Important Notes: I wrote a chapter (Chapter 80) explaining Mr. Bennet's thoughts and the situation at Longbourn. I hope I have clarified the doubts/questions/criticisms.
PPP
Following the funeral, Mr. Bennet's will was read; it was stipulated that Johnny inherited Longbourn, but until he came of age, Mr. Gardiner as Johnny's guardian would make all the decisions.
In addition, his daughters inherited £600 each and, except for Jane, Mr. Gardiner was their guardian until they came of age. Ultimately, Mrs. Bennett inherited £5,000, which was originally stipulated in their marriage contract.
At Mrs. Gardiner's suggestion, Lydia was locked in her room to prevent neighbors who came to visit Mrs. Bennet and her daughters from seeing her.
That same day, Darcy had the first of several very serious conversations with Mr. Gardiner about Elizabeth, Johnny, Sandstone, and Longbourn…
"Mr. Gardiner, I am going to speak bluntly, I imagine that as guardian of your nephew and responsible with Mr. Bennet of the administration of Sandstone you are aware that in recent years some tenants have left and the income has dropped considerably. As I am to marry Elizabeth shortly, I want you to show me Mr. Thompson's will."
Mr. Gardiner paled slightly, he knew he couldn't refuse to show him the will and he had to be frank with him. "My copy of the will is in London." He sighed, "Surely on Mr. Bennet's office there must be a copy of it. If you wish, I can tell you what the will stipulated."
"Mr. Gardiner, I prefer to see the will."
Mr. Gardiner nodded and a few minutes later Mr. Thompson's will was indeed found next to Longboun's ledgers.
Darcy carefully read the will, and after several minutes said, "The will states that Sandstone's surplus income after paying Elizabeth and Johnny's support costs will be deposited into an account in Johnny's name."
Mr. Gardiner nodded, "That says."
Darcy met his eyes, "How much money is in the account right now?"
Mr. Gardiner sighed, "I think zero."
"You mean, in all the years the Bingleys leased Sandstone and the year the house was closed, the profits from the estate went entirely to support Elizabeth and Johnny?"
Darcy met his eyes, "I wonder; could it be that you and Mr. Bennet were sharing the income that should be for Johnny's future?"
"I swear to you, Mr. Darcy, that I never used Sandstone money, not even when Elizabeth was staying with us in London..."
"I have a hard time believing you, Mr. Gardiner."
"Bennett collected the rent from Sandstone and authorized the repairs. I let Bennet take over the administration of Sandstone as I have my business in London which I cannot neglect and I have no experience as a landlord."
With forced calm asked, "Where's the money, Mr. Gardiner?"
"Part of the money my brother-in-law used to increase my nieces' dowries."
"And you didn't do anything about it."
"I spoke to Mr. Bennet several times, and he promised me that he would return the money as soon as Longbourn was more solvent. I know very well I have not adequately looked after the interests of Elizabeth and John."
"Why didn't you report it? or why didn't you do something to prevent it? Mr. Bennet was literally stealing money, and you are his accomplice. Before the Law you are also guilty."
"Mr. Darcy put yourself in my place, if I denounced my brother-in-law, what would become of the future of my nieces and my sister? You know very well that they would be ruined..."
Darcy did not answer him since he understood Mr. Gardiner's position was very difficult, but he was not going to allow the situation to continue as it has been until now. He was going to look after the interests of Elizabeth and Johnny, and the first step was for Mr. Gardiner to no longer be Johnny's guardian as soon as he married Elizabeth…