Once the play began, Lydia watched the actors on stage and listened to Mr Darcy’s whispered explanations. She frequently stole glances at the smiling man. Never had she seen someone take such pleasure in an activity. Jane and Elizabeth had often cautioned her to contain her exuberance while dancing, but she could not fathom the theatre eliciting the kind of response this bear like man was exhibiting. There was so much she did not understand about what was happening on stage; it was a bit too much like work for her. Her greatest enjoyment this evening quickly became watching and evaluating him. He was so very large and strong looking—what a powerful physic he had. The closeness of his box allowed her to savour the rich baritone of his laughter. More than once, when she was looking at him, he caught her—and at that moment he seemed to be laughing at her and not the actors. From that occasion on, she resolved to be more circumspect and watch him out of the corner of her eye. Despite her effort at proper deportment, she would inevitably giggle when she would hear his laugh. Just observing him made her feel happy; and she was definitely infected by the sheer contagiousness of his mirth.
During the break between acts, their party emptied into the hall and headed toward the lounge for refreshment. Lydia saw the laughing giant and the woman with the elaborate hair heading toward Mr Darcy. Once again, this time in anticipation, she felt the flutter of her heart.
When they were abreast, Mr Darcy began to speak, but the burly bear of a man gave him a cautioning look and quickly intervened. Addressing the host of their party first, he said, “Darcy, I believe you have met my aunt, Lady Sarah Rowley.”
Lydia noticed the man had emphasized ‘Rowley.’ Darcy bowed to Lady Sarah, and Lydia noticed a twinkling in his eyes, with just the slightest smirk at the introduction. They seemed to be enjoying a shared confidence, and she was sure the woman’s wink was somehow connected. The nephew continued the conversation. “You sir, are a lucky man to be accompanied by two such beautiful young women. Please introduce me to them and your other companions. It is my hope that all of you are enjoying this delightful play as much as I am.”
Darcy turned to Georgiana and said, “May I introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana this is the Viscount Colton and his aunt Lady Sarah Rowley.” Georgiana exhibited her natural shyness as she curtseyed. She quickly lowered her glance after whispering her pleasure with meeting them both. Next, Darcy introduced the two to Mr and Mrs Gardiner. All were polite and charming in their greetings. Their conversation with Lord Colton uncovered that he was the son of the Earl of Blessing. Mrs Gardiner expressed her pleasure to meet another family with roots in Derbyshire. She informed him that they had hoped to tour Blessing much as they had Pemberley when they were recently in Derbyshire, but had been called back to London unexpectedly.
Finally Darcy said, “And this is their niece, Miss Lydia Bennet from Longbourn in Hertfordshire.” Lydia curtseyed and blushed but had no difficulty making eye contact. She smiled and said, “Never have I seen anyone enjoy themselves as thoroughly as you, Viscount. You must dearly love this play.”
“I do, Miss Lydia.” The way he said her name it seemed to languish on his tongue. Lydia unconsciously giggled. “My admiration of Mr Sheridan’s comedy has even caused me to value the name Lydia above all others. What serendipity that here I am, during a break in my favourite play, being introduced to someone with that particular name. Please assure me you are Miss Lydia in both town and the country.”
Lydia could not contain her giggles at the silly flirting of this giant. “Oh no, sir, I assure you it is the only name I go by, regardless of where I find myself.”
“Oh, I am so pleased that you have confirmed my hopes for our acquaintance.”
The object of his hopes blushed deeply, and decided to change the subject. “What is it you admire so about the play?”
“I love two things. First, I love the word play. Mrs. Malaprop is so intriguing. Were you able to understand all of her misuses of words?”
“No, I truly only picked out one by myself. Mr Darcy helped me with a few others. The one I did understand, I must admit I found uncommonly funny.”
“Which one was that?”
“When she talked about ‘contagious’ countries but meant ‘contiguous,’ I could not help but laugh. Her error made me imagine the people of France and Spain, including Napoleon and his brother Joseph, walking around with red splotches… like the measles.”
