~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
When Bennet returned to his empty house and entered his study, he wondered if he had been cursed or blessed by the solitude he now enjoyed. If it were not for the occasional conversation between servants, his house would have been as quiet as a tomb.
It shamed him that he had been unable to protect Elizabeth in life. Knowing if Collins died before inheriting Longbourn the entail would be broken, he began to make notes for a new will. When he was satisfied with the changes he wished to make, he sent a note to Phillips to request an appointment—gone were the days when he could drop in without a formal invitation.
From the information he had gleaned, Lydia was blossoming under his sister-in-law Phillips’s care. Bennet had gone to the bookseller’s a week ago and heard Lady Lucas commenting to Mrs. Goulding about the pleasing change she had noted in Lydia Phillips. It seemed another of his daughters had abandoned the name Bennet.
As far as he knew the only two who still bore his name were Mary and Kitty. He assumed that at some point, they too would adopt their new parents’ family name. Later that afternoon, Phillips invited Bennet to his law office.
Bennet handed him the notes. Without commenting about the changes Bennet wished to make, Phillips informed him the new will would be ready for his signature in a few days.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“It is done,” Richard reported when they returned from Longbourn. Before either of her parents could ask, Richard assured them at no point was Elizabeth in danger from the crazed woman. “I know she is your sister, but she is far gone. I have seen that look in the eyes of men on the battlefield when something within them breaks.”
“You did not offend me,” Gardiner assured him. “I am glad it was unnecessary to implement your plan with Lizzy as a decoy. This way Darcy, Biggs, and Johns were within inches of her at all times. I felt much easier.”
“As did I,” Madeline agreed as she hugged her eldest daughter.
“Gardiner, may I speak to you in your study?” Darcy asked, unable to delay any longer.
Gardiner raised his eyebrows in question. “Do you think we should have Lizzy join us?” Gardiner asked astutely. Both Darcy and Elizabeth nodded. Richard looked on with a huge grin on his face.
“What is this about?” Gardiner asked. “It has been less than two days since you two have been courting.”
First Elizabeth, then Darcy explained what had occurred once Mrs. Bennet began her short-lived charge: Elizabeth’s declaration, followed by his proposal and her acceptance. “Father, I promise you I am not rushing into this. I think I loved William before he arrived and declared his love for me, but it took being enfolded in his arms to admit the fact aloud,” Elizabeth added.
“As you more or less compromised one another in a public setting, I find I have no choice but to consent,” Gardiner said, capitulating. “I had no doubt this would be the result of your courtship; I just did not think it would occur so quickly.”
“Thank you, Gardiner,” Darcy stated as he released the breath he had been holding. “I swear I will make her happiness my priority for all the days of our lives.”
“If I had any doubts, I would never have approved. Welcome to the family, Son,” Gardiner intoned as he extended his hand to his soon-to-be son-in-law. “You may continue to call me Gardiner; Father Gardiner will work, too.”
“I will keep to Gardiner for now, thank you,” Darcy decided.
“Lizzy, you will be a very happy woman. Neither of you is too complying and I know you will never overspend your income. I pity the servant or tradesman who tries to cheat or steal from you,” Gardiner told his daughter as he pulled her in for a hug.
“Will a draft settlement within a sennight be in order?” Darcy asked. Gardiner nodded his consent. “I will send a note to my solicitors today with the points I want addressed.”
Darcy never asked about Elizabeth’s dowry, so Gardiner did not bring it up. When the time came for the draft settlement to be examined and discussed, there would be ample time to speak of such matters. “If we do not return to the drawing room, someone will be beating on my study door soon.
Chapter 26
After Gardiner announced the engagement, there was much ebullience and a cacophony of congratulations unleashed in the drawing room. Giana, as she had when the courtship was announced, led the charge; she almost knocked the petite Elizabeth over with the force of her enthusiasm.
When Charlotte took her turn to congratulate her, she simply gave her friend a knowing look. “Yes, Charlotte, you saw his admiration when I refused to see it,” Elizabeth acknowledged. “Go ahead, enjoy telling me how you were correct and I was wrong.”
“There is no need for me to do so, Eliza,” Charlotte stated matter-of-factly, “especially as you have acknowledged it now.”
“Charlotte Lucas!” Elizabeth swatted playfully at her friend’s arm.
“Have you and my cousin-to-be discussed your wedding date yet?” Charlotte enquired.
“We have not,” Elizabeth informed her.
“Mayhap the four of us can speak later? Before the Phillipses arrive for dinner?” Charlotte suggested. My parents will be in attendance, so if we need to talk to them about anything it will be convenient.”
Darcy was standing with his aunt, uncle, and cousins. Andrew and Marie had arrived while Mrs. Bennet was being dealt with. “Not bad, young cousin, to have won the hand of a lady who hated you last year. It is well she came to know the real youweall know and—sometimes—love,” Lord Andrew Fitzwilliam drawled.
