Chapter 14

Elizabeth had never attended such a magnificent ball. Her emerald green gown, paired with the stunning set of emeralds and diamonds her husband had presented her after dressing, set off her skin perfectly, and Elizabeth fairly glowed. The dress was also cut lower than anything she had ever worn before, showing off her décolletage, which had nearly led to a delay when William had threatened to send her back up to their rooms to help her change.

Darcy was a man torn – his wife was so incredibly lovely, but with her assets on display, as they were in the dress he had chosen for her, he did not want other men to see her. After being reminded that while other men might see, only he could touch and taste, he reluctantly boarded the carriage for the short trip to Matlock House. They were shown into a drawing room when they arrived, where the family were all together. Tea was served soon after they arrived, and it contained more substantial food offerings to tide them over until supper would be served at midnight. Finally, they arrived at the purpose of the invitation, which was to discuss the gossip that had been generated about Darcy's wedding, especially following their visit to the theatre the night before.

The gossip had been mostly positive, and most in attendance at the theatre had been pleased with what they saw. Of course, not everything had been positive, but among Lady Matlock's friends, Elizabeth had been well received. Those she met the previous night had thought her rather pretty and well-spoken and had been pleased with the affection between the pair. A few who remembered the elder Darcys also recalled the uncommon love they had shared and were pleased to see he had found the same.

This was discussed for far longer than the gentlemen would have liked, and when they began to squirm uncomfortably, were sent away to allow Lady Matlock to share some final wisdom with her new niece. "There is nothing to worry about tonight, Elizabeth. I have not invited anyone here who will attempt to discompose you. You and Fitzwilliam will lead off the first, and my husband will dance the second with you. My sons will take the third and fourth.

Her orders given, she escorted Elizabeth out into the ballroom, where the gentlemen were also gathered. Within a few minutes, their first guests were announced into the room, and Elizabeth and Darcy took their place in the receiving line next to Lord and Lady Matlock. The Gardiners arrived early, accompanied by Jane. When the Warwicks arrived, after greeting their hosts and the newlyweds, they went over to stand with the Gardiners and spoke for a time with that couple. Jane and Lord Andrew stood slightly apart from the other couples, and Lord Andrew requested the first set from Jane.

The ball was well attended, although not a crush, since Lady Matlock preferred her guests to enjoy her events and not feel overwhelmed by too many attendees. Elizabeth was well-received by all those in attendance, although a few young ladies did cast jealous looks in her direction. There was nothing in her appearance to criticise, and they all had to acknowledge that her dress was stunning. Most surprising to many was how at ease Darcy appeared when with his wife, and several were surprised to discover the man had dimples. This fact caused those jealous ladies to sigh once again that such a handsome man was no longer on offer, although they had to admit that he had never smiled like that for any of them.


The next few weeks were very busy for the couple as they attended a variety of events, including balls and musical evenings, another theatre performance or two, an opera, and several dinner parties. Lord and Lady Matlock frequently attended the same events, and while the Gardiners attended fewer, Jane had accompanied her sister and new husband several times as well. At many of these events, they encountered Lord Andrew, who spoke with Jane often, but never called on her, nor did he ask her for more than one set at a dance. This confused the lady, but she was willing to wait to see what might develop. She had acted too quickly with Bingley, and was determined to guard her heart with Lord Andrew. Nonetheless, she found she enjoyed his company at these events and felt that, at the very least, she had gained a friend.

As May changed to June, the Darcys began to prepare for their departure to Pemberley. This was Elizabeth's first season, and it had been exhausting. Elizabeth had departed her home in late February with the intention of being away for six weeks and was returning almost four months later, having been married for slightly over two months. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley had left the previous day, accompanied by Lady Matlock. Georgiana intended to visit her aunt for the summer to allow her brother and new sister to travel first to Pemberley for a visit and then further to the Lakes on a belated wedding trip.

The morning of their trip north, they woke early and ate a light breakfast, as they would travel first to Gracechurch Street to retrieve Jane, who they would accompany home before they travelled further.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth were a little unsure about their reception at Longbourn. Elizabeth's infrequent letters from her mother and youngest sister had been full of requests for dresses and ribbons and other fripperies, whereas Mary and Kitty's had been more worrisome. Their letters had spoken of few entertainments at Longbourn and fewer shops in town accepting items to be purchased on credit and demanding coin. Mary was better at saving than her sisters, and she still had ready coin from her last allowance, but as Kitty and Lydia had exhausted theirs, they had nothing to spend. Mrs Bennet had also used all of her personal income, and for once, Mr Bennet had refused to advance her any. Her household accounts were also short, although she was unable to explain that, which meant the Bennets were entertaining infrequently, adding to the complaints.

The letter that had arrived from Bennet to Darcy the day before they were depart had both Darcy and Elizabeth on edge. Apparently, Bennet had a 'business proposition' for his new son-in-law that he wanted to discuss with Darcy when he arrived.