Lord Colton threw back his head, and his deep laugh caused everyone in their proximity to stare at him. He seemed immune to what could be taken as censure. Lydia both grinned and felt another flutter at the occurrence. Her delight at giving him such pleasure with one of her remarks was a powerful emotion. She continued, “Even that one, I would not have known if it was not for my sister Elizabeth.”
Lydia turned to look at Mr Darcy and gave him a conspiratorial smile. He returned her gift with one of his own. “Elizabeth’s favourite game when we were young was to teach her sisters things she thought we ought to know. My sister Kitty and I loved geography the best. I think it appealed to our romantic notions of travelling to exotic locations. My father had a very large atlas. We would lay on the floor for hours perusing the maps as she pointed out different countries, rivers and mountain ranges.” Lydia chuckled at the remembered experience. “My father says Elizabeth prided herself, since she first began talking on using big words. Kitty was eight and I was seven and we thought it so very humorous and could not help but laugh each time she said ‘contiguous.’ She would reprimand us for our unserious attitude. I cannot wait to tell her about Mrs Malaprop’s words, and to thank her for being such a task master.”
This time it was Mr Darcy who threw back his head and guffawed. His laughing in public was a very rare occurrence as were his jocular words. “How I savour the image of a twelve-year-old Miss Elizabeth, with her hands on her hips, scolding you and Miss Catherine.”
Their entire party was now the object of much attention. The party began walking again toward the refreshment tables. As they moved along, she continued to question his Lordship, “You said there were two things you loved about the play. What is the second?”
“I love the character of Lydia Languish and her silly, romantic notions. That is why I am so enamoured of the name, Lydia.’ His eyes seemed to be burning into hers. “I admire anyone who decides to marry only for the deepest love. It is true, one can be mistaken in the evaluation of someone’s character, but the effort still wins my approval.” Lord Colton gave his aunt a very loving smile, picked up her hand and kissed it. He continued the exposition of his beliefs with, “Marriage should not only be a legal and religious proposition, but should also reflect two overflowing hearts. As a young man of twelve, I vowed that I would be like Jack Absolute and marry Lydia Languish.”
Lydia had found a new hero. She looked at Lord Colton with languid eyes, and felt a bit like swooning.
Darcy, who had been observing the flirting pair since their first exchange across the crowded theatre, immediately felt protective but did not intervene. He felt the need to consider recent events, as ‘Smiling Jack’ and ‘Lydia Languish’ continued to chat. They drank their drinks, and soon it was time for both parties to make their way back to their seats. Mr Gardiner gave Darcy a questioning look, and Darcy shrugged his shoulders while donning a perplexed expression.
In the carriage on the way home, Mr Darcy recollected his previous dealings with Lord Colton. He had known the man, two years his elder, since Eton. He had heard tales of a wild reputation, but others said he had changed. Darcy believed the public metamorphosis of the lusty lord had happened once his aunt opened her establishment. All of Jon’s wild oats were now sown under her roof. According to Belly, he had sown enough there to feed all the horses of the entire Dragoon Guards. Jon was another, like Darcy, who strictly avoided flirtations within their set. Both were scrupulous about not raising expectations among marriageable young women. The only difference was Lord Colton could keep debutants and their mothers at bay with a smile, while Darcy inevitably frowned his way through the ordeal. Their shared views on marriage, and their dislike of the majority of women who participated in the Season, had made them friends of a sort. However, Darcy realized they had not seen each other since months before Ramsgate, and the subsequent miraculous changes in his life. He was quite sure Mrs T—Lady Sarah—must have confided the knowledge that Darcy was in love. He also suspected, based on the exchange with Lydia that he had been told of her plight. The question is… was he serious? His exchanges with Lydia where the ton could observe were without precedent. Why would a man who would soon be the Earl of Blessing be interested in a compromised country nobody?
