by Zoë Burton
“Fitzwilliam. He was named for his mother’s family.”
“Yes, that is it…Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” He turned back to Elizabeth. “I do not know the gentleman personally, but I do know that he is a very wealthy young man who has already inherited his estate. His father was a gentleman in every way, and I have faith that the son was cut from the same cloth; Lord Matlock assures me it is so, and I have no reason to doubt him. I intend to broker a marriage for you to this Mr. Darcy.”
“Broker a marriage?” Elizabeth was shocked. “I…I always wished to marry for love, not convenience!” Her every look screamed her heartbreak at the thought. “I do not know if I can do this,” she trailed off in a whisper.
“My dear,” Lady Winthrop moved to sit beside her and hold her hands. “I know it is a shock, and I know that it is not what you would choose if your position were different. Believe me, my anger and that of my dear Robert is great when I consider all that your mother has robbed you of with her behavior. But please, go into this with an open mind. He may turn out to be the nicest and most respectful of men. You may very well fall in love with him.”
“Lord Matlock will be at the dinner we are attending tonight. He wants to meet you before he says anything to his nephew.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “I would wish to meet this Mr. Darcy, as well, before I allow myself to be committed in such a manner.”
“I will make it so, then. Now, dry your eyes, my dear, and we shall get going. All will be well.”
~~~***~~~
Later that night, after dismissing her maid and climbing into bed, Elizabeth contemplated the events of the evening.
Her shock at hearing her uncle’s announcement had not abated, and she knew she would not sleep until she had thoroughly examined the idea and made some sort of peace with it.
As she had told her godfather, she had always planned to marry for love. Not convenience; that particular circumstance had never been allowed space in her mind for longer than a few minutes at a time. She had always refused to consider it. Not that she was unrealistic; indeed, she had always been practical. Her reason for rejecting such a marriage was simply that, to her, money did not matter, as long as she had a roof over her head, food on the table, and clothes on her back. She preferred a simple life, and knew that with her dowry, she was unlikely to attract a husband with more than a modest income in any case.
And now, here she was, of necessity marrying a man she had yet to meet. She cried for a long time. Some of her tears were a result of anger at her mother for putting her in such an untenable situation, and some were mourning the loss of her dreams. She was not formed for sadness, however, and once she had emptied herself of the emotion, she turned her mind to finding a way to live with her new situation. Given time, I may even be happy about it, she thought.
Her first consideration was that, if she had to marry a stranger, he was at least well thought of. Mr. Darcy’s aunt and uncle had assured her that he was an honorable gentleman. She had gathered from listening to the ladies’ after dinner conversation that he was a highly sought-after bachelor with a large estate in Derbyshire. His income was rumored to be no less than ten thousand pounds per annum, far more than her father’s. I should not have to be concerned about having food, shelter, and clothing! She still wanted to meet the gentleman. She was enough of her father’s daughter to insist on it. If Mr. Darcy were ridiculous, Elizabeth would fight the marriage. She refused to tie herself to a stupid man. She had hope, though, that he was not, for she knew, despite her reservations, that the marriage really was her best option.
Eventually, once she had worked through all of this in her mind and felt more accepting of the idea, Elizabeth was able to relax and fall asleep.
Chapter 3
The day after the dinner at which Lord Matlock made the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he summoned his nephew to Matlock House for a conference. As always, Darcy was prompt to respond, and within an hour was being announced.
“Welcome, Nephew! Come, sit.” Matlock waved him to a chair, then seated himself so they were facing each other. “Now then, how are you this fine morning?”
“I am well, Uncle. Your summons came early this morning. I was surprised you were awake after your soiree last night. What was so important that you called for me first thing?”
Matlock cleared his throat. Despite knowing that Darcy must marry, he did not relish this conversation. “You know, of course, of my friend Winthrop?”
“Lord Winthrop?” Darcy eyed his uncle suspiciously. The gentleman in question had been on the opposite side of the aisle from his uncle in nearly every debate since he had joined the House of Lords. “I was unaware of your friendship with the gentleman, and I have not made his acquaintance, but I have indeed heard of him.”
“Yes, well,” Matlock cleared his throat again. “Winthrop has a goddaughter, who is currently his ward. I have chosen her for you.” He held his hand up as his nephew began to protest. “Your aunt and I met her last night; she is charming, Darcy, and not in the usual way. Her behavior is impeccable and her connections impressive, as one would expect from the highest ladies of the ton. Her manner is tempered, however, with a warmth that is rarely seen in our society. She is intelligent and seems to be well-read. Your aunt was ecstatic to meet her; she feels the young lady is exactly what you need.”
“May I remind you that I agreed to consider someone of your choosing? What do you get out of this arrangement? I know you well, Uncle. You do nothing that does not benefit you in some manner.”
Matlock flushed guiltily. “When the marriage takes place-“
“If the marriage takes place.”
