What Elizabeth did not say, though she intimated it, was that she would not quail in the face of their prominent positions or impeccable breeding. The earl sensed confidence in her reply, for he gave her a nod of approval.
“Then I shall speak to Susan when I return to Snowlock.” The earl turned to Darcy. “My son has informed me that you postponed your wedding to come to Derbyshire and be of use to the family.”
“I did,” agreed Darcy. “Though I regret my still single state, I would not call it an imposition. It was my duty, and I was happy to do it.”
Again, the earl nodded his approval. “I am pleased to hear it. Then I presume you will return to Hertfordshire to attend to your wedding, and then you will attend the season in London?”
Darcy exchanged a look with Elizabeth, who shrugged. “Our plans are yet uncertain, my lord, but I expect to return to Hertfordshire before the end of March and marry soon thereafter. We may take an abbreviated wedding tour, but we will attend at least part of the season.”
“Very well. Please keep me advised of your plans so that I can speak to Susan on the subject.”
“There is also the matter of my return to my profession,” said Fitzwilliam. “My general has been generous with my leave, but I must return before long. When Darcy travels south, I expect I will travel with him.”
Lord Matlock regarded his son. “As you know, you may resign your commission whenever you wish. To your mother, tomorrow would be acceptable.”
“Trust me, Father, I am well aware of Mother’s opinion.”
There was some undercurrent in the discussion between the two men, but Darcy did not know what it was. Younger sons not in line to inherit the family property made their way in the world through professions deemed suitable for those of gentle stock, but some families provided for younger sons, though they could not keep the same status as their parents. Given the conversation, Darcy thought it likely the earl had done so, but Fitzwilliam still insisted on making his way in the world. It was a mark of his character if he did so regardless of the need.
THE EARL STAYED ATPemberley until the early afternoon, citing a need to return to his estate that day, and Darcy could not help but see how he watched Elizabeth. There was no disapproval in that gaze as it was not judgmental; it was more of an earnest gaze, one that sought to understand what he was seeing. Darcy understood, for he knew that he and Elizabeth, though they had no blood connection to the earl and his family, would be tied to them in the minds of their peers because of their connection to the previous masters of the estate. It was, therefore, no surprise that he would wish to know of Elizabeth’s quality and understand her ability to uphold the family honor. Had Darcy any doubt about her capabilities, he might have acted to protect her or distract his lordship from his scrutiny.
Elizabeth did not miss the attention either, for Darcy knew she was as observant as anyone he had ever met. To her credit, she gave no impression of understanding, and she did not give him any deference beyond what she owed him as a member of the nobility. Darcy had not known Lord Matlock well, but he understood the man did not tolerate excessive deference and appreciated those who showed a measure of confidence. There was no better woman than Elizabeth to show those qualities, and Lord Matlock appeared to welcome it.
When the morning progressed to early afternoon and the time of the earl’s departure approached, he requested that Darcy and Fitzwilliam attend him, which they did without hesitation. It was no surprise when he raised a subject of which they had spoken several times, though the result of their conversation was unexpected.
“Before I go today, we should speak of the matter of Georgiana’s guardianship.”
Fitzwilliam nodded. “That would be for the best, Father. When I return to my duties, we should have a plan in place for her future care.”
The earl eyed his son. “This would be much easier if you would resign your commission.”
“Perhaps,” said Fitzwilliam, not giving an inch, “but it is only prudent to appoint another guardian. My uncle protected his daughter with us both for this reason.”
“That he did,” agreed Lord Matlock, pushing their disagreement to the side.
He turned to Darcy and regarded him with some speculation. “Anthony informs me that you are willing to keep Georgiana at Pemberley.”
“It has been her home all her life,” replied Darcy. “There is no reason for her to leave it if she does not wish.”
Lord Matlock nodded as if Darcy had passed a test. “Then would you also keep her with you even when you leave Pemberley?”
Though taken aback, Darcy did not hesitate. “We have discussed this, though not at any great length. If Georgiana wishes it, I am amenable to her remaining in my house, though we must consider propriety.”
“When you marry, that will not be an issue,” observed the earl.
“That is true,” said Darcy. “When we return to Hertfordshire, my mother will live at my estate, which will satisfy the demands of propriety. Once I am married, the point becomes moot as my wife will serve a similar function.”
“Then there should be no impediment.” The earl paused, appearing to be gathering his thoughts. “There is a provision in my late brother’s will to appoint another guardian should something happen to Anthony or Jameson. While Icouldtake on that duty myself, what I have seen today suggests that Georgiana would be better served by remaining with you. If she does, she will have the society of your future wife and her sister, and I presume, Miss Bennet’s other sisters.”
“I am certain all would be happy to welcome her,” said Darcy, again taken aback by the earl’s open suggestion that Darcy become Georgiana’s second guardian.
“The other consideration,” said the earl, this time with a slight smile, “is that Georgiana finds my daughters intimidating, though they esteem her. She can still have their influence in her life if she lives with you.
“This would prevent any meddling by my sister and would allow you to make decisions for Georgiana’s care. This is best for her.”
“While I shall not venture to suggest what is best for her, I am amenable to accepting the role.”
“Then I shall make the arrangements when I return to town,” said the earl with a decisive nod. “However, I shall retain the authority to approve of Georgiana’s future husband.” The earl shook his head. “I cannot imagine that would be a problem, but in so sensitive a matter as a marriage, I am certain my brother would wish me to intervene on her behalf.”
