Goulding, who had known Bennet almost from birth, was astounded. “Bu-u-u-t the kind of wealth you now possess, how did you manage this Bennet?” he stammered.
“Firstly, we cut costs in any way Fanny and I could manage, and right away through being an attentive estate manager I almost doubled Longbourn’s yields. I implemented some new farming methods, and I worked as many hours as were needed to see substantial increases in my tenant’s yields. Any adjacent land that became available was purchased to increase Longbourn’s acreage, and therefore its profits.
“All profit, anything which could be spared, was invested with my brother Edward Gardiner. After a few years, I had purchased back all the land my profligate ancestor had caused his father to sell off, and besides the two additional estates, I procured as much additional land that became available as I could. It was not long before my income from my estates increased a number of times more than what I had first achieved,” Bennet explained. As he spoke, Darcy, who overheard part of the conversation, looked at Bennet in astonishment.
“Edward? Edward Gardiner? Married to Maddie Gardiner née Hamilton that grew up in Lambton where her father was the rector of the Lambton Church?” Darcy exclaimed.
“Yes, he is Fanny’s brother. She was Fanny Gardiner before she married me. She, Hattie Philips, and Edward are siblings. That is where Tom’s middle name comes from. How do you know Edward and Maddie, Darcy?” Bennet asked inquisitively.
“I am astounded at another connection, Bennet. Years ago, Uncle Reggie recommended my esteemed departed father invest with Gardiner and Associates, Uncle called your brotherKing Midasas he claimed everything Gardiner touches turns to gold.
“My father followed Uncle’s advice and invested, and I have continued to since I became the Master of our estates. I had no idea he was your brother. Oh, but excuse me for disturbing your conversation, gentlemen. Please accept my most profound apologies.” Darcy looked sheepishly at Bennet and nodded to Goulding.
“Nothing to forgive,” both men stated simultaneously, impressed Darcy was not too proud to apologise, even for a perceived slight neither man took as one.
“Now, where were we?” Bennet ribbed Darcy. “Ah yes, recounting my former mistakes. I had not invested with Gardiner despite his urging me to after I married my Fanny. When the twins were born, I started to invest every available penny.
“Gardiner has always far exceeded projections of profits, so I think Reggie’s moniker ofKing Midasis apropos. The important point is I never touched the money other than to buy the two estates and land added to Longbourn which has increased my profits. I left all of the money not marked for management of my estates and households with Gardiner to reinvest, so it gets compounded.
“Over the years, the funds have grown as the principal and profits were reinvested, as well as almost all profits from my estates.Thatis how I was able to do what I have done. I left the girl’s dowries with Edward as well; they were forty thousand some two years ago; from the last statement Edward gave me they have grown substantially. Please keep this to yourself. It is bad enough that the forty thousand pounds number is out in the world now.
“If fortune hunters knew the real number, it would be so much worse. I have written the contract that only with my, Edward’s, and Frank’s consent will a dowry be released with Reggie as a stand-in as three signatures are required, so if some fortune hunter tried to compromise one of my girls, or kidnaps her and takes her to Scotland, he will see nothing. I would never force one of my girls to marry where she does not want to even if some blackguard compromises her,” Bennet stated protectively.
“When I noted you were increasing Longbourn’s lands, and especially when you acquired Bennet Fields, I should have asked you how, but I felt I would be prying into personal and private matters, so I said nothing. I will be contacting Gardiner to invest with him at his soonest convenience,” Goulding stated with conviction.
“You are in luck. The Gardiners will arrive on the morrow to join us for a sennight, so you may speak to him directly if you choose,” Bennet Informed his friend. Goulding thanked Bennet, stating he would contact Gardiner anon, and wandered off in the direction of his wife.
It was noted how pleasant the gathering was without Miss Bingley to cast a pall on the event. Bingley passingly wondered if it was wrong to not miss his sister, then reminded himself no one other than Caroline herself decided the fate she was now consigned to.
Besides, he had far more pleasant things to think about, the most pressing of which was in the form of his angel, as he had started to call Jane Bennet, when thoughts of her occupied, crossed, or leapt into his mind unbidden.
He had growing self-doubts though, now he knew about the connections and fortune of the Bennets, and that they were accepted into the first circles. He could not help but wonder if he would be considered good enough for one of the Bennet daughters, let alone the one he considered the most beautiful of them.
Caroline’s machinations must surely have lowered him in the estimation of the Bennets and Fitzwilliams, regardless of what they said. He had been on the cusp of requesting a courtship with the ethereal and sweet Jane Bennet, but now he was not sure he should. He determined his next step would be to talk to Darcy and the Colonel when they got back to Netherfield Park later that night.
Sir William introduced residents of the neighbourhood to Colonel Forster, who was in command of the Derbyshire Militia that would be setting up camp in Meryton for about three months before heading to an encampment outside of Brighton.
Colonel Forster in turn introduced two of his officers, Captains Carter and Saunderson. As the introductions were being made, a booming “Forster” was heard from Colonel Fitzwilliam despite the volume of the discussions in the drawing room.
The Colonels acknowledged one another and moved to meet on one side of the room. The two men grasped each other’s hand in obvious comradery that is often shared among military men.
“Fitzwilliam, what are you doing here amongst this polite society? Should not you be outside with the riff-raff?” Colonel Forster responded with a large grin while the two Colonels were shaking hands vigorously and then slapped each other on the back. “We have known each other for many years,” Colonel Forster clarified for those closest, “we trained together when we purchased our first commissions. Like my friend here, I have also risen through the ranks, not purchased my way to Colonel.” He turned to Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Does the bet still stand as to who will make General first?” he winked at the group watching and again locked eyes with Richard Fitzwilliam.
“That is easy, I will as I am in the regulars. You know we advance faster thanlowlymilitia officers,” Colonel Fitzwilliam ribbed. “Where are the rest of your troops, Forster? Or do they only trust you with two Captains?” Richard razzed his friend.
Both Captains had to stop themselves from laughing at the good-natured bantering between the two Colonels, though they continued to watch in wide-eyed amazement because both, for a moment, seemed almost human.
“The main body is on the way from Hampshire and will arrive by the end of the week. I dispatched some officers under the command of Lieutenant Denny to London to recruit some more gentlemen for my unit. I am a little light in gentlemen officers. How would you like to join my unit as one of my lieutenants, Fitzwilliam, even if you are lacking as a gentleman?” Forster jested. At this, the group around the two Colonels, including the two militia officers, laughed heartily.
Richard introduced Colonel Forster and the two Captains to his parents, family, and the Bennets. Forster had met his parents many years before, so it was good to renew the acquaintance.
The Bennet twins were ecstatic at the prospect of more officers to pepper with questions. As noted, their favourite pastime, whenever Richard Fitzwilliam was present, was to ask about military life and exploits. Now they had two Colonels and two Captains to ask their questions of, and more officers to soon come!
“Please tell us more of your time on the peninsular, Richard?” Tom begged.
“Please do, Richard. You know how much we love hearing about your exploits in the army, and we would love to listen to Colonel Forster and Captains Carter and Saunderson tell us about their experiences in the militia as well,” James added with a hopeful sparkle in his eye.
“Now boys,” their mother interjected with a loving smile. “Please allow the officers to enjoy themselves with the adults. Next time Richard and any of the officers visit Longbourn, and they acquiesce, you may ask all your questions. Colonel Forster, you and your gentlemen officers are welcome to call on us at Longbourn. Thank you for being patient with my babies.”
