“He is connected to many nobles, my father, Andrew, and myself included. The rest of theTonwould very much like to be connected to him and his money-making abilities.” Richard whistled. “Is he Bingley’s partner whom he has mentioned on occasion?”
“The very same, to whom I too am connected. By the way, he is Bingley’s landlord. Will you join us?”
“Of course I will. Mother will want a full report on this wonderous creature who has captured you heart.” Richard paused. “What of her feelings for you?”
“In my humble opinion, I will have to work hard to earn her regard, even though I did apologise for my unwise slight, I have seen no signs of tender feelings for me from her,” Darcy shook his head sadly. “Then again, the side of myself I showed in her neighbourhood was not who I truly am so all I can pray is when she sees me for who I am, she will give me a chance to win her heart.”
“With Giana and me with you to stop you inserting your hessian into your mouth, you may have a chance of winning the fair maiden. May I be present when you tell Aunt Catty you are marrying another?”
“Richard,” Darcy admonished with a smile. “I assume you will join me in breaking my fast?” The Colonel nodded. “Then come, let us proceed to the breakfast parlour.”
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“There is a letter from London for you, Jane,” Bennet informed his daughter.
Jane and Elizabeth were working in the stillroom when their father delivered the missive. “Thank you, Papa,” Jane responded as she placed it into her apron’s pocket.
“What we are doing here will wait. Come Janey, I am sure the letter is burning a hole in your pocket. Go read what your fiancé has to say,” Elizabeth encouraged.
“Thank you for your understanding, Dearest,” Jane averred. She retrieved the still sealed message and removed her apron. “It is far too cold to sit in the park so I will go to the small parlour.”
Elizabeth waved her older sister away and returned to making the herbal remedy they had been working on.
As soon as she sat, Jane hungrily broke the seal. This was her first letter from Charles. She smoothed out the page and began to read.
11 December 1810
54 Curzon Street, London
My beloved Jane,
It took me some time to let go of the anger I felt for Caroline after I read that vile piece of poisoned prose she sent you. Thank goodness you were secure in the love and commitment we share to see it for the pack of lies it was.
I am so very sorry my sister attempted to hurt you in that fashion. Of all of her many sins, her trying to hurt you was the worst in my opinion.
It is done. I will not go into the lies my sister tried to tell when she was confronted about her actions. Suffice it to say she was rather shocked when I produced the letter. That was nothing to how she looked when Darcy reacted to what was written in the missive.
She is on her way to Scarborough where her residence will be of long duration. Darcy and his family (his aunt is the Countess of Matlock) have made sure she will never be welcome in polite society again. If my Aunt Hildebrand cannot abide Caroline in her home, I told her in the letter I wrote that she is free to contact my local solicitor who will find an establishment for my sister to live on her own.
No longer will I pay for Caroline’s overspending or anything else in her life. She has the remains of her dowry and she will have to learn to make do with the interest from that.
Enough about her. My business has been achieved more speedily than I had anticipated (much to my delight) which means I will be back in my angel’s presence on Wednesday by early afternoon.
In my keenness to have it done, I dropped the notice of our engagement at the papers on Saturday past. Wanting nothing to delay my return to you for any reason, I decided not to wait until the day I departed to submit it. It will be in Thursday coming’s editions.
I will be accompanied by the Hursts, two Darcys (Miss Darcy will be one of the party), and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam (Darcy’s cousin).
As you in the area have no doubt heard, Netherfield Park’s manor house has been reopened and all of the servants my sister had Mrs. Nichols let off have been re-employed without missing a single day of wages. Louisa, who has wished us happy (sincerely I must note) will be my hostess.
How I have missed not seeing you each day. Now that I have the signed settlement back from your father, what say you to us setting a date for our wedding when I return to you? For my part, it cannot be soon enough, but I will defer to you on this subject.
“No more than I have missed seeing you,” Jane told the letter as she pulled it to her chest to feel his closeness. She extended her hands and began to read again.
Did I ever mention to you I have a business partner in London? It is none other than your uncle, Edward Gardiner. Imagine my surprise when I discovered he is the owner of Netherfield Park.
That is all for this letter my beloved Jane.
With all of my love and more,