“Yes, well…I will receive Winthrop’s backing on a piece of legislation that I have tried to pass before.”
“Ah, yes, a political alliance it is. I should have known when you told me the lady belonged to Winthrop. Does this paragon have a name?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Elizabeth Bennet.” Darcy sighed. “What else can you tell me about her?”
“Her father is owner of a small estate in Hertfordshire called Longbourn. Her mother has relatives in trade; her father was a solicitor and her brother is Edward Gardiner of Gardiner Imports.”
Darcy’s brows rose. Gardiner Imports was well-known for quality goods that were in high demand by the ton. Further, the man himself had a reputation for being hard-nosed about payment for goods. Not even the Prince Regent got credit from Gardiner Imports. It was an unusual and risky stance for a tradesman to take, but it was a well-known secret that gentlemen did not always pay their bills. By requiring cash payments at the time of purchase, Mr. Gardiner had developed a client base that consisted of those with ready funds. His business, therefore, was a strong one with a good reputation.
“I suppose you will want me to make use of that connection on your behalf should I marry this young lady?”
His uncle looked embarrassed. “Really, Darcy! Must you speak so plainly?”
“With you, yes, I fear I must, lest you run roughshod all over me.” Seeing Lord Matlock’s unease, he relented. “Very well, Uncle, you have chosen someone. I would like to meet her before I make any sort of commitment. You will arrange it?”
“Yes, yes. I will ask your aunt to arrange a dinner party for later this week, and invite the lady and her godparents. I am certain you will like her.”
“Indeed,” is all Darcy would say before he bowed and left the room.
~~~***~~~
Three days later, he was back at Matlock House, dressed for dinner and striding up the stairs to the drawing room, where his relatives waited. This was the night he was to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he was not looking forward to it.
“Darcy! You are in plenty of time. Come, have a drink. What can I get you?”
“A small amount of port, please, Uncle. I wish to have my wits about me this evening.”
“Relax, Nephew! You will like her, I am sure of it. Audra,
” he turned to his wife, “Tell him.”
“Truly, Darcy, she is perfect for you.”
Darcy rolled his eyes but replied. “We shall see.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, Sir.” The butler bowed and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him.
“Richard! I am so glad you could join us!”
“Thank you, Father. The general decided he could do without me for one evening. Seems his wife accepted an invitation to dine with her favorite niece and he is under orders to leave his work in his office.” Once the laughter from his statement died down and he had greeted his mother, he turned to his cousin. “So, Darcy, you are to meet your bride this evening?”
Darcy glared. “No,” he replied succinctly, “I am to meet a potential bride tonight.”
Richard laughed. “Of course, of course; I apologize.”
At that moment, the butler returned to announce their guests for the evening. “Lord Winthrop, Lady Winthrop, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Darcy watched as his uncle’s colleague and his companions entered the room, closely examining the young lady he was here to meet. Leaning toward his cousin, he whispered, “Not much to look at, is she?”
Richard’s head whipped toward him. “What do you mean? She is a very pretty girl!”
Darcy hushed him, for Richard’s voice had a tendency to carry, and it would not do for their conversation to be heard by the others. “She is not any better looking than any other young lady of high society, and I have had enough thrown at me to know.”
Their conversation ceased then, for the girl and her godparents were now before them, being introduced.
~~~***~~~
Elizabeth was nervous as she and the Winthrops entered Matlock House. She felt as though her entire future rested on the outcome of this night. I suppose it does in many ways, she thought. She curtseyed as she was greeted by Lord and Lady Matlock, smiling and returning their salutations.
“It is so good to see you again, Miss Bennet. I am delighted to have you here.” Her hostess’ voice was warm and inviting, which Elizabeth took as a good sign. If the match were made, she knew that at least some of his family liked her.
“Thank you, madam, I am happy to be here.”
Lady Matlock chuckled. “I am not so sure about that; you seem uneasy. I promise you that my nephew is not an ogre. He is a gentleman in every way. Come, let me introduce you. I know it is not proper etiquette, but I will introduce my son first, so that you have more time to form an impression of Darcy.”
Elizabeth nodded, then followed her across the room to where Lord and Lady Winthrop were being introduced to two younger gentlemen. She could not see them clearly yet, as her view was blocked, but that situation did not last long. Almost before she knew it, she was standing in front of the two young men. One was a younger version of Lord Matlock, blond, tall, and thin. The other was a few inches taller but with dark hair and a solid build, though he shared many of the same features as his host.
“Miss Bennet, may I introduce to you my son, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam?”
So the blond man was, as she suspected, Lord Matlock’s son. She became even more tense, for the moment was upon her.
“And this is my nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
As she rose from her curtsey, she looked into his eyes and was immediately struck silent. She had never seen such a beautiful shade of blue. Undeniably, he was the most handsome man she had ever seen, with almost perfect symmetry in his face and thick hair that made her want to run her fingers through it to see if it was as soft as it looked. Oh, I hope he is everything they say he is! If his intelligence is half as fine as his looks, I shall be well pleased.
