CHAPTER 28
“Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves,
vanity to what we would have others think of us.”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813
Darcy told Elizabeth all the details of Captain Rutherford’s attack on Hines Park, including his intended conquest of Georgiana. “Mr. Harrison used the last of his energies to save Georgiana. They beat the man nearly to death, but his only thought was to save my sister.”
“Captain Rutherford hated Mr. Harrison that much?” Elizabeth readjusted her position in the bed.
“When Mr. Harrison became a designee for Parliament, Captain Rutherford felt the need to step up his resistance. From what I heard from the captain’s cronies, they planned to burn Hines Park to the ground, but the storm delayed their efforts. If not for the storm, we may have found the estate in ruins and Mr. Harrison dead. The delay made it easier to overcome the captain’s forces because they partook of Harrison’s wine cellar too much.”
“Shall the constable take offense?”
“As Edward is the son of the Earl of Matlock, Mr. Harrison headed to Parliament, and Georgiana my sister, I doubt it.”
It actually took Edward an extra day to return to Pemberley. The constable had numerous questions, and Chadwick Harrison took a turn for the worse, but they managed to roll into Pemberley early in the morning. Georgiana supervised when the staff took Mr. Harrison into the house. She gave orders to Mrs. Reynolds about his care. “I expect someone to tend to Mr. Harrison’s needs immediately.”
Mrs. Reynolds laughed with amusement. “Yes, Miss Georgiana,” she said while thinking how grown up the girl suddenly became.
Georgiana knocked on Elizabeth’s door, excited about the news of the babies. “Come,” Elizabeth called, knowing her sister would visit immediately upon her return.
“Elizabeth.” Georgiana came rushing to her side. “I missed you so.”
They embraced as Elizabeth took in the confidence the girl showed.“I missed you also.” She touched her sister’s face.“Did he hurt you?” Elizabeth asked tentatively.
“I was frightened, but I knew somehow Mr. Harrison would come for me.The captain, I believe, was surprised by my resourcefulness. I do not think he ever judged me to have any grit.” Georgiana seemed proud of herself.
“Then he did not know the true you,” Elizabeth added with a smile. Hannah and one of the wet nurses entered, carrying the twins. “Now, my dear Sister, let me introduce you to your niece and nephew.” Georgiana giggled with anticipation. Hannah placed the girl in Georgiana’s arms. Her son became Elizabeth’s. “Georgiana, may I introduce Ella Jane Darcy and Lucas Edward Darcy.”
“I love the names,” Georgiana squealed. She turned back the blanket to look at her niece, gently touching the fuzzy soft baby hair.“She looks like you, Elizabeth.”
“Then let me show you your brother reincarnated.” Elizabeth seemed pleased when she turned back the blanket on her son.“Fitzwilliam can never deny this child.”
Georgiana stepped over to the bed to see her nephew up close. “An heir for Pemberley,” she said softly as she touched the child’s head.“Fitzwilliam must be ecstatic.”
“Your brother does seem quite pleased with himself—as if he planned it this way. I believe Fitzwilliam discovered love is not thunder’s flash but something more subdued and mellow.”
“A melodious harmony,” Georgiana finished Elizabeth’s thought.
“Exactly,” Elizabeth added,“one logical progression.”
Darcy and Edward met in the study. “The constable finally questioned Mr. Harrison. His retelling of Rutherford’s attack coincided with what I told the man earlier, and no legal action will be taken against us. Rutherford’s men are a different story. Harrison’s servants are restoring the house; two of his staff were laid to rest yesterday. Unfortunately, Mr. Harrison had some complications due to the number of times Rutherford beat him so Georgiana and I attended the rites in his place. I thought it best for Georgiana to be seen taking on the responsibilities as mistress of the estate.”
“As usual, Edward, you are thorough in your assessment of the situation.” Darcy showed his disapproval.
“Accept it, Fitz,” Edward offered a gentle warning. “You may insist on a longer engagement, but Georgiana chose Mr. Harrison for her own, and like you with Elizabeth she is determined to have her way. It is one of those damnable Darcy traits in which you so often take pride.”
Darcy shrugged his shoulders as if he did not like relinquishing control of his sister’s future.“I suppose I have no choice.”
“Good,” Edward added with finality.“I do have other news.”