Blessing House was directly across Grosvenor Square from Darcy House. There was a bit of an autumn nip in the air, and Darcy enjoyed his walk through the park. He imagined taking this walk with Elizabeth. She would tell him the Latin name for all the trees as she had once done during a stroll in the grove at Rosings. Could he hope that the two sisters would be situated so close? Would their children play together in this very park? Chastising himself for imagining things when he was only planning to delve into possibilities with the viscount, he knocked on the door of Lord Blessing’s home in town. He was shown into the Earl’s study, and after about fifteen minutes Lord Colton joined him.
“I apologize for the delay Darcy, but I was finishing my breakfast. Obviously, I am more indolent than you. Circumstances have not yet forced me to assume the responsibility for Blessing as you have for Pemberley. However, I will be chained by responsibility soon.” Darcy noticed that he did not seem anxious at the prospect of that particular burden. “My father’s health has been failing for the last six months.” His eyes went to a family portrait on the wall across from his father’s desk. “I have been spending more and more time with him in Derbyshire… learning from him and our steward. They have excused me to come to London to participate in the Little Season. My father wants me to find a wife before he dies”
Darcy looked directly at Lord Colton with a serious mien, “Ah, you prompt me to solicit the information for which I came. Do you see Miss Lydia Bennet as a possible choice? Your flirting, I am certain, is the talk of the town this morning.”
The viscount did not look anywhere near as serious as Darcy when he replied, “I do. I wish I could be in all the drawing rooms around the square and listen to their tittle-tattle. I wonder if we made the scandal sheets?”
“Why would a man, who is soon to be a peer, choose a compromised daughter of a county squire for a wife?”
“Because she is delightful to behold, she is without pretension and I believe she loves to laugh, or at least giggle, as much as I do. Last night at the theatre my aunt told me her story, and I empathize enormously with what she has gone through. She calls to mind my aunt, who I adore, and as you know my family is already slightly tarnished—at least with the fathers of eligible debutants. Why did you choose her sister?”
Darcy smiled at the opportunity to speak of Elizabeth. “Because she is delightful to behold, she is without pretension, and she can put me in my place with a delicious mixture of sweetness and archness that I enjoy immensely.” He thought of finding her in the rain and blushed. “However, she is also feisty and I have felt her wrath—that too was enjoyable. Most importantly, I know she loves me, and not my property or my connections. Her father has only daughters. His estate is entailed to my Aunt Catherine’s sycophant of a parson.” A pause and a smile accompanied his next statement. “None of the daughters have much of a dowry, yet she refused me the first time I asked.”
“Oh my, this family sounds like a treasure trove of marriage prospects for our sort. How many are there? My brother is in want of a wife.”
“They are five, but I must let you know that Bingley is enamoured with the eldest.”
“Where does Miss Lydia fit in?”
“She is the youngest. I believe she is about to turn sixteen.”
“Hmmm… she appears older…” Lord Colton’s face became a somewhat angry sneer as he continued with his train of thought. “My aunt tells me you feared this fellow, who duped her into believing they were eloping, was going to sell her to a brothel.”
“He was set to receive a bounty for her from a Mrs Fanny Rogers for fifty pounds. What breaks my heart is that she submitted to Wickham because she thought it her duty, as he was going to marry her. It was uncomfortable, and there was no enjoyment for her. Her humiliation is great, and she believes his disappointment in her was the reason he was selling her.”
Darcy watched as the usually ebullient Lord Colton became overcome with a sadness that quickly transformed into fury. “Oh my, she would have been diseased within weeks. I know the place. What a despicable man. The cruelty to women by our society is sometimes overwhelming. I know all the stories of those at my aunt’s place, and each one is more horrifying than the last. I feel a particular disgust for Susan’s father. To be responsible for delivering Christ’s message of hope… what a hypocrite. How could he do that to his own child?”
“Jon, are you serious in your intentions? Does the fact that she is no longer a maiden, change your mind about her as a prospect?”
“Of course not! I was quite certain this cad had tumbled her. I assume every husband would prefer to be the first and only; but that is, I believe, immaterial to a successful marriage. Widows marry all the time.”
“What if she is with child… and the child is male?”