Elizabeth worried about this and had been agitated since she read it, wondering what difficulty her father had made for himself and what he was expected from her husband. The argument between the couple had been heated, but Elizabeth had demanded to be allowed to join the gentlemen for whatever conversation would take place. Darcy had not wanted her to be present, but after much debate, he had capitulated. The couple had made up with passion equal to that with which they fought, a fact which made Elizabeth laugh and quip, "If we always make up like that, it may be rather an inducement to argue rather than to agree." Darcy had merely laughed before kissing her again and pulling her back to him for another go.


The carriage stopped outside of Longbourn recalling both Darcys back to the present. Exchanging a glance that left them both blushing, all the occupants of the carriage began to prepare to depart as Darcy's footman placed the step and opened the door. That gentleman stepped out and then turned back to hand out first Jane and then Elizabeth, taking her hand in his own and placing it possessively on his arm to escort her toward the house. The five remaining Bennets met them at the door; the matron greeting them effusively.

"Mr Darcy, we are so happy to see you at Longbourn," she enthused. "You are so kind to escort our dear Jane back home. We were ever so surprised to learn that you were to marry our Elizabeth, although I cannot imagine your choosing her over my beautiful Jane. Is your friend expected back in the county any time soon? We have missed the Netherfield party since you all left in November. Will Mr Bingley return to Netherfield soon?"

Darcy spoke quickly the moment Mrs Bennet drew breath. "I have not heard from Mr Bingley in some time, madam; I am unaware of his current plans. And as Elizabeth is quite the most beautiful woman I have ever known, I am inordinately proud to have her as my wife. I cannot imagine choosing another."

Mr Bennet chuckled softly and took advantage of his wife's silence to invite them all into the house. Elizabeth noted his pallor and cheeks that were decidedly thinner than they had been when she had left in February. "Welcome, children," he said as Darcy's carriage driver began to move it toward the back of the house so the trunks could be unloaded. Lizzy and Kitty danced around, behaving like children instead of young ladies and demanded to see what gifts they would receive. Mr Bennet said nothing to them about their behaviour.

Mrs Bennet found her voice again. "Would you like to refresh yourselves first or join us for tea in the parlour?"

Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other. "I believe we could use a few moments to refresh ourselves, madam," Darcy intoned in his solemn voice.

"Well, Lizzie, you can show Mr Darcy to the guest room. He can stay there, and you can use your old room," she told them. "I will have the servants place your things in your rooms."

Elizabeth dared a look at her husband and tried to send a look to assure him all would be well. She led her husband upstairs to the guest room, sneaking away for a moment to inform Hill that her trunks could be placed in the guest room along with her husband's. Her face was red as she said it, but when Hill merely smiled at her and congratulated her on her marriage. "Do you know why Papa insisted we stay in London for it?" she asked the loyal servant.

"I have some ideas, Miss Lizzie," Hill replied darkly. "But this is not the time to speak of them."

Elizabeth furrowed her brow in question but allowed the housekeeper to depart, knowing she would make the arrangements as she requested. She returned to the room where she left her husband. "Hill will ensure both of our things are placed in this room. I would have minded staying together in my old room, but it adjoins Jane's and is located directly beside Lydia's. I would not be surprised at Lydia or Kitty trying to listen to us if we are near them. At least here, we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the house."

Darcy grinned rakishly at her. "Do you intend to give them something to listen to, love?" he inquired, laughing when she blushed brightly.

"Perhaps I should sleep in my old room," she retorted, moving toward the door, but he pulled her back before she could take more than a step or two.

"No, love, I do not think I can sleep without you in my arms," he teased her back, as he pulled into her arms. She remained in that attitude for several minutes.

Elizabeth sighed and pulled away slightly so she could look at him. "I have a feeling I will need your arms around me tonight. I will have to sustain myself with this embrace for now, Fitzwilliam. I apologize in advance for anything that my mother, sisters, or father does that is embarrassing. The letters I have received from my family have been far from comforting, and I am still amazed that not once in two months has my father written. I do not know whether I should be concerned or angry, although, I confess, he did not appear at all well when he greeted us."

"All will be well, Elizabeth," he told her, pulling her head back to his chest. "Whatever it is, we will face it together. You have no need to worry. If it is as you fear, and there is something wrong with your father, I will purchase a home nearby so your mother will have a place to live near all her friends and relatives."

"And you will ensure she does not live with us, will you not?" she laughed when he grimaced. "I cannot fault you for that thought, William, as it is exactly in line with my own wishes." She felt him sigh against her. "Let us go down now and see what we can learn. Papa will want to talk to you soon."

That said, she took him by the hand and led him back downstairs to her father's bookroom. "Lizzie, Darcy," the elder man greeted them. "What can I do for you?"

"We have come to speak of this 'business proposition' you have, Papa," Elizabeth answered first. "Given that you did not deign to answer a single of my letters asking you to explain why you preferred us to marry from London, I was amazed that the only letter we did receive seems to be asking my husband for funds."

