With only one day remaining before they met at the chapel, Elizabeth finally directed him and Bingley into her father’s refuge. If he heard one more word about lace, table settings, and the wedding breakfast menu from any of the ladies gathered in the drawing room, Darcy feared he would run mad.
Later, Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Edward Gardiner of London, and brother-in-law, Jacob Philips, joined the men. Mr. Philips, an attorney, drew up the settlement papers for Elizabeth. Darcy had met the Gardiners the day before when Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle arrived from London. They were a fashionable couple with four well-behaved children. Darcy was pleased to hear that Madeline Gardiner was from Lambton, the village closest to Pemberley. Before the evening was over, their shared memories rendered him homesick for his Derbyshire estate.
“Say, Bennet,” Mr. Gardiner said, “I commend you for allowing your three eldest to set aside monies for their future care. From what Lizzy wrote about the letter you received from your heir, he is not a sensible man. Being independent from him would be a comfort to your wife and my nieces, I imagine.”
“Yes. Yes.” Mr. Bennet waved his hand as if to clear away the topic. “The investment was Lizzy’s idea after speaking with my soon-to-be son-in-law. I had nothing to do with it at all.”
Darcy spoke up. “I beg to differ. Miss Elizabeth mentioned that you not only approved of the idea, but you immediately donated a generous sum from the harvest toward the initial deposit.”
Mr. Bennet glanced at him in surprise. Was he expecting censure? Uncomfortable with praise, he changed the subject.
Again addressing Mr. Gardiner, Elizabeth’s father asked, “Have you heard gossip in London about the Darcy family? What is my Lizzy getting herself into, do you suppose?”
Mr. Gardiner glanced at Darcy before replying. “Yes, there has been much talk spreading across Town. I am acquainted with Simon Cole and have recently met with Mr. Wickham when he approached me about an investment, which I refused. The notary Mr. Cole regularly used for business transactions, Mr. James Moore, is known by me. I, too, frequently used his services. What I do not understand is how Mr. Cole could engineer this massive transfer of wealth without a hint of the greed underlying his character. Before this, I would have done business with him without hesitation, considering him to be a fair and honest man. And I would have been just as misled as you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Just Darcy, please. Elizabeth deeply cherishes you both, and we are soon to be related.”
“Very soon.” Mr. Bennet chortled.
Darcy said to Gardiner, “My understanding is that the groundwork for the theft was laid about a month before the night I lost Pemberley. As was my habit, each year after the crops appeared and prices per bushel were set, I reviewed all the needed expenses for the rest of the summer and autumn. If necessary, I would transfer personal assets to cover these expenses, knowing the revenue from third-quarter rents and grain sales would repay me. Any calves or lambs that were weaned were also offered for sale. Like my father before me, I acted in a way that Cole well understood. He was also at Pemberley the night my father died. Regretfully, I reacted the same as I did when I found out my sister married Wickham. I drank myself into unconsciousness. Where he was helpful on the night I lost Father, this time, he swooped in and took advantage.”
Philips asked, “I supposed the first thing you did was to have the contracts reviewed for legitimacy.”
“I did.”
The attorney glanced at the others. “I, too, have used James Moore’s services when at least one party of any contract I wrote or negotiated lived in London.”
“Yes, well, this time, Mr. Moore was unavailable.” Darcy forced himself to unclench his fists. “Be that as it may, I worry for my sister. It is now four months since she married Wickham. I know Wickham. His propensity is to play the big man by throwing money around to impress or engage others to follow his depravities. He surrounds himself with those who fall prey to his charm, including women. Now that he has my money and properties, I have no doubt that my sister is suffering.”
Mr. Gardiner said, “I am grieved to hear this. Each of us, you included, Darcy, has attached ourselves to honest women. My Madeline is peerless. She expects me to keep my business at the warehouses because home is a place of peace. In the few times I have been tempted to let my work intrude, I am gently reminded of my familial priorities.”
“Mine as well,” Mr. Philips agreed. “The nature of my work means that the transactions I write are to be kept private. For as much as my wife enjoys being in the middle of the community, spreading gossip and tittle-tattle to the neighbors, I find it remarkable that she never allows her curiosity to infringe on what I do. Ever.”
“Your wives are admirable. You have every right to be proud.” Darcy glanced toward Mr. Bennet to see if he would offer commendation for Mrs. Bennet, but the man remained silent. “During private conversations since ourbetrothal, Elizabeth and I have canvassed this very subject at length. Together, we decided that the course of wisdom is for both of us to be involved with the major decisions that will affect our marriage. In the end, I will have the final say once I understand her point of view thoroughly. Matters concerning the running of the house will be her domain.” He caught Mr. Bennet’s eye, only to have him look away.
Darcy continued. “Speaking of houses, Bingley, Mr. Crosgrove, and I went to Ashworth estate, which is located close to St. Albans. It is a promising property, well managed with potential for growth. Mr. Stalworth plans to offer it for lease, with the potential for eventual purchase, after the holiday season ends.
Mr. Philips mused, “Perhaps I might have a moment of privacy before you return to Netherfield Park this evening since I doubt you will want to think of business over the next few days.”
Bingley said good-naturedly, “No, I would think he would only be concerned with how to best please his wife.”
Mr. Bennet finally spoke. “Since this is my daughter we are speaking of, I can only say that Darcy should always have her as his priority.”
“I can readily agree with that,” Darcy said.
Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon, gentlemen, but I suggest an early night since there is much to do before the wedding on the morrow.”
All the men stood, leaving the room alone for Darcy and Philips.
“Darcy, I want to reassure you that Mr. Stalworth is as honest as he appears. During the past thirty or moreyears, he and I have done business together often. He is one of the few men I trust implicitly. I would not hesitate to have my beloved niece live on any property he owned.”
Darcy was pleased to hear it. He still wanted Elizabeth to see Ashworth before he signed the papers.
Soon after, Darcy and Bingley returned to Netherfield Park.
He looked at his timepiece. Fifteen hours until he would meet his bride at the altar. He could not wait.
After a restless night’s sleep,Elizabeth rose with the sun. Having bathed and ensured her gown was perfectly pressed, she joined her family in the breakfast room. To Elizabeth’s pleasant surprise, Charlotte Lucas entered the room bearing a gift.
