If you are reading this letter, then you have become the man I knew you would be and come torealise on your own that your mother’s words about class and the distinction of rank were not her own but her sister’s.
You may ask why I requested of both Matlock and Bennet not to give you their copy of this letter until you arrived at this realisation on your own. The answer is simple: I did not want to diminish my beloved Anne’s memory in your eyes. It was certain that having arrived at this point on your own would lead you to see that Catherine browbeat your mother for her own selfish reasons.
I must clarify something regarding Anna’s guardianship. Besides believing your aunt and uncle were the best choice, I could not leave her with you and have you impart your improper pride to her.
The above been said, I want you to know how proud I am of the man you have become. That you were able to recognise and change your faults for yourself without me having to pound the lessons into your head is what I always hoped for you. I was always proud to call you my son, William, but never more so than now.
My prayer for you, my son, is for you to find a woman to love. Do not look at what circle she is from, how much wealth she has, or what her connections are. As long as she is gently born, I would approve. Love and respect are what you need, both to give and to receive.
As much as I would have wanted to see you and Anna grow up, become adults, marry, and become parents, it was not to come to pass in the mortal world. Know that your mother and I will watch over you for all of your life on the mortal coil.
There was a different letter which your unclewould have presented on your becoming engaged if you had not come to this realisation on your own. He will destroy that one as soon as he, or Bennet, hands you this one. There remains one more letter; it will be handed to Anna on the eve of her wedding.
With all my fatherly love,
Father
Darcy felt a few tears roll down his cheek. He wiped them off with a handkerchief. His heart was full of thanks for Father’s words.
He intended to rest for a while before dressing for the assembly in appropriate clothing for a country ball and then he, Richard, and de Bourgh would leave in his carriage. They would not be subject to Miss Bingley’s whims and desire to befashionably late.
Chapter 28
Bingley saw his friends and de Bourgh making their way out of the house. “W-where are you going?” He asked. If the men were not there toadmireCaroline when she deigned to descend the stairs, there would be hell to pay.
“We are on our way to the assembly. Why are you not departing? Did you not tell us it begins at half after the hour of seven?” Richard asked nonchalantly.
“Yes, that was the time I mentioned, b-but you cannot leave yet.” Bingley looked at Darcy plaintively. “Darce, surely you will wait? I am sure Caroline will be ready in a few minutes.”
“No, Bingley, we will not be late to inflate your sister’s sense of worth. Why should we be rude as guests in the neighbourhood and be late because your sister thinks she is royalty, and all must wait for her?” Darcy responded. “Was there anything I said earlier which was unambiguous? I thought I was perfectly clear.”
“Ehrm, you have fallen out of favour with Caroline; she has now chosen de Bourgh…” Bingley stopped when a bark of laughter escaped from said man.
“Bingley, your younger sister is even more delusional than I already thought if she thinks I am interested in her at all. Let me be clear, I would not be interested in Miss Bingley if she and I were the last two left alive and the propagation of the human race depended on us marrying!” de Bourgh insisted firmly.
“How many times have I told you that it is past time for you to check your sister?” Darcy barked. “We are departingnow! Your needing us to remain to placate Miss Bingley does not change that. Grow up and take charge of your sister.”
The three men were helped into their greatcoats by the butler and two footmen, then they took the rest of their outerwear and exited the house.
Bingley stood in the entrance hall, his mouth hanging open.
“I see the footmen are ready.” Darcy inclined his head to the bench at the rear of the carriage where three men stood.
As soon as they were seated, Darcy struck the ceiling, and they were off.
With the finality of Darcy’s coach disappearing from view, Bingley realised that no matter how he wished it were not so, he would have to face Caroline’s displeasure on his own.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As planned, the conveyances left the dower house at Netherfield Park as soon as Mr Darcy’s equipage arrived. The Taylors, minus Felix and Lil, had arrived ten minutes prior.
As they rode the mile to Meryton, it was the first time Henry truly lamented that he had lost his sight. He could still see blurry colours but no more than that. His reason on this night was simple—he wanted to see the looks on both Thomas’s and his stooge, Collins’s, faces. Of course, Lizzy, Fee, and others would describe the events to him, but it did not replace seeing them for himself.
This was the first time Henry had accompanied the family to the assembly rooms since he had danced with Lizzy when she came out almost four years past. Life had been very good to him—better than to most—so Henry did not sit about bemoaning what he did not have. Rather, he was very thankful for the gifts God in His wisdom had bestowed on him.
Fee was next to him; someone he had believed he would never see in the mortal world again. Lizzy was on his other side, and the executed documents were in his pocket.
Thomas had shot his last bolt, and it had not come close to the intended target. In a short amount of time, it would be over, and Thomas would receive his just desserts. He would never be in a position to harm his family for his own entertainment ever again.
