Elizabeth found that in the weeks he had spent in London, Mr. Darcy had settled matters with Mr. Wickham, who was now indebted to him to the sum of twelve thousand pounds.
“I told Wickham that I shall keep a close eye on him, and if I notice that he mistreats his wife, he will be immediately thrown into debtors’ prison. The most difficult task was to tell Georgiana of the scoundrel’s marriage to your sister.”
“I imagine as much. How did she take the news of our engagement?”
“With surprise, like everyone else. But she — as well as my cousin Richard — were aware of my admiration for you. I informed them as soon as we met at Pemberley. They did not expect our betrothment to happen so soon, though. Lord and Lady Matlock were rather shocked, but they responded reasonably well in their second letter after the announcement.”
Elizabeth also found out that Mr. Darcy had travelled to Kent, making it clear to Lady Catherine — in person — that he might soon marry. That had caused a terrible quarrel, which ended with Lady Catherine dismissing her nephew from any involvement in her affairs, which he had been managing for the last five years.
“I must confess I was not so angry with my aunt, as I expected her furious response,” Mr. Darcy said. “But your cousin Mr. Collins had the audacity to rebuke me for upsetting Lady Catherine! I almost lost my temper with him. Upon my word, I wish to see that man as rarely as I see Wickham.”
“In that, you have my entire family’s agreement.” Elizabeth smiled.
“And Lady Catherine is equally as undesirable to me unless she reconsiders her position. I shall always take care of Anne, though. I wish she had more determination to claim her rights. The estate belongs to her, and she should act as its mistress. When — if — she does, I shall be there to support her.”
“I am so proud of your kind and generous nature, my beloved Mr. Darcy! It warms my heart to see that you are always ready to support everyone. I can only hope that I shall be able to support you as you deserve.”
“I have never felt so strong as I have since your love became part of my life, my dearest future Mrs. Darcy.”
Such discussions and interludes always ended with brief kisses, which some of the Bennets noticed but wisely chose to overlook.
A week before the wedding, Netherfield was full again. Mr. Bingley’s sisters arrived, as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley. The Gardiners also came to Longbourn, and Mrs. Gardiner claimed her leg was even better than before the accident.
A year after Mr. Bingley first leased Netherfield Park, Longbourn’s church hosted the long-awaited, much doubted — and still unbelieved for many — wedding of Mr. Darcy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. By their side, were Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet.
In the front pew, Mrs. Bennet squeezed her husband’s arm, whispering, “God has been so good to us, Mr. Bennet.”
The gentleman briefly kissed his wife’s hand.
“Indeed, he has, Mrs. Bennet.”