Darcy seemed less interested.“And that would be?”
Edward slid Darcy’s insignia ring across the desk.
Darcy picked it up, examining it closely. “Where did you get this?”
“From off Captain Rutherford’s finger.” Edward hoped to solve the mystery. “Georgiana says you never take it off; you had the ring on when you left for Hull, but I do not recall seeing it when we found you in Brigg.”
Darcy leaned back in his chair, holding the ring close where he could see it. Images filled his eyes.
A fourth well-dressed man bent over him. “You will not need these items, Sir.” The man hissed as he took Darcy’s walking stick and diamond stickpin. “Nor this.” The man ripped the ring bearing the family crest from Darcy’s finger.
“No,” Darcy moaned loudly, trying to resist the man’s thievery.
Then the filcher strode to the horse awaiting him. Mounting, the man looked back at Darcy lying on the ground and tipped his hat to him.The man’s blond, tight curls glistening in the late afternoon was all Darcy could decipher; the man took the lead, riding tall in the saddle.
“Rutherford was one of my attackers!” Darcy’s voice held confusion.“He planned my attack.”
Edward continued with the mystery. “Do you remember what the captain said when we forced our way into the bedchamber?”
With disbelief laced through his voice, Darcy whispered the words reverently. “Mr. Darcy, you are a hard man to kill.” He shook his head in bewilderment.“Honi soit qui mal y pense.”5
“Evil to him who thinks evil,” the colonel translated. “Very appropriate.Thank God the man failed in both his attempts.”
“Yes,” Darcy spoke quietly. “Now both Mr. Harrison and I have a chance for a brighter future.” Both men sat contemplating what might have been. Eventually, Darcy changed the atmosphere found in the room. “Before you leave for Bath, Edward, you must come to the nursery and meet my future.”
“I told you Elizabeth would make you happy, Fitz.”
“All right, Edward,” Darcy warned jokingly,“I will learn to listen to your advice. I bow to your intuition. Now, come and see how I polluted the shades of Pemberley.”
“You remember, Darcy?”
“I remember, Edward. Most of it came back over the last few weeks. I sat watching Elizabeth, worrying about her—learning to love her again, and the memories came sneaking back in. At first, I thought them to be my dreams, but later I knew otherwise.”
Edward embraced his cousin. “You deserve happiness, Fitz. Now, I must see these children. It will bedevil Lady Catherine when I rant and rave about them.”
“Have you made arrangements to send her Ladyship away?” Darcy asked as they crossed to the doorway.
“When my commission expires next week, I will make arrangements for Anne and me to holiday in Italy.While there, I will let a small villa for our aunt. Do you suppose Italy to be far enough from Rosings?” Edward’s sly smile lit up the room.
“Maybe you should consider India or even China.” Darcy’s mood improved. “In a little over a fortnight you will be married as well, and then you may begin your own family.”
Edward laughed,“You have a head start.”
“It is not a competition,” Darcy reasoned.
Edward placed his arm around Darcy’s shoulder as they climbed the staircase. “Everything we ever did was a competition, Fitz. Do you suppose we could change our stripes?”
“Tigers never do,” Darcy laughed.
Edward laughed, too.“No, tigers never do.”
Georgiana snuck into Mr. Harrison’s room in the late afternoon. “Mr. Harrison,” she spoke quietly as she came close to the bed. “I brought something for you to see.” Georgiana sat on the edge of the bed.
Harrison’s eyes slid open; he tried to smile at Georgiana. “Miss Darcy,” he said through the laudanum, “you should not be here unchaperoned.”
“I brought my own chaperone.” Georgiana leaned down closer to show him the bundle she carried in her arms.“This is my niece Ella Jane Darcy. Is she not beautiful?”
It took a few seconds for Harrison to refocus his eyes on the child.“She favors Mrs. Darcy,” he said at last.“Is Mr. Darcy disappointed not to have a son?”
“That is the beauty of it all; Elizabeth had twins. I will bring Lucas to see you later.” Georgiana’s eyes danced with happiness.
Harrison tried to tease her,“Do twins run in the Darcy family?”
“We will have to wait and see,” she whispered close to his ear.
“I am sorry,” he said quietly, “my troubles forced you into an engagement you did not want at this time. Please know I will do the honorable thing, Miss Darcy.”
