Page 71 of Regrets

I saw George again today! I was able to run to him and speak a few words in private before the footman who has been assigned to watch me caught up with me! We will meet in three days at noon where the Netherfield fence meets the road, and we will be alone! Anne, I am certain that he will propose to me! Then Brother will have to accept him!

Your excited cousin,

Georgiana

Chapter Fifty-Four

When a messenger from London came for Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley was floating on a cloud, singing the praises of his intended to anyone who might listen, and so he scarcely noticed when Mr. Darcy excused himself to see what Mr. Stanley had to say.

Mr. Darcy,

Mr. William Collins’ father, George Collins, is not the son of Joshua Collins. The lad was adopted at six weeks of age in the year seventeen fifty-six. William was born to George in the year seventeen eighty-six. He may very well not know that his father was not a Collins.

As you know, adopted sons may not inherit through an entail. The baptism records are clear; in addition, the rector of the church at Atherstone is old enough to recall the adoption, and is willing to so testify if necessary.

In summary, Mr. Darcy, this entail was broken when Joshua Collins died with no male issue of his body.

I await your instructions.

Your obedient servant,

Mr. Albion Stanley

Mr. Darcy closed his eyes and leaned his head back. This news changed everything. There was no need to proceed with the common recovery process; instead, Mr. Bennet could simply go to court with the information that Mr. Stanley had uncovered and have the entail legally dissolved.

Mr. Stanley,

Well done! Begin proceedings to have the Longbourn entail ended; when you have a Court of Chancery date, inform me and I will bring Bennet. Arrange to have the rector present as well; I wish to leave nothing to chance. Promise him a sizable donation to his church if he shows any reluctance to travel.

With my most sincere gratitude,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Chapter Fifty-Five

Mr. Bingley was afire to see his beloved Jane again, and Mr. Darcy had tucked Mr. Stanley’s letter in his coat pocket to show to Mr. Bennet. He told Georgiana that they were off to visit the Bennets, and the carriage was being harnessed so that she might join them.

But to his surprise, she reddened and murmured something about not feeling quite the thing today. “Are you ill, my dear?” he asked her, gently.

“No! No, not ill,” and she looked away, gently touching her abdomen.

Ah. Female things, he thought at once, and hastily said, “I understand, of course. Perhaps tomorrow.”

“Yes, perhaps,” she said.

“You should go upstairs and rest; perhaps Mrs. Hammond can make you a restorative tea.”

“I will certainly ask her,” Georgiana replied.

“Come, Darcy!” Mr. Bingley said, impatiently.

Mr. Darcy kissed his sister on the head and then followed Mr. Bingley to the carriage.

“Georgiana is not joining us?” Mr. Bingley asked.

“She is not feeling well,” Mr. Darcy said.

“I am sorry. Oh! What a lovely day it is! Perhaps we can walk again!”