A Summons to Scarborough... or Missed Connections
Charles Bingley has already signed the lease and paid the deposit on Netherfield Park when he receives a summons from his uncle in the north. Left in a difficult situation, Charles begs Darcy to take over the estate temporarily and set it to rights. Darcy reluctantly agrees, taking his sister and Mrs. Annesley along. When a cousin joins them unexpectedly, a much different story unfolds.
A plea for help, Darcy House, August, 1811
"Darcy, you always like large words, so here is one for you: I'm in a conundrum," Charles Bingley leaned back in his seat, running both hands through his curly blond hair.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knew that Charles might be flighty and spontaneous, but he was never dramatic. "What has happened?"
"I've been summoned to Scarborough. My Uncle Matthew has had a minor apoplexy and cannot oversee his factories. He has been gracious in running the entire enterprise and allowing me to be a silent partner so that I can fulfill my father's wish, but now I am needed north. Worse, I could be there for quite a long spell... perhaps as much as a year."
"And you have just signed the lease on that estate... can you get out of it?"
"You were there. It was a three year lease, but as part of the contract I am responsible for making repairs, winterizing the farms, and planning the spring planting. My purpose was to learn how to run an estate, after all, so the provisions were perfectly reasonable. Now..."
Darcy grimaced, "And the financial repercussions might have a major impact on your fortune."
"Which, I am concerned to say, may be needed to deal with issues in the factories."
"So what is it that you are asking of me?"
"Do you know anyone who might be interested in assuming the lease. Failing that, can you think of any other alternatives?"
Darcy thought back to his tour of the estate. He had been skeptical at first, since the property had been without a master for four years, but the steward had done a remarkable job of keeping up with the needs of the property. In truth, in the right hands, there was no reason that it should not provide a tidy profit. That and the fact that it was only half a day from London made it an attractive idea. I dreaded leaving Georgiana behind to fulfill my promise, but without Caroline Bingley there...
"I will assume the lease, Bingley, but if I am to spend my own money then I will want to take over the entire lease."
The younger man grinned, "Done!"
"With one additional proviso."
"Which is?"
"Your sister knows nothing of this transaction. In fact, I would prefer that everyone assume that the Darcys have returned to Pemberley. Netherfield Park is too close to London and I do not wish for any surprise visits."
"Done and done. Thank you, Darcy. And if I do not see you for many months, I wish you and your family well."
The people of Meryton were less than pleased when the much anticipated party from Netherfield Park failed to make an appearance on the night of the assembly. Mr. Bennet had already made his obligatory visit a week previous and had found the house empty. He refused to make another. Mrs. Nichols, the long-term housekeeper, had not been able to offer much in the way of information. All that anyone knew was that there had been some sort of alteration and now the harried housekeeper was only expecting three people: a man, his sister, and her companion.
Despite the fact that several locals were making regular trips past the entrance, and Kitty and Lydia had snuck right up to the gardens, it was Elizabeth Bennet who first encountered someone from the party... two someones in fact.
Elizabeth had been enjoying her favorite comedy from the Bard when she heard the sound of horses ascending the west trail up to the top of Oakham Mount. Not wishing to confront a potential stranger while sitting, she stood and faced the trail. Her slight frown turned into a slight smile when a young blond woman and a dignified but matronly older woman crested the rise on to two beautiful brown mares. Elizabeth did not know horses well, but she could easily recognize these as English Thoroughbreds. Both horses were brown with black manes, but the young lady's horse has white fetlocks while the older lady's horse had black.
The younger lady looked torn between smiling and hiding, so the older lady spoke, "Hello, Miss. I hope that we are not disturbing you?"
"Oh, not at all. I was just here in my favorite spot to read, at least while this warm weather lasts. With four sisters at home quiet is seldom available there. Might you be our new neighbors from Netherfield?"
The young lady found her smile. It was difficulty to do otherwise under the friendly eyes and kind smile of this pretty young local lady. "Oh, yes! I am pleased to meet you. I am Miss Georgiana Darcy and this is Mrs. Annesley...?"