“Mr. Harrison, do not apologize. I chose to come to Hines Park. I could have sent a post to warn you, but I knew whatever happened to you, I must be a part of it. Are you sorry to be saddled with me after all?” Georgiana needed his assurance.
“God, no,” he nearly exclaimed. “I thought of nothing but you for months now. In fact, if I had not been thinking of you, I might have been more aware of the captain’s impending attack.”
“It seems you hold me to an impossible standard.” Georgiana playfully moved the hair away from his face. “First, you say you enjoy thinking of me, and then you blame me for your current pain.”
“Miss Darcy, I assure you, I would do it all over again for the opportunity of being alone with you like this.”
“Then, Mr. Harrison, do you ever plan to ask me to marry you, or do you expect me to walk down the aisle without ever receiving your proposal?”
Harrison found his condition mortifying. “I planned to wait until I did not look so bad, and I was not lying here like a broken twig.”
Georgiana put the sleeping Ella on the end of Mr. Harrison’s bed. She stared down at him. “Do you suppose, Mr. Harrison, I am so shallow I would only love you when you are perfectly coiffed? Could I not love you in times of trouble—in sickness and in health? Do you think so poorly of me?”
Harrison did not like the gist of this conversation. “Miss Darcy, please listen to me.” He reached out for her. “I want everything to be perfect for you because I love you desperately. An edict from your brother is not what I call a moment to remember. I want a romantic moment when I can ask you to be my wife. I want to be able to take you in my arms and claim you as mine.”
“Mr. Harrison, why can this not be our romantic moment?”
“You deserve so much better than a beaten man and a darkened bedchamber. You are the most exquisite person I have ever known,” he pleaded.
“Mr. Harrison, do you not think we are beyond a proposal in the garden? Captain Rutherford took us to another level of intimacy. What I deserve is a man who accepts me for who I am, who loves me for my strength and for my vulnerability.” Georgiana’s voice rose in anger.
“Georgiana,” he started, but her irritation reached its breaking point. She picked up the sleeping child and left him struggling to get out of the bed.
A few hours later, Harrison heard a light knock on the door. “Yes,” he called.
“Mr. Harrison, you wished to see me?” Georgiana voice still reflected her contempt from earlier.
“Come in, Miss Darcy.”When she opened the door, lighted candles peppered the room, and vases of flowers filled every corner. Georgiana’s eyes sparkled with surprise. “My garden awaits you, Miss Darcy.Will you not join me?” Seductive overtones laced his voice.
“Mr. Harrison, what a surprise!” Georgiana’s eyes did not move from his face.
Harrison offered a gesture of his hand. “I am afraid I must ask you to come to me, Miss Darcy. It took several robust men to prop me up in this bed. I cannot offer you a proper bow or a proffered arm.”
Georgiana still stood barely inside the door. “What do you plan to offer me, Mr. Harrison?” She took a few small steps toward the bed.
“Unfortunately, Miss Darcy, you already own my heart. I believe I may be running out of things of worth to offer.” He patted the edge of the bed, indicating she should join him there.
“There is only one thing of which I wish you to speak.” Georgiana moved closer to the bed but did not sit.
Harrison reached under his pillow and withdrew a small box. Then he made a point of looking deep in Georgiana’s eyes, willing her to sit beside him.“Miss Darcy, from the time I came here in December, I have been unable to repress my feelings for you. I love you most ardently. Earlier today you expressed a like regard, and I pray with all my heart your affections and wishes are unchanged. I would consider it a profound honor if you would accept my hand in marriage.”
Georgiana’s eyes misted over; this was the moment of which she dreamed. “I receive your proposal with gratitude and pleasure,” she began. “To be known as Mrs. Harrison would honor me.”
“Say it again, Georgiana,” Harrison teased.
“I want to be your wife—the mother of your children—the mistress of your estate. Is that not enough, Chadwick?”
“I could listen to those words all day. Yet, I suspect we should make this official.” He opened the box and removed a diamond-encrusted ruby ring. Slipping it on her finger, Georgiana leaned down to kiss his lips tenderly. Harrison slid his hand to the back of her neck and held her lips to his when she started to withdraw.“So perfect,” he moaned.
“Perfect,” she whispered.
Harrison returned to her lips one more time before he released Georgiana.“Would it be too much to ask you to stay with me for a while? I do not want to be without you this evening.”
