Two days later, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Kitty made their way to London accompanied by a maid to maintain the propriety of their traveling together. The ladies were to stay with the Gardiners and Darcy was looking forward to meeting Mrs. Gardiner as she hailed from Lambton. Darcy knew her husband and had rather liked him, so he was predisposed to like his wife as that lady was Elizabeth's favorite relation.
The introductions went smoothly despite Mr. Bennet's letter announcing the girls' intention to visit not having reached London. Mrs. Gardiner welcomed them gladly, always pleased to have Elizabeth visit, however unexpected. Although she had heard much of Darcy courting her niece over the last month, she was slightly surprised at the news of the engagement. She congratulated both her niece and Mr. Darcy and mentioned to Darcy her slight acquaintance with his father and mother from her time in Lambton.
Darcy was inordinately pleased with this mention of his parents. As they had both been gone for many years, he always enjoyed hearing stories about them, even from one who had only a remote connection to them as Mrs. Gardiner did. He invited them to dine at Darcy House the following night so they could all be introduced to Georgiana. Then, far too soon for both Elizabeth and Darcy, he departed for Mayfair to acquaint his sister and cousin with his engagement.
To say Georgiana was pleased with this news was an understatement. When he announced his news to his sister, she squealed her excitement. "I am to have a sister," she proclaimed. "When might I meet her? Is she in London? When will you marry?" She asked these and several other questions in quick succession, not allowing her brother the opportunity to respond.
Darcy laughed, which was surprising enough to cause Georgiana to quit her rapid questioning. "You are happy, Brother?" she asked her final question and then waited for him to answer.
"Very happy, Georgiana," he replied. "Elizabeth has accepted me and I could not be more pleased to make her my wife. We will marry before the end of the month. You will not have one sister, but five, although it is unlikely you will meet Lydia any time soon as she is at school. I believe she will return home before the summer."
Georgiana was surprised to be reminded that she would acquire not only her brother's wife as her sister but the others as well. "I had forgotten about the others. Tell me about your betrothed and all of her sisters."
He laughed. "You will meet Elizabeth and her sister Catherine, called Kitty, tomorrow evening. I have asked them to join us for dinner, and I hope you will accompany both ladies on their shopping trips this week. In fact, I will call on them at Gracechurch Street in the morning, and if you like, you might accompany me to meet them even sooner." At Georgiana's nod, he considered another matter. "Georgie, would you like to introduce Elizabeth to your modiste tomorrow or the following day? Since the letter to her relations announcing their arrival went awry, I imagine no arrangements have been made for her to begin her trousseau. She will need a great number of dresses and things for town as Mrs. Darcy as well as warm attire for Derbyshire. Although there is scarcely enough time, if you help her place the orders now, everything should be ready before we go to Pemberley."
"Oh, I will send a note first thing in the morning," Georgiana said. "Will you include one to add her to our accounts?"
Darcy nodded, realizing this was not something he had considered before that moment. He wondered what arrangements Mr. Bennet may have made for Elizabeth's purchases since he had left almost immediately after approving their plans. In the morning, before the ladies began their shopping, he would need to speak to Mr. Gardiner to see what steps needed to be taken to ensure the ladies could shop to their heart's content.
Darcy's considerations were all unnecessary. Gardiner had already considered the lack of planning on Bennet's part and had spoken to his wife about what was needed. Gardiner's warehouse would provide the material for all of Elizabeth's clothing, and Mrs. Gardiner's customary modiste had been able to arrange an appointment that very morning. Georgiana was invited to accompany them on the outing, and Darcy was summarily left alone with Mr. Gardiner.
Although Darcy would have preferred to remain with his betrothed, he could not, and so the gentlemen removed to Mr. Gardiner's study, where they discussed the marriage settlement and other arrangements. Knowing Bennet's desire to increase the dowries of his daughters, Darcy elected to refuse Elizabeth's portion leaving the funds for her sisters. Gardiner acquainted him with Elizabeth's own investments, which amounted to a little over a thousand pounds. She had done well, saving her bits and bobs for so many years, and Gardiner had added to it when he was able to do so, which had helped it reach that amount. Darcy intended to leave it under Elizabeth's control and made a notation on the draft of the marriage settlement of the fund and his intentions regarding it.