Elizabeth made a curtsy and replied, "And I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of Longbourn. We are your nearest neighbors to your north, though the town of Meryton is actually closer to your door by a mile."
"If..." Georgiana struggled to find her words and looked to Mrs. Annesley, who nodded her encouragement, "If we would not be intruding, might we dismount and visit... perhaps?"
Elizabeth laughed gently and gestured to the large table-boulder on which she had been sitting, "Please do. My accommodations may be somewhat primitive but the view is spectacular."
Thus encouraged, the two ladies dismounted with the grace and ease that Elizabeth could only envy. She could ride, but Longbourn's horses were mostly work animals and not so fun to ride. She much preferred walking given the choice.
Now that the two were on the ground, Elizabeth could tell that Miss Darcy, though tall and well-formed, was perhaps no older than Kitty at seventeen. Mrs. Annesley might be closer to forty. Georgiana gushed, "It is a very pretty view, with the way that the morning fog still lingers in the low areas while the fields, trees, and hedges form a tapestry. Have you attempted to paint it?"
Elizabeth laughed again, such a natural and pretty sound that it made both ladies smile, "Would that I could! I am afraid that my efforts in that realm would look much more like a tangled skein of yarn rather than a landscape. My sister Kitty, on the other hand, might make an admirable attempt if she had the patience. And yourselves? Are either of you great artists who can freeze time and capture a moment?"
Georgiana blushed and admitted that her landscapes were little better than passable, "but Mrs. Annesley's landscapes and her portraits are both quite spectacular."
The older lady shook her head indulgently, "My art is acceptable, but nothing of great note. My grandfather was a gifted artist and he taught me. I grasped his techniques, but could never find his almost magical gift."
"Then I am selfishly gratified. I feared that an entire party of savants would sweep down from London with every possible accomplishment and leaving little for us lesser mortals to talk about." Her tone and expression was so impish that Georgiana was now completely relaxed. Mrs. Annesley had never encountered a gentle-lady quite like this miss, but if she could help her poor shy charge out of her shell, then she approved.
"Now, you must tell me: Is it seven gentlemen and twelves ladies as Mrs. Long supposed, or eight gentleman and ten ladies as Lady Lucas insisted? Nobody seems to agree on how many new neighbors Mr. Bingley has brought us."
Georgiana looked shy again, as if fearing to disappoint, but this time her companion waited for the girl to answer. Finally she shyly answered, "Actually there are only my brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, and myself. Mr. Bingley, the man who took the lease, is a friend of my brothers. He was suddenly called to Scarborough when his uncle suffered an apoplexy. He would have brought himself, by brother, two sisters, and a brother-in-law. My brother William took over the lease so that Mr. Bingley would not suffer a forfeit."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully, "That was quite kind of your brother."
Georgiana nodded, "My brother is the very best of men. He was going to come anyway to help Mr. Bingley learn how to manage an estate, so it made no difference in that respect. I do not understand the financial side, so I do not know if it was a hardship in that way."
"Sir Felton passed away four years ago, but he was sickly for several years before that. His nephew inherited the property but I am not aware of his having visited for many years. Thankfully the steward, Mr. Jinks, is a wise and responsible manager. The tenants would have suffered otherwise. Nevertheless, an estate will always fare better under an involved master."
"Mr. Darcy has a large estate in the north, in Derbyshire, and he is very attentive to his responsibilities," Mrs. Annesley furnished.
"Derbyshire? My aunt hails from that area. To hear her speak, even heaven pales in comparison."
Georgiana asked, "Do you know where in Derbyshire she hails from?"
"A little town by the name of Lambton. Her father is the rector there."
Both ladies, young and older, smiled. Georgiana happily exclaimed, "Lambton is only five miles from our estate! And we know Mr. Forthright!"
The companion added, "Actually, Mr. Forthright is my cousin... which would make your aunt Madeleine Forthright, as was? Now Madeleine Gardiner?"
