Darcy was about to come to his friend’s defence when he felt a hand gripping one of his shoulders. He was about to shake it off when he turned and saw Richard shake his head. He mouthed, “Keep out of it.”
Hurst softened his look and placed a hand on his reeling brother-in-law’s arm. “Bingley, you have a good heart, but you are too easily led. You rely on others to make your decisions and do not trust yourself. It is why your late father did what he did with regard to you. On your next birthday, you will have access to more funds, but they will not be unlimited. Larger purchases will have to be approved by Uncle John or me. That means if you try to pacify Caroline by purchasing what she wants, the funds willnotbe available for that.”
Bingley had turned white as Hurst’s words began to sink in. “But what of Mother’s wishes Caroline says she is fulfilling?” His eyes flicked to Darcy and Hilldale.
“Those wishes are a delusion. It takes generations before someone from trade who becomes landed is accepted in polite society without a stigma. My family was accepted because although at the time we were not landed, we were not in trade. Personally, I think these distinctions make no sense, and within a generation or two the merchant class will be more sought after than the gentry, but that is not now,” Hurst explained patiently. “Caroline has been heard saying she will compromise Darcy if he does not offer for her. Darcy is here, ask him. He will tell you that like Hilldale, he will never gratify an entrapment. As some ladies have discovered, the only thing gained from that type of dishonourable action is ruination.
“If you want to read the will and copies of letters your father wrote to your late mother and Caroline, I have them at Hurst House. Remember, if you arrive with Caroline, she will not be admitted. Until she learns to behave like the lady she likes to think she is, she is not welcome.”
“What Hurst said is nothing but the truth,” Darcy confirmed. “You will remember that I told you the same about your sister and my properties.”
“If Caroline does lower herself to attempt to entrap Darcy or Hilldale, and you support her, the only result will be is that you will be ruined alongside her, and you will lose your friends.” Hurst looked directly at Bingley so the latter would see the truth in his eyes.
As he looked first at Darcy and then Hilldale, Bingley saw nods from both. If he ever did what Caroline demanded, he would be cast out of society and be friendless.
“The same is true for me, even though I am apoorsecond son,” Fitzwilliam added.
“Besides, I am courting a lady, one whom I fully intend to make my wife,” Hilldale stated. “The two ladies who attempted to entrap me were ruined, so do not doubt our resolve to never be forced into an unwanted marriage.”
By the time the men left, Bingley was deep in contemplation.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Welcome to Matlock House,” Lady Matlock sang, her eyes shining with pleasure when she identified the lady Andrew was courting—thanks to his detailed description—from among her guests.
“Andrew, will you introduce those we do not know?” Matlock requested.
Hilldale did so and made an extra special introduction when he came to Jane. He did not miss how Bennet relaxed as soon as he saw that things were as he had been told regarding Jane’s acceptance by her suitor’s parents.
“Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet, I would very much enjoy having you join me on the settee.” Lady Matlock patted the surface to either side of her. “Mrs Hurst, please join us as well.” She addressed the older Mrs Hurst indicating an armchair next to a corner of the settee.
Fanny and Jane took their seats on the settee while Leticia sat in the indicated chair. Fanny remembered Alicia Annesley’s lessons about meeting nobility. She needed to allow Lady Matlock to speak first and not begin babbling to quiet her nerves. At least Leticia was close by if she needed support. Janelooked as serene as she ever did; except on the inside she was anything but calm. She saw Andrew come stand behind her, which bolstered her courage.
“Miss Bennet, Andrew informs me that you have a talent with numbers; is that true?” Lady Matlock asked.
“That is true, your Ladyship. Will you not call me Jane?” she offered.
“It will be my pleasure to call you Jane, and for the nonce, please address me as Lady Elaine. The reason I asked is that my household ledgers have some discrepancies and, if I may impose on you at some time, I hear you find errors very quickly.”
“As I love to work with numbers, it would be my pleasure, Lady Elaine,” Jane responded.
Seeing Jane, Mamma, and Mrs Hurst situated next to Lady Matlock, while Charlotte had taken a seat with Louisa, her husband, and Mr Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth began to move towards the young girl, Mr Darcy’s sister, who looked rather shy.
Darcy could not believe that the beauty before him was the same girl who had schooled him in chess four years previously. She had a light and pleasing figure and her emerald-green eyes were shining with intelligence. She was petite, but all woman. He was pleased when he saw her coming towards Gigi.
“Miss Elizabeth, are you the young lady whobeatAndrew at chess?” Matlock drawled.
“Indeed, I did, Lord Matlock, each time I played him,” Elizabeth replied.
“Andrew, why did you allow this slip of a girl to beat you more than once? Surely humouring her once was enough?” Matlock asserted.
“I am more than willing to play against you, my Lord, as long as you promise to play as well as you are able to,” Elizabeth challenged innocently. “Unless you are afraid to challenge aslip of a girl?”
Darcy was about to warn his uncle when he saw shaken heads from Andrew, Richard, and Hurst. He held his peace.
Matlock had a chessboard placed between him and the young lady. He laughed to himself when she offered him white without the colour being selected by each player. Less than twenty minutes later, he was not so amused when his king was checkmated. Thinking it was an aberration, he asked for a rematch and the same result occurred, except quicker. By the third game, he realised he would not beat her and that she was that good.
“It has been more than ten years since I have bested her at chess,” Bennet owned. “I remember some years ago; Darcy doubted her prowess. He too learnt that she is a skilled player. By the by, the reason it took less time each game is that Lizzy has perfect recall.”
