“What made you think she would have refused you?”
Darcy looked down for a moment before answering. “It was not conjecture, sir. I had offered for her once before, and on that occasion your daughter did indeed refuse me. Most emphatically. When you came to see me in London, I did not have sufficient reason to believe her feelings had altered since that time.” Darcy studied the expression on the older gentleman’s face and his stomach clenched. “She did not tell you.”
“No, she did not.” Mr. Bennet continued to regard Darcy with a serious expression. “But now my daughter has accepted you?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, Mr. Darcy, I am afraid I must ask: What has changed? Presumably, Lizzy’s reasons for rejecting your suit would be the same now as they were then. Which leads me to wonder exactly what occurred on her visit to your home? Have you seduced her in some way? Offered her some type of monetary compensation? Or was seeing your grand estate too great a temptation?”
Despite his best intentions, Darcy felt an overwhelming rage building inside his chest. It took all his willpower to calm himself enough to reply. When he did, his voice held an icy edge. “Normally, I would not dignify such vile suppositions with a response, but as you are Elizabeth’s father, I will answer you. First, I have never seduced any woman, least of all your daughter. I have a young sister who is entrusted to my care, and I treat all women as I would wish her to be treated. Alongside my sister, Elizabeth is more precious to me than any other individual on the face of this earth. I would sooner rip out my own heart than hurt her, nor would I ever force her to do anything against her will.” Darcy paused for a moment to steady his breathing. “As to your second point, if you know your daughter at all, you must be aware that no amount of money or material advantage could ever persuade her to accept me. Miss Bennet is the least mercenary woman I have ever encountered. To insinuate otherwise is a slight against her character that I will not tolerate.”
Darcy stared back at Elizabeth’s father, expecting to see righteous indignation in the other gentleman’s expression, but to his surprise, Mr. Bennet’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Well said, sir! If nothing else, at least I know you may be relied upon to defend my daughter’s honor. However, you have not answered my question. If she refused you once, why has she accepted you now? Surely there is some explanation?”
Darcy expelled a sigh, glad to see that he had not fatally offended the man who held the key to his future happiness. “That I cannot answer. What I can say is that it was not the work of a moment. I am afraid when I first expressed my… affection for your daughter, I did so poorly. Unbeknownst to me, Miss Bennet had already formed a negative opinion of me, and to my shame, my manner of address on that occasion did nothing to alter her opinion. However, since last winter, I have had the good fortune to be in your daughter’s company on numerous occasions. I have seen firsthand what a warm, compassionate person she is, and I have struggled to be worthy of her. To my good fortune, it seems she was willing to give me a second chance.”
“I see.”
“Of course, this is only speculation on my part. As the question concerns Miss Bennet’s feelings, perhaps you would be better served in applying to her.”
Again, Mr. Bennet grinned. “Rest assured, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy has made her feelings for you perfectly clear. In fact, she came to me not long after her return from Derbyshire and told me of her great love for you.”
Darcy’s cheeks grew warm and he briefly looked away before confusion wrinkled his brow. “I am afraid I do not understand. If you had already spoken to Elizabeth…”
“I had. And while it was comforting to know her sentiments, it was important for me to know yours. Pray, forgive me, Mr. Darcy, for putting you through your paces today, but I needed to be certain. Lizzy’s happiness is of paramount importance to me and I do not believe she would be content in a marriage without affection—on both sides.”
“Then… we have your permission to marry?”
“Elizabeth is two and twenty, sir. You do not need my permission to wed her.”
“That may be true, but I know she would not wish to enter into a marriage without your blessing.”
Again, Mr. Bennet smiled. “Then you have it. Along with my best wishes.”
Darcy’s breath left his body in an audible rush. “I thank you, sir. But I do have one more question. Given your concern for Elizabeth’s happiness, how is it you would have forced her into a marriage solely for the sake of propriety?”
“Ah, you speak of my visit to you in London?”
“I do.”