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to almost squeal. "Yes! She is married to my mother's brother, Edward Gardiner! She and my uncle are my favorite relatives. My older sister and I each spend at least a month with them every year, though not at the same time. It is remarkable, as large as this island is, that we should find such close connections!"
They talked freely and comfortably for another half hour before they went their separate ways. Mrs. Bennet was well prepared with a sound scolding for her second and most troublesome daughter until she learned that Elizabeth might be the first to have fresh information about the Netherfield Party. Although Elizabeth was quickly surrounded by the females in her family, she was very circumspect in the information that she passed on. The last thing that she wanted to do was to have gossip spread which could have only come from her.
Thankfully, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Bennet's sister, soon arrived after having eavesdropped on the meeting between Mr. Darcy and her husband, the town's solicitor. The two matrons and several of the Bennet daughters rushed off to pay visits and "spread the word." Jane and Mary followed Elizabeth to her room where they extracted more details. Since neither was a tell-tale, Elizabeth felt safe in confiding all to them.
Once alone again, Elizabeth immediately started a letter to her Aunt Madeleine.
At Netherfield Park Darcy was listening with amazement as the sister who had been so withdrawn gushed about her new acquaintance. To hear Georgiana speak, this Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be the most wonderful, kindest, prettiest, and most interesting girl in the world! Whatever the young lady was, she had certainly made a positive impact on his sister.
Once an exhausted Georgiana went upstairs for a nap, Darcy quizzed his sister's companion on this new acquaintance. "I am afraid that I cannot be completely unbiased, Mr. Darcy. Her aunt is my second cousin and I have heard and read about Miss Elizabeth and her older sister. I have to say that what I heard matches with what I have seen today, at least with this second Bennet. Based upon what I know from Madeleine Gardiner, the two eldest, Jane and Elizabeth, are girls of remarkable character. The eldest is supposed to be a classic beauty, while Miss Elizabeth is supposed to be the clever one.
"Miss Elizabeth is certainly clever, well-spoken, and well read, based upon the way that she speaks and her casual use of quotes... none of it affected, mind you. But I must say, if the eldest Miss Bennet is the beauty, then she must be remarkable indeed, because Miss Elizabeth is attractive in her own rights."
Fitzwilliam Darcy was not particularly pleased with this mystery lady's connections to trade, but he could hardly spurn the connection now after she had made such an impact on his sister. Besides, he liked and admired Mr. Forthright. "Do you believe that Miss Elizabeth... and possibly her older sister... would be a positive influence for Georgiana?"
"I do... however, I must also add a caution. Madeleine had been less pleased with the rest of the family. To the best of my knowledge there are no scandals associated with the family. The third daughter is religious and somewhat pedantic, but a good girl. The two younger girls are Miss Darcy's age, with a year on either side I believe, but less controlled. Mr. Bennet is highly intelligent, but indolent as a landowner and father. Mrs. Bennet is of somewhat mean understanding and somewhat vulgar. She is also highly dedicated to finding husbands for her daughters.
"Miss Elizabeth herself provided a caution in this area. Though she and your sister have formed a quick and promising friendship, she cautioned Miss Darcy not to make a show of it in the presence of her mother, lest she try to assume a match between you, her brother, and the young lady."
"Miss Elizabeth gave this caution? That is...?"
Mrs. Annesley laughed, "Yes. It is highly unusual. I suspect that her mother has problems with that one. She is not the type to allow anyone to push her into a match that she does not desire. If I may, I truly believe that she would be a good friend for your sister without attempting to bind herself to you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Annesley. You have given me much to think about. For the immediate future if my sister wishes to invite the two eldest daughters, then she had my approval... perhaps the third as well? But I shall have to make my own judgment as to whether or not I will extend any greeting to her visitors."
"You must realize that word of our presence will be out all over the area by the end of this day, Sir? You have met with the steward, the solicitor, and several of the tenants. Even if Miss Elizabeth has kept mum, news will have spread like a grassfire."
