A Royal Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  “That is quite generous of you, Darcy. I have no doubt Lizzy would wish to give the money to her beloved sister. Though they are half-sisters, they were brought up as twins, and they love each other as such. Lizzy would do everything she could for Jane. We may have to speak with Lady Margaret, as the funds came from her family’s trust for Constance, but I do not see any harm in dividing the wealth.”

  “Then, after we speak with Lady Elizabeth, if she approves, we can write to her aunt.” Mr Bennet smiled. “As you are engaged to my daughter, you are within your rights to refer to her as Elizabeth, or Lizzy. You do not have to be so formal any longer, as to call her by her title.”

  “It is difficult to believe she has agreed to be my wife. I have dreamed of this moment for so many months now, to have her truly agree to marry me seems as if I am still in my dreams.”

  “A most beautiful dream, indeed. It pleases me to know my Lizzy will have the love match I wished to have had with her mother. And Jane will also have a love match. I could not be happier for them. They were both witness to the terrible marriage I had with Fanny, and neither of the girls wished to have such.” Mr Bennet wiped a tear which had escaped his eye.

  “They are amazing young ladies, Mr Bennet. It is clear that you love them, and they love you. Nothing Mrs Bennet did could change that fact, or perhaps, it is due to her behavior they grew as strong as they have.”

  Mr Bennet nodded his head in agreement. “They have always been loved, by me, by the Gardiners, and most of the people who have known them. Only Fanny could not love Elizabeth, and look where her hatred has gotten her. Well, no more thinking of the past. We have a bright future ahead of us and I look forward to visiting your home many times in the years to come.”

  Darcy laughed openly. “You are glad to visit my library and enjoy my stock of fine brandy.” “Ah, yes, and I believe you should have a bed moved into the library. It would make my stay with you more comfortable if I did not have to go down the hall at the end of the day.” Mr Bennet smirked. “I grow tired of sleeping on your sofa.”

  ~~ ** ~~ After receiving Elizabeth’s enthusiastic approval to share her wealth with her dear sister, a letter was sent to Scotland to her aunt, announcing her engagement and asking approval to divide her inheritance.

  “Lizzy, the funds were left for you by your mother. I have no rights to them.” Jane argued. “I do not need a dowry. Charles wishes to marry me, even without a dowry.”

  “My you are my sister. We share the same father, and we have shared a life together. I beg of you, Jane, allow me to share this gift with you. My mother would have approved, I am certain of it. From what Papa and Aunt Maggie have told me of her, I know my mother would have loved you. Your happiness is important to me, and giving you half of my money would make you happy, I know it will.”

  “Lady Elizabeth, as Jane told you, I asked for her hand when she had no dowry. I love her, and we will be well off enough without the dowry.” Bingley stated. “I appreciate the offer, but we will be comfortable.”

  Elizabeth was frustrated. “My dearest sister, you must take the gift I am offering. If you do not, I will…I will…oh, I do not know yet, but I will think of something. Something ridiculous, that will make you regret not taking the money.”

  Jane laughed at her sister’s silliness. “But Lizzy, it is your inheritance. I could not possibly take your inheritance from you. It is a gift from your mother.”

  “And you are a gift from my father. It is natural to combine the two. Please, Jane, please take this gift. I beg you.” Elizabeth took hold of her sister’s hands as she pleaded.

  After several moments of listening to her sister’s constant pleas, Jane could not hold out any longer. “Very well, I will do as you ask. But I will only accept ten thousand. We could take the other ten thousand and put it to good use.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes grew as she thought of potential recipients for donations. After her experience in Liverpool, she would be pleased to be able to thank those who had come to her aid, with no thought of financial gain for themselves.

  “Then it is settled. Unless there is any problem from stipulations as to how the inheritance is used, we will donate ten thousand pounds to charity. Perhaps we can begin a foundation in my mother’s name. In Liverpool.”