“Well, that is simple. You see, Mr. Darcy, I may not be as outspoken as my wife, but I know my daughter. When you were in Hertfordshire that autumn, I observed the two of you together, and I believed Lizzy had formed a strong attachment to you.”
At Mr. Bennet’s words, Darcy’s flush deepened. Of course, he had once labored under the same misapprehension, but he knew now that he had been utterly mistaken. “Forgive me, sir, but what made you think so? When Miss Bennet engaged me in conversation, it was only to argue.”
Mr. Bennet barked out a laugh. “Ah! But you see, that is how I knew. Lizzy rarely speaks unkindly to anyone. If she truly disliked you, she would have ignored you altogether. The fact that she argued with you meant her feelings were engaged. I have never seen her behave in such a way with any other gentleman.”
“But, what of my sentiments?” he asked. “Just now you stated that you would not see Elizabeth marry a man who did not love her in return, and yet you did not hesitate to force me to offer for her, not knowing whether my own feelings were engaged.”
“Indeed, you are correct. However, I had every reason to believe they were. Not only did I watch Elizabeth when the two of you were together, but I studied you as well. I am a man, after all, Mr. Darcy, and not such an old one that I do not recognize the look of a gentleman in love. The expression on your face when you danced with Lizzy at the Netherfield ball spoke volumes.”
“But then… today…”
“Ah, yes, today.” Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “When I traveled to London, I was convinced that you and my daughter were well-suited, though perhaps both too stubborn to recognize that fact and act upon it. That is why I attempted to force your hand. However, when you refused, I began to doubt my conviction—and your affections. While my assumption regarding my daughter’s feelings proved to be correct, I knew I must make certain of your own. I am glad to see I was not mistaken.”
For the first time that day, a smile shattered Darcy’s cool reserve. “You were not.”
Mr. Bennet rose, extending his hand and Darcy accepted it with gratitude.
“You have my blessing, Mr. Darcy. I expect you will treat my daughter well. If not, you will answer to me.”
“I would expect nothing less, sir.”
Chapter 30
THE DAY OF Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding dawned bright and clear. Although Darcy had given Elizabeth the choice of waiting for banns to be read and marrying at any date of her choosing, in the end she was as anxious to begin their life together as he, and the two were married by special license on a beautiful summer morning a mere seven days from the day Darcy obtained Mr. Bennet’s blessing.
The ceremony finally over, Darcy stood on Netherfield’s stone terrace watching his bride move amongst their guests, saying her goodbyes. Seeing Elizabeth approach his aunt and uncle, Darcy tensed, but his lips lifted in a genuine smile as he watched Lady Matlock gather Elizabeth into a tight embrace.
“She has charmed them already, I see,” Colonel Fitzwilliam drawled, coming up to stand at Darcy’s side.
Turning to face his cousin, Darcy’s smile widened. “She has. And I have you to thank. I know Lord and Lady Matlock would never have attended the nuptials had you not insisted upon it.”
The colonel grinned. “They did take some convincing, especially given the short notice. But I thought it important for th
em to form their own opinions about Miss Bennet—forgive me—Mrs. Darcy, rather than believe the lies Lady Catherine has been bandying about.”
Darcy’s expression darkened and Colonel Fitzwilliam snorted in reply. “Oh, do not look so glum. You know Mother will waste no time in regaling the ton with tales of your bride’s worthiness. By the time you return from your wedding trip, I have no doubt the whole of London will be falling at Elizabeth’s feet.”
Darcy nodded, hoping his cousin was not overestimating Lady Matlock’s powers of persuasion. “Your mother has my gratitude. Not only for her kindness to Elizabeth, but for allowing Georgiana to stay with them while the two of us are away.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam reached for a glass of wine from a passing servant, taking a lengthy swallow. “She needs no thanks for that. She loves having Georgie with her. But speaking of your wedding trip, where exactly are you going? You have been quite mysterious about it all.”
“I was wondering the same thing,” said Bingley, overhearing the last bit of conversation and coming to join them. “Jane has been trying to wheedle it out of me, but I told her you have not said a word.”