Darcy had to fight not to sigh, "Yes... I realize that."
After his sister's companion left for her own rest, Darcy returned to his work, resolved to focus on improving the estate and avoid any interaction with the local population.
Just as predicted, the visits began right at the leading edge of visiting hour and remained steady well past the trailing edge. The majority were mothers and their young, unmarried daughters, since it was generally known that Miss Darcy was full young and not yet out, but once they saw her womanly form, several mothers with unmarried sons resolved to bring their boys for the next visit.
All had hoped to catch a glimpse of the wealthy bachelor, Fitzwilliam Darcy. In that magical way that it often does, reports of his properties, wealth, and person had somehow reached this area.
Georgiana had Mrs. Annesley at her side throughout. She struggled at first, but slowly relaxed. The Bennet ladies made there appearance a full half-hour past the opening of visits, but their reception, or rather Miss Elizabeth's reception, was so enthusiastic as to almost be desperate. Without realizing that she had done so, the younger girl installed her new friend beside her and kept her there like a talisman against this invasion. Even Mrs. Bennet's vulgar effusions did not phase the girl now that her friend was present. Georgiana did find both the beautiful Miss Jane Bennet and the shy Miss Mary interesting.
When it came time for the Bennet ladies to depart, Georgiana let out an little involuntary cry of disappointment and held onto her new friend's hand, "Could you not... would you please stay, Miss Elizabeth?" Elizabeth was more than happy to stay, providing that her mother would consent. Mrs. Bennet was slightly miffed that her Jane's continuing presence was not requested, but then she reasoned that this friendship would throw Jane in the path of the elusive Mr. Darcy on other occasions. "Of course you shall stay, Elizabeth. Only mind you behave like a lady and control that unruly tongue of yours."
Jane and Mary shot their sister apologetic looks before following their mother out of the room.
Had Mrs. Bennet known that another single gentleman would soon present himself, she might have found a way to linger.
Arthur Fitzwilliam turned his mount onto the drive of his cousin's newly leased property looking much the worse for wear. Parliament had been recalled for a special bill concerning the ongoing sanctions against the Americans, the former thirteen colonies which were now their own country. Like several of his peers, Arthur had argued against the ongoing antagonism, citing that a war with the French should have been enough to satisfy even the staunches hawk. It remained to be seen if their efforts would be soon enough or strong enough.
He no longer had a wife waiting home for him... which was both a blessing and a curse... he had presented himself at Darcy House instead, where he was reminded that his cousin could presently be found in Hertfordshire. On a whim he directed his valet to pack his things and prepare to follow if he could cajole an invitation from Darcy.
The groom, a long-time retainer, recognized Arthur right away, but when the man made to greet him with a bow, Arthur quickly shot him a signal to desist. The yard was currently teeming with carriages, some departing and others arriving, almost all filled with young ladies and matrons. His arrival had garnered attention, but both he and his mount were covered in dust and he was wearing his older riding clothes. Quietly he told the groom, "I do not wish to be known. For now I am Mr. Arthur."
Michael, the elderly groom, smiled in recognition. It was not the first time the younger man had used such a ploy. "Shall I send one of my stable hands in to warn your cousins, Sir?"
"Please do," Arthur agreed, then lifted his travel bags off himself. The ladies watching noted that the dirty man entered through the front door, but since the servants showed him no favor they assumed he must be a poor relative come to pay a visit. The master of the house was reputed to be a strikingly tall and handsome man, while this man was of medium height, thirty-ish, and more rugged than handsome.
When Georgiana read the note that was slipped to her, she had to fight not to grin and squeal. Her only visible action was to reach over and squeeze Miss Elizabeth's hand in happiness. Mrs. Annesley noted her charge's reaction and raised an eyebrow, prompting the younger girl to pass over the note. As there were still guests, the companion signaled her intentions with her eyes, got approval, and rose to go and attend to Georgiana's cousin.
