“The entire neighborhood will know of your visit before noon,” Martha murmured as they continued toward Mr. Blythewood’s office. “Which serves our purpose admirably. The more people who know you’re researching your ‘aunt’ Rose, the more difficult it would be for anyone to interfere with your investigations.”
“You’ve clearly thought this through carefully.”
“Twenty years of waiting provides ample time for planning,” Martha replied. “Mr. Blythewood’s chambers are here,” she added as they walked up to a substantial brick building that housed several professional offices. “He has served the Darcy family for nearly thirty years. If anyone can provide insight into the legal arrangements surrounding your aunt’s marriage, it would be he.”
The solicitor’s office occupied the entire first floor, furnished with the comfortable shabbiness that suggested established success rather than flashy prosperity. Mr. Blythewood proved to be a portly gentleman of perhaps sixty with shrewd eyes and an impressive set of silver whiskers.
“Mrs. Wickham, what a pleasure,” he said, taking her offered hand. “How may I help you?”
“Mr. Blythewood, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a friend of my son George,” Martha presented her. “She is the niece of Mrs. Rose Darcy and hopes to write a biographical account that honors her memory.”
“Indeed, Miss Bennet, that’s quite an undertaking,” Mr. Blythewood said. “Please, both of you, be seated.”
Elizabeth settled in the offered chair. “I realize my request might seem unusual, but I am partially named after my aunt. My middle name is Rose.”
“I see, my dear young lady. Family history should be preserved, particularly when it involves such a tragic chapter as the Rose Cottage fire. Your aunt was a remarkable woman who deserves to be remembered properly.”
“You knew her personally?”
“Indeed, I did. I handled all the legal arrangements for her marriage to John Darcy, witnessed their happiness together, and…” His expression grew somber. “I dealt with the aftermath of that terrible night. A dreadful business, losing such a promising young family.”
Elizabeth leaned forward eagerly. “The marriage arrangements—were they complicated by the difference in their circumstances?”
Blythewood’s eyes twinkled with memory. “Not as much as one might expect. John Darcy was determined to marry Rose Bennet regardless of any objections, and his parents, after initial reservations, came to support the match wholeheartedly. The settlement was quite generous, actually. Old Mr. George Darcy was a fair man who judged by character rather than fortune.”
“And their daughter? Were provisions made for her future?”
“Little Elizabeth Rose,” Blythewood said with genuine sadness. “Such a beautiful child, barely nine months old when the fire claimed her. Yes, provisions had been made—quite extraordinary ones, actually. George Darcy was so taken with his granddaughter that he amended his will to include special arrangements for her inheritance.”
It was all Elizabeth could do not to glance at Mrs. Wickham as she composed herself. “That is most interesting indeed. Might I inquire into the details of the arrangements? I’ve heard of a fee tail female.”
“Most unusual, but not unheard of.” Blythewood shook his head. “Of course, such provisions became moot when the poor child perished with her parents.”
“But if she had lived?” Elizabeth pressed gently.
“She would have inherited Pemberley outright upon reaching her majority, provided she could prove her identity on reaching her twenty-first birthday. Quite specific terms, but George Darcy was always precise in his legal arrangements.”
Elizabeth felt the blood rush to her head. Here was confirmation of everything Martha’s letter had claimed—the inheritance, the timeline, even the proof requirements.
“Fascinating,” she managed to say steadily. “And such documents would be preserved?”
“Naturally. All settlement papers, wills, and legal instruments are maintained in perpetuity. Though, of course,” his tone becamemore professional, “such documents could only be examined by parties with legitimate legal standing. Family members, beneficiaries, that sort of thing.”
“But as Rose’s niece—” Elizabeth began.
“You are a Bennet, not a Darcy,” Mr. Blythewood interrupted gently but firmly. “The settlement documents you reference would only be accessible to direct Darcy heirs.”
“But surely for biographical research?—”
“I do apologize, Miss Bennet. Legal and professional ethics constrain me.” His tone made it clear that the matter was not open to further discussion. “I can, however, speak generally about your aunt, if that would be helpful. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Rose Darcy on several occasions.”
Frustrated but unwilling to antagonize a potential ally, Elizabeth nodded. “I would appreciate any recollections you might share.”
“Rose Bennet Darcy was indeed worthy of commemoration,” he agreed.
They spent another half hour discussing the family’s history, Blythewood’s recollections, adding depth and context to Elizabeth’s understanding. She learned of her parents’ courtship, their wedding, their brief but happy life together, and the devastating impact of their loss on the entire Darcy family.
“The current Mr. Darcy was deeply affected,” Blythewood observed. “Only eight years old, but old enough to understand that Uncle John and Aunt Rose would never return. I believe the loss shaped his character considerably—made him more serious and protective of those he cares for.”
