It was William’s turn to laugh. “You will get along splendidly with his mother if you tell her that. She has been wanting Richard to marry for years, mostly so he can resign his commission but also because she desperately wants grandchildren. Anthony, Richard’s elder brother, is also unmarried. My marriage will renew her interest in getting her sons married.”
Chapter Nine
The foursome returned to the house, and the ladies dressed for their call on Lady Matlock. Half an hour later, they were in the carriage for the short trip to Matlock House.
Matlock House was somewhat more regal than Darcy House, but unlike Rosings, the room they were shown to was comfortable rather than ostentatious.
Elizabeth was introduced to Lady Matlock, and the lady looked her over before speaking. “It is lovely to meet you, Miss Bennet. My nephew thinks you are worthy, and my son also speaks highly of you; I am inclined to welcome you to the family without reservation. When Richard brought back the news of William’s engagement, I was surprised, as I did not know he was even courting anyone, but then he told me a bit about your relationship, which explained much.”
“And do I pass inspection, Lady Matlock?” Elizabeth said, looking the lady directly in the eye.
She laughed. “Absolutely, my dear.” She patted the seat next to her. “Come, sit, and we will talk about William and make ourplans. Gentlemen, the earl asked me to send you to him when you arrived. Georgiana, I am pleased to see you, though forgive me for dedicating my attention to Miss Bennet on this visit. If you would like, you are welcome to use the piano in the music room to practise.”
Bemused, Richard and Georgiana left the room. William remained. “Aunt, I need to speak to you briefly.”
“Later, William,” she dismissed him. “I wish to get to know your Miss Bennet for a time.”
William left reluctantly and only after Elizabeth smiled reassuringly and patted his arm. “I will be well, William.”
Lady Matlock looked on, pleased with how well William responded to Elizabeth. They appeared to have a good relationship already, and she could see this woman would be good for her nephew.
“You managed him well,” Lady Matlock said. “Now, you must call me Aunt Rebecca, and may I call you Elizabeth?”
“I would like that, Aunt Rebecca. I am looking forward to getting to know you,” Elizabeth laughed.
“Now, tell me about yourself. Richard mentioned you are from Hertfordshire?” Lady Matlock asked.
Elizabeth’s expression grew shuttered. “That is what William wanted to speak to you about. In the last fortnight, my family situation has changed somewhat.”
“Is everything all right, dear?” Lady Matlock asked.
“My father has decided to cut me off for becoming engaged to William. It is … frankly, it is rather inexplicable, and herefuses to explain his reasoning. I am at a loss to understand it, and William is equally baffled. So, instead of marrying from Longbourn, we plan to marry in London, although we have not worked out the details yet of where or when,” Elizabeth explained. “I know William planned to discuss this with you, and with the change in my circumstances, we had begun to consider the idea of marrying sooner, so I may be introduced as Mrs. Darcy since I can no longer claim to be from Longbourn.”
“Oh, my dear, I am so sorry to hear this,” Lady Matlock said and then sat considering it all for a moment. “I think you may be right, my dear. If we can get the two of you married in the next week or so, we can wait to introduce you to society after. You have known William for what, almost ten months, so it cannot be considered sudden. Many of my friends know William is not particularly social, so it will be no surprise to most that he has chosen a country lass rather than a society miss. William has always detested the grasping and insipid women one most often encounters. I am certain I am going to like you.”
“Thank you, Aunt Rebecca,” Elizabeth said. “I have learned that William is a truly exceptional man, and I am grateful he has allowed me to see the version of himself he hides from the world.”
Rebecca nodded, well pleased with her new niece. There would be many women jealous of Elizabeth’s good fortune, but she would do everything she could to support her in society. William would have to tolerate participating in the season more than he typically did in the upcoming year, but the woman he had chosen would be an excellent partner for him and aid him through it.
Reassured, she shifted the conversation to other things, and they discussed Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle and the planned shoppingoutings. Similar to her son, the countess invited herself along on the shopping trip for Elizabeth’s wedding gown and trousseau.
An hour later, the gentlemen returned, and Elizabeth was introduced to the earl. “Welcome to the family, Miss Bennet. We consider William almost a third son, so I know my wife is pleased to finally get one to the altar. And the youngest one at that.” He nudged Richard while William grinned at Elizabeth.
That lady laughed. “Aunt Rebecca and I will be on the lookout for a suitable lady this coming season,” she teased, which made William and the earl laugh at Richard’s discomfort.
“I am afraid I must leave immediately,” Richard attempted.
“You have teased me for years, Richard. You cannot leave yet,” William cried.
“Stay, Richard,” Lady Rebecca commanded. “We need to discuss William’s wedding.”
“Why must I be here for this?” he asked.
“Elizabeth told me of her difficulties with her family. I imagine you are already aware. I want the family prepared to support this union without any dissidents—other than Catherine, of course,” Rebecca said.
The earl nodded. “She would create problems regardless of whom William married. She has perpetuated the fiction of the cradle engagement so long I think she believes it herself now.”
“We had thought obtaining a common license the simplest idea,” William said. “We did not want to risk calling the banns because of Aunt Catherine, and now, it seems the best solution.”