“Fitzwilliam will not be happy, but I will have cook send us both up a tray. I will leave the door open,” Georgiana reasoned. “I shall return in a few minutes.”
“You will not be gone long?” Harrison asked, a certain amount of longing found in his voice.
“Not long, my Love.” Georgiana caressed his chin line. “May I bring Lucas for you to see?”
“Babies give me wanton ideas,” he joked. “Wanton ideas of your being the mother of my children.”
“So we are back to the forwardness, are we?” Georgiana giggled.
Harrison asserted,“You like me that way.”
“True—truly I do. I will return soon.” Georgiana squeezed his hand.
Georgiana rushed to Elizabeth’s room to show her sister the ring and to share her happiness.“I feel changed somehow,” the girl gushed with excitement.
“You have changed, Georgiana. You are no longer a shy, young girl; you are a confident woman. I am so proud of you.” Elizabeth hugged the girl she learned to love. “However, like your brother, I will miss you when you leave us.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth, for listening to me and hearing what I had to say.You gave me my voice and my confidence.”
“Like my darling Fitzwilliam, the person you are now is who you were always meant to be.”
“May I take Lucas to see Mr. Harrison?” Georgiana rushed about the room, trying to focus her excitement.
“I always welcome the praises of others for my children so, of course, you may. However, do not start thinking of your own family too soon.Your brother is having enough trouble picturing you as a bride and wife without picturing you as a mother, too.”
“Fitzwilliam, I have an idea of which I wish to speak.” Elizabeth cornered him in the dining parlor. It was her first evening downstairs since having the twins.
“Yes, my Love.” Darcy took her arm to lead her to his table, a very symbolic act in his estimation, a confirmation of Darcy’s “refound” devotion to her.
“When my parents and the Bingleys come to Pemberley, I would like to have a tenant celebration.”
“Of what do you have in mind?” Darcy held the chair for Elizabeth and then took his place at the head of the table.
“After Edward’s wedding, my parents and the Bingleys wish to follow you back to Pemberley to meet the twins. Kitty will remain with us. The tenants are anxious to meet your heirs also; they anticipated the births for a long time. I thought a day of celebration would be appropriate—maybe something similar to an extended family picnic. We could share Mr. Harrison’s engagement to Georgiana, as well as Mr. Ashford’s to Kitty. The community needs to see the stability Pemberley offers, and I wish my family to see how proud I am of being your wife.”
How could Darcy refuse such a request? Elizabeth recognized the requirements of being Pemberley’s mistress. “Elizabeth, I do not object to the idea, but I do not want you to overextend yourself after having the twins.”
Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “I promise not to overextend my energies. I will rely heavily on Mrs. Reynolds and the household staff. I seriously believe the tenants need to see us together as a family. After your attack, rumors flew about whether Pemberley would survive; the Derbyshire community needs to know we are united with the children, and we will be here for a long time.”
“You are so amazing, Elizabeth. I have said it before, but my words cannot do you justice.” Darcy’s eyes locked onto hers. Elizabeth simply shrugged her shoulders, not accepting his praise. “Do as you think best then, Mrs. Darcy,” he added with a sense of contentment.
Over the next few weeks, Pemberley returned to a state of normalcy. The twins consumed much of Elizabeth’s waking hours. Mr. Harrison recovered from Rutherford’s attack; the bruising went away, and the wounds healed. Darcy and Georgiana traveled to Kent for Edward and Anne’s wedding. They attended the ceremony and the breakfast; then they took their leave. Darcy delivered from Elizabeth a handwritten note of thanks to Charlotte for her loving friendship. The note also told Charlotte of Elizabeth’s joy with parenthood.
On the return trip, Darcy stopped in Hertfordshire. The Bingleys and the Bennets would join the Darcys for a few days at Pemberley. The Darcys stayed at Netherfield because Darcy wished to renew his relationship with Charles Bingley. Some of his memories of Charles’s friendship also resurfaced.“I found a property an hour away from Pemberley if you are still interested, Bingley.”
“Maybe we can see it when we come to Pemberley.”
“I assume the Bennets know nothing of this,” Darcy added.
Jane looked about nervously. “I do not wish my mother to suspect our plans, Mr. Darcy.”