“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Bennet.” Able now to see her up close, Darcy was held captive by her eyes, which sparkled with intelligence and good humor. They were deep pools of liquid chocolate, and he suddenly felt himself in danger of falling in and never being able to get back out.
“Likewise, sir.” Her breath quickening at the sound of his deep voice, Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her to stop their shaking as she scrambled to think of something to say to him. His intense stare was not helping her calm; she wondered what he was about, looking at her that way.
Darcy was also searching his brain for something intelligent to say when his cousin chimed in.
“Would you like a drink, Miss Bennet? Perhaps some sherry?”
“Oh, yes, thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
Richard’s question snapped Darcy out of his confusion, and as his cousin moved away toward the side table, he thought of a question to ask. “My aunt tells me you enjoy reading. Do you prefer histories or poetry?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I enjoy both, to be honest. I find that I have enjoyed almost every book I have read. Do you have a preference?”
Darcy smiled back at her. “I do not. Though I find that my opportunities to sit and read are not as vast as they once were, so I do tend to go back to old favorites. I have several histories I enjoy, and books of poetry. If I had to name an author I preferred, I believe it would be Shakespeare, though I am fond of Wordsworth, as well.”
“I have only read one of Wordsworth’s books. I enjoyed it well enough, I suppose, but not enough to entice me to purchase another. Shakespeare, however, I read over and over. I find, though, that I prefer his comedies to his histories. I do so love a laugh.”
Despite himself, Darcy was intrigued. He was used to young ladies agreeing with his every opinion, and this one had just said that she disliked something he professed to enjoy. His brow rose as he replied. “I like the comedies well enough, but I find them not serious enough most of the time. Too, I believe that unless we have a thorough understanding of history, we are doomed to repeat it. For that reason, I more often choose those.”
“I would have to agree with that assessment. Far too often we see those who pay no attention to what happened in the past repeating those mistakes. Our world would be a far more pleasant and stable place were everyone to pay attention to their instruction and learn from it. However, it is my wont to remember the past only as it gives me pleasure.”
Seeing the playful look in her eye, Darcy smiled. “Then I shall do my best to make this evening a pleasant one for you to recall in the future.” By this time, Richard had returned with her sherry and, having no interest in the topic of conversation, drifted off to join his father and Lord Winthrop.
Before long, the butler entered the room again to announce that dinner was served, and, following precedence, Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, as Lady Matlock was escorted by Lord Winthrop and Lord Matlock had Lady Winthrop on his arm. Richard took up the rear, as he had no one to partner with.
Darcy was startled to feel, upon Elizabeth’s hand resting on his arm, a jolt straight up his arm and to his heart, which skipped a beat. He quickly glanced at his partner to see if she felt the same, and from the look on her face, she did. He faced forward once more, unsure what to make of it all and knowing he could not contemplate it until he was alone.
The pair of them conversed almost exclusively throughout dinner, only occasionally involving others in their conversation. Their companions were not offended, however. Indeed, they were well pleased, for such a thing meant to them that Darcy and Elizabeth were discovering their compatibility for themselves. As important as the match was for both of them, their families hoped that they would end the night amenable to a marriage.
After the meal, the men remained in the dining room to enjoy their port and cigars while the ladies retired to the drawing room. The door had no more than shut behind them when Lord Matlock turned to his nephew.
“Well?”
“I will do it. She is indeed far different than the other ladies I have met this season. There is something about her, something indefinable, that makes me want to know more of her. Upon first seeing her, I could hardly allow that she was even pretty, but when she speaks, her liveliness shines through and a
dds a glow to her features. She does have a touch of impertinence, I noted, but nothing she said could be interpreted as rude or hurtful. She matched me wit for wit. I am aware of how rare a character such as hers is.”
“You will marry her?”
“Yes, Uncle, I will.” Darcy turned to Lord Winthrop as his uncle expressed his pleasure with the decision. “When may I come by to discuss the settlement? I see no reason for a long delay. I must marry and it seems she must, as well. Let us get it done.”
Lord Winthrop was startled. From what Matlock had said, Darcy was reluctant to even meet Elizabeth, yet in one evening, he had changed his mind. “Well, I must say I am surprised that you have agreed so readily. However, your uncle assures me that you are an honorable man, and you are correct, my goddaughter does need to marry. I do need to tell you about her family, though, before we go much further. Be assured that you are not required to meet them. I have been given full authority by her father to act in his behalf. I will be the one to sign the settlement, and I will likely be the one to give her away at the wedding. She is, for all intents and purposes, my ward until she comes of age next year.” Lord Winthrop went on to explain the conditions at Longbourn and what led to Elizabeth coming to live with him and his wife.
“Her mother dislikes her?” Darcy asked. “How is that even possible? How much similarity of character exists between Miss Bennet and her mother?”