Gardiner was rather impressed at the breadth of the marriage articles. Included within were arrangements for children, both sons and daughters, for Elizabeth should Darcy predecease her, her settlement - thirty thousand pounds to start - and her personal income, also known as her PIN money. In addition to this, she would receive a quarterly allotment for her clothing that was separate from the money required for the several households Elizabeth would manage as the mistress. Darcy had his home in London, and, of course, there was Pemberley, as well as a smaller estate in Scotland and homes in Bath and Lyme. His annual income was well over twenty thousand pounds from these properties and his investments, making Elizabeth's settlement easy to manage without her dowry.
The settlement had been drafted by Darcy's solicitor even before he had proposed and needed few adjustments. He fully intended to acquaint Elizabeth with all its particulars and asked Gardiner for permission to do so when the ladies returned. Gardiner agreed to this request and was appreciative of the obvious respect this man had for his niece.
Once the marriage settlement was reviewed, the conversation drifted to business and the success of the investments Darcy had already made with the gentleman. From there, the conversation moved along to the changes in the Bennet household. Elizabeth had told of these in her letters to her aunt, and they had discussed them the previous night after dinner, but Darcy had a different perspective on the situation, not being a member of the family.
"Quite frankly, sir," Gardiner said, "I am amazed at my brother doing anything about his family, and I wonder what, if anything, will aid my sister. Bennet would have done well had he attempted these measures twenty years ago, but my sister's behavior is ingrained. Sending Lydia to a school will at least keep her away from embarrassing the family so readily, and I am amazed at the changes I see in Kitty already. It seems all she needed was a separation from Lydia and some time and attention from someone with sense. I am glad she will be joining your sister and receiving some lessons from an art master. I have offered for years to bring her to London for just that, but Bennet has always refused my request."
"Mary is much improved as well, or so Elizabeth says," Darcy added. "I am not certain what she was before, but Elizabeth seems to think that separating her from Fordyce has significantly improved her." He laughed as he and Elizabeth had discussed that particular author and what they both thought about his strictures several times. While not all the man said was bad, some of his lessons on how "proper young ladies should behave" were ridiculous. Elizabeth preferred to discuss Wollstonecraft and her Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which was far more in line with her thinking and, to be honest, with his.
Darcy remained in Gardiner's office until the ladies returned several hours later, surprising both. "I did not know you intended to remain all afternoon, sir," Elizabeth said archly after greeting him.
"I did not," he replied, standing quickly and walking toward her at the door of the study. "Your uncle and I began conversing and apparently lost track of time."
She smiled at him. "I have often had the same happen to me, most often in your presence," she said softly.
He smiled back. "I am glad to have seen you again," he replied near her ear, causing her to shiver slightly as his breath caressed it.
"You will see me at dinner tonight, sir, at your home, even," she teased.
Darcy took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "Soon to be our home, dearest," he whispered.
The sound of a throat clearing reminded them they were not alone. "We should join the others for tea. I do not doubt that my wife will have ordered it almost as soon as she arrived home," Gardiner said to the couple. "After tea, Mr. Darcy, you may meet briefly with Lizzy to discuss the settlement unless you prefer to wait."
"Elizabeth, it is up to you if you would like to review it now or later. I would like you to review it before I present it to your father upon our return to Hertfordshire," he told her.
"I am not in need of refreshment, Uncle," Elizabeth said. "Might we stay here and begin?"
Gardiner looked between the pair before nodding. "I will leave the door open and will be back to check on you after I have had my own tea," he said. He left the room, leaving the door cracked open behind him.
Still standing, Darcy and Elizabeth quickly momentarily sought each other's embrace. "I have missed you, William. Your sister is charming, but I found myself wishing you could have accompanied us to the shops," she told him.
"It will not be long, my love," he told her. "Are you ready for dinner with my family tonight?"
"I already know your uncle and your sister is precious. I like her so much, William," she enthused. "You are right - she is very shy - but between Kitty and me, we were able to draw her out considerably while we were shopping. Although I will say she is quite stubborn and, between her and my aunt, we ordered far more than I would have done on my own. Surely, William, I do not need so much. We are immediately going to Pemberley and will not even be in company very often."
He smiled at her and lightly kissed her. "I am glad that you like my sister, and she is correct that you need much more than you are used to having. Derbyshire is much colder than Hertfordshire and London, and there will be many things you need there you did not need before. Now, let us sit and review the settlement, which I am sure you will find reasons to object to as well." He sighed dramatically and laughed at the face she made as he led her to a settee in the corner of the room.
