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“I spoke with Mr Walters at some length. He wishes to see written confirmation that Miss Anne de Bourgh releases you from the supposed engagement.”

“But there is no legally binding engagement!” Darcy exclaimed, torn between anger and sorrow.

“Indeed, there is none. But Mr Walters fears you may be morally bound to honour a promise. He is unwilling to marry you until that doubt is settled.”

“So he will not marry us unless I bring Cousin Anne here and persuade her to release me?”

“I do not believe she need come herself. A letter from her, with her signature witnessed by her vicar, would suffice.”

“Anne will never sign such a letter. My cousin does whatever my aunt tells her.”

Laughter and cheerful voices reached them from the other rooms, making their own troubles seem all the more painful.

“I am sorry to have brought Elizabeth into this difficulty…and you as well, after everything that happened in London. I had hoped it would be settled by now. My solicitor should return from Pemberley within a day or two, but I do not know what he has discovered.”

“What did you ask him to do?”

“To establish whether my mother’s signature on the codicil is genuine.”

“You doubt it?”

“Yes. Knowing my mother, I find it difficult to believe. She thought much as you do. I cannot imagine you forcing one of your daughters into a marriage she did not want.”

They fell silent until a maid came to tell them that dinner was ready.

Before they joined the others, Mr Bennet spoke again. “I trust that whatever you decide will be best for both Elizabeth and yourself. You have my approval.”

“Even if we must marry in Scotland?”

“My dear boy, as Mrs Bennet has so often declared lately, all that matters is that you should be married!”

Despite their emotion, they laughed together, both comforted by their conversation.

Elizabeth saw them laughing and felt her fears ease. Her father and the man she loved were happy in each other’s company, and she took it as a sign that there was no cause for alarm.

Chapter 19

Dirty and exhausted, the solicitor arrived at Netherfield on a dreary Saturday afternoon, longing for a hot bath and a night’s sound sleep. Both had to wait, for Darcy insisted on hearing what he had discovered in London and at Pemberley. Ten minutes of eager discussion were enough to convince Darcy that his trust in the young man was well founded.

“Mr Bentham, you shall have me as a client for the rest of my life,” he declared, realising that the young man’s efforts had finally ended weeks of turmoil.

Five weeks earlier, Mr Bentham had scarcely believed his good fortune when Mr Darcy knocked at his door.

“I need another opinion on a very delicate matter,” Darcy had explained. “I am convinced my mother, Lady Anne, never signed this codicil. Unfortunately, I do not know how that can be proved.”

“Give me five weeks, sir!”

The five weeks ended that very evening. Darcy appreciated the solicitor’s punctuality as much as his diligence and acumen.

“Tomorrow, our banns will be read for the third time. Mr Walters, the vicar, may mention Lady Catherine’s written objection. He has agreed to hear my answer after the service before deciding whether the objection is satisfied.”

“And you wish me to present what I have found?”

“Indeed. Now go and enjoy your dinner. Rest well, and we shall meet in the morning!”

∞∞∞

That evening, Darcy sent letters to Mr Walters, Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, announcing that he could now answer Lady Catherine’s objection. He gave no particulars, preferring to explain the solicitor’s discoveries in person.