A quick informal greeting to "Mr. Arthur" and a brief conversation with the housekeeper saw the visitor assigned to a room in the family wing. Once there, Arthur changed his apparel but postponed a bath. Without his valet he arranged his own cravat to the best of his abilities. Twenty minutes later, still looking less than dapper, Arthur descended the stairs again.
Even though proper visiting hours were drawing to a close, he was not surprised at all to see at least thirteen or fourteen sipping tea and attempting to ingratiate themselves with their young host. Arthur noted that the stalwart Mrs. Annesley was holding his cousin's right flank, but he also noted that another comely young lady seemed to be holding the left flank. He immediately noted her bright eyes and a light and pleasing figure, along with the fact that Georgiana often looked to the young lady when she needed confidence. Who is this? I had not heard that my cousin found such a friend?
The lady's eyes found him first and Arthur felt a moment of electricity between them. Then Georgiana followed her friend's gaze and smiled widely, causing every other head in the room to swivel in anticipation. Arthur had to fight back a laugh when most of those heated gazes turned into disappointment. His little cousin, having been pre-warned, cheerfully sang out, "Daniel! I'm so glad that you came to visit!" (Daniel being his middle name, when he wished to be unknown he went by his middle and first, becoming Mr. Daniel Arthur). "Please come in so that I can make introductions."
Arthur bowed to one and all, "Ladies, forgive the intrusion. I have been granted a holiday from my labors, so I am here to impose upon my dear cousins for room and board..." He turned to his cousin, "... if it is no imposition?"
"Daniel, you know that you are never an imposition. Please feel free to visit as long as you wish. Brother is in his study, hard at work, and will most likely not emerge before Monday next. He will be pleased to see you though."
The visiting ladies drew several conclusions from this brief exchange. The first was that this visitor was a poor cousin who had to work for a living and who often imposed upon his rich cousins. The second was that his stay would be a brief one. The third... and truly the only one that the ladies cared about... was that the master of the house would not "emerge" until a week full, it being Tuesday. With those misunderstandings firmly established, the last remaining ladies and their mothers rose to excuse themselves to their own affairs.
Mrs. Annesley had watched their exit with amusement, which baffled Elizabeth. The two waited to explain until the door was safely closed upon the last visitor, when Mrs. Annesley congratulated, "Well done, Miss Darcy. I see that you are learning from the dowager countess after all. Your 'Monday' tidbit was a masterful stroke."
Elizabeth, who had caught on to that much, waited for further detail. Thankfully Georgiana was not willing to deceive her new friend, "Daniel Arthur is actually Arthur Daniel Fitzwilliam." When it was clear that Elizabeth did not recognize the name, Georgiana grinned, "As in Lord Matlock, our cousin and the fifth earl of that title." Both ladies watched their guest with interest. Her reaction would say much and might define their future interactions.
Elizabeth grinned, "And I take it that he did not wish to be known to your guests? Very clever. Poor Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long! They lingered so long in the hopes of meeting the most eligible bachelor to visit this neighborhood in a decade, and an even more eligible bachelor walked right among them, unnoticed!" She laughed softly, then said, "I shall preserve his and your secret. Mrs. Annesley is correct though, Georgie: most masterfully done."
"You will not tell anyone, Lizzy, will you?" Georgiana worried, "Not even your mother?"
Elizabeth reassured the girl, "Especially not my mother. If she knew, everyone would know and they would set up tents on your lawn. No, we shall leave the poor beleaguered bachelors to their own devices. But I do hope that his visit will not make it impossible for us to see each other?"
"Oh, no, never! I hoped to repay visits tomorrow and was hoping... would it be too much to ask if you could accompany us, Lizzy?"
Mrs. Annesley and Elizabeth shared a look. After the older woman nodded her approval, Elizabeth answered, "I will agree... but you have to understand the problems it might cause. Every other maiden and their mother will resent me and see my ongoing presence as a threat to their own hopes. It would be best if I could honestly state that I have not met your brother and do not expect to..."
