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"And you to me. I could not bear to stand by while you were made unhappy."

They remained together while, beyond the closed door of the drawing room, the Earl began a conversation that would change Elizabeth's life.

CHAPTER 8

An Earl's Promise

Lord Matlock had been greeted by kings, received by ministers, and obliged to endure dinners of extraordinary length with men who believed that good breeding consisted chiefly of hearing themselves speak. He had rarely entered a conversation with so little patience as he possessed when Mrs. Bennet began explaining her plan for Elizabeth.

"You see, my lord," she said, "my niece has been raised almost as one of my own daughters. I have never denied her anything necessary. Mr. Collins is a most respectable gentleman, and he will soon be master here. Naturally I considered that Elizabeth might marry him and provide some security for the family."

"And Elizabeth has refused him."

"Only because she is young and headstrong. I am certain that once she understands her duty—"

"Madam, she has explained that she does not wish to marry him. I see no reason to suppose she is mistaken about her own wishes."

Mrs. Bennet pressed a hand to her breast. "But she owes us some consideration! Eight years I have clothed and fed that child, when I had daughters enough of my own to provide for. Her uncle spent a great deal of money upon her books and lessons, and not once did I complain."

Lord Matlock allowed a silence to follow this remarkable assertion.

"You cannot imagine," Mrs. Bennet continued, "how burdensome it is to bring up a girl without a fortune."

"I have some acquaintance with the expenses of a household," the Earl answered. "I do not doubt that children require food, clothing, and instruction. What surprises me is the suggestion that such necessities constitute a debt to be repaid by marriage."

"You misunderstand me, my lord. I only mean that she ought to show proper gratitude."

"Gratitude is an excellent quality. So is affection. Neither can be compelled by threatening a young woman with the loss of her home."

Mrs. Bennet reddened. "I have never threatened her."

"Then I am pleased to hear it. We shall have no difficulty, I trust, in arranging for Elizabeth to come to London with me and join my wife at our home."

She stared at him. "Leave?"

"Yes. Lady Matlock and I wish Elizabeth to become part of our household. She will have a permanent home with us, and we shall undertake her education and maintenance. My solicitor is examining the necessary legal arrangements. In the meantime, if you consent to her visiting us, she may come to London at once."

Mrs. Bennet's astonishment was so complete that she forgot to be offended. "You wish to take my husband's niece into your own family?"

"Very much."

"But she has no fortune."

"I am aware of that."

"And there are four other girls—"

"Your daughters will continue under your care, madam. I do not propose to interfere with their arrangements. But Elizabeth has been my friend since the day she came to my assistance, and my wife is equally fond of her. We should consider it a happiness to offer her our home."

Mrs. Bennet thought rapidly. If Elizabeth departed, she would no longer be an expense. Yet she would also escape the marriage which Mrs. Bennet believed might secure the family's comfort. And what would their neighbours say when an earl carried off the girl she had been attempting to persuade into marriage with Mr. Collins?

"I suppose," she replied at last, "that if you have determined upon it, there is little I can say. Though I hope her conduct improves under your roof. She has been sadly obstinate of late."

"I have found her conduct admirable," Lord Matlock answered evenly. "I should be sorry to see her spirit diminished."

Mrs. Bennet did not know what to make of such a man. She resorted to asking whether Elizabeth would require new gowns, at which the Earl assured her that Lady Matlock would attend to everything appropriate.

When he left the drawing room, he asked to speak to Elizabeth alone.