“What you raise is a consideration. However, to answer you… the child would be mine and my heir. I spent all of last night thinking this decision through. Of course, I hope she is not… I would be dishonest if I did not admit that to be the truth. If Wickham and this woman were negotiating a bounty with Fanny Rogers, they probably had been warned against impregnating her. Let us hope the rat had the good sense to withdraw in order to protect his investment.” Lord Colton had not a trace of a smile on his face as he said, “Please, I would like to speak of more pleasant things. What is your opinion of Miss Lydia as a potential spouse?”
“I believe with some tender loving care she could make a good wife. The maturity she has exhibited since surviving her ordeal has impressed me. She is still a hopeless romantic and thinks life should be like a Mrs Radcliffe novel. However, I do believe she is over her infatuation with red coats.”
Mirth returned to Lord Colton. “Oh everything you tell me makes me more and more pleased with Miss Lydia. I have read every one of Mrs Radcliffe’s novels to my aunt. I indulge her, because her eyesight is failing. We both enjoy them immensely. Since I started, we have also read all the novels of Fanny Burney. My Aunt Sarah is a true connoisseur of women writers. She even cajoled me into reading Mary Wollstonecraft to her.
Darcy laughed at the returned good humour of his friend. “My Elizabeth has one to recommend. It is called Sense and Sensibility by a lady. She gave a copy to Georgiana because it deals with a rake that created expectations and then abandoned the young woman for another with a large dowry. She seems to write about the real tragedies that women face and not the fantastical. Georgiana recently gave a copy to Miss Lydia to ease her pain.” Darcy searched the face of his friend before he spoke again. “But we are not here to discuss literature. Please Jon, tell me the truth. Are you considering her?”
“Yes, I believe I would very much like to marry her. She would make a far more companionable partner, and hopefully if I can overcome the cad’s damage, lover than any woman of the ton with whom I am acquainted.”
“Speaking of lovers, what will you do about visiting your aunt’s establishment? I do not think it appropriate for a man to dishonour his wife with those kinds of liaisons.”
“My aunt and I have been discussing just that contingency.” Lord Colton looked at his watch before he continued, “In fact she should be arriving within minutes to discuss what is to happen with her business. She wants to sell it and retire to the dowager cottage at Blessing, in order to be near my father during his final months. I suggest you stay and listen to our discussion. She has some history to impart to you as well… something involving your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“Hmmm… that sounds interesting. Recently your aunt gave me the impression my aunt was someone with whom she had tangled.”
“I believe you may be right. Tell me more about Miss Lydia and your Miss Elizabeth while we wait.”
“One thing you will enjoy knowing is that Miss Lydia kneed Wickham in order to escape. According to my cousin, it must have been a very hard blow as he was on the floor writhing when Richard got to him.”
“I am certain I could enjoy being married to this woman.”
“Yes, she learned the efficiency of the move by eavesdropping on some members of the militia. I think she had been chastised often for listening in on other’s conversations by her older sisters.”
The hearty roar of Lord Colton’s laughter was heard. “Lucky for her she did not listen. Would your Bennet sister have been so audacious?”
Darcy chuckled at the thought. “I do not believe so. Instead, she would have probably given him a very thorough and erudite tongue lashing.”
At that moment there was a knock on the door, and Lady Sarah was shown into her brother’s study. The two men stood and Darcy bowed to the older woman while her nephew gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Darcy, what a pleasure to see you so soon. Are you discussing marriage terms with my nephew?”
“Terms will be the sphere of her father. I was testing seriousness. This young woman does not deserve to be trifled with.”
“Were you satisfied with the sincerity of my Jon’s intentions?”
“I was.”
Lady Sarah smiled at Darcy as she began the tale he had been promised by her nephew. “You and Jon have a similar legacy. Your parents and his, both married for love. Lady Anne and your father were relative equals in status. Jon’s father and mother were not. My brother married a parson’s daughter. Her father had the living for both Blessing and Colton. They were moderately prosperous; but there was not a title in sight and their family was not an ancient one like the Darcys. Reverend, Mr Goodfellow, had gone to Cambridge with my father, and they enjoyed each other’s company. He bestowed the living at Colton to his friend soon after he became Earl. When the incumbent at Blessing retired, the second living was added.”
