Notes: This is the last part of this story. There are about 10 chapters left, but considering I usually have time to translate only half a chapter, there will be about 20 :)
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Upon his return home, Darcy solemnly conveyed the news of Lady Catherine's passing to his cousin and sister. Although they had not been particularly close to their aunt, both of them were deeply affected by the news. Following this somber revelation, he excitedly shared the news of his engagement. Georgiana enveloped him in a joyful embrace, expressing her delight at the thought of the Bennet sisters becoming her future sisters-in-law. The Colonel offered his heartfelt congratulations. They promptly set about packing their trunks and retiring for the night, as they planned to set out at dawn the next day.
As Rosings was twenty miles from Ramsgate, they reached their destination around midday. They were welcomed by the housekeeper, Mrs. Morris, and Lord Matlock at the entrance.
After exchanging polite greetings, Darcy inquired, "How is Anne faring?"
Lord Matlock sighed and responded, "I have not seen her, but Mrs. Jenkinson informed me that since my sister died, she has not wanted to leave her rooms and does not want to receive visits." He turned his attention to Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley, stating, "Mrs. Morris will escort you to your respective bedchambers." Then, he looked at his son and Darcy, instructing them, "I will be waiting for both of you in the library in half an hour."
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When Darcy walked into the library, his gaze fell upon his uncle and Richard, who were already seated comfortably. Lord Matlock gestured for him to sit in the armchair next to him, and after pouring himself a glass of brandy, began without preamble, "Tomorrow will be the funeral, and in the afternoon the reading of my sister's will." He sighed and continued, "Rosings is not entailed, but if Anne dies unmarried, a nephew of Sir Lewis inherits it." His gaze shifted from Darcy to his son, and he added, "Anne must marry as soon as possible. As you know she is of sickly constitution and is not capable of assuming the responsibilities of being the mistress of Rosings."
Darcy's expression soured as he ruminated on the situation. Lady Catherine had persistently attempted to persuade him to wed Anne to fulfill her and his mother's dream of uniting Pemberley and Rosings. Since he did not have any amorous inclination for Anne and in his opinion, she was unfitting to bear an heir, he had rebuffed Lady Catherine's aspirations. Just as Darcy opened his mouth to respond, his uncle dismissed his impending protest, stating, "Remember, despite my sister's relentless entreaties for you to marry Anne, I have never exerted pressure on you in this matter. I can assure you that I have no intention of doing so now."
Darcy nodded slightly as Lord Matlock fixed a penetrating gaze on his son and continued, "This may be your sole opportunity to secure your own estate and avoid endangering your life in the army. All you need to do is marry Anne. Furthermore, you will have access to her dowry; more than 50,000 pounds…"
Surprised, Richard opened his eyes wide. Despite feeling no particular affection for his cousin, he could not deny the logic in his father's words. As a member of high society for nearly a decade, a second son with little money, he had not garnered the interest of any eligible heiress. He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. Involuntarily, memories of Mary Bennet surfaced in his mind. He undeniably enjoyed her company, yet her dowry amounted to only 12,000 pounds.
Opening his eyes, he responded, "You are correct, Father. I will marry her."