Late March - Mid-April 1812
Over the next several weeks, Darcy thoroughly revised Rosings's ledgers and met with the steward several times. Lady Catherine had repaid the money that Lord Matlock had lent her to settle her debts and she only owed Darcy £1,000.
Three days after arriving at Rosings, Richard returned to London for a week, and with his father's help, he rescinded his commission and obtained a special license to marry. He also had the opportunity to see Elizabeth and Mary twice. He was very impressed with them; they were pretty, intelligent, sensible, and loyal young ladies; they were the kind of friends Georgiana needed.
Immediately, Lady Matlock published an announcement in the newspaper about the wedding and bought three copies: one for herself, one for Richard, and the last for Lady Catherine…
It is with great pleasure that Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine De Bourgh announce the wedding of their children the Hon. Richard Fitzwilliam and Miss Anne De Bourgh.
The wedding will take place on April 2nd, 1812 in the chapel of Rosings Park, Kent.
She also insisted that the entire family travel to Rosings to attend the wedding. As much as Richard tried to convince his mother that it wasn't necessary, eventually, the Matlocks, the viscount and Lady Maria, and Georgiana went to Rosings to 'support' the wedding.
During the week Georgiana was in Rosings, she had the opportunity to get to know her cousin Anne better and discovered she was an intelligent young woman who, unfortunately, had known for many years she would not live long and therefore never made plans for her future. In one of the many conversations, she had with her, she told her about her brother's courtship with her friend Elizabeth...
"... I remember Miss Thompson, she was nice, lively, and pretty."
Georgiana smiled, "Yes, it's still the same. I am so excited that she will soon marry my brother and we will move to Pemberley."
Anne nodded, "I hope Darcy doesn't ruin the courtship since from what you tell me Miss Thompson seems too good for him."
Georgiana looked at her cousin in astonishment, "Why do you say that, Anne? My brother is the kindest and most perfect gentleman I know. Elizabeth is lucky that my brother is in love with her!"
Anne shook her head, "Your brother is also proud and has little consideration for the feelings and thoughts of others. You told me, your brother wants Miss Thompson to sever ties with the Bonnets, except for your friend Miss Mary."
"Yes; my brother says Mrs. Bennet and the younger daughter's behavior is appalling and we shouldn't have any kind of relationship with them."
"Have you ever wondered if Miss Thompson will agree to cut ties with the Bennets? Is Darcy going to forbid her to see her brother because the boy lives with the Bennets?"
They talked for several more minutes about Elizabeth and the Bennet family. Until then Georgiana had never thought that Elizabeth might prefer Johnny to her brother and her...
On April 2nd, the marriage between Richard Fitzwilliam and Anne De Bourgh took place at Rosings Chapel. Lady Matlock invited the more important neighbors from the surrounding area - who knew very little of the bride - and close to twenty people were invited to the Wedding Breakfast at Rosings.
After the wedding breakfast, the Matlocks, Lady Maria, and her husband, along with Georgiana, returned to London.
Darcy stayed another week helping his cousin Richard, and touring the estate with him. Fortunately, the Rosings' steward was a capable and honest man who was willing to help his new master as much as possible to assume his role. Lady Catherine stayed on to live in the main house, and for many years continued to have a strong hand in the decisions of Rosings Parks.