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“Goodness,” said Mr Gardiner. “That ring must be worth several hundred pounds! If it is the sum of your worldly goods, Mr Elliot, surely it would be better to sell it?”

“No! It is the ring Mr Delaney gave to me. He specifically wished that I bestow it on the lady of my choice. I have the Marquess’s word that the bequest will allow me to support a wife—a lady. I would like Miss Mary to be that lady.”

“Are you sure, Mr Elliot? The last fortnight has obviously been one of great upheaval for you. Perhaps you would do better to consider the matter for longer.”

“My feelings are of a longstanding nature, Mr Gardiner. I have just not been able to act upon them. I am sure that I could find no better wife if I searched the world.”

Mr Gardiner was quite touched by the young man’s passionate response.

“Mr Elliot, clearly I would be remiss in my duties as Mary’s guardian to allow you to wed her when your own circumstances are in flux. However, I give you my leave to pay your addresses to her. Once you can demonstrate that you can maintain her as befits a lady, I will give my consent to the match.”

Chapter 16: A plighted troth

Mr Elliot’s revelation had, of course, resulted in a substantial delay in the Gardiners’ departure from Longbourn. On returning to the house, Mr Gardiner had signalled to his wife that her presence was required, and he sought out Mary for a private chat. The study was still occupied by Elizabeth and Harry, but fortunately Mrs Bennet had retired once more to her bedchamber after the exertions of lunch, so the parlour was commandeered for this tête-à-tête.

“Well, Mary,” said Mr Gardiner, taking a seat opposite his niece and wife who had disposed themselves on the sofa. “I am not sure how well apprised you are of developments, but I’ve just received a very flattering offer for your hand.”

From Mary’s dropped chin, it was clear that she was not apprised of developments.

“Have you any idea who your suitor is?”

Mary shook her head.

Mr Gardiner bit back a smile and shot a glance at his wife whose eyes were widened in surprise.

“Well, here’s a hint,” said Mr Gardiner. “I have just been over to the rectory.”

Mary blushed, then ventured: “Mr Elliot? I did not think...”

“Go on,” urged Mr Gardiner.

“I did not think that his circumstances allowed him to contemplate matrimony.”

“Well, it would appear that the rector has left a bequest for Mr Elliot. Unfortunately, the bequest may be contested, so it is not certain. But he has been led to believe he can rely on it, and that it should allow him to support a wife. How are you disposed to think of Mr Elliot?”

“I like him very well. Indeed, a comfortable existence in a snug parsonage would be very pleasing.”

Mr Gardiner nodded. “Very well. I have told him that, provided the bequest is sufficient to purchase a living, I will give my consent to the match.”

Mary blushed prettily.

“He seemed very certain in his choice and wishes to bestow a ring on you. However, until probate is given and he can prove his ability to support you, I am afraid the engagement must be kept secret. This is to protect both of you should his expectations come to nothing. You may keep the ring in a box or wear it hidden on a chain.”

Mary nodded her understanding.

“And, of course, you are not to allow him any liberties,” said Mr Gardiner while mentally adding, not that I think it likely any will be taken.

Mary’s pretty pink blush turned a deep fiery red.

“I expect he will come to call after the rector’s funeral service,” said her uncle, hurrying on.

Composing herself, Mary asked rather timidly, “Do you think that Mama will quite like it?”

“Perhaps it will be a little below her expectations, Mary, but we must reconcile her to the match. You will be comfortably circumstanced, and Fanny will have one less mouth to feed.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” said Mary, earnestly giving him a hug.

“Good girl,” said Mr Gardiner, patting her shoulder. “Now off you go and let me deal with your mother.”