“Yes; I am to be married, so Darcy here very kindly gifted me an estate. I resigned my commission on the spot.”
“And who is the fortunate lady?”
“Miss Jane Bennet.”
Miss Bingley looked triumphant; her meddling had resulted in great good fortune for the Bingley family. Denied the opportunity to marry Jane Bennet, he had instead married Georgiana Darcy! Or he had married Georgiana Darcy before leasing Netherfield? No, no. That was not right.
“Mr. Darcy,” she said, with great determination. “My brother and your sister are attempting to convince me that they were married this past summer.”
“And?”
“What do you mean?”
“I do not know why you would require convincing when you yourself were present.” Mr. Darcy wrinkled his brow, as if very confused.
Miss Bingley stamped her foot. “You know very well that it is not so!”
Mr. Fitzwilliam stared at her. “Miss Bingley, it must be obvious to you that my cousin, Georgiana, is in an interesting condition.”
“Yes.”
“And clearly that interesting condition began some months ago. Are you suggesting that she was not married when thatinteresting condition began? Because if that is the case, I must tell you that I – and by extension, my entire family, including the Earl and Countess of Matlock – will be deeply offended.”
Miss Bingley finally understood. “I apologise, Mr. Fitzwilliam. It has been a difficult time for me, and I am not myself.”
“Very well, Miss Bingley. But I expect to hear no more on the subject.”
Mr. Bingley stood. “I think your journey has tired you out, and you have another long journey ahead of you tomorrow. Perhaps you should seek repose, Caroline.”
Silently, Miss Bingley curtsied to the occupants of the drawing room and went upstairs to her room to think over what had just occurred. Of course, her brother and Georgiana had only recently wed, and in secret at that. But she had no interest in spreading any gossip about Georgiana Darcy. What was far more interesting was that she was now related to the Darcys of Pemberley and, by extension, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. They would not acknowledge the relationship, of course, but that did not matter. She could hardly wait to get back to London and inform all her friends.
She did not hear the peals of laughter emanating from the drawing room. Nor did she hear Mr. Fitzwilliam say, “I take it back, Bingley. You are every bit as clever as your sister.”
Chapter Seventy-Five
January 1812
Jane and Lizzy spoke well into the night; the next morning, they declared that a double wedding was their heart’s desire. Mr. Bennet was delighted to only have to pay for one event, though he did not doubt that his wife would make it an event that would never be forgotten by their neighbours.
Upon hearing the news, Mr. Darcy leapt onto his horse and made for London. There was much to be done. He had to obtain a license, as there was not time for the banns to be called. There were also marriage articles to be drawn up. And he had an idea on another subject as well.
***
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam agreed that having the Matlocks stay at Longbourn was in no one’s best interest. Neither Miss Bennet nor Miss Elizabeth would enjoy the hysteria that would inevitably arise if Mrs. Bennet were to have them stay at Longbourn. And neither gentleman was eager for the Earl and Countess to spend any time at all with the two youngest Bennet daughters.
Upon being applied to, Bingley had immediately agreed to host the Matlocks, of course, and Georgiana was very much looking forward to seeing her aunt and uncle.
The Matlocks arrived at Netherfield the morning of the eleventh of January. They were ushered into the drawing room, and greeted their son, nephew and niece lovingly. Mr. Bingley was acknowledged most cordially. The Hursts were not present, as Mr. Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy thought it best to just have family together for the first few hours. The Hursts would be introduced later that day.
After enquiries as to health and the comfort of the journey, the Countess addressed her niece. “How are you, my dear? Are you content with your new life?”
“Oh, Aunt, it is everything wonderful! Charles is the kindest husband conceivable, and Louisa is like a sister to me. And Lizzy, who will marry Brother tomorrow, is the smartest, nicest, kindest sister I could have ever imagined!”
The Countess then turned to Mr. Bingley. “And you are content as well?”
“A man could not be more so,” he said, happiness shining from his eyes. “Georgiana is like a gift from heaven! I could never deserve her, of course, but I try every day to be worthy of her.” He smiled at his wife.
A more besotted couple the Countess had never seen! Perhaps more wealthy young ladies should seek husbands in trade, if Mr. Bingley was a fair example of such a man.