Lady Sarah directed her gaze toward her nephew. “Jon’s grandfather, Mr Goodfellow, was truly what his name implied. He was kind and compassionate to his parishioners. He and his entire family were exemplary with regards their charitable works for those in need. My brother fell in love with his daughter, Susan, when he was but fourteen and she only twelve. My father did not approve, and Edward was forced to begin participating in the Season to find an appropriate bride.”
Lady Sarah assumed a far-off look and concentrated on a portrait of a couple on the far wall, as she reflected on the past. “I was five years his junior, but I still remember the heated arguments he had with my father. Being rebellious and romantic by nature, I was on my brother’s side and vowed I would never worry about appearances… since I would never inherit a title. Your mother and her sister had been known to our family since we were children, because of the closeness of the estates.”
Her eyes moved from the portrait back to her nephew. She smiled lovingly at him, and then brought her eyes back to Darcy. With a chuckle, she said, “Your aunt had hoped to be married to the Duke of Devonshire, but of course Georgiana Spencer was brokered for that arrangement. When the possibility of being a duchess seemed out of her grasp, she decided to secure a position as countess, and my brother was her avenue to that goal. She pursued him relentlessly. Both of you know what it is like to have someone haunt your every move in the quest for matrimony. Dear Edward was still pining for his Susan, and he ignored your aunt as best he could. Of course, my elopement smeared our family name; and your aunt cooled in her admiration for one Season… only to be back attending my brother at every event the following year.” Lady Sarah chuckled as she said, “I believe she was becoming desperate, and he was her only option for the title she was trying to capture.”
Her eyes moved back to the portrait and Darcy could see sadness etched into her face as she continued, “As I told you both before, my father did not approve of Captain Rowley, and was very angry when I eloped. He threatened to write me out of his life. The problem is; I was his favourite—precisely because of my spirit—and he was heartbroken when I was away from him in Jamaica. The pain of knowing he died lamenting the loss of me is a heavy burden I must bear. We did eventually forgive one another through correspondence… that at least was some comfort.”
Her interlude of sadness ended, and she became resolute in making her point. “Every year my brother attended the Season, but adamantly refused to become attached to any woman of our set. Edward had very serious discussions with my father about why I had eloped, and convinced him to forgive my precipitous act. These conversations allowed them the opportunity to talk about the nature of love and marriage. Our parents had been reasonably happy; and Edward finally persuaded my father that Susan was a worthy addition to our family. I believe my father feared the loss of another child if he did not concede. Your aunt was furious at his marrying a parson’s daughter with no connections. She has been harbouring resentment against our family since that time. Prepare yourself for a hard time at her hands once this marriage of your betrothed’s sister to Jon becomes common knowledge.”
Darcy’s face ndicated Lady Sarah had given him much to think about. “Her greater objection will be to my betrothed. Lady Catherine has perpetuated the myth that she and my mother had arranged for my cousin Anne and I to wed. Luckily, my father told me numerous times that her contention was false, so I have not been susceptible to her claims… other than having to endure them. My father also told me she had been opposed to my parents’ marriage because he had no title. However, when she was forced to settle in marriage to the very wealthy, but lowly baronet—Sir Lewis de Bourgh—she became obsessed with saving face by brokering a marriage for her daughter that would combine two great estates.”
The former Mrs T’s face lit up with a smirk, “Ah, so the gorgon settled for wealth to compensate for her lack of success with consequence. My brother has told me the same story about Catherine’s opposition to your parent’s marriage. I was already in Jamaica at the time they wed, but I was aware of your father’s intentions to marry Lady Anne before I left. He was besotted before she was even of age.”