“No. Nor do I intend to.”
Bingley let out a laugh. “Good man! I do wish I had thought of that before Jane and I took our trip to Bath. A letter arrived from Mrs. Bennet nearly every day, and Jane felt compelled to answer them all. It was most vexing.” Pausing for a moment, Bingley continued, “Oh! Speaking of the Bennets, I completely forgot. Mr. Bennet wished to have a word with you before you depart. I believe you will find him in the library.”
Darcy smiled. It did not surprise him that Elizabeth’s father would choose the solace of Bingley’s library over the chaos of a garden full of guests, especially when that chaos was continually punctuated by Mrs. Bennet crowing to all and sundry about how clever her second daughter was to have refused Mr. Collins.
“Thank you, I shall seek him out directly,” Darcy answered, taking a step towards the French doors that led to the conservatory. “Oh, and Bingley, I also wished to express my thanks for hosting the breakfast and for allowing so many of our guests to reside at Netherfield. It was exceedingly generous of you.”
Bingley waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “Think nothing of it. It was the least Jane and I could do to spare Mrs. Bennet’s nerves. ‘Tis good to see you and Elizabeth so happy, Darcy.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam reached for Darcy’s hand, simultaneously clapping him on the back. “I second that,” he said, before leaning in closer to add, “It certainly took you long enough.”
***
“Well, Mr. Darcy, now that you have succeeded in securing the heart and hand of my favorite daughter, I am certain there will not be a sensible conversation to be had at Longbourn for the foreseeable future. I hope you realize your good fortune.”
Darcy crossed the floor of Bingley’s library, settling into the chair opposite his wife’s father. “I do. And I thank you again for your blessing. I hope you know that Elizabeth means the world to me. I intend to dedicate my life to making her happy.”
Mr. Bennet nodded and after a moment, Darcy continued, “However, if you will allow me to say so, I do not believe you give Miss Mary and Miss Catherine enough credit. I have found them both to be intelligent and capable. Perhaps all that is lacking is a bit of guidance. I think with some slight direction, they may both surprise you.”
Mr. Bennet rubbed his chin. “Hmm… Perhaps you are correct. With Lydia now in Newcastle, I may have a fighting chance after all.”
At length, Darcy reached into the pocket of his coat, extracting a thick sheaf of papers. “Actually, I am glad we have found a moment alone. There is something I wished to give you.” Mr. Bennet looked at him questioningly, and Darcy added, “It is your copy of the settlement agreement.”
“Ah. I thank you, sir.”
When Darcy did not immediately release the documents, Mr. Bennet tilted his head. “I trust nothing has changed since we signed the papers in my brother Phillips’ offices?”
Darcy replied with a slow shake of his head. “With the original settlement, no. However, I have had my solicitor draw up an addendum to that agreement. I have already showed it to Elizabeth, but I wanted to make sure I had your approval as well.”
Looking baffled, Mr. Bennet said, “I will be happy to read it, though I think it unlikely that I would not approve. You have already been extremely generous with my daughter.”
Darcy frowned. “I do not see it as generosity, sir. As I have previously stated, as my wife, Elizabeth will share in all that I have. However, this amendment does not specifically pertain to Mrs. Darcy. Perhaps you would like to read it, and then I would be happy to answer any questions.” Darcy handed over the folded parchment. “It is the document at the back.”
Quiet filled the room as the older gentleman perched his spectacles upon his nose, separating the last sheet from the stack. When he had finally finished reading, he refolded the papers and removed his glasses, raising his eyes to the young man who was now his son. “Mr. Darcy, I do not know what to say.”
“You needn’t say anything, other than to state your consent. Pray, know that it is my fervent hope that your good health continues for many years. But, as Longbourn is entailed to Mr. Collins, I wanted you to rest assured that Mrs. Bennet, as well as Miss Mary and Miss Catherine if they do not marry, will always be well provided for. I will leave it to you to decide whether you wish to disclose the information in that document, but Elizabeth and I both felt it would give you peace of mind to know.”