"Oh! I had not considered... in London every woman who visits spends most of every visit craning her neck for a glimpse of my brother. I should have expected the same here. I will talk it over with William... but you will come along, won't you?"
Donning her bonnet, Elizabeth nodded, "It would be a pleasure. Why don't you stop at Longbourn first and then we will continue from there?"
At dinner, Georgiana passed on her friend's concerns. Darcy was bemused and Andrew amused, "That has to be the first time I have ever heard of a young lady begging to not be introduced to you, Cousin. Perhaps you are losing your charm?"
Darcy sipped his wine, "One can only hope. From what I hear, Miss Bennet is unusual in many different ways."
"Remarkably attractive girl," Arthur noted, causing both of his cousins to look up at him speculatively, "Don't give me those looks. I am allowed to notice a pretty woman, even if I have sworn off the whole lot of them. I was surprised to hear that your acquaintance was of such short duration, Georgie. You seem already attached."
Both men watched the young lady as she beamed, "It would be hard not to be. I have never met anyone like Lizzy. She is so comfortable with herself. She tells funny stories about the neighborhood, but her stories are never cruel like Miss Bingley's, and she tells funny tales about her own mistakes just as often."
Arthur set his own glass down, "As you are busy and feeling decidedly unsociable, Darcy, I would like to volunteer my services to escort Georgiana around. Since everyone believes me to be the poor cousin now, I will simply be there to watch over our girl. Do you agree?"
"If it excuses me from the same calls, I am more than happy to hand the duty over to you, Arthur."
Mrs. Annesley was the only person at the table to observe Lord Matlock's secretive little smile. She also suspected the reason for it, but kept her silence.
Over the following two months the ladies of Netherfield Park were accompanied often by one young woman from Longbourn and/or one slightly older man from parts unknown. Since it was well established that this extra visitor was a poor relation, nobody minded that he was often in the company of one of their own fair maidens. In fact, many other matrons laughed behind their hands at how that scheming Mrs. Bennet had failed in her efforts to throw Miss Elizabeth into the path of Mr. Darcy.
And while Fitzwilliam Darcy devoted his time and efforts to improving his leased estate... something that he had a natural gift for... Arthur Daniel Fitzwilliam devoted his time to quietly coming to know and then courting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, for her part, was skeptical of his interest at first, but as she came to know the man she found him intelligent, thoughtful, and kind. There was a quiet power about him which appealed to her, and an understated dignity which most others did not see. Others suggested that he was rather plain to look at, but Elizabeth's eyes... and slowly her heart... found much to admire in Arthur's rugged, comfortable face.
There were occasional bumps in the road. One came in the form of a Mr. Collins, the very man who Arthur's aunt had given the living of Hunsford to. The man was the heir presumptive to Longbourn and he felt entitled to his choice of daughters as well. Mrs. Bennet would never sacrifice her eldest to such a man, but she saw no reason not to point him towards Elizabeth. It fell to Arthur the make it quietly but abundantly clear that the man should look elsewhere. Elizabeth didn't know how it was accomplished, but the parson's interests were soon redirected towards Charlotte Lucas.
The second bump in the road was of a much more serious type. While riding through town Lord Matlock recognized George Wickham, the man who had made himself a nemesis to both the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams. Thankfully the man did not recognize him. After a talk with Darcy, the ladies from Netherfield, along with Elizabeth and Jane, made a shopping trip to London while the two men dealt with the cad. Before the ladies returned, Lieutenant Wickham was on a troopship bound for the continent and the ongoing conflict there.
The unexpected result of that shopping trip was that Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, the dowager countess, became aware of the Bennet ladies. She must have been curious or concerned, because she presented herself as the senior Mrs. Arthur, Daniel's mother, one month after he first appeared and installed herself at Netherfield Park as the hostess. It was she who decided that Netherfield Park needed to host a ball. Darcy was horrified. Arthur was amused. The locals were ecstatic.
