“Yes, you would, and you know I plan to gift you a small piece of property when you marry for your second son,” Uncle Byron said.
“Yes, I know, Father,” Fitz said with a grin.
“Son, I believe there are many families that would have been happy for you to take an interest in their daughters,” his father insisted.
“Perhaps. In the case of young ladies who are now in their second or third season and were not able to secure a titledgentleman or a wealthy one, second sons are now looking more appealing to them and their families. Third sons probably are as well. My point is I was not good enough for these families before, so I do not want their attention now. I do have my pride. Moreover, there are plenty of gently bred, intelligent women of quality out there who would have always considered me as good enough, more than good enough. I believe I shall cast my net out there among them.”
“You do sound as if you have your mind made up,” Aunt Sophia said.
“I do,” Fitz confirmed.
“I know a man has his pride. I probably would feel much as you do if I were in your place, but are you certain this is the path you wish to take?” his father asked.
“I am, Father. I have been on this path for many years now,” Fitz reminded him.
The earl gave him a nod and a small smile. “So you have.”
“Indeed,” Fitz replied. “As I said, I shall cast my net among some comely, country lasses and see what I can catch. I look forward to becoming as enamored as Darcy is of his young lady.”
The earl’s eyes went to Darcy.
“Darcy?? Enamored??” Stafford said, eyes wide with interest.
“You have a young lady?” his aunt questioned excitedly.
While questions and speculative looks were being thrown at Darcy, he was glaring at Fitz. A hint of what Fitz was about would not have gone amiss, Darcy thought. Fitz simply grinned at him.
“William?” his aunt prompted.
“Yes, Aunt—er, I mean, no. She is not my young lady, not yet.”
“Not yet, eh?” Stafford asked with a smirk.
“What is this young woman’s situation?” Uncle Byron asked, his brow pinched with concern.
“Her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is the second of five daughters. Her father has a modest estate called Longbourn. She and her sisters do not have dowries worth mentioning. Perhaps some of the reason for that is because Mr. Bennet is supporting six women. I do not know. However, it is probable that Mrs. Bennet did not bring much money to the marriage. Miss Elizabeth told me that her father married below his station, but she did not say how it came to be. I got the impression it was not a love match. Her mother is the daughter of a solicitor, and she is very occupied with finding husbands for her daughters."
“I can certainly understand her urgency to marry off five daughters,” Aunt Sophia said.
“What of the mother’s family?” his uncle asked.
Darcy explained the situation of Mrs. Bennet’s siblings.
“The uncle in trade is named Gardiner? Edward Gardiner?” Uncle Byron asked.
“I do not remember his given name. From what I understand, his business is quite successful. I was also given to understand that his wife is the granddaughter of a viscount,” Darcy shared.
Aunt Sophia nodded to her husband. “It must be Edward and Madeleine Gardiner.”
“You know them?” Stafford asked.
“We do. Mrs. Gardiner is from Derbyshire. Her father was the rector at Lambton for many years. You remember Mr. Greer, do you not, William?” she asked.
“Mr. Greer was Madeleine Gardiner’s father?” Darcy asked.
“Yes. You would have been pretty young when she married and moved away, so I am not surprised you do not remember her,” Aunt Sophia replied.
“Who is her grandfather?” Fitz asked.
