“With all due respect, your Majesty, nothing we did was done with an eye to a reward. It was done out of love and to honour the dying wish of my best friend in the whole world,” Fanny informed the monarch.
“We are well aware you did nothing expecting a reward, but it is our prerogative to grant one,” the King returned.
The Lord Chamberlain instructed Bennet to kneel in front of the King. “I name you Baron Longbourn.” The King stood and tapped Bennet on the shoulder with his ceremonial sword. “Arise, Lord Thomas.”
“Lady Francine, our son has told us our granddaughter is most accomplished, as are her adopted sisters. We invite you and your daughters to tea, two days hence at eleven. My lady in waiting, the Duchess of Wolverhampton, will send you the pertinent details.” The Queen had issued an invitation, but Fanny—Lady Francine—was well aware it was a summons and not an invitation.
“It will be our pleasure, your Majesty. As you are a connoisseur of music, may I be so bold as to suggest Ladies Matlock and Holder, their daughters, and Miss Darcy be included?” Fanny replied.
“We will have our lady send invitations to them as well. We understand our Cousin Rose was at your eldest daughter’s recent wedding.” The Queen stated and Fanny nodded it was so. “We will invite our cousin and her daughter-in-law as well,” the Queen decided.
After the Bennets backed out of the receiving room, they were joined by Frederick. “Did you know the King was going to make me a baron?” Bennet asked, a decided frown on his countenance, as he had loved their daughter from the day she was born and had needed no such reward.
“It was as much a surprise to me as it was to you,” the Prince averred.
“Well then, Lady Francine, I think it is time to return to Darcy House to prepare for the dinner at Bedford House this evening,” Lord Thomas, the Baron of Longbourn stated.
“Papa am ILord Tommynow?” the youngest Bennet asked.
“No, Son. One day, when you inherit Longbourn, you will become Lord Tommy, now you are the Honourable Tommy Bennet,” Bennet explained, mussing his son’s hair as they stepped into the carriage.
With the Prince accompanying them, the Bennets departed Buckingham House for Darcy House.
Chapter 28
On Wednesday morning, the Fitzwilliams and Carringtons were visiting the Darcys and Bennets when the Prince stopped by after meeting with his parents and siblings at Buckingham House.
His other brothers and sisters who were in Town were informed they had a hitherto unknown niece and were keen to meet Princess Beth and introduce her to her cousins. The King and Queen told their son that a royal notice would appear in the evening editions of the papers announcing Princess Elizabeth Priscilla Francine Bennet, which would state that she was recognized as a legitimate grandchild.
“It seems that Lizzy’s introduction to the King and Queen could not have gone better,” Matlock stated just before the Prince informed the group of the impending notice.
“True, except I believe Bennet has omitted to share his news with you. Will you tell them or should I,Lord Thomas?” The Prince was distracted momentarily as Bennet rolled his eyes.
“Did the King elevate our friend?” Holder asked.
“How is it you never mentioned anything after your return from Buckingham House?” Darcy added.
“The King named Bennet Baron Longbourn in thanks for looking after his granddaughter all of these years,” the Prince informed the group. “The announcement will be with the one about Lizzy and list the elevation of Lord and Lady Longbourn.”
“Lady Francine,” Lady Elaine stated, “how well that sounds.”
“York, were you aware your father was going to bestow a title on Bennet, here?” Holder asked.
“Not until the Lord Chamberlain had Bennet kneel. Even though Bennet and Fanny protested the need to honour them thusly, in my opinion they deserve this and more.” The Prince met Bennet’s stare, challenging his daughter’s adopted father to gainsay him.
Bennet raised his hands in surrender. “It is not something I wanted, imagined, or needed, but one does not tell the King they are not willing to accept an award from him,” Bennet stated stoically. “It was not a question of my preference, it was quite decided already so there was nothing to be done but accept grasciously.”
“Poor Sir William and Lady Lucas. They thrived on the fact they were the only titled ones in the neighbourhood—that is untilUncle Freddywas revealed to be a Prince—then all of the titled visitors in the neighbourhood made them feel their own insignificance,” Fanny told the group. “Before that, they were the only citizens of the area with titles, but now we are above them in rank, not to mention what they will say when they find out our Lizzy is royalty. We will include them in our social life as we always have so they can see we are as we have ever been. The new titles will not change us, save our address in formal situations.”
“That reminds me,” the Prince stated, “now that Lizzy is being recognised and the notice will mention herlate mother, I believe it is time to post Priscilla’s final letter.”
“You have the right of it, York,” Bennet agreed, then looked at his wife to gauge her opinion on the matter.
“There is no choice now,” Fanny allowed. “I suspected it would need to be done so I have the letter with me. I will write the direction and place it with your outgoing post, Robert.”
“If I may, I would like to write a note to be included with the letter to warn my daughter’s other grandparents not to dare approach or importune her or my wrath will be great,” the Prince stated firmly.
Darcy gave the Prince the use of his desk. It did not take long to write a succinct missive, and its meaning could not be missed. If the Earl and Countess of Jersey ignored the warning contained in the letter, it would be at their peril.