  Darcy knew where her thoughts had turned. “You wish to assist Mr Miller and the Walker sisters in their efforts of freeing those who have been sold into slavery?”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. “After all they did, I feel it would be a proper way of repaying them, as well as honor my mother. Perhaps a house where freed slaves could receive care until they could find employment and places to live. It could be

  Constance’s House.”

  Mr Bennet nodded his head. “It would be a fitting way to honor your mother, Lizzy. And I have something I wish to suggest. Now that Lizzy will be marrying Mr Darcy, and will move here, and with Fanny and Lydia no longer living at Longbourn, I wish to invite Jane and Mr Bingley to reside at Longbourn with me. I will set aside some funds each year, and when I die, the money will come to you to purchase your own estate. Perhaps, by then, there will be an estate near Pemberley for you to purchase.”

  Darcy smiled as he realized his future father was aware of Bingley searching Derbyshire for property he could purchase. “Bingley, I think you would learn from working beside Mr Bennet, seeing how to run a smaller estate. Then, it will not be so overwhelming when you purchase a larger estate later.”

  Jane and Bingley looked at each other. Bingley was surprised, as Jane had, just recently, discussed their living at Longbourn. He knew it would make her happy, and he was well aware of how much he had to learn of being the master of an estate. It did not seem as daunting an experience as he thought of accepting Mr Bennet’s offer. “I believe my betrothed would be pleased by my words, as I will accept your offer, Mr Bennet.”

  “Oh, yes, Charles. I wish to be of assistance to Papa and it would be a better way of learning what is needed to run an estate.” Jane declared, joyfully.

  Darcy called for his best champagne and glasses. “This is a night for celebration.”

  ~~ ** ~~ The Gardiners were ready to leave for their home, which was a sad time indeed. The children were not wishing to leave their favorite cousins, Mrs Gardiner knew she would miss Elizabeth and Jane immensely, and Mr Gardiner stated he would miss the fishing opportunities he had enjoyed, though it was well known that he would miss his nieces very much.

  It was decided that the weddings would be held in a joint ceremony at Longbourn, in one month. This would allow Elizabeth more time to recover from her fall, as her ankle was still tender.

  And it would allow the young ladies to shop in London for their trousseaus. They had received a letter from Margaret stating there were no

  stipulations on the inheritance, and she felt Constance would have approved of Elizabeth’s decision. Margaret also sent her approval of her niece’s choice of husband. She would be in attendance for the weddings, as would her entire family.

  A letter arrived from Elizabeth’s uncle, Albert, who planned to make the journey to Longbourn for the wedding.

  A letter of congratulations was received from the palace, from Queen Charlotte. She had also decided to hire an artist to take Elizabeth’s likeness on canvas. She requested the artist make several copies of the portrait, as it would be a wedding gift to the couple, as well as an addition to the family portraits hung in the house in Brunswick. Mr Bennet and Margaret each wished to have smaller copies of the portrait for their own homes. Elizabeth was surprised by the gift from the queen. She felt a sense of acceptance by the family she had known for such a short time.

  Lord and Lady Matlock had sent word from Town that they expected the couple to attend a ball they were giving in Darcy and Elizabeth’s honor, just a few days prior to the wedding. Lady Matlock was well known in society, and she planned to pave the way for her future niece to be accepted. Knowing his aunt and uncle supported his decision was a great r
elief to Darcy. He knew his aunt, Lady Catherine, would not approve of his bride, so having Lord and Lady Matlock’s support was a blessing in his eyes.

  Princess Augusta sent a letter and a gift to Elizabeth, in honor of her engagement. She had commissioned a necklace and earbobs made of sapphires and diamonds. Sapphires were the color of Constance’s eyes, and Princess Augusta had the most exquisite set made. The center stone was sapphire, cut in the shape of a heart. The silver setting was made to look as if the diamonds were flower petals, with smaller sapphires in the center of each cluster of petals. The flowers grew smaller as they moved upwards, until they were extremely small upon reaching the back of her neck, near the clasp. Elizabeth was elated with the gifts she had received, and she was extremely grateful for the acceptance and love which was being freely given to her.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mr Hurst returned to Pemberley two days before the party was to remove to London. He had made all the arrangements and had the information needed for the solicitors to take charge of Caroline’s dowry and the settlement for Louisa, and pay their bills.

