PP AU Non-Canon General Regency
NOTE: For those who tried to reread ch. 14 and saw no changes, I did not realize they had not taken; they should have by now.
Previously:
"Thank heavens I did." Lord Bryce replied as they rode by the woman's carriage. "Her husband is not far behind me; he told me she has... well, let us say she is not going to be roaming free anymore and leave it at that. We both counted it a blessing the tenants saw the direction both of you went." Looking at what his wife held, he saw the documents. "Is that what Lord de Bourgh needs?"
"Yes."
Lord Bryce went to say speak only got the strangest impression not to and, though it made no sense, opted to wait 'til they were in the privacy of their own quarters to do so.
No Act
Ch 20
Going to speak and keeping quiet was not on Alexander's mind as he asked Jane to step out onto the terrace of Rosings Park. The fall air had warmed just enough to allow a comfortable chat. The earl closed the door behind them to keep their conversation private from anyone still indoors.
"Miss Bennet," Alexander spoke earnestly. "I am hoping, no matter how this search turns out, you would have me for real, as your husband. This act has—for me—turned out to be no act. We share many common interests. You are not as vapid or weak as many make you out to be and, yes, it is true many believe you to be far too submissive in public in our courtship; you have no qualms in telling me where you stand without extra ears around. I suppose, in some cases, that could be bad; however, with you, my lady, you are never double-faced; you simply refuse to embarrass me in public."
One particular incident came to mind; one he still admitted it had been he who had been in the wrong, not Jane. In the drawing room of Rosings Park, filled with a few family members engaged in conversation, Jane sat in a chair working on embroidery project that would go with Anne's to a tennant in need. Lord de Bourgh, standing nearby, his brow furrowed with concern, caught her attention.
One particular incident stood out in Alexander's mind, highlighting his approach as an estate owner and his willingness to listen. A year ago, Alexander had proposed a new system for the tenant farmers at his primary estate. He believed in implementing more rigorous standards for crop rotation and productivity, convinced it would yield better results.
During a gathering in the drawing room at Rosings Park, Alexander discussed his proposal with the assembled family members. Jane listened keenly, though she held back her thoughts for the moment, not wanting to undermine him in front of others.
As the gathering concluded and the room began to empty, Jane approached Alexander. "May I speak with you for a moment?" she asked softly.
"Of course, Jane," Alexander replied, noting the serious look in her eyes.
"I appreciate your dedication to improving the estate," Jane began, "but I must voice a concern. Imposing such strict measures may backfire. The tenants are already working hard and may feel overwhelmed by additional pressure. There needs to be consideration for their well-being and morale."
Alexander paused, considering her words. "I understand your concern, Jane. However, efficiency is paramount if we are to sustain growth."
Jane nodded but did not back down. "Efficiency should not come at the cost of your tenants' quality of life. If they feel you value and support them, your workers are more likely to be more productive. Perhaps you could introduce the changes gradually and provide them with resources and some approptiate training to adapt to the changes you desire."
Alexander weighed her suggestion. He was not a man easily swayed when it came to the running of his estate, but he neither was he blind to wisdom when he heard it.
"You make a valid point," he humbly conceded. "Gradual implementation with support might indeed be a better approach. I am willing to adjust things accordingly."
The exchange had left a lasting impression on him. It wasn't just that Jane had spoken her mind, but that she had done so with a blend of firmness and empathy. It reinforced his belief that here was a woman he could handle having by his side.
Back on the terrace, Janet's voice was nowhere near as hard as it been on that day, but was just as just open as she asked. "You would want me even if something turns up and Rosings Park remains in Anne's hands?"
"I do not care about owning Rosings Park. I would be more than willing to leave it in your hands, or even Anne's, if that is what you so desired. I have enough property in England as it is. However, I must confess..." The earl started grinning. "With the changes I am making to how I run my estates, I would prefer you to travel with me as much as possible. That is until the children start coming. However, even then, I would like you with me some of the time."
"What about my father?"
"I would not ask you to come while he yet lived if he did not have someone reliable to care for him if needed."
Alexander said a few more things and Jane felt her whole face shining; it had to be, for she knew there had to be a smile on her face a mile wide. Alexander went to speak only for the door they had exited to open. Turning their heads, they saw Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine come out.
"So, what did you just say to put such a smile on my daughter's face?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"I just asked for her hand in marriage. And, I believe she was just about to say yes before you two came out."
Mr. Bennet went to speak only for Lady Catherine to beat him to the punch. "Heaven help us all—this household is about to be overrun by Bennet smiles and merriment. I must say, I was rather fond of my peace and quiet."
"You are as hopeless as my father."
"Hush, there are open windows in this house." Lady Catherine stiffened her stance and her face appeared to do the same; however, there was a twinkle in the corner of her eye. "Some things need to be kept under wraps." With that, she marched back inside.
"Do I congratulate you both?" Thomas looked at his daughter knowing the answer, and thought it enough to allow her to speak for herself.
"Yes." Jane then turned to Alexander. "However, in all the paperwork, diaries, and other things we have found, is there anything concrete? I mean, what do we lack?"
"A couple of things, but..." Alexander put his hands in his pockets. "Word from Lord Bryce is he and Lady Bryce are coming down from Scotland, with proof of the birth of Gregory Bennet and of lands he owned in Scotland and England. They are also bringing documents proving Robert de Bourgh was married to the man's daughter, Janet Louisa."
"Which proves our relationship to the de Bourghs." Thomas slid his hands into his pockets. "But that is important how?"
"You were born a year ahead of Sir Lewis," Alexander sighed. "With all the other paperwork and journals I have, it is one step closer to proving it is you who should have inherited Rosings Park, not Sir Lewis.""
"I would think that would not leave you much left to search for.." Thomas folded his arms. "Am I wrong to say it is a will that Sir Lewis was most likely sealing up?"
"It has to be." Alexander nodded. "There are papers on file at the court, but I can find no specific reason for Sir Lewis to have undertaken all the activities he did in the last three years of his life other than that of a will. Normally, I would not even think twice about messing with something like this. However, Sir Lewis's actions before he passed away were too suspicious for me not to be searching for one. It is the only thing that, to me, makes sense as to his motivations for dealing with the late Mr. Timmons."
"What do you suggest we do?"
"I will tell you; however, let us go get Lady Catherine and Anne; they need to be in on this. Perhaps we should announce our engagement first? It is not as if we can do anything about this other business until the Bryces arrive anyway."
"Sounds good to me."
As the couple entered the grand drawing room of Rosings Park, friends and family gathered around small tables laden with delicate pastries and fine teas. The cheerful hum of conversation was interspersed with the occasional clink of china and peals of laughter from the card tables. Standing near one of the tables, Lord Alexander de Bourgh held Jane Bennet's hand firmly in his. As he cleared his throat, the room gradually quieted, all eyes turning towards the couple. Jane, radiant and composed, offered a gentle smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Alexander began, his voice steady and clear, "I am happy to see you gathered here as it gives me the perfect opportunity to share some wonderful news. Miss Bennet has graciously accepted my proposal of marriage."
A collective gasp followed by an excited murmur swept through the room. Members of the de Bourgh and Bennet families and friends erupted into applause, and congratulations were offered with genuine warmth, even from those convinced the world had gone mad with such a union. The room buzzed with newfound energy, and the couple was immediately surrounded by well-wishers.