“Indeed, it does, Mr. Darcy, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Mr. Bennet paused, but it wasn’t long before his playful smile returned. “As to whether I should choose to share this intelligence with my wife and daughters, I think it best we do not. If Mrs. Bennet were to see the amount you have agreed to settle upon her at my death, I believe I may run the risk of being poisoned in my sleep.”
***
Before too many more hours had gone by, Elizabeth found herself on Longbourn’s circular drive, watching as the last of her belongings were secured to the back of Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Glancing down at her attire, she wondered again if she ought to have changed, but her gown—an intricately embroidered ivory muslin of Jane’s that had been hastily made over as a wedding present to her sister—was so beautiful it had seemed a shame to wear it for so short a time.
Before she could think any more on the subject, her husband was at her back, slipping his arms around her waist and bending to kiss her lightly on the cheek.
“Well, Mrs. Darcy, are you ready to depart?”
Elizabeth grinned, relaxing into his embrace. “I am.” Turning her head she added, “Are you still intent on keeping our destination a secret? Or might I now learn where we will be spending our first night as husband and wife?”
Darcy looked down at her and his cheeks dimpled. “It remains a surprise, for now. However, I may be persuaded to tell you once we are inside the carriage.” His lips brushed the nape of her neck, and Elizabeth shivered. Turning to face her family who had begun gathering in the drive, Elizabeth began walking in her father’s direction, but she had not gone two steps before Mrs. Bennet rushed past, her eyes fixed on Mr. Darcy’s lacquered coach.
“Oh, Lizzy! How grand you are, traveling in such a fine carriage! I am certain it will be like riding on a cloud! You will hardly notice the bumps in the road with a conveyance such as this!”
Elizabeth shifted her gaze, attempting to hide her embarrassment. Out of the corner of her eye, she studied her new husband, but to her surprise, his smile remained firmly in place.
“I am glad you approve of it, madam. It would be my pleasure to have a similar conveyance at your disposal whenever you wish to visit Pemberley, so you may travel in comfort.”
At Darcy’s offer, Mrs. Bennet’s eyes grew round and for a moment Elizabeth thought her mother might actually swoon. Instead she merely nodded numbly before wandering closer to the coach and continu
ing to extol the benefits of marrying a gentleman in possession of a good fortune.
Shaking her head, Elizabeth turned to her father who bent to kiss her on the brow. “Goodbye, Lizzy. Be well.”
Elizabeth nodded, her throat tight, but she was spared having to reply by her husband, who was once again at her elbow. “You shall see each other very soon. At Christmastime, certainly, but you are welcome at Pemberley whenever you choose. Elizabeth and I hope you will visit often.”
Swallowing down the emotion that washed over her, Elizabeth moved on to her sisters, hugging each one of them in turn. It was strange to think that Mary and Kitty would be the only two left at Longbourn now, but Elizabeth knew that Jane would watch over them, and hopefully without Lydia’s disruptive influence, her sisters would continue to thrive.
“You must both write to me often and tell me all the news,” Elizabeth whispered. Mary and Kitty nodded, and then Darcy was beside her, handing Elizabeth into the carriage, and with a lurch they were on their way.
***
Darcy watched as Elizabeth leaned out the of window, waving until they reached the lane. When her family home was no longer visible, she settled against the squabs, and Darcy slid forward in his seat. “Are you well, my love?” he asked softly.
Elizabeth smiled back at him. “Yes. Just a little bit sad. But I will see them often.”
“You shall,” Darcy agreed. “However, I was referring to… That is, I realized this is the first time we have been alone together in a carriage since the day of the accident.”
“Oh. Yes, I suppose I had not realized...”
Pulling himself to his feet, Darcy moved from the rear-facing seat, taking the place beside his wife. “Do you mind if I sit with you?” he asked.
Elizabeth immediately shook her head, absentmindedly fingering the jewels that sparkled against her collarbone. Darcy studied her with a pensive smile. “The necklace looks beautiful on you.”
To Conquer Pride Page 30