“It would please Elizabeth to have you so close, especially after Georgiana’s wedding.”
“That means a great deal to me also, Mr. Darcy. Family is important to all of us.” Jane squeezed Bingley’s hand and gave him a slight nod.
“There is something else we have not told the Bennets. My wife is with child.” Bingley beamed as he said the words out loud.
“Then it is important to find you the perfect estate, and that is exactly what we will do.”
“He filled the room with candles and flowers,” Georgiana gushed.“It was perfect.”
“I am most anxious to see Mr. Ashford; it has been nearly two months. I worry he forgets me.” Kitty needed Ashford’s pledge.“The wedding is six weeks away, and we have discussed nothing. I am afraid, Georgiana, he no longer loves me.”
“Oh, Kitty, if you could just see how miserable the man is without you at Pemberley, you would never question his regard. His sermons have lost their passion. Mr. Ashford goes through the motions, but, you, Kitty, bring life to the man’s existence. Mr. Ashford offered to give up the living from my brother for you.What other proof do you need of his affection?”
“I hope you are right, Georgiana; I am just worried I may lose him.” Kitty dropped her eyes and bit her lower lip.“May I tell you something, Georgiana?”
“Of course, Kitty.”
“I let Mr. Ashford kiss me on several occasions. Could he think less of me because of it?” Kitty looked worried.
“Kitty, I guarantee the man loves you. If you allowed him some liberties, they have not lessened his desire to marry you. In fact, you may have increased those desires. I guarantee it, and in two days’ time, you will guarantee it also.”
Elizabeth walked about the lawn of Pemberley, overseeing the festivities. She became quite adept at supervising several activities at once. Pockets of people stretched out on blankets, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. Her parents visited at Pemberley for nearly a week.The Bennets would remain with the Darcys for three more days before returning to Longbourn.
Mrs. Bennet barely spoke the first two days at the house, too enthralled with her surroundings to dare speak to Mr. Darcy about his home. “Oh, Lizzy, bless me, I never imagined Pemberley to be such a great estate. I cannot wait to tell my sister Phillips and Lady Lucas how important you really are. You were so smart to give Mr. Darcy an heir right away.These great men expect it, you know, my girl.”
“Yes, Mama, I know.” Elizabeth’s eyes rolled in exasperation.
Mr. Bennet liked hiding himself in Darcy’s library. “I could spend a lifetime in that room, Lizzy.”
“Mr. Darcy does share your love of books, Papa.” Elizabeth hugged her father. “Come play with your beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Reynolds and Hannah are bringing them down from the nursery.” Elizabeth led her father to some chairs scattered under a large Spanish chestnut.
“Mrs. Darcy.” A woman rushed over to speak to Elizabeth. The woman made Elizabeth a perfect curtsy. “We be thankin’ ye Mistress for thinkin’ of us in yur time of happiness. I brung ye somethin’ for the babes.” She thrust two wooden rattles in Elizabeth’s hand.“Me son carved ’em himself.”
“Thank you for your goodness, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Darcy and I are pleased you are here today. Enjoy the activities.” Elizabeth touched the woman’s hand before moving on. She placed the rattles on a blanket holding various gifts designed for the children.
Darcy came up behind her and lightly touched her waist. Elizabeth turned to look up at him; she caressed his jaw line as she gifted Darcy with a gigantic smile. “Mrs. Reynolds is bringing the children down from the nursery, my Love.”
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.” Darcy scanned the area.
“The day is perfect.”
“I am pleased to see you wearing my mother’s necklace; you have not worn it since our wedding.” Darcy’s eyes drifted down Elizabeth’s body. “You are very beautiful today.” He whispered in her ear.
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth leaned in close and lowered her voice, “if I did not know better, I would think you had unchaste ideas.”
Darcy gave her a mysterious smile.“I miss you, Mrs. Darcy.”
“And I you, Sir.” Elizabeth blushed with her boldness as she examined his physique closely.
His breath came shallower.“Then maybe. . . .”
Elizabeth touched his lips with her fingertips.“Not maybe,” she whispered again.“Definitely.”
“I love you, Elizabeth.” Seeing her wearing his mother’s necklace made Darcy feel very possessive, and a surge of need rushed through him.
“Shall I expect this reaction each time I wear this necklace?” Elizabeth smiled, watching his eyes fill with desire.