  He stated that the trip was eventful, with Caroline protesting every mile of the journey. She had even tried to escape twice. But she soon discovered it was foolishness.

  The estate had a small cottage which was where the sisters would live. There was a barn with a cow and several hens, so they would have fresh milk and eggs. The maid who was hired had a husband who would tend the animals, chop firewood, and see to repairs needed about the place. The disgraced postilion would serve as footman and assist the maid in cleaning. The cook was a widowed woman, with no family. Her main stipulation was that each month, a delivery of books and sewing supplies be sent. With those items, she could endure the cruelty of the sisters.

  The staff were also informed to send word immediately if the sisters made any attempt to escape the estate. Mr and Mrs Holton, the maid and her husband, laughed when they received the order.

  Mr Holton had lived in the area all of his life. “No one ever escapes this land. And I do not see the likes of those ladies walking such a distance or attempting to ride the cow. But if they make such an attempt, I will see word be sent.”

  With the staff hired, deliveries of supplies ordered on a weekly basis, and the trio of criminals deposited in their private jail, Hurst bid farewell to his wife for the last time and left her.

  “I was surprised that Louisa did not complain during the entire trip. She hardly said two words. But the pot was brewing, and I am willing to take bets that there was a fight shortly after I left them.” Hurst reported to his brother in law.

  “Where do you plan to go?” Bingley asked. “To Town. I wish for some culture and

  entertainment to cleanse my mind of those foul sisters of yours.”

  “Then you should stay with me at the townhouse. After my betrothed and her sister have done some shopping, and we enjoy some entertainment, we will be making the journey to Longbourn, to prepare for the wedding.”

  Mr Bennet spoke. “Indeed, Mr Hurst, you must join us at Longbourn as well. There is plenty of room there, as I have sent word to my housekeeper to prepare all the rooms.”

  “Thank you, Mr Bennet. Perhaps I shall.” ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 19 Lord and Lady Matlock arrived at Darcy House before Darcy’s party could even arrive. Lady Matlock was excited to meet Lady Elizabeth and her family. She had already made plans to introduce Elizabeth to the ton, planning dinner parties, teas, and the engagement ball, as well as appointments with her modiste to prepare Elizabeth’s wardrobe.

  Lady Matlock entered Darcy House, calling for Mrs Jarvis to attend her. “They should be arriving any moment now. I am certain you have prepared rooms for them, as you are ever so efficient, but I wish to see the rooms. And I wish to see the Mistress’ chambers. No one has used them since Anne’s death, and they will require some attention. And you should alert Cook to prepare refreshments for their arrival.”

  Mrs Jarvis could not help but laugh at the normally calm Lady Matlock. “You are a step behind me, Lady Matlock. I have the rooms ready, and was certain you would wish to inspect them. And the Mistress’ chambers are aired out, cleaned, and ready for inspection. And Cook has water heating for both tea and bath water, cold meats, cheese, fruits and some fresh biscuits.”

  Lady Matlock laughed. “I should have known. Let us take a quick look at the Mistress’ chambers, before their arrival.”

  An hour later, Lord and Lady Matlock were standing in the foyer of Darcy House when the Darcys, Bennets, and Gardiners arrived. Bingley and Hurst had traveled in Bingley’s carriage, and they went to their townhouse to freshen up and rest.

  Darcy jumped down from his carriage before it came to a complete stop. He turned around, handing his betrothed down, before scooping her in his arms and carrying her up the stairs.

  “William, put me down this instant. What will everyone think?” “They will think one of two things. Either I am a man who is so in love with his betrothed that he acts in such a silly manner, or they will think that I am assisting you due to your recent injured ankle. Both are true, so it matters not to me what others think.” Darcy laughed.