Mr Bennet was taken aback. "That letter was sent to your husband, Lizzie, and was meant to be between us gentlemen. You had no right to read it."

"I did have the right when my husband gave it to me to read, sir," Elizabeth retorted. "My husband views me as a partner in this marriage and not as an adornment; I am privy to all his business."

"That is nonsense," Bennet replied. "You will learn, Mr Darcy, that it is sometimes best to keep the women out of your business. I am sure, in time, you will come to seek to separate yourself from your wife being so involved in men's affairs."

"As my wife said, we are partners, and my business is her business. There is little that she is unaware of, and if she does not know of it now, she will in time. I do not intend to live a separate life from my wife and have welcomed her into my life and my business," Darcy replied stiffly.

Bennet scowled, uncertain of how to continue if his daughter would be made aware of it. He realized that she had Darcy's full support and that gentleman would not condone Bennet attempting to exclude her. With a grimace, he plodded forward. "I have a … situation and could use some help, Darcy," Bennet admitted, his words trailing off uncertainly.

"What kind of help, sir?" Darcy asked, his voice icy. Elizabeth placed her hand on her husband's, clearly indicating where her loyalty was.

"Well, I had intended to tell you all of this after dinner, over port, and without my daughter present, but the fact is, last autumn, about the time Lizzy rejected my heir, I attempted to do something to aid my daughters in the event of my demise by investing with a gentleman I knew from my school days. One thing led to another, and the investment failed, and now I owe these gentlemen five thousand pounds. They cannot do anything with Longbourn since it is entailed, and I have been giving them small amounts as I was able, but they are no longer satisfied with that. They are threatening to throw me into debtors' prison, and on this last visit, just a few days ago, they … they offered to take Jane in payment."

Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth could speak after this pronouncement. The initial revelation was bad enough, but that these men were threatening to take her sister was beyond Elizabeth's imagination. She was well-read, and she knew exactly what these men would do with her sister if they took her.

"Papa!" she cried. "You cannot be serious. How can you be so much in debt? Why would you not have contacted my uncle Gardiner for a reliable investment opportunity if you wanted to do something to help my sisters?"

Darcy laid his hand on Elizabeth's, and she calmed somewhat. "What are you asking me to do, Mr Bennet," he said, his voice stern.

"I was hoping you could give me the five thousand pounds to settle my debt," Bennet proposed. "You took my Lizzie, and Gardiner told me of the settlement. Surely you can afford to give me that much in return for my giving you my favourite daughter."

"Tell me more about this investment that resulted in you owing such a large sum," Darcy insisted.

Bennet was reluctant at first to tell all, but eventually, under Darcy's insistent questioning and unrelenting glare, he divulged the whole story. It was not an investment but rather an ill-advised foray into gambling that resulted in Bennet getting entangled with such disreputable men.

"I need the funds by the end of this month, or they will arrange to take Jane as repayment," Bennet said finally. "They are rather serious and have threatened to harm me, perhaps even kill me, if I attempt to keep them from doing as they wish. Somehow, one of them got a look at Jane while she was in London and decided she would fetch a fair price in a … certain place."

Elizabeth paled, and Darcy was concerned about her reaction to such news. After a moment, her look of shock retreated to be replaced by anger. "How could you do such a foolish thing, Papa?" she demanded. Looking at her husband, he nodded almost imperceptibly, and she continued. "We will give you the funds, but it will not be a gift. It will be a loan, and you will pay back every penny. I am guessing the shopkeepers in Meryton are not refusing credit to everyone in town, but only the Bennets, either because you have failed to pay your bills as you paid off your gambling debts or because they know something of what you have done."

Bennet acknowledged that it was the former. "Tomorrow, Mr Darcy and I will ensure that all bills in Meryton are paid, and he will do what is necessary to ensure you have the necessary funds before we depart. However, you will pay these funds back to us. You will have to speak to Mama, and you will retrench so it can be done. If you pay back two hundred pounds each quarter, you can pay off the entire amount in just under seven years. There will be other conditions to our agreement, and Jane will be accompanying us to Derbyshire to ensure these gentlemen do not get any other ideas about taking her," Elizabeth was livid at her father. "Fitzwilliam and I will discuss the terms, and before you receive a farthing, you will sign our agreement, promising to do all we have asked.

There was little Bennet could do but agree to whatever terms they set forth. Elizabeth stormed out into the gardens behind the house, and Darcy excused them before he followed. Bennet sat down heavily in his chair and contemplated what had brought him to this point.


Author's Note: We finally have the reason that Bennet gave his consent so easily. Let me know what you think about the story going in this direction. Bennet will be (mostly) redeemed by the end, but the focus will remain on ODC.

I have updated the entire story to correct some grammar and spelling issues, as well as to resolve some lingering questions or to fix inconsistencies. As always, let me know what you think, either in the comments or by sending a private message. I hope you are enjoying this story. It's summer, so I hope to be able to finish it before we go back to school in August.