“Most importantly, he has not a malicious bone in his body and will treat our girl well. Hold – what of Miss Bingley?”
“Bingley has put her in her own establishment.”
The Colonel pursed his lips together and whistled. “So he did it! Good for him. I admit that I did not think he had it in him, but I am glad to hear of his success. I would not have wanted Georgiana to endure Miss Bingley. By the way, I am glad you are here, Darcy, as I am about to leave for Meryton. I will be back soon.”
“You are leaving?” the Countess demanded. “But we need you here!”
“I do not think you do, no. Between the Matlocks and Darcy, matters here are well in hand. But I must make certain that Miss Bennet knows I have not forgotten her.”
His mother stared at him. “Who is Miss Bennet?”
“The woman I intend to marry,” was the succinct reply.
“Richard, you have not told your mother about Miss Bennet?” Mr. Darcy was surprised.
“There have been more pressing issues.”
“More likely you are concerned that she will talk you out of it.”
The Colonel laughed. “Darcy, you sadly mistake the matter; I do not require my mother’s permission to marry. I do, however, profess my warmest gratitude to you for Chestnut Creek.”
“You received the paperwork?”
“I did. I will journey there to make certain all is in readiness before I escort my bride to her new home.”
The Countess interrupted. “My head is swimming! What is Chestnut Creek?”
Mr. Darcy answered, “A small estate near Pemberley. I have gifted it to Richard to enable him to resign his commission and marry Miss Bennet.”
“That was kind of you, Darcy, and you have my gratitude as well, as this will enable my son to stay off the battlefield. The Earl and I would have liked to have provided him with such a gift, but the Matlock properties are, one and all, entailed to the Matlock heir, as you know. But I ask again – who is Miss Bennet?”
Here Richard took over. “Miss Bennet is the kindest, sweetest, gentlest, most beautiful creature ever conceived by nature.”
“And you met this paragon where?”
“In Meryton, while I was staying at Netherfield.”
“Her fortune, her connections?”
“None whatsoever,” her son replied promptly.
“And this Miss Bennet preferred you to Darcy?!” The Countess could not hide her surprise.
“Well, no thanks for that, Mother, but as it happens, Darcy preferred her sister, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Richard,” Mr. Darcy said, warningly.
The Colonel ignored him. “As it happens, that preference did not proceed as planned, so Darcy is still available to the ladies oftheton,who will doubtless crowd around him as before, once it is known that Georgiana did not elope and the Darcy name is as sanctified as ever.” He snorted.
The Countess’ brows were drawn together. “I have just learnt that my son has been gifted an estate and hopes to marry a young lady I have never met. I have also learnt that my nephew Darcy, was interested in a young lady – who I presume also has no dowry and no connections – but something went wrong. What, precisely, doomed the relationship I will not ask, but I shall, without a doubt, require brandy in my tea today.”
Chapter Fifty-Three
The Colonel, content that Georgiana’s future was well in hand, rode to Meryton the next morning. He felt he probably could have imposed upon Bingley – evidently soon to be part of the Matlock family – to be allowed to stay at Netherfield, but this did not feel right to him, given that the man was not in residence. Thus, he stopped at the Red Lion Inn to engage a room and wash the worst of the road dust from his person before proceeding to Longbourn.
He was delighted to find Miss Bennet in the Longbourn parlour, as well as Mrs. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth and the Longbourn heir presumptive, Mr. Collins. The three younger girls were not in evidence. Courtesies were exchanged; he apologised for having been absent for so long and he was assured that he had been much missed.
“I cannot remain long, Miss Bennet, as my presence is yet required in London; but I could not bear to be gone from you,” he told her.