“Definitely,” he teased.
Elizabeth taunted,“Then I will wear it and nothing else.”
“Not fair, Lizzy.” Darcy nearly moaned.
She pursed her lips.“Touché, my Love—definitely not fair.”
Mrs. Reynolds and Hannah brought down the children and handed them to Darcy and Elizabeth. They took a dominant position on a slight incline. Standing very close to each other in a show of solidarity, they waited for the crowd to gather around. Georgiana helped Mr. Harrison, who still struggled, although his progress was evident to everyone. Elizabeth motioned for Kitty and Mr.Ashford to come forward also.
Darcy cleared his throat as the gathered masses moved even closer. He hated speaking at any type of gathering beyond one of a few close friends. Elizabeth, sensing his discomfort, edged closer, allowing her fingers to caress his arm in the guise of shifting the baby in hers. Darcy glanced down at her when her touch awakened a knowledge he was no longer alone.
Clearing his voice a second time, Darcy began to speak. “Friends and family of Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy and I welcome you today, and we appreciate your sharing in our happiness. As many of you know, Pemberley has been blessed of late.We are blessed to have Mrs. Darcy’s sister, Miss Bennet, accepting the hand of our own Mr. Ashford.” The crowd acknowledged the happy couple as Ashford brought Kitty’s hand to his lips.
Darcy continued, “The Pemberley family and I have been blessed to have my sister Georgiana Darcy with us for these many years. Her goodness and generosity is well known among you. Now, Miss Darcy has accepted the hand of Mr. Harrison and will split her time between his estate in Dove Dale and in London, as Mr. Harrison will serve county Derby in Parliament.”The crowd took great pride in their connection to the new PM and showed it with cheers and applause.
When the commotion settled, Darcy prepared to raise his voice again, but before he could express the words in his heart, he gazed into Elizabeth’s eyes. Finally, he turned back to the faces he knew as the Master of Pemberley. “I am blessed to have found an incomparable woman who in a short time made Pemberley her own. Mrs. Darcy loves this estate as I love it, and this remarkable woman has given me—given us—the greatest gift of all. She has given Pemberley a future. Help me to welcome my daughter, Ella Jane Darcy, and my son, Lucas Edward Darcy.” With that, Darcy and Elizabeth turned back the blankets and allowed those gathered that day to view the heirs to the land. A tumultuous roar burst forth, and both parents reassured their children all was well.
Elizabeth placed Ella in her mother’s arms and took Lucas from Darcy. Cradling her son close to her, Elizabeth began to circulate among the clusters of people anxious to see the heir to Pemberley. Darcy, Georgiana, Mr. Harrison, Kitty, and Mr. Ashford were immediately surrounded by well-wishers.
After a few minutes, Darcy rejoined Elizabeth among the crowd. “Mrs. Darcy, your father wishes to hold his first grand-son,” Darcy spoke authoritatively, but Elizabeth knew he wanted to relieve her of her duties to his tenants.
“Of course, Mr. Darcy.” She excused herself from the group and thankfully placed Lucas in Mr. Bennet’s waiting arms. To her father Elizabeth whispered words of endearment, and Mr. Bennet returned her sentiments. “I miss you at Longbourn, Lizzy,” his eyes misted as he spoke to his favorite daughter,“but it is quite evident your place is here with Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth looked up, catching Darcy’s gaze across the lawn. “It is, Papa. Coming to Pemberley, I found myself. I belong at Pemberley because Mr. Darcy is here.”
It was the Bennets last night at Pemberley. Mrs. Bennet took stories of Elizabeth’s success as the estate’s mistress and mother of Darcy’s children to Hertfordshire to share with any who might listen. Mr. Bennet took memories of his first grandchildren, knowledge his Lizzy found happiness, and a stack of Darcy’s books to read. He would return the books at Kitty’s wedding.
“Mr. Bennet.” Clayton Ashford approached where the older man stood with Darcy.
“Mr.Ashford.” Mr. Bennet turned toward the young vicar.
Ashford looked a bit backward.“May I speak to you, Sir?”
“Of course, Mr.Ashford.”
“If you will excuse me.” Darcy started to take his leave, but Ashford asked him to stay.
