The Honourable Richard Fitzwilliam, Colonel
Foster let out a whistle. He knew of Colonel Fitzwilliam as one of the heroes of the battles of Roliça and Buçaco andhad been exceptionalduring the sieges of Badajoz. Wickham had made some very powerful enemies. Given what he now knew about the man, he had no doubt that his list of enemies was long while the list of friends was non-existent.
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Jupiter was halted in front of Lucas Lodge, and when Bennet dismounted, the lone groom who was employed by Sir William led the magnificent stallion away. Bennet was shown into Sir William’s study. On the way to Lucas Lodge, Bennet had decided, as Sir William was one of his oldest friends, he would inform him about the true state of the Bennets’ wealth. The reason for sharing Wickham’s dissolution with his friend was twofold: Sir William was the local magistrate, and both he and Lady Lucas loved to gossip.
Bennet requested that Sir William invite his wife and oldest son Franklin to join them. Once mother and son had seated themselves on a settee in the study, Bennet shared all information he had learned about Lieutenant Wickham. They were outraged that such a wolf in sheep’s clothing was loose in their neighbourhood. Bennet assured Sir William that whatever the militia unit could not cover would be paid by the Bennets. His friend was not only the former mayor of Meryton, but was himself a former merchant who was understandably concerned for the welfare of the local shop owners. Bennet stressed that this relief was only to be applied to debts to merchants and loans but not debts of honour.
When Sir William asked how Bennet could cover such a sum, Bennet disclosed to the three Lucases the true wealth of the family. He told them that his wife and two youngest daughters had been ignorant of the facts until that very morning. ‘I am sure that no one would have believed Fanny if I had not told them myself.’ The Lucases sat in a state of absolute silent shock and he patiently waited until after a number of minutes, Sir William recovered.
“You own Netherfield Park and Bennington Fields, as well as all of the extra land?Youown most of the shire! How did you keep it quiet all of these years?” Sir William started to smile in happiness for his friend.
“My brother Frank Phillips was my agent; the deeds were sealed so no one knew the name of the new owner, and there was a stipulation of secrecy in the purchase agreement. The penalty for breaching the secrecy clause would be the same amount that the seller received for his land, so no one ever was inclined to mention a thing about me being the purchaser.”
“Y-y-y-your girls have how much for their dowries! Did you say two hundred and fifty thousand poundseach?!!” Lady Lucas looked as if she was close to an apoplectic state, quite unable to catch her breath as yet.
“That is correct, Lady Lucas. And each owns a five percent stake in Gardiner and Associates, which is worth a lot more than their dowries.” That was the news that caused Lady Lucas to faint requiring Franklin to sprint out of the study to go find some salts.
“You said my son Collins will only inherit the original Longbourn and has no share in anything else?” Sir William asked hesitantly.
“Yes, Sir William, that is correct. Collins has the documents pertaining to the entail and there is a clause, which states that no income derived prior to my death is subject to the entail and that if the beneficiary challenges this clause, the entail is broken and then is disposed of according to my will. I will know when I hear from Lizzy, but I had authorised her to offer your son a sum of money to break the entail now and sign it over to me if she thought that Collins was open to such an offer,” Bennet smiled at the surprise and relief on Sir William’s face. It was very difficult to want one’s son-in-law to inherit for the benefit of one’s daughter when it meant that his best friend was required to die.
“I pray that he was sensible enough to accept the offer. At least they would have some funds now as, God willing, you will live for many years to come, Bennet,” Sir William sighed in deep relief and hope.
By now Franklin had returned, and with the aid of the housekeeper and the salts, his mother was revived. She left the study mumbling about Fanny Bennet never allowing her to live this down. Bennet suspected that based on Fanny’s reaction to the news, her days of boasting were likely past. After accepting a small glass of port from his friend, Bennet returned home. To his relief there was another express from Lizzy waiting on his desk for him.
Portman Square
6 April 1812
Dear Papa,
As you can see, I returned early from Hunsford, and now that there is no need to hide our position anymore, Jane and the Gardiners are back at Portman Square, and I with them. We are all well.
After I told Cousin Collins about our true wealth, I offered him twenty thousand pounds to join you and break the entail. I know it is a lot less than that of the fifty thousand that you authorised, but I think it is fair and was accepted without argument after he read clauses 11.a of the entailment document. Charlotte helped him see that it was better to get something now rather than wait for many years, or even to get nothing if he were to predecease you. Given his eating habits and lack of exercise, I believe that scenario to be a true possibility.
My suggestion is that you contact Sir Randolph at your earliest convenience so he can invite our cousin to London to sign the documents before the dispenser of useless advice, Lady Catherine, tries to interfere. I suggest further that we offer to pay for his travel and accommodation.
Unless there is a reason not to, Jane and I will be home on the 14th day of April, as planned.
Please send my love to Mama and my sisters, and I hope by now that Mr Wickham has been dealt with.
All of my love and respect,
Your Daughter,
Lizzy
Mr Bennet immediately sat, wrote, then sent the express to his barrister in London via one of his personal couriers.
Chapter 4
Back in Hunsford, the bumbling sycophantic parson was beside himself with rage and jealousy. His wife had reassured him that taking sure money now was better than the possibility of nothing, as there was no guarantee that Mr Collins would outlive Mr Bennet. He would take the money, but it still irked him that he had been so close to so much more and failed to take advantage. All he had had to do was compromise the delectable Elizabeth Bennet and he would have been as rich as Croesus, possibly richer. If he had been so wealthy, then no one would dare disrespect him without feeling the brunt of his displeasure, and he would not have to simper and serve unworthy people like his patroness.
But even he had enough sense to never verbalise his thoughts about missed chances to compromise his cousin. His wife was her very good friend, as he had hoped to make Elizabeth jealous, and he was certain that Charlotte Collins could make his life very unpleasant if she so chose. He thought back to the conversation that he had had with his patroness earlier in the day.
“Are you a simpleton Mr Collins? The Bennets cannot be so rich as your cousin claims! They are below me in every way; it is not to be borne.” He had gone straight to Lady Catherine to discuss the situation and be the recipient of her infinitely good advice.
