Becca was summoned to meet with her parents in their private sitting room. She was asked to sit. “Becca, dearest, both your father and I have taken note that you seem to be attracted to Mr Bennet,” Mrs Devon began.
“Are you worried because he is not of theTon, and only a country squire?” Becca wondered. She caught herself before she said more along those lines. She knew her parents did not judge based on the arbitrary and superficial criteria so many in society used. She shook her head before she proceeded. “I will admit to a certain attraction, but it is far too soon to say more than that. If there is interest on his side, we can be certain it has nothing to do with my being the daughter of a duke, our wealth, or connections.”
“He is a gentleman, and that is enough for us,” Devon assured his daughter. “From my brief observation, your mind is the most attractive thing to him. You did not see the way he reacted when you read Greek, translated it flawlessly, and then spoke in Latin. I am going to have him investigated.” Devon raised his hand to quell the protest his daughter was about to unleash. “It is the same I would do withanyman who catches your interest, and when the time comes, it will be the same for any man who shows serious interest in Connie. I am sure I will discover nothing more than we already know, but as your father, I cannot do less.”
“You already know we do not judge him for not mourning the wife he was forced to marry,” Mrs Devon reminded herdaughter. “It is to his credit he will not act hypocritically just to satisfy the mores of society. All your father and I ask is to get to know him, and allow him to know you. There is no hurry, and you will have as much time as you need to decide one way or the other. Your father and I have decided we will remain in Hertfordshire for as long as is needed.”
“There is nothing unreasonable in what you have both said. I have a feeling he is the man for me, but time will tell,” Becca responded.
Neither parent missed the dreamy look in her eyes when she spoke of him.
Chapter 4
Over the next month there was much contact between the residents of Longbourn and Netherfield Park. That is not to say that the Devons did not meet and spend time with the other landed families in the area; they did. But there was no family they were closer to than the Bennets.
By the end of June, both Becca and Bennet were sure they were in love with each other. It had come to the point where Bennet was now certain that Becca—it had been some weeks since he had ceased thinking of her as Miss Devon—was the only woman in the world he would love in a romantic sense and with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. He was as positive as he could be without having her tell him so, but he was confident that Becca loved him as well.
The two relished spending time together. They would find any excuse to be in company one with the other even though the excuse of restoring Netherfield Park’s library was no longer legitimate as most of the shelves were full. Almost all of the duplicates Bennet had had in piles on the floor in his study now graced the shelves of the Devons’ estate’s library. Bennet introduced the Devons to Mr Sainsworth, the owner of Sainsworth’s Books, the bookstore in Meryton. The book shop was originally opened by the father of the current proprietor. Many of the titles had been found in his store. When he noted they were looking for more tomes, which he did not have instock, he informed them he was able to order any they wanted and have them in the store within a week to ten days. With all the money which had been spent in his shop, Mr Sainsworth had his best month of sales in the shop’s history.
The previous night Bennet had consulted with his mother and told her of his deep feelings for Becca. Beth had agreed that now, after knowing her for more than a month, if Thomas was ready to declare himself, then that was what he should do.
Hence, Bennet arrived at Netherfield Park in his carriage the next day, just after eleven in the morning. This was one day he did not want the smell of horseflesh or sweat from riding on his person. When he was admitted by the butler, Bennet was relieved of his outerwear.
“Is Mr Devon in his study?” Bennet enquired.
“He is, Sir. He did not leave instructions not to disturb him, so if you will follow me please, Mr Bennet,” Nichols responded.
Bennet waited while the butler entered the study to verify that his master would receive him. It was not a long wait. The butler exited and held the door open, ushering the gentleman into the room.
“Bennet, did we have an appointment I have forgotten?” Devon asked as he came around his desk, extending his hand in greeting.
“No, we do not. I am here with a request I need to ask of you,” Bennet replied.
Devon indicated the chairs before his desk as he made his way back to his comfortable seat on the other side of the large desk. “What is it I can do for you, Bennet?” he asked, although he had a good idea what Bennet’s purpose was.
“I am sure that it has not gone unnoticed by either you or Mrs Devon that I am very interested in Miss Devon. In fact, it is far past interested now; I have fallen in love with her. My reason for calling on you is to request a private interview with your eldest daughter. I am aware she is of age. Notwithstanding that fact, if not your permission, I hope I will have your blessing to speak to your daughter.”
“What will you offer her? A courtship or an engagement?” Devon asked.
“For my part, the former is superfluous, as I know without a shadow of a doubt that I love her with all of my heart and respect her mind and abilities like none other I have met. That being said, I will ask her what her preference is. I suspect she feels for me as I do for her, but I may be off the mark,” Bennet revealed.
“You may speak to her, butafteryou meet with my Anna and Becca. There is information we need to disclose which may change your mind,” Devon stated evenly.
Bennet could not imagine anything which would divert him from his path, but he was curious because Devon was being rather cryptic. “I do not object to hearing what you have to reveal,” Bennet declared.
Devon rang for the butler and instructed him to have his wife and Miss Devon join them. It was not long before the two ladies entered the study. Becca lit up with pleasure when she saw the man she loved seated within. Greetings were exchanged, and the two ladies sat together on the settee against the one wall.
“Anna and Becca, it is time to reveal all to Bennet,” Devon stated plainly.
Becca was a little nervous, and all she could do was hope that Thomas…Mr Bennet would not hold the subterfuge against her or her family.
“Bennet, our family name is not Devon; it is in fact Cavendish,” Devonshire began. “I am the Duke of Devonshire; Anna is my duchess. My daughters are Ladies Rebecca and Constance. Our son, who has not been with us at this estate, is the Marquess of Hartington. Based on what I know of your time at Cambridge, I believe you played chess against my son, William, when you were in your final year there.” The Duke paused as he saw the shock on Bennet’s countenance.
“It was never our purpose to make fools of you or any other in the area; the reasons we are incognito are…” Lady Georgiana explained it all with some assistance from her husband.
“I understand why you wanted to have a more quiet life without everyone fawning over you or being hunted for no more than your wealth and connections,” Bennet mused after he had cogitated for some moments as he attempted to calm himself. “However, I wonder why you did not tell me sooner. I am sure that a country squire is not good enough for Lady Rebecca,” he managed bitterly.
“Thomas…Mr Bennet, all I have ever wanted was for someone to appreciate me for myself, not for my social position, wealth, or connections. You are that man. My parents only caveat when I accept a man is that he be a gentleman. You are, I believe, one, are you not?” Lady Rebecca smiled.