Darcy paused to look out the window, and twist his ring before he spoke again. “Through my aunt’s parson and his wife, I am certain she has heard of Miss Lydia’s running away with Wickham. The Reverend Collins is Mr Bennet’s heir and is married to one of my betrothed’s best friends. Miss Elizabeth wrote to her father that all of Meryton, their local village, is gossiping about Miss Lydia’s disgrace.”
Darcy’s face reflected a deepening of his concern. He asked with some hesitation, “Does my aunt know of your business?”
“I am unsure. I believe your other aunt, Lady Elderton, might know. Both your cousins—the viscount and the colonel—have spent time at my establishment. Your uncle has not, but I believe your father was the one who convinced him to send his sons to me. Your Aunt Cassandra is pleasant… perhaps a bit reserved and complaisant. I have known her, as well, since she was a girl. I do not believe your aunt and uncle had the passion of your parents, but I think their marriage is based on strong affection.”
Darcy’s tongue tip of contemplation appeared. “I know what you mean about my Aunt Cassandra. Neither Georgiana nor I have been able to develop a close relationship with her. Richard on the other hand adores his mother. There have been times, since my mother died, that I would have liked to have a woman with whom to discuss things… particularly concerning my sister. Do you think she would have confided about your business to Lady Catherine?”
“Not in the spirit of malicious gossip, but something could have slipped during conversation between sisters-in-law. I have long held the fear that Catherine might come to London, and make trouble for my niece and nephews. Her animosity is great. Jon and Lawrence, I do not worry about, but Jon’s sister Eleanor only came out last year. I had great fears at the time; she might be tarnished because of her connection to me.”
Darcy’s face became earnest in his quest to determine the suitability of this marriage for his sister-to-be. “Tell me of your plans for Teasewell House. I told Jon that I believe it wrong for a married man to frequent a brothel. If we profess to believe in love, then our devotion should be to the one we have chosen.”
“I agree with you wholeheartedly. As you know, my main motive for starting my house was to provide a clean and safe place for young men like Jon, and you, to indulge and get an education in the bargain. In truth, I have not turned away married men, but I am very discreet about who I allow as customers. The major reason for my clandestine ways was to minimize any gossip that might harm my brother’s family.”
Once again, Lady Sarah’s face became saddened. “My brother Edward has a cancer in his stomach… at least that is what the doctors have speculated. He is in some pain, and has lost a great deal of weight, but remains alert and active. Today, Jon and I finalize a deal with the MacFurtive brothers to buy my business. I am certain they will not run the business as discreetly or as cleanly as I have. Both Jon and I had already decided to cut all ties with the establishment, once the sale was complete. I plan to spend my time taking care of my brother in Derbyshire.”
There was a lull in the conversation as all three seemed to be thinking about the future. Lady Sarah was the first to speak. “By the way, I am certain Edward will adore Miss Lydia. My brother is truly the best of men; and he was made even better by being married to the most compassionate, forgiving and lively woman I have ever known. Luckily, I arrived back from Jamaica, and was able to spend time with her before her demise.” She reached over and took her nephews hand—much as he had taken hers at the theatre—and bestowed a kiss.
Darcy was touched by the love these two had for each other. It was a side of Lord Colton he had never observed. He smiled at the two and said, “So, when would you like me to introduce you to Mr Bennet?”
The huge viscount came all over with smiles. “Our appointment with the solicitors is in an hour. I should be finished before two. I will call at Darcy House shortly after, and we can make our way to… where exactly?”
The relief Darcy felt at this possible outcome for Lydia was evident in his face. In fact it was slightly more than relief, and he seemed to have caught Lord Colton’s good humour. “Cheapside… Gracechurch Street to be exact. I will be waiting for you and will arrange the meeting. Mr Gardiner, I am certain has spoken to his brother of the outrageous flirting that went on last night. While you are conducting your business, I will check out the papers to determine if you and Miss Lydia were mentioned. And to think I was looking forward to being the source of gossip by having the audacity to sit between two beautiful and unknown young ladies.”