Once they were settled, he handed her the documents. She immediately began to read over the document and barely made it through the first page when she first looked up at him. "William," she began slowly, "exactly how wealthy are you?"
He laughed before answering, and the two spent the next half hour in a spirited conversation about the settlements, his wealth, his estates, and the partnership he envisioned with her once they married. When Mr. Gardiner joined them, Elizabeth shared a few of the suggestions they had discussed regarding the marriage settlement. Her uncle agreed, and the three continued to discuss the marriage settlements and investments until it was time for Elizabeth to dress for dinner at Darcy House.
Darcy escorted Georgiana home much later than he intended and had to rush to dress. He encouraged Georgiana to take her time to prepare as he would greet their guests when they arrived.
As planned, the Gardiners arrived first. Kitty sat with Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley in the drawing room while Darcy showed the rest around the principal rooms on the first floor. He saved the library for last, and Elizabeth was in love - if one could be in love with a room. The library was large and likely occupied as much space, if not more, than the ballroom on the floor above. "Elizabeth," she heard Darcy's amused voice call as she looked around the room.
"It is wonderful, William," she exulted, then her voice turned teasing. "If I did not already love you, I think I could fall in love with you for this room alone."
"I am thankful you fell in love with me first, although, if I had known you would react this way, I would have brought you here much earlier in our courtship," he teased back.
She laughed, a sound he had come to adore. The Gardiners were out of sight for the moment and he pulled her into his embrace. "I adore you, Elizabeth," he whispered, leaning down to lightly kiss her.
"And I you, William," she replied quietly. "Your house is stunning - I wonder if I will be able to live up to the expectations of it."
"I assure you, dearest, the house has no expectations of you," he replied. "And as for me, you absolutely meet any expectation I may have ever had for my wife. You make me happier than I have ever been. Rest assured, there is no one else I have ever wanted for my wife. You exceeded all expectations."
She sighed against him. "Thank you, William, although I confess you may have to remind me of that occasionally."
A sound at the door had them draw apart and the butler announced that Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, and son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had arrived and were in the drawing room with Georgiana.
Darcy and Elizabeth, accompanied by the Gardiners, entered the drawing room. Introductions were made between those who were unfamiliar with each other. Lord Fitzwilliam greeted Gardiner and Elizabeth enthusiastically.
"Gardiner," Lord Fitzwilliam greeted the man. "I am rather surprised to find you here tonight. And Miss Bennet, I am pleased to see you here. I did not know you knew Darcy and Georgiana."
"I met Miss Bennet in Hertfordshire while visiting Bingley, Uncle," Darcy informed him. "And I must tell you, Miss Elizabeth has also defeated me in a game of chess, although I have won a game or two since."
"Ahh, so you have discovered Miss Bennet's talent for chess," Lord Fitzwilliam retorted. "We have played a few times, but I believe I have a slight edge over her in wins."
Elizabeth protested. "We are tied, sir," she challenged. "If I am not mistaken, we have played six times and have won an equal number of games."
Lord Fitzwilliam laughed. "You may be right, my dear," he replied. "Now, Darcy, your note said you had news to share with us tonight. Will you share it now or must we wait for it?"
Darcy grinned at the Earl's impatience which alerted the company, almost as much as Elizabeth's entering the room on his arm and remaining there, to the type of news he had to share. Raising his free hand to rest on Elizabeth's, he looked at his family and proclaimed his happy news. "Congratulate me, Uncle, I am engaged. I asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me last week and she accepted me. We intend to marry at the end of the month in Meryton. Will you come?"
The three Fitzwilliams looked at each other in surprise. The Colonel was the first to recover and stand and offer his congratulations to the pair. Lord and Lady Matlock stood a little more slowly and offered slightly tepid congratulations, concerned for the match Darcy had made. As the night progressed, they slowly warmed to the connection as they saw the genuine affection displayed between the couple.
After dinner, when the gentlemen separated from the ladies, the Earl pulled Darcy to the side to ask for more details.
"Darcy, you have been away from London for barely a month and you return engaged, ready to marry within the month. Are you sure you truly want to marry this woman? She is not your equal in consequence or society," he said. "I am concerned that you are rushing this decision."
Darcy sighed and sought to reassure his uncle. "I assure you I know what I am about, sir. I love her and she returns the sentiment. We are well-matched in every way that matters and we will be very happy together," he said earnestly. "We have courted almost since the moment we met and I feel absolutely certain about my choice. Be happy for me."
