Chapter 10

When the gentlemen returned, Elizabeth was feeling much more herself. Her eyes were twinkling when they greeted them, and Darcy hated to, once again, take that away from her.

"So, you have returned and are ready to discuss that 'delicate' matter with us poor females?" she teased Darcy.

He nodded and gave her a slight smile. "I apologise for not telling you directly, Miss Elizabeth, but I felt I needed to discuss it with your uncle first. It also was not the kind of news I wanted to share with you in a carriage, so I opted to wait until we had arrived," he said earnestly before leading her to a settee across the room from the Gardiners.

This action surprised her relations, and Gardiner merely shrugged at his wife as he quietly told her what had been discussed in the study. Then, they turned to watch the other couple.

"Miss Elizabeth," he began after a minute of contemplation, then shook his head and tried again. "Ellie, I hate to tell you of this, but Mr Bennet wrote a letter to Mr Elliott asking him to approve a marriage contract for you." She gasped, and he took her hand in his, lightly caressing it as he spoke softly. "He desires to engage you to his heir, who is willing to give up his rights to Longbourn because he has been led to believe he would receive Briarwood as part of your dowry. Mr Bennet either forgot or is unaware the estate passes directly to you. The terms of your grandfather's will are clear, he left Briarwood in trust for you and specifically ensured that your future husband, if you marry, will not have any entitlement to it, or to the proceeds from rents and other payments associated with the estates, upon your marriage."

"He is attempting to trade my future for his wife's comfort and security," Elizabeth said blankly.

"Yes."

Elizabeth let out a shuddering breath. "Obviously, you will not approve the contract; but will Mr Elliott?"

Darcy reached out to hold Elizabeth's hand. "No, of course not, my dear. And, remember, under the terms of the will, your approval is required for your marriage as well. I cannot imagine why Mr Bennet expects you would consent to this. Moreover, even without your inheritance, Mr Bennet cannot force you into a marriage you do not desire. The Church of England is very clear on this. There is no point in worrying about that.

On Monday, I will consult with Mr Elliot and with my solicitor to see what must be done about appointing a guardian for you to give consent to our marriage. Indeed, once the Chancery Court learns of the Bennets' conversion of your funds for their own use and their deception regarding your true parentage, it may be that the court will simply grant its consent without appointing a guardian for you."

"That is good to know," she replied, sounding very tired. "What else do I need to know?"

"Mr Collins, the heir, is most likely a sycophantic fool," Darcy told her. "He is my aunt's rector, and she likes to surround herself with people who would never dare disagree with her. I would not expect him to be anything else; he probably believes he is doing you a favour by marrying you as I am certain the Bennets would have allowed him to believe the story in Meryton of your being the natural child of his brother. Gardiner asked a relevant question earlier about how long this has been planned and if the Bennets ever planned to tell you the truth. They will likely be upset to learn that I have told you the truth of the matter, and frankly, I am somewhat astounded they have not attempted something like this before now."

"I need to move," Elizabeth replied, and Darcy had to hide a smile. She asked permission from her uncle to escape to the garden. Permission was granted, and Elizabeth flew through the house toward it without even bothering with a coat or hat. Darcy could only follow behind.

She paced through the back garden for several minutes, her frustration evident. "Despite my contentment in being with my aunt and uncle, I long to be in the countryside right now, where I could roam much farther than the boundaries of this garden. I am not in the mood for a leisurely stroll in the park; I yearn for a place where I can embark on a lengthy, invigorating walk to walk off my frustration."

Darcy had been watching her as she paced, uncertain of how to best support her. He had simply followed her and stood and waited for her to speak. "I know of some places I could take you outside of town. Of course, it would be better if you could ride there."

"Mr Bennet did not keep horses appropriate for us to ride sidesaddle. Nor would Mrs Bennet have agreed to purchase me a habit had I wanted to learn. I would guess that Mr Elliott was told I was taught as one of my many accomplishments," Elizabeth replied bitterly. "Twelve hundred a year could have afforded me many more opportunities than I was given. Mr Bennet has stolen much from me—that was money I was entitled to. I would not have complained had they kept back part of that money for themselves, but nearly all of it was spent on them; none was spent on providing me with the accomplishments I should have had. I wanted to learn to ride; I asked for tutors who would teach me things; I begged to be permitted to go to school. Although, if Miss Bingley is an example of what I would have learned at school, perhaps it is best I did not attend. Regardless, my uncle took what was not his and deprived me of what I was entitled to. He robbed me of so much, and even should he have to pay it back—which he never will be able to do—he cannot restore to me what I lost due to his selfishness."

Elizabeth began to sob heavily, and Darcy rushed to take her in his arms before she collapsed. He caught her and sat down heavily with her in his arms. Pulling her into his lap, as he was uncertain of what else to do, so he merely wrapped his arms around her and let her cry.

Gardiner found them like this sometime later and gave Darcy a stern look. Darcy merely shrugged helplessly and continued rocking Elizabeth in his arms as he muttered soothing words. Gardiner sat on a bench and watched the couple. After a few more minutes, she finally seemed to recollect herself.

"I am sorry, Mr Darcy," Gardiner heard her whisper.