Lord Colton’s boisterous laugh filled his father’s office. “Darcy, I believe I am going to enjoy being your brother. One other thing… I would like to have a hand in the punishment of Wickham. I have some ideas… you understand… things I believe he deserves.” Darcy gave him a nervous look, “Never fear, my punishment will not be a hanging offense.”
Good to his word, Lord Colton arrived to pick up Darcy at two. As they travelled to Cheapside, Darcy inquired on the success of their negotiations.
“The sale is final, and my aunt will begin the move to Derbyshire as soon as my wedding has taken place.”
“Jon, what is happening to the women?”
“Some will stay. Actually, we heard today that the brothers have entered into secret marriages with Belinda and the newest young woman, Lolita. I believe she is but fifteen. Curzon Street has always been notorious for offering that service, since the time of Dr Keith. Despite their status as wives, I believe they plan to continue working. Knowing Belinda and Lolita, I doubt there is coercion.”
“Oh my, those two brothers are so very dissolute. Which of the two is the heir to Elysian Fields?”
Jon chuckled at Darcy’s look of distaste. “I believe Colin is the older, but it does not appear to impact them in any way. They are inseparable.”
“Yes, Belly has told me of their proclivities for togetherness.”
“To answer what I am certain is your real concern—Susan, Bella and Max are moving to Scarborough and opening a bakery. Auntie and I gave them five hundred pounds each, and all three have significant savings. We made similar arrangements with several of the other long-term employees. Dr Parton is moving to Derbyshire with my aunt. He came with her from Jamaica, and they plan to formalize their relationship by marrying. His son is also a physician, and is trying to establish a practice in Derbyshire after a recent study of infectious diseases in the Caribbean. With their help, I am hoping my father will be able to travel to London for the wedding.
Lord Colton seemed to be searching Darcy’s face for a response. “I am assuming we will be married here. Do you think her family will insist on our being married in Hertfordshire?”
Darcy laughed at how many assumptions Jon had made. “Well, I would take the entire business step by step. First, persuade her father you are worthy. Next, persuade Miss Lydia. A proper proposal is in order—do you have some token of your pledge to give her?”
Lord Colton pulled a box out of his pocket and nodded.
“Hmmm, I should have something for her sister. All I gave her was a painting my mother did and an old pink shawl.” Darcy saw a look of bemusement on Lord Colton’s face. “As to where… presenting Meryton with a fait accompli London wedding… to a viscount, soon to be an earl… would be an excellent scenario to stop gossip dead in its tracks. I will tell her father that next time I see him.”
Darcy who rarely laughed, but actually loved the occupation, became quite overcome with hilarity. “Oh my, will Meryton and her mother survive Lydia’s newfound status as Lady Colton? You must prepare yourself to meet her mother.”
The hilarity receded and Darcy became thoughtful. “Jon, would you object to sharing your wedding day with me?”
“Of course not. Do you think Mr Bennet will agree?”
“Ever since you left this morning, I have been formulating an argument I hope will win him over. Someone of my acquaintance once said, ‘you cannot hurry love.’ I am unsure who the fool was. Probably my cousin Richard gave me that august advice, but I am so very fatigued from waiting.”
“Darcy, should I disclose the nature of the tarnish to my family’s good name?”
“I believe so. I am planning to amend my confession to include my time at your aunt’s establishment. After all, I was doing my father’s bidding as part of his educational plan for me. Our actions were not dishonourable, and I believe his daughters will be more content for our knowledge. Of course, I have no plans to go into any details. However, both of us must assure him we have put an end to that part of our life.”
Jon seemed to find his words humorous. “Do you plan to tell Miss Elizabeth?”
“Somehow his question had found the heart of the dilemma that had been torturing him. “I do not know. I can see reasons both for and against such a confession. She has had difficulty accepting that I will love her forever. Besides, her father has grown distant and even demeaning toward his wife. Elizabeth fears our marriage will be like theirs. She recently persuaded herself that this crisis with her sister would cause me to abandon her.”
Darcy focussed on the empty space next to his friend. “I know not what such a revelation will do. Desperation comes to me when I try to imagine her reaction. As I wait for slumber, I practice different speeches to assure her of the depth and strength of my love.”