“I have some news which I feel an obligation to tell both of you,” Ashford began.“I lately received a letter from my father’s uncle. Unfortunately, the man recently lost his only child—his son. As I am the next male in line, his estate will fall into my hands upon my relative’s passing.”
Ashford said the words so solemnly, Mr. Bennet knew not whether the vicar looked forward to the event. “Well, young man, it seems your potential is more than I anticipated.” Mr. Bennet thought the situation to be amusing.
“Thank you, Sir. Of course, I wish no harm to my relations. I simply chose to make you aware one day I will be able to give Miss Bennet a nicer home. I believe your daughter deserving of more than I am currently able to give her.”
Mr. Bennet teased,“You believe our Kitty to be deserving?”
Mr. Ashford looked a bit askance. “Most definitely, Mr. Bennet.”
Mr. Bennet gave Darcy half a wink. “Mr. Ashford, I once thought my Kitty to be one of the two most foolish girls in the country—her sister Lydia being the other. However, if she earned the regard of a landed gentleman, I may have to change my estimation of her.”
Darcy picked up on Mr. Bennet’s teasing nature. “Maybe, Mr. Bennet, we should ask the size of Mr. Ashford’s estate before we offer our congratulations or extend our approval.”
“I believe you are correct, Mr. Darcy.” Both men took Ashford into their gaze, leveling a serious stare on him.
Ashford began to stammer.“I believe, Sirs, it has an income of a little less than three thousand pounds per year.”
After an exceedingly long pause both Darcy and Mr. Bennet began to laugh. Darcy slapped Ashford on the back. “We apologize, Mr. Ashford, for taking our pleasure at your expense. Although I would hate to lose you from our community, I am sure both Mr. Bennet and I extend our sincere congratulations. We are pleased for your beneficial situation. Where might the estate be?”
Ashford still appeared confused, but he relaxed some.“Near Bedfordshire, Mr. Darcy.”
“Well, we will pray for your relations’ continued good health,” Darcy added with a smile.
“Considering my wife’s nerves can tolerate no more than the splendor of Pemberley right now, I will spare you, Mr.Ashford, by not sharing your news with Mrs. Bennet until we are well on our way to Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet patted Ashford’s shoulder and strolled away.
Ashford looked bewildered. Darcy took it all in before trying to assuage Ashford’s qualms. “Do not fear, Mr. Ashford, Mr. Bennet only finds those amusing whom he believes to be the most worthy. You will get used to the man’s sense of humor; even I once feared asking for Mrs. Darcy to become my wife.”
“How could Mr. Bennet consider you to be unworthy?” Ashford thought this to be an amusing possibility.
“The man may appear indolent, but he cares dearly for his daughters. I am sure your news pleased him thoroughly.” Darcy led Ashford back toward the gathering. “When will you tell Miss Bennet?”
“Soon—I wanted to give Miss Bennet more than simply my love; it appears God answered my prayers, but I will sorely miss my time tending to my congregation.” Ashford’s eyes affectionately drifted to where Kitty stood talking to her sisters and Georgiana.
“I am sure your Lord will not turn his back on your service in his name,” Darcy assured him. “When the time comes, you will find God has bigger plans for you.”
Ashford asked in all honesty, “Do you truly believe as such, Mr. Darcy?”
“There was a time, Mr. Ashford, I thought my destiny to be decided by my birth right. However, since meeting Mrs. Darcy, I have been persuaded to see God places a person on the path, but his destiny is still in his own hands.”
They joined the four ladies, and Elizabeth stepped to Darcy’s side, intertwining her arm through his. “May I, Fitzwilliam?” she asked as he nodded in agreement.
“Kitty.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Mr. Darcy and I have news for you and Mr. Ashford. Lord and Lady Haverty called upon us last week to pay their respects and to meet the twins. While here, I showed Lady Haverty to the nursery; your design impressed her Ladyship. She offered to pay you two hundred pounds to redecorate two rooms at her estate.”
“Elizabeth,” Kitty gushed,“tell me you do not jest.”
“We do not jest, Kitty,” Elizabeth confirmed what she said. “If Lady Haverty is pleased, you could earn additional funds for your talent.”
“Did you hear, Clayton,” Kitty bubbled with laughter, “I could earn money just like an independent woman might do.”
“I heard, Miss Bennet.” Ashford barely acknowledged Kitty’s enthusiasm.
