It made perfect sense. That was why she had accepted him so quickly. Not only did she wish to escape her mother, but he was the only man in the world to whom she could propose such an arrangement. It was nothing more or less than a carefully planned understanding.
“You know now that Papa was a very wealthy man—even wealthier than you.”
Darcy had not known that, not before signing the documents. Lady Catherine had been far from forthcoming regarding her fortune, and even with the solicitors, she had tried to secure more than was properly hers. But that had never troubled him. He had always relied on his own means.
“There is another estate in Kent besides Rosings, smaller but highly productive, that comes from my paternal grandparents,” Anne said.
“You know I do not need your money.”
“Of course I know, but it is impossible to turn all our properties into money and take everything to America. And I would rather have a steady income for the rest of my life. When everything is settled, we shall exchange letters and decide how to arrange it.”
“But what happens if Lady Catherine takes control of the estate, helped by Lord Matlock?”
“That is where you come in. Before the divorce, I will agree to transfer—completely and permanently—the second property, Bourgh, to Richard. I shall claim that our joint fortune is now more than sufficient, and refer to a supposed wish of my father, who was very fond of him. You must speak first with Lady Matlock.”
“Very skilful,” Darcy said, for he understood the plan at once. Lady Matlock would do anything to see Richard—her son, who stood to inherit nothing from the Matlock estate—securely provided for. Persuading Lord Matlock would be easy. Anne, so long quiet and withdrawn, had understood every undercurrent of the family and knew exactly which levers to press to bring her plan to success.
“Rosings to you, Bourgh to Richard—and my mother left with only the right to live at Rosings, with a substantial income.”
“Perhaps you will return one day.”
“It is possible. But as long as my mother lives, there is no chance that England will see me again.”
“I understand. But there are two properties and a considerable income.”
“I think that five thousand a year would be enough for me. Your uncle Robert will certainly help you.”
Again, Darcy was struck by her clear understanding of her fortune, and by her sound judgement. It was not easy to move such sums, but Anne knew they had excellent bankingconnections, and that one of his paternal uncles owned a respected bank in Scotland.
“So, you even know about Uncle Robert.”
“Yes. Once you decided to marry me, I made sure I understood everything. I had help.”
“From yourMr Solicitor,” Darcy said, without malice. “But are you certain he loves you?”
“Well, we are not…involved. The idea of America came from him. He worked at our solicitors’ office, and he came to the house nearly a year ago to prepare some papers. We spoke, and he told us about America and his plans. He meant to go, but he had no money—neither for the journey nor to begin a new life there. So we proposed that he accompany us—for the adultery’s sake--and in return we would pay for his passage and employ him to help us settle. In America, an unmarried woman may own property and make contracts in her own name.”
“I understand. That is the kind of freedom you want.”
“I want to decide for myself. And if that means remaining alone, then I shall accept the life of a spinster.”
“You will need a house first.”
Anne looked at him with gratitude.
When he proposed to her, she did not know him well. He had been only a distant cousin, one who had never shown any particular interest in her. Her first impulse had been to refuse him, but she accepted in haste. In that single moment, she remembered Lady Anne, for whom she had been named—a kind and graceful woman—and believed that such a lady must have raised her son to resemble her, not Lady Catherine. That was her chance to go to America with money.
Then, during the two months of their engagement, her hopes had grown. He was Lady Anne’s son, and each time they met, he showed honesty and kindness, determined to build a tolerable life with her, even while he still loved another. Hebehaved as an attentive betrothed. The journey to Pemberley convinced her she need not fear him, and that she could tell him the truth.
And his response had gone beyond anything she imagined. For a moment, she had almost wished to forget everything and remain at Pemberley as his wife. But the thought did not last.
“Yes, I shall need a house.”
“Then find one—bright and pleasant—and I will buy it for you. You shall have the means to live as you wish.”
He helped her to her feet and drew her into a long embrace. She returned it with warmth, with gratitude—and with a quiet affection.
“My departure must remain a secret. We shall travel north and be seen in Liverpool, but we shall take a boat to Dublin, and from Dublin sail to America.”