"I am happy to help, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy replied. "It is time you gave into your emotions, and I am glad I was here when you finally felt safe enough to do so."

Gardiner felt the need to interject himself into the conversation. "Lizzy, Darcy, shall we return inside to a more appropriate setting for further discussion?"

Elizabeth suddenly started and realised that she was seated in Darcy's lap on the ground in the garden. A deep blush washed over her cheeks, but she simply nodded in acknowledgement of the less-than-subtle command in her uncle's voice. Darcy extended a hand to assist her in standing and then straightened himself from his somewhat uncomfortable position.

"I am not even certain what happened. I was stalking through the garden, and then I was … overcome by it all. How did we end up … as we were?" she asked Darcy as they walked inside.

"I caught you just as you collapsed, but I did so awkwardly and fell with you. It was simpler to hold you than to try to do anything else. I cannot say I regretted it, though I hate that you are in this position at all. I would gladly hold you any time, my dear," he whispered, causing her to blush again.

"You are a rogue, sir," she whispered back.

"No, but I do care about you very much, Ellie. I am so sorry that we have not had a chance to get to know each other in less fraught circumstances, but I would gladly comfort you whenever you feel the least bit like crying. I only hope that I can make you equally as happy someday."

Elizabeth laughed lightly. "I have changed my opinion, sir. You are not only a rogue, but you are a charming one."

"No one else will believe it, dearest. I will bring my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom you called Jon as a child, and he will tell you. I have been called many things in my life, but you are the only one ever to describe me as charming … and he would laugh uproarioulsy at me being called a rogue."

"Then I am pleased to know I have been the one to bring this out in you," she replied as they entered the parlour with the Gardiners. "Now, we need to speak to my aunt and uncle again and decide what to do next."

As different ideas were debated, Darcy was impressed with the breadth of understanding of both ladies present. Several ideas were discussed and cast aside just as quickly. Obviously, the marriage to Mr Collins was not even a consideration, and Darcy was reluctant to press his own suit at this time. Too many had warned him to allow Elizabeth time, and he wanted to allow them time to come to an understanding.

Of course, Mr Elliott also needed to be a part of any conversation. They would schedule a time to meet with him as soon as he arrived in town, but for now, Darcy would continue to call on Elizabeth, glad he could now do so openly, though, at the same time, he wished for the intimacy they had managed at Oakham Mount.

Finally, Darcy became aware of the time and stood to take his leave.

"I apologise for remaining far longer than I intended; however, there was much that needed to be discussed. I will let you know when we may meet with Mr Elliott, but I do hope to still call on Miss Elizabeth each day while she is in town. I have several business matters to attend to tomorrow, but might I come in the afternoon?"

Darcy addressed this question to Mr Gardiner, but that gentleman looked at his niece and, seeing her nod, agreed. "My wife intends to take Lizzy to do some shopping in the morning, but they will return by two in the afternoon," Gardiner said, looking to his wife for confirmation. Darcy agreed and promised to arrive around three. He also asked for, and was granted, permission to bring his sister when he came.

"Mr Gardiner, I apologise, but I did need to ask one more question before I departed. Will you accompany me to the door?" Darcy requested.

Surprised, Gardiner agreed, and Darcy took his leave of Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth. He kissed Elizabeth's hand slowly, caressing it slightly as he did so and leaving her feeling warm.

As the two gentlemen moved toward the door, Darcy hesitated. "Ask your question, Darcy," Gardiner commanded.

"I do not mean to offend, but I am aware of what Elizabeth's estate earns. Can I … would you allow me to advance some funds for Elizabeth to receive a new wardrobe while she is in town? She is entitled to so much more, but the Bennets have denied her what she is due. I would also like to take her to the theatre and perhaps a dinner or two; her acceptance into society would be smoothed if she dressed the part. She is a very wealthy landowner, or she will be on her next birthday, and while I do not want to give any other gentlemen a chance with her, it would be best if she were accepted before our relationship, such as it is, is known publically."

"Do not worry, son," Gardiner replied. "My wife will ensure she is properly outfitted, and it will not be a difficulty for us. She has several dresses she left here the last time she visited, and they are far superior to anything she would have at Longbourn. My wife and I have always ensured she was well dressed when she was with us, even without knowing of her inheritance, though Bennet would send some funds for this purpose. It was one thing he insisted on, and my sister did not fight him on it that I am aware of."

"Thank you, sir," Darcy replied. "I did not mean to offend…"

Gardiner cut him off. "You did not, and I appreciate your desire to ensure my niece is taken care of. It demonstrates your care for her. How long will you wait to propose?"

Darcy sighed. "I would propose and marry her today if I thought it could be arranged. However, there are several questions that must be settled first. She collapsed in my arms earlier because the reality of her circumstances finally hit her. I suppose it is because she felt safe enough in your house to finally give in to all she felt."

"Not in my house, Darcy, in your arms," Gardiner replied. "She finally felt safe enough because she was with you. I do not think she would have given in to her feelings in that way with me. My wife, perhaps, but she felt safe enough with you."

As he departed, Darcy allowed that thought to linger and loop in his mind, ruminating on it until he came back the following day.