He twisted his ring relentlessly. “Jon, to tell her now of Bella, would surely reinforce her belief in my lack of constancy. On the other hand, if she found out after we are married, she could see the revelation as a self-fulfilling prophesy of her fears, and destroy our marriage.”
Nothing was said for several minutes until Fitzwilliam finally spoke with an attitude of finality. ‘Part of the plan I will present to her father is to bring his entire family to town immediately to prepare for our weddings. Once she is beside me, my major objective will be to persuade her to trust me. If I am unsuccessful, I will not be joining you at the altar.”
When they arrived, Darcy made the introduction to Mr Bennet for his friend, and Lord Colton disappeared into the book room of the house with him. As it turned out Bingley and Mr Gardiner were conducting some sort of business in the office. Darcy sat chatting with Mrs Gardiner and Lydia in the parlour until Mr Bennet arrived to inform his daughter he had given permission to Lord Colton for a private audience with her. Darcy watched her reaction with amusement. First her eyes grew to the size of saucers, and next she giggled. Instead of calling his daughter the ‘silliest girl in all of England’, her father kissed her cheek and led her to her rendezvous with destiny.
Once inside the book room, Lord Colton asked her to sit on the sofa. He knelt on one knee beside her and took her hand. “Miss Lydia, last evening as I looked out upon all the elegant women in the theatre, I beheld a young woman who was lovelier than all the rest. At that moment, I knew I had to know you. When Mr Darcy introduced us, and I learned your name, it was my childhood dream come true. I had found my lovely ‘Lydia Languish.’ Your eyes were mercurial… green when you giggled… hazel with flecks of gold when you smiled in the candlelight… the grey of doves when you looked at me with what I hope was admiration. I know of your ordeal at the hands of that man. Let me take away your sadness, let me love you, pamper you, and make you my countess. Miss Lydia would you do me the honour of giving me your hand in marriage?”
Lydia looked at this giant of a man with her eyes large, round and grey. “Oh, Lord Colton, yes I will.” As soon as she released those words, her grey eyes began to overflow with tears.
He quickly sat beside her and drew her into a bear hug. His embrace caused her to bury her face in his massive chest and sob. Every attempt was made to assure him she was happy, but her words came out amidst hiccups. They were truncated and somewhat unintelligible. “Happy… hiccup… so happy… sob… hiccup… safe… thank you… me a countess… giggle… happy… I do not know your name… giggle, giggle and more giggle.”
“Lydia—may I call you Lydia? He felt her nod ‘yes’ against his chest and proceeded to answer her question, while still enjoying the warmth of her body against his. My name is Jonathon. I am Jonathon Holmes.”
The man who loved Elizabeth Bennet was unable to have a serious discussion with her father in the parlour because of the presence of Mrs Gardiner. He had managed to tell him of his need, and the older man had agreed to a conference, but it was deferred until they could be private. In the meantime, Darcy nervously talked of inconsequential things while they waited for Jon and Lydia to return.
When the couple entered, Darcy perceived she had been crying, but soon realized his friend’s success when he observed both their faces wreathed in smiles. The second finger of her left hand preceded her into the room. On it was a beautiful emerald ring—the token Jon had mentioned.
“Oh Aunt, he said it matched my eyes when I giggle. Papa, I am to become a countess, and even before that when we are married… I will be Lady Colton.” Her signature green-eyed giggle was in evidence as she said, “Kitty will be so jealous… me a lady. I am so excited, and I am unable to control my glee. Of course, I also feel like crying. Oh Mr Darcy, you and Lizzy will be able to marry, as my sisters will not be ruined.”
Mr Bingley and Mr Gardiner joined the group when they heard the commotion, and were told the news of the couple’s impending nuptials. It was obvious to all assembled, Lydia was still as exuberant and boisterous as ever. But no one seemed offended by her high-spirits, given the circumstances. All seemed pleased she would not have to marry one of the most unworthy men of their acquaintance.