The Earl looked at him and nodded. "I will support you, Darcy. I do believe you could have done better, as far as money and connections are concerned, but I also know you likely have little need for more money. And you already despise most of society, so her not bringing any notable connections into the relationship matters little to you. I do know Gardiner well, and he is a very good man, and Miss Bennet is a lively, pleasant girl who will likely help you in society. I will speak to your aunt and we will support her in society for you."
"Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate your support," Darcy said earnestly.
Soon, the gentlemen joined the ladies. They were all having a pleasant conversation and Lady Fitzwilliam appeared to have been making the effort to get to know Elizabeth. Darcy went to sit next to Elizabeth and joined the conversation.
"Darcy, I have enjoyed getting to know Miss Bennet in the last hour. Will you bring her to my house for tea while you are in town?" she asked.
Looking at Elizabeth, he saw her slight nod. "Will the day after tomorrow work, Aunt?"
"That will be fine, Darcy," Lady Fitzwilliam replied, then she reached over and patted Elizabeth's hands. "I look forward to getting to know you better, dear."
"Thank you, my lady," Elizabeth replied. "I look forward to the same."
The group conversed another hour before the Gardiners felt it was time to depart. Darcy escorted them out, disappointed not to have the chance of saying a private goodbye to Elizabeth, but knew he would see her again in the morning. He was beyond ready to claim her as his wife so she did not have to leave him at night. With this thought, he returned to his family.
The Fitzwilliams were all waiting for him when he returned. "Darcy," the Colonel cried, "Your betrothed is a delightful creature." Darcy only nodded in reply.
"Darcy," Lady Fitzwilliam drawled, "I confess that we are rather surprised to meet your betrothed here tonight; none of us were expecting such news. I have never heard of Miss Bennet before - will you tell us more about her?"
Again, he nodded. "I met Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, at an assembly on the very day I arrived at Netherfield. I was in an ill-humor - between being forced to attend an assembly and Miss Bingley's presence - and Elizabeth was kind. I was no doubt as rude and boorish as I normally am at parties where I know no one, but she pushed right past that and offered me a small kindness. I found a way to be introduced to her and then asked her to dance. I enjoyed her conversation and we even danced a second time that night. Since then, we have met nearly every day and have grown to know her well. And her family.
"Her father has been indolent up to this point, and something his youngest did has spurred him into action. We have spoken many hours about how he might increase the profits on the estate and he seems to be set upon this purpose to improve not only his estate but his family."
"How did the engagement come to be, Darcy?" Lady Fitzwilliam pressed. "Does she have a dowry? Her connections include a tradesman and who else? Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are very genteel, and I know, James, that you know them well, but does she have any other connections?"
Lord Fitzwilliam interrupted. "Darcy does not need a dowry, nor does he need more connections than he presently has. Miss Bennet has neither, but you must admit that she is ideal for him. It is obvious that they care for one another deeply."
Lady Fitzwilliam sighed but agreed. "I take it you have spoken with him already?" she inquired.
"Yes, and I have pledged our support for the match," he replied to his wife. From there, the conversation drifted into several different topics and plans, including the wedding. After a while, the Fitzwilliams departed and returned to their own home.
The rest of the week saw this same group gathered several more times, both at Darcy House and Matlock House, as the Earl and Countess threw their support behind their nephew and his betrothed, with a promise to attend the wedding.
At Longbourn, Jane and Mary were coming to know one another better in the absence of the rest of their sisters. Bennet's dictate that Mary read something other than Fordyce nearly a month ago had led to her being less pedantic and less prone to sermonizing and made her conversation more bearable by her sisters. She and Jane had discovered common ground in the still room as Mary desired to learn more about the use of herbs and flowers for healing. Mary had begun visiting Longbourn's tenants with Elizabeth and Jane and was now learning from Jane how to provide greater assistance to them.
When Bennet returned a few days later, he was surprised to find his two daughters were speaking about the relative merits of different herbal concoctions used for healing. Rarely had he heard Mary speak so sensibly, and he was pleased with the change. Calling Mary into his bookroom, he began to quiz her on the books she had read in his absence. Although he had intended to begin instructing her sooner, all he had done before he left was take away Fordyce and suggest a handful of books to read. She had read them all and then had asked Lizzy for additional recommendations. He was pleasantly surprised at the change wrought in her with such little effort and quickly realized that had he made this effort sooner, he would have seen far more sense in Longbourn much sooner. As he had frequently in the last month, he felt heartily ashamed of himself.