“Ha! No. The money is held in a trust and can only be released with the joint agreement of the Colonel and myself.”
“So Wickham got nothing!? He must have been furious.”
“He was, and he took that fury out on Georgiana. She has told us of how he treated her, and I can tell you that my blood boiled.”
Mr. Bingley’s hands clenched.
“Put your dreams of revenge aside, Bingley. He will soon be escorted to the Fleet Prison.”
“I hope he rots there!”
The thought of his old friend in prison still made Mr. Darcy uncomfortable, so he did not respond. “Bingley, do not forget to write to the Hursts and tell them of your upcoming marriage.”
“I shall, of course. But the newspaper articles?”
“As soon as you are wed, my aunt and uncle will prevail upon the newspaper to issue a retraction and an apology.”
***
Mr. Bingley informed Dunstan that he was to be married shortly. “Have I clothes to wear for such an event, Dunstan? I recall telling you that I did not expect to do much socialising while in Town, but we must do the best we can.”
Dunstan smiled. “I packed your best coat and boots, sir, as well as your favourite waistcoat, just in case.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
The Colonel returned to Matlock House, face aglow with happiness, and was soon made privy to the arrangements between Georgiana and Mr. Bingley. He spoke to Georgiana privately, hoping for reassurance that she was not feeling pressured into accepting Mr. Bingley against her inclination.
“He is very good to me, Richard,” Georgiana said, raising hopeful eyes to her cousin’s.
The Colonel felt a lump forming in his throat. After all Georgiana had been through, she still had that clear, kind gaze. He hoped that Mr. Bingley appreciated his good fortune.
“And when will you marry?”
“As soon as my clothes are ready; I believe next week, but possibly as early as Monday. He will then take me to Netherfield Park so that I am out of the public eye until the babe is born. We will tell everyone that I eloped with Charles, but there is no point in giving others the opportunity to find holes in the story.”
“An excellent plan.”
Just then, Mr. Darcy entered the room. “Ah, Richard, you have returned from your amorous adventures?”
The Colonel scowled at him. “Amorous adventures? The phrase has a rather sordid sound to it. I hardly think that becoming betrothed qualifies as such, Darcy.”
“She accepted you, then?”
“She did. We will marry just after the new year. I must tell my parents my news and then go to the family solicitor to have the marriage articles drawn up. Also, Darcy, I want to go to Chestnut Creek as soon as possible.”
“I will accompany you there.”
The Countess swept into the room. “Richard, there you are. Did Miss Bennet like her ring?”
“She did, very much, and asked that I convey her gratitude to you.”
“When will the marriage take place?”
“The twelfth of January; might I hope that you and Father will attend?”
“Just try keeping us away,” was the fond maternal response.
***