Elizabeth did not know exactly what to think when she found herself included in Mrs. Arthur's... or Lady Susan's... daily lessons to Georgiana on how to manage a large estate home, how to host dinners, and how to arrange a ball. Elizabeth was at least gratified that the woman had not rejected her outright... but she had difficulty in believing that the dowager would consider her as a suitable wife for her son.
There were odd questions from time-to-time, such as "I know that you have little interest in the Ton, but if you had to interact with them occasionally, would you?" and "As much as you love Hertfordshire, I hope that you would be willing to relocate, if you found the right incentive?"
It sounded almost like Lady Susan expected her son to propose, but there was no way that an earl would choose her... a thought that hurt her more than she would care to admit. Still, Elizabeth was enjoying her time with Georgie and Arthur too much to distress herself over the little things. She simply told herself that she was not falling in love and tried to make herself believe it.
On the night of the ball, as they traveled from Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet scolded her second daughter for wasting her time on a ne'er-do-well like Daniel Arthur. She admonished the foolish girl to "spend more time with men who can look after you and your family!" Elizabeth only listened with half an ear, since she had already committed her first and supper sets to Arthur.
Mr. Bennet rode in the carriage in silent amusement, as the man in question had paid him a private visit just that morning. Arthur had not only revealed his intentions, but also his true identity and worth. The father in him had been a little put out at first, but also proud that his Elizabeth had passed a test that no lady of the Ton could have: she saw the man, not the title or wealth. It amused him to think that his Lizzy had been able to keep such a secret right under the noses of her mother and everyone else.
For many of the people of greater Meryton that night, it was their first time to see the tall, handsome and imposing person of the Master of Netherfield, Fitzwilliam Darcy. This only served to make mothers and daughters alike salivate after the man. Arthur had decried any need to also stand in the line, so he wasted no time in claiming the hand of his Elizabeth, who looked quite beautiful that evening.
The Bennets had arrived with twenty minutes to spare, so Mr. Bennet accompanied his favorite daughter as Arthur led her to the library. When Elizabeth looked to her father for guidance, he patted her hand and said, "Listen to the man, Lizzy. Open your heart and mind to what he has to tell you."
Now alone with her father standing just outside of the door, Elizabeth allowed herself to be led to a seat while Arthur took another facing her. "Elizabeth, I think... I hope that you know that I have become increasingly attached to you over the past weeks. For a very long time after... but that story can wait a moment... suffice it to say that I have been wary of ever even attempting to find a woman with whom I would wish to spend the rest of my life... until I met you and saw the way that you interacted so freely with Georgie.
"I know that your mother always expounds on the beauty of your sister Jane, and I would never disparage your sister because I know how dear she is to you, but from the very first moment I saw you it has been your beauty which has captivated me. Yet there is so much more to you than just beauty. You are kind to everyone, though you do not suffer fools. You are more intelligent than most, yet you do not shove your intellect in people's faces. You are confident in yourself, but in you it is never arrogance. In short, you are everything that I would ever wish for or want in a wife... if you would have me?"
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face as she opened her mouth, but Arthur forestalled her, "Please, before you answer, there are several extremely important issues that you must be made aware of. The first is that I have a daughter from my first marriage. Her name is Bethany and she is two. She is the only good thing that came out of a very poor choice in a marriage partner. You see, I married my first wife according to the dictates of the Ton, based upon her wealth, her titled family, and her connections. But soon after we married I learned that she also gave her favors to other men... I cannot even know for certain if Bethany is my child by blood, though I shall always claim her as mine. My wife died in an accident while riding in the carriage of the worst rake in London.
"The second issue is how the Ton will receive you: Many will look down on you for reaching above your station. Others will talk behind your back and to your face, expecting you to be just like my first wife. And then there are all of those who will hate you for stealing the position they wanted for themselves or their daughters. The same people who ridiculed me for being a cuckold were also thrusting their daughters at me at every turn. My mother and I, along with the Darcys and other friends, will do all that they can to protect you, but we will not always be there.
"So now the question remains: Could you love a man like me, no matter what you might face or the taint of my past? And could you love and raise a daughter from a previous marriage?"
