“No!” Albert laughed. “You told that to the old dragon—”
“Albert!” Lord Matlock interrupted sharply. “What has come over you all? This gentleman has resolved to marry, and his choice is a respectable young lady, who is moreover your cousin. Show a little propriety.”
“So you intend to give your consent?” the colonel asked, still indignant.
Anne de Bourgh could not marry without the approval of both her mother and Lord Matlock. By her father’s will, she held her fortune only on that condition; otherwise, the greater part would pass, at Lady Catherine’s death, to Sir Lewis’s nephews, the eldest inheriting Rosings, while Anne would be left with a comparatively modest income from an estate still in Kent that came from Sir Lewis’s parents.
“Certainly, I give my consent—if this is indeed what Darcy desires.”
“Only wait a little—be patient—look further,” Richard urged.
“Cousin, for some months I have frequented every fashionable circle in London. I have met more young women than ever before, and not one has possessed better qualities than Anne. I am persuaded she will make a good wife, and, in time, with proper guidance, a suitable mistress of Pemberley.”
They sat in silence for some moments, each reflecting on what had passed.
“In the end,” Albert said carelessly, “a wife is no more than a woman in one’s house. A man’s life goes on much the same after marriage.”
Lord Matlock cast upon his heir a look of marked displeasure. “This is not the moment—but we must speak seriously, Albert.”
There was something in his tone that suggested a determination to reform his son’s manner of life. Viscount Wharton still lived very much as a bachelor, and his conduct was freely discussed in London.
“In two days, Lady Catherine’s solicitors will arrive with the marriage settlements,” Darcy added, confident now of his uncle’s approval. He had never doubted it. The match might be unexpected, but alliances within the family were often highly valued by the older generation.
∞∞∞
“Give me one reason,” the colonel said that night, when they found themselves alone in the garden. “Are you in financial difficulty? Is it for the de Bourgh fortune?”
Darcy turned to him and laughed. The night was clear, the sky filled with stars, and the slender crescent of a new moon hung above them. They stood looking over the house and the park, which appeared almost enchanted in the soft light.
“Come, my dear cousin,” Darcy said, with warmth. There was between them a closeness that admitted of few reserves. “You know me. Even in our wildest days, I was moderate. My fortune is not diminished—indeed, I may say it is increased since my father’s death. I have made improvements at Pemberley, and the estate prospers.”
“Then why?”
“Because, of late, I have perceived in Anne a certain promise. She is not aware of what she might become. She is changed—I assure you.”
“So you imagine her as your wife—in every sense?” the colonel said, unable to restrain himself. “I do not wish to be indelicate, but—”
Darcy inclined his head. He had not neglected to consider that part of marriage.
“It may be difficult at first; but the domestic life is only one part of the whole.”
An important part, Richard thought, though he did not speak it aloud. It was evident that Darcy’s mind was fixed.
∞∞∞
“When do you intend the wedding to take place?” Lady Eleanor eventually asked.
Lady Catherine, accustomed to being the principal speaker, attempted to reply. Still, Darcy, with firmness—perhaps even bordering upon incivility—turned to her and said, “Pray—from this moment, everything concerning our marriage shall be decided and announced only by Anne and myself.”
The reproof was so unexpected that Lady Catherine coloured, and for once had nothing to say. Darcy was the man: he decided, and she was obliged to submit.
Darcy then turned to Lady Eleanor, as though nothing had occurred, and answered in a composed tone, “At the beginning of October—we generally have some fine days at that season. We shall be married in London, and then immediately proceed to Pemberley.”
Lady Eleanor nodded, smiling with evident satisfaction.
“And Lady Eleanor, Lady Wharton, I must request that you prepare the wedding breakfast and attend to my future wife’s trousseau.”
He then looked at Anne and asked, “Is that agreeable to you, my dear?”
