June 1811

"Congratulations, Darcy!" Said a smiling Bingley as he shook Darcy's hand, "I had always thought I would get married before you!"

Darcy grinned. "I also thought the same thing; in fact, how is Miss Carter?"

Bingley's face darkened slightly, and replied, "Two weeks ago she abruptly ended our courtship because a wealthy gentleman was quite interested in her. Last Friday, Caroline saw them walking arm in arm in Hyde Park."

"I am so sorry, Bingley."

Bingley shook his head and cut him off, "It might be for the best. I can't deny that Miss Carter is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. But she is ambitious and she used to constantly remind me I should buy an estate as soon as possible in order to move up the social ladder. I realized she was only interested in my money and not in me. I am disappointed, but I am not heartbroken."

"I am glad you are not heartbroken." Darcy smiled slightly and added, "Honestly, the three times I had the opportunity to speak with her, she seemed frivolous and vain to me."

Bingley sighed. "You are correct; but in several aspects Caroline agrees with her."

"In which aspects?"

"My sister constantly expresses her desire for me to purchase an estate, to ascend the social ladder and distance ourselves from our roots in trade."

Looking Bingley in the eye, he asked, "Do you want to purchase an estate and become a landowner?"

"I am feeling uncertain about what I want. I am afraid to invest my wealth in an estate because I worry that I will become bored living in the country. Besides, I am concerned about making mistakes that could lead to losing a significant portion of my fortune. I don't have any experience administrating an estate, and I don't have any trusted friend who owns an estate that could offer me guidance."

Darcy nodded. Bingley's concerns were valid and reasonable. After thinking for a moment, he commented, "I completely understand your doubts and concerns. I would like to suggest the possibility of leasing an estate for a year or two. This option can provide you with practical insights into the property and can help you make a better decision."

Bingley nodded. "I am seriously considering that possibility, but I haven't decided yet." he paused, and smiling said, "Let's talk about something else. Please, I am curious about the future Mrs. Darcy. Tell me about her."

They spent the next half an hour discussing Elizabeth, and Darcy's life in Hertfordshire. Darcy mentioned that Netherfield Park was available for lease and might be a suitable estate for him.

After visiting Bingley, Fitzwilliam joined his brother for dinner. During their meal, they briefly discussed Fitzwilliam's impending nuptials and Pemberley. Despite an enjoyable evening, it was evident that the siblings held contrasting beliefs and principles.

Since Frederick Darcy had inherited Pemberley, he had become a sought-after bachelor in London. Many young women desired his attention, and he enjoyed their company. If a daughter of a merchant or minor gentleman, thought that by giving him her virtue would lead to marriage, she was seriously wrong. His wife should be from an aristocratic lineage, like his mother, who was the daughter of an earl.

Frederick and Fitzwilliam sat in the library and continued their discussion. Frederick was amazed at the man his brother had become. He had made the right decision for himself by becoming a parson. Yet, he wasn't holier than thou, like so many other clergy were. He was still down to Earth, intelligent, and caring about others. He had met the lady who would soon be his wife and couldn't say enough wonderful things about her.

Frederick couldn't claim that he was of the same ilk as Fitzwilliam. How could two brothers be so different? Frederick found himself envious of his brother's happiness. "Fitzwilliam, I have thought things over and I would like to be at your wedding."

Fitzwilliam was pleasantly surprised and replied, "I would be honored if you could attend. In fact, I would like you to stand up with me."

Frederick was at a loss for words. He didn't feel he deserved the honor; yet, he wanted to be there for his young brother. "I would be honored, brother."

Darcy spent the night at Darcy House. In the morning when he was leaving, Frederick appeared. "Godspeed, brother. I look forward to attending your wedding. Please give my regards to your future wife."

Frederick also gave him a ring that had belonged to their mother to give to Elizabeth. He invited Fitzwilliam and his future wife to Pemberley and even offered them his London house to spend their first days as man and wife.

The next morning, Fitzwilliam met his solicitor and they wrote the marriage settlement. The settlement established the money Elizabeth contributed to the marriage would be for her and their future children. He had £10,700 and he wanted Elizabeth to inherit it if he predeceased her.

Later he went to buy a small piano that the owner of the shop had promised to deliver to the parsonage in two weeks. He knew Elizabeth enjoyed playing the piano, and he loved listening to her.

The last visit was to the Matlocks. Although they treated him with courtesy, his aunt and uncle were not interested in Fitzwilliam's life. In fact, they lamented he was a parson instead of a Colonel in the army - like their youngest son - and preferred to ignore him. They wouldn't attend the wedding, but since Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth would spend a few days in London, the Matlocks would host a dinner to meet Elizabeth.