Vol 1, Chapter 15 #3
“Not a Matlock estate. You remember old Mr. Brookfield of Brookfield?” Lord Matlock asked, not surprised when his son allowed that he did.
“He recently passed away. His heir is a distant cousin and master of a large estate in Devon. I met him when the late Mr. Brookfield was already extremely ill, and there was no doubt that the end was coming. When he mentioned that he did not want to keep an estate so far from his own, I asked him to contact me when he became master and was ready to sell. We agreed on terms and a price more than a week ago. Around the time of your trip to Rosings Park, the money will have been transferred and the estate will be yours,” Lord Matlock informed his son with much pleasure.
“Father, Mother, Andrew, I do not know what to say. To say I am grateful would be an understatement! I thank you many times over. You know how much I love to work with horses and have always admired the breeding programme at Brookfield!” Richard exuberantly thanked his family.
“You know I was against this, do you not, brother,” Andrew ribbed his brother good naturedly.
“Against it, indeed. I know as the heir you would have co-signed on a transfer this large, so do not try me, brother. I will accept this gift now, but you must allow me to repay the cost from the annual profit,” Richard insisted.
“You would devalue our gift by wanting to repay us a non-existent debt?” his father asked.
“The Matlock coffers are quite healthy, and even a large outlay such as this barely dented our wealth. What is the purpose of all of that money if we never use it, and on an expenditure as worthy as this?” Lord Matlock challenged his younger son.
“In that case, I have no choice but to graciously, as much as I am able to be gracious, accept this most generous of gifts,” Richard grinned.
“You will resign your commission after Twelfth Night will you not, Richard?” Lady Elaine asked hopefully.
“Mother, I understand your desire that I leave the army soon, but my medical status will not be reviewed until June, so there is no need to worry about the possibility of me returning to the war. As soon as the sale is final, I will resign and sell out; you have my word of honour,” Richard compromised.
An hour later, the Matlock coach turned from the main road onto the one that led towards Broadhurst.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Thomas and Priscilla Bennet were amused as they watched their oldest glance at the clock every few minutes.
They shared knowing looks; all the signs pointed to Jane’s heart being engaged far more than she had admitted to any of them, even Elizabeth.
During the time they had to observe Andrew Fitzwilliam during their short stay in Town, the Bennet parents judged the Viscount’s heart was engaged also.
Broadhurst’s butler informed the master that carriages were approaching the house. Knowing their granddaughter was waiting and would not rest easily until she greeted her suitor, Lord and Lady Jersey led the party to the front of the house just before the arriving vehicles came to a halt.
Charlotte Lucas felt a tinge of envy as she watched Jane’s whole being light up as a tall man with sandy blonde hair alighted from the coach.
It was a safe assumption that he was the Viscount, as the first man to exit was much older and the last was in uniform.
She correctly guessed that the officer was Colonel Fitzwilliam, of whom she heard both Jane and Eliza talk.
After greeting the hosts and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Andrew made straight for Jane with his smiling brother following. “It is very good to see you again, Jane,” Andrew said gallantly as he bowed over her hand and bestowing a soft kiss on it.
“And you, Andrew.” Jane felt like she was whole again as soon as she saw Andrew and realised it was like half of her was missing when she was away from him.
“While those two are lost in their own world, someone should greet you, Richard,” Elizabeth smiled.
“Hello, Lizzy; I trust you are well. Will you introduce your friend, please?” Richard requested. The young lady next to Elizabeth was intriguing to Richard. She was not a classical beauty, but there was something about her he could not put his finger on.
Elizabeth, knowing what an incorrigible flirt Richard could be, made sure he understood that Charlotte was not fair game in the introduction.
“My pleasure Richard. This is Miss Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Lodge, a neighbouring estate to Longbourn. She will soon be my cousin as she is betrothed to Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth introduced them, surprised when Charlotte gave her friend a scathing look.
“Charlotte, this is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, brother to the one over there who is not aware that we are in the same part of the realm as he is. When he is not lost in my sister’s eyes, he is Andrew Fitzwilliam, Viscount Hilldale. ”
“Did you call me, Lizzy?” Andrew became aware of the fact there were others present in addition to Jane.
“I think Lizzy was trying to introduce you to Charlotte. Andrew, this is our particularly good friend from home, Miss Charlotte Lucas.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Lucas. I am sorry I was distracted,” Andrew said in greeting.
“You are not sorry, brother; you are besotted!” Richard teased, earning a punch on the arm for his trouble.
“I hate to pull you away from my granddaughters and their friend, Andrew and Richard. Let us enter the house and you may re-join us after you change,” Lady Sarah said, receiving sheepish looks from both brothers.
Notwithstanding that she was betrothed, Richard wanted to get to know Miss Lucas better, but remonstrated with himself that he would need to be careful to not cross any lines of propriety.