, you will come quietly or suffer the indignity of leaving this house bound," Lord Matlock said calmly.
"It is all the fault of that Bennet person," her ladyship raged as she stood and stalked toward Elizabeth, hands outstretched as if to claw her.
Darcy stood in front Elizabeth, blocking his aunt. "You will not lay a finger on my wife." His voice was cold and menacing.
"You are mad, Darcy," Lady Catherine paled as she dropped her hands. "I would have known if you had married."
"I am afraid that you are not omniscient," Darcy said with a satisfied smile. "We were married three days ago. If you have any doubt of my word, most of this group attended. The bishop himself officiated."
The light laughter that circulated the room did nothing to improve her ladyship's mood or complexion. She moved toward the door, but was prevented from leaving by two burly footmen.
Colonel Fitzwilliam stood and helped Jane to her feet. "Before you leave on your journey, and because you obviously did not wish to listen to introductions when you first arrived, I would also like to introduce you to my wife. This is Jane Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth's elder sister. We were wed in the same ceremony."
Clearly defeated but not wishing to admit it, Lady Catherine retook her chair. She did not deign to speak, so she waited in aggrieved silence until the final arrangements for her departure were made.
After some consideration, Collins was to be allowed to ride with the men who would accompany the earl and his sister to Rosings. At least one of the men would make certain that the defrocked clergyman would take only what was lawfully his. He was given fifty pounds and strongly urged to book passage to another country never to return to England.
The two newly wedded couples along with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Phillips quietly took their leave of the rest. Back at Darcy house, they conferred together to decide when to make the trip to Hertfordshire.
Finally, after coming to the conclusion that Mr. Bennet and his brother would return to Meryton, Mr. Phillips would see to the reopening of Netherfield. The Darcys and Fitzwilliams would have a place to stay since neither couple wished to spend all of their time there at Longbourn.
The new brides would shop for their trousseaux during the next fortnight and be seen at select parties so as to be introduced into society. Once they had visited the ladies' family in Meryton, they would travel to Pemberley. Georgiana would stay with the Matlocks for a month before she returned to her home in Derbyshire.