“Your uncle wishes to add to that a sum of five thousand to each of you. That added to the dowries you each possessed already, and you all shall be quite well off!”
Sixteen thousand pounds apiece,Elizabeth thought, her throat growing tight as she considered the implications.It would be a fine thing for all of them. Fine indeed. Though they would have to keep an eye on Lydia’s suitors when she came out. Some women had greater wealth and titles to match… but sixteen thousand pounds could tempt many a man.
“Why this, this game to be told of it?” Elizabeth asked after several moments of silence, her brow furrowed as she stared at the distant cousin sitting before them. “You have had plenty of time; we have sought you out almost from the moment we came.”
“You have,” she admitted as she let her gaze drop to her lap. “Many times I wanted to, but I never knew the words. There were so many things to tell you; not of titles or money, but of family. Of the way your mother, her siblings, and I would enjoy a game of hide and seek in the maze. How your mother and I would play with our dolls in the study near the base of the clock, while Father worked away. The times we all made our way into the kitchen for a stolen treat, or sat by the fire reading a book to one another. Even the times we would travel through the secret passageways–some we thought only we knew–and the awe we felt when we found this room.” Smiling, she turned her face toward them. “There were many happy times here. Many. Even for my father, for he did love them. It was his desire for them to have the best that life could offer which led him to be as stubborn as he was at the end; as misguided. Still, he loved them even then, and I… I wanted to have you know the place your mother loved. That held memories as happy and numerous as those I have known. Forgive me for keeping this from you; you and all your sisters.”
“Why did Mother never tell us?” Mary questioned as she dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. “I know she forced our father, uncle, and aunt to secrecy, but after she was gone, why keep it? You have had days to tell us, they had a lifetime?”
“And you deserved to know. The hurt my father inflicted ran deep, and in spite of having titled relations, there was no real notion of inheritance or title passing nearer. Lord Henry Gardiner suffered no issues of health, and I suppose for a while, everyone thought he would simply marry late, produce an heir, and that the title would never pass to your uncle.” Sighing, Lady Charmane shook her head, “It was one of those things we mean to say to the ones we love but leave off until it is too late.”
Leaning back in her chair, Elizabeth wondered,How would they write all this to Kitty and Lydia? Believing it had been challenging enough in person, with the portraits and documents before them. And what of Jane?
“Can we bring Jane here? Now?” Elizabeth asked as she stood up.
“She will come soon enough,” Lady Charmane smirked as she motioned for Elizabeth to sit back down. “My butler served my father here for many years; he knows all of the passages, has helped me lay the clues, and is instructed to tactfully free her from the game so that no one is the wiser.” Eyes pulled toward the ceiling, a guilty expression began to form. “I ought to warn you of something.”
“What?” Elizabeth growled, her patience for games and subterfuge growing thin.
“Two things really,” Lady Charmane paled. “Firstly, that Lord Ramsgate overheard me discussing your connections and inheritance with my butler. And second, the announcement of your uncle’s advancement to earl is due to be made public knowledge at any moment–every reputable and disreputable printer will spread it from one end of England to the other.”
Chapter 29
Staffordshire, England – 1812 – Day 14
Bouncing in his seat as the carriage passed over a rut, Darcy watched the snow laden landscape with interest.That cottage. He had seen it when they were but a few miles from Lady Charmane’s home the other day. Half an hour and he would see his Elizabeth again!
“I hope there is a copy ofThe Globeor some such,” Fitz said as the carriage rounded a corner. “The regiment of my friend, Colonel Mosely, has recently returned and I have heard rumour he is to receive a special honour from the Prince Regent.” Turning to Bingley he added, “My only complaint as to Wrotham Park is your lack of news.”
“That is to be rectified,” Bingley frowned, “I have not even owned the place for a week and spent but a single night in it; I promise that by the next time you are there you shall findThe Globeready for your perusal.”
“I was jesting,” Fitz retorted, Bingley preparing to rebut until Fitz raised his hand, “I am sorry if I did not make that clear. I fear I had little sleep.”
“Was there something amiss with your bed?” Bingley worried.
“Nothing of the sort; it was my mind which was amiss, not the bed. The accommodations were excellent.”
Smirking as he viewed his cousin, Darcy wondered if he knew the answer.“What was it then which kept you awake? A certain Miss Mary Bennet perhaps? Have you at last decided?”
“I say,” Bingley grinned, “Is he correct?”
The two leaning closer to Fitz, he moved as far from them as the space would allow, his head raised as he stared them down. “I plan to ask if I might court her.”
“Not marry?” Bingley asked.
“No. Not now. I am not in a position to purchase an estate, and though I am to inherit a small property, it will be upon the death of a great, great uncle whom I have never even met. It is possible I will be an old man when that becomes mine.”
“Surely if it is a great, great uncle, he is not exactly a young man,” Bingley mused. “Just as you are not exactly a pauper without that inheritance.”
“Far from a pauper,” Fitz agreed. “And within a year I hope to be able to ask for her hand with or without any inheritance. If it were not for the dangers of my occupation, I would seek her hand now. Marry her now. However, until I have reasoned my finances out, I am hesitant to sell my commission. True, the pay is not high, but it does ease my expenses; food, quarters, they do add up.”
“Then stay with me,” Darcy urged his cousin. “Georgie and Cathy adore you, and once I marry Elizabeth, well, she will be like family to you. A cousin or sister depending on how you look at it once you are married too. That would allow you to sell your commission sooner, propose right away, and, even if it takes half a year or more to ‘reason your finances,’ at least you will be comfortable and safe. Elizabeth would be relieved to know her sister would not have to worry for a whole year while you sorted things out.”
Chuckling, Fitz nodded. “As loath as I am to accept lodging with a newly married couple, I suspect the size of Pemberley and the company of my young cousins will keep me from disturbing you too greatly. Therefore, I accept.” Eyes wide, he grinned, “I suppose this means I shall be asking her to marry me… Do you think it is too soon?”
“After I proposed to her sister already, you ask that?” Darcy laughed. “Bingley here is bound to do the same before long. When might that be, here or at your ball?”
“I do not know if I have the will to wait until the ball,” Bingley answered. “Nor does Fitz here if I am any judge.”
