“Yes, but since nothing came of the offer, he also wishes to avoid more scandal and has reluctantly sided with Motherproviding he cannot change your mind this afternoon. Even so, I believe he intends to make his displeasure known.”
“I would be hard pressed to believe otherwise.”
“As for Aunt Catherine….” He let out a low whistle. “She must be related to the devil himself. The vitriol I heard coming out of that woman’s mouth....” He shuddered. “I am sure you will hear plenty from her today.”
“I certainly had my fill when I informed her of my intentions on Saturday.” William’s scowl intensified. “Moreover, I cannot begin to tell you how appalled I was when I received Gardiner’s express detailing her unannounced visit to his home. It was impossible for me to leave Anna at the time, and until I see Gardiner later today, I have no idea how all of this has affected Elizabeth.”
“You are seeing Gardiner?”
“I am, for dinner. I sent him a message yesterday and thankfully, he bears no ill will or at least none that I could discern from his response.”
“I shall wish you the best on that front, Cousin. The Gardiners are respectable people and I like them. If I was not attending the theatre this evening with Mrs. Walden and a group of her friends, I might have invited myself along.” He chuckled. “Except for the lady’s excellent company, I could easily forgo Shakespeare and take in a good meal.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
He shrugged. “When one has spent as many months as I have in the field eating nothing but Army rations, let us just say his hunger for a good meal is rarely satisfied.”
Richard’s teasing grin prompted William to knowingly shake his head while saying, “So it would seem.”
More enthusiastically Richard continued, “Now, Cousin, tell me, when is the wedding to take place? I have not seen anythingin the papers, but I would be happy to stand up with you, should you desire my presence.”
Smiling appreciatively, William said, “Of course I would be glad to have you, and I will be honoured to name you as my best man, assuming you can get away, since the wedding will not take place here in Town.”
“Oh?”
“Following the incident with Lady Catherine, Miss Elizabeth and her family returned to Longbourn.”
“Ah, the young lady must have been distressed by the old dragon. Our aunt can be quite harsh.”
“‘Harsh’ is too kind a word. That woman has left many fences for me to mend over the years. As for Elizabeth’s family, I have proposed to Mr. Bennet that he schedule the wedding for Tuesday next. My plan is to travel there on the morrow and complete the arrangements. Assuming all goes well, I should be back in Town on Saturday and then return to Hertfordshire early Monday morning in preparation for the wedding.”
“The date is rather soon, but under the circumstances it is better to proceed than delay. And yes, do count on me being there. I should have no problem getting a few days off from the war office.”
“Thank you.”
“I must say, Miss Elizabeth is quite an engaging young woman, and one who is not afraid to speak her mind, as I recall. Our first meeting at Hatchards will attest to that.” Again, he chuckled. “The young lady may present you with a challenge from time to time, but I wholeheartedly believe once the two of you survive this nightmare, you will do well together.”
“I appreciate you saying so. Your faith in us means much. Speaking of proceeding, let us leave now.”
Matlock House
The two cousins left Darcy House together; William being very sombre while Richard continued to be supportive in his usual jovial manner. On being announced at Matlock House, they learned the family were waiting in the drawing room.
On entering, William’s uncle rose and curtly stated, “Darcy, Richard, be seated. Nephew, I trust Anna is faring better?”
“Yes, Uncle, she is greatly improved though not fully recovered.”
He nodded in acknowledgement. “I see no point in delaying what I have to say. It is our understanding that you have committed yourself to the Bennet woman.”
“I have, sir. I have communicated with her father and my wedding is scheduled for Tuesday next.”
“Tuesday next!” Lady Catherine rudely interjected rising from her seat. “This wedding is an atrocity and we shall not stand for it!”
“Catherine,” William’s uncle glared at his sister and spat through gritted teeth, “Be seated, I have not yet finished.”
Doing as he requested, she huffed and loudly thumped her walking stick to show her displeasure.
“Frankly, Nephew,” the earl continued, “your parents would be appalled to know that their first born has fallen so low. Because of what happened at the ball, we have received cuts from every quarter. Why, even at Parliament, my standing is being questioned. How can you proceed with this wedding when our family is on the brink of ruination? I am appealing to your better judgement to reconsider your decision before it is too late. It is imperative you leave this woman to her Hertfordshire relations and marry another woman of your own sphere if we are to save face.”