Elizabeth saw the hurt and fear in that homely, handsome face and her hand rose of its own accord to touch his jaw. "If you were any other man but my Arthur, I would refuse to put up with London, and the Ton, and everything else... though I would very much like to meet your daughter. But you are my Arthur, so if you will accept a woman who has no idea how to be the wife of an earl, then I will accept Arthur Daniels, or Arthur Fitzwilliam, or even Lord Matlock if it means that at the end of the day I get to have you."
Arthur let out the breath that he had been holding and asked again, "Elizabeth Rose Bennet, will you be my wife, to share our lives together, come what may?"
"Yes! Oh yes!"
The kiss that followed was so pleasing for both that they never wanted it to end. It required outside intervention... in the form of Elizabeth's father clearing his throat twice, to bring it to a conclusion. Then Elizabeth hugged her father. He kissed her head and softly said, "I could not be more proud of you, my dear Lizzy. And I could not give your hand to a worthier man."
There was great astonishment among almost everyone when, immediately after supper, Mr. Bennet rose to announce the engagement of his daughter Elizabeth to the Earl of Matlock. Mr. Bennet had very wisely arranged for two footmen to stand close to his wife when, just as he expected, she fainted from shock. There were other mothers and daughters who were also close to fainting... or perhaps committing murder. Needless to say, the second half of the ball had a much different atmosphere from the first.
Regardless of their reactions, for the remainder of their days they would brag about how the Earl of Matlock regularly visited their homes and even dined occasionally.
This historian will spare the readers from all of the many and various exclamations, boastings, and grumblings which followed. Jane, Mary, and Georgiana were all overjoyed for the pair and pleased that they would soon all be family. Kitty was too stunned to speak and Lydia was resentful that she was no longer the center of attention... she wasn't before either, but now she could not even deceive herself on the matter.
Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, the dowager countess, was very pleased for Arthur. She had never quite forgiven herself for pressing that first marriage on her son. This second marriage, though less acceptable to the Ton, was much more acceptable to the family.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had spent almost all of his time improving the estate and avoiding social calls. As he observed Elizabeth Bennet that night and even danced the second set with her, he could not quite escape the feeling that he had missed something important. In later years he would hold the new countess up as one of the best women of his acquaintance. When he did finally choose a wife, she was remarkably similar to the wife of his cousin. He did realize a profit from the property, as did the owner when he sold it to the Earl of Matlock three years later. It would eventually be the estate of Arthur and Elizabeth's second son.
Mrs. Bennet would often claim that she "always knew" Arthur's true identity and worth. Nobody believed her, but it mattered little. It had been her dream that one good marriage would lead to more and that is precisely what happened. It took time, but eventually every Bennet daughter wed well, not only to men of property and wealth, but also to men they could love.
As for Arthur and Elizabeth, while Lord Matlock always faithfully took care of his commitments and obligations in the Lords, he and his beloved wife made very little effort to woo the Ton. They befriended those they considered worth befriending, regardless of rank or circumstance, and essentially tolerated or even ignored the rest.
Oh... and because inquiring minds might want to know, Charles Bingley enjoyed his work in Scarborough so much that he chose to remain there. His sister Caroline was livid, so he released her dowry to her and sent her back to London. It is the understanding of this historian that she married a man of great fashion and little funds, whereupon she spent the remainder of her days exchanging gossip and imposing herself on the Ton. Some might say that they deserved her.
Author's Note: I cannot say how long I am back for, or how coherent my stories will be. My condition requires medicine which renders me sleepy and muddle-headed. It makes a handy excuse for all of the typing errors I seem to make and often fail to catch. Please correct me anyway so that I can fix things when I am lucid.
Concerning "Grandmother Bennet": I am working on this story. Having been raised for a while by my own grandmother, it makes the story somewhat personal. The problem is that I made several mistakes early on which were hindering the story progression, so the revised story will look different and hopefully better. Please be patient. Between doctors and drugs, I am not quite what I used to be or want to be.