Then Jane and Mary stepped forward and stood with Elizabeth.
Jane spoke for them all. “My lady, we too shall retire early so that we may rest should Mrs. Fitzwilliam require our assistance during the night.”
“That is exceedingly thoughtful of you, Miss Bennet.”
The ladies left the room, and Darcy had risen as if to follow, but his aunt stopped him.
“Nephew, I should like a word with you before I retire for the evening.”
He tore his gaze from Elizabeth and turned back toward his aunt.
“Of course, Aunt Helen.”
The Countess fixed her nephew with a pointed look.
“Fitzwilliam, never tell me you seriously contemplate marriage to this simple country girl. What connections has she? What dowry does she bring? She possesses nothing to recommend her beyond that lovely voice, for even her skill upon the pianoforte falls short.”
She paused before adding, “I concede she is beautiful. Her face and figure are incomparable, and I suppose that must be how she bewitched you.”
Darcy had remained silent throughout her speech, but at this, he answered, “Aunt, you are entirely correct when you say she has bewitched me. I am bewitched, body and soul. I care nothing for the absence of dowry or connections.”
“What are her connections, nephew? Who are her people?”
Mr. Darcy fell silent. After a moment, he said, “I do not know, Aunt. I have not made inquiries.”
“You have not made inquiries? How can this be? Have you no thought for your uncle? What do you suppose your Uncle Henry will say when he hears of this?”
Darcy touched a finger to his cravat.
“So, the truth chokes you, does it? I shall tell you what your uncle will say. He will say no, and he will do all within his power to prevent you from making a fool of yourself.”
Darcy answered in a low voice, “Aunt, I intended to marry Miss Elizabeth tomorrow. I have obtained the marriage license, and yesterday I sent the signed marriage settlement to her father by express.”
“You planned to marry without your uncle’s knowledge or consent?”
“Yes, I did, and I shall marry Elizabeth even if my uncle disapproves. I love her, and I shall not leave Rosings without her.”
His aunt remained standing and attempted to stare him out of countenance, but he met her gaze without yielding.
“Well, my boy, I begin to discern the stubborn Fitzwilliam streak in your character. You must truly love this woman, for I havenever known you to stand firm for anything. In general, you indulge all the whims and wishes of your family.”
The Countess pressed her fingers to her temple. “It is disrespectful of me to say so, but it is a mercy Lady Catherine knows nothing of this, or you would have two formidable Fitzwilliam siblings fighting you tooth and nail.”
Darcy remained silent. He had not expected his aunt to relent so quickly. At length, he said, “So you will support my choice?”
“I perceive that I possess little alternative. You appear fully determined to do as you please. All I may do now is attempt to wrap the matter in clean linen.”
Darcy embraced his aunt. “Thank you, Aunt Helen. Richard approves as well, though how could a man so deeply in love himself wish others denied the same fate?”
“Son, I would advise you to return to London and allow a month or six weeks to pass before you marry Miss Elizabeth quietly from her father’s estate.”
“I shall do so, Aunt Helen. I do not wish to wait six months or a year, though I expect my uncle will demand it of me.”
“That is wholly unnecessary for a nephew. You ought to wait at least three months before marrying, but if you do not wish to delay so long, society would not consider it indecorous or unfeeling, particularly if it became known that you were betrothed and the wedding date had already been fixed before the unexpected death forced a postponement.”
Darcy remained silent while he considered his altered plans.
“Miss Jane Bennet also intended to marry Sir Gareth Beaumont this week. It was to have been a double wedding. They will marrytomorrow as planned. I will ask Beaumont to collect Elizabeth from her father’s home and take her to London when they travel to Hertfordshire for their wedding breakfast.”