  Jarvis opened the door for his master, and was shocked at Darcy’s behavior. Behind Jarvis, Lord and Lady Matlock stood in silent surprise. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, what do you think you are doing?” Lady Matlock demanded.

  “Rebecca, calm yourself. Remember, Lady Elizabeth was recently injured. Perhaps the boy is protecting her from further harm.” Lord Matlock said, all the while attempting to contain a chuckle from escaping.

  “But his behavior is highly improper. What will be said if anyone sees him behaving so?” “They will think whatever they think, Rebecca. There will be plenty said about both of them, and it is up to us to stand at their side through it. Personally, I would prefer to hear people speak of our nephew being in love with his fiancé than other gossip. For if there is gossip concerning his love for Lady Elizabeth, the fact is that it is true.”

  Darcy did not set Elizabeth on her feet when he introduced her to his aunt and uncle. It was clear that Elizabeth was embarrassed by his behavior, yet the love she had developed for Darcy was also clearly written on her face.

  Elizabeth had not realized it until the morning that Darcy asked to court her, but she had developed feelings for him. Having come to know him, she realized how dear he was to her and that she truly loved him. When asked when she realized she was in love with Darcy, she would always say that she was in the middle before she realized her feelings were even there.

  “Lord and Lady Matlock, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard many wonderful things about you from William and Georgiana, and of course, from your son, Richard.”

  “Ah, yes, Lady Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to meet you. Richard and William have written much about you, and I have been excited to meet you for myself.” Lady Matlock stated as she welcomed her future niece.

  “Yes, my wife has been so excited, she could not wait to arrive here, to see that Mrs Jarvis had everything arranged properly. Darcy, you should give your housekeeper a bonus, for she had anticipated my wife’s arrival, and was prepared for everything my wife asked for.” Lord Matlock laughed. “Lady Elizabeth, I can see that my son and nephew have not misled me with regards to your beauty. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  “You have my thanks, Lord and Lady Matlock. I am grateful for your accepting me and your kind welcome.” Elizabeth smiled. She had been nervous about meeting Darcy’s family members.

  Lord Matlock turned his attention to his nephew. “My dear boy, you nearly gave your aunt an attack of apoplexy with your antics. Carrying your intended from the carriage, I thought I would have to send for the physician before you could reach us.”

  Lady Matlock huffed as she swatted her husband’s arm. “I was only concerned with what people would say. I do not wish to see Lady Elizabeth’s name scandalized before she is even introduced to anyone.”

  “Have no fear, Aunt. If anyone dare
s to question my behavior, you are free to tell them of Elizabeth’s injured ankle. I will take no chances of her being injured again and being unable to walk down the aisle to me on our wedding day.” Darcy teased.

  “Then perhaps it is best we can move somewhere with a chair where you might deposit your fiancé, rather than having you stand here, holding her in your arms.” Lady Matlock stated.

  “Actually, I am quite enjoying having her in my arms.”

  In unison, Elizabeth, Lady Matlock and Lord Matlock cried out. “William.” Giving one of his dimpled grins which melted Elizabeth’s heart every time she saw it, Darcy finally agreed. “Though it is against my better judgment.”

  The group made their way into the drawing room, where Darcy placed his beloved on the settee and took the seat beside her. He insisted on Georgiana acting as hostess and introduce the rest of their party to Lord and Lady Matlock, while he remained close to Elizabeth.

  Lord Matlock began to chuckle, after all the introductions were made. “I never thought I would see the day that Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley, would break so many rules of propriety. And be happy about doing so.”

  “His father would have a good laugh at William’s behavior, I can tell you that. And Anne would have yelled at him, but laughed later.” Lady Matlock said as she laughed. “It is good to see him behave in such a manner. Lady Elizabeth is good for him.”

  “And good for me as well, Aunt Rebecca.” Georgiana stated. “Why, I must agree, for I would never have expected my shy, quiet little mouse of a niece to speak so animatedly. You are enjoying having Lady Elizabeth in your life.”