Chapter 27
Mr. Bennet was quite surprised when an express arrived for him early in the morning.
He had arrived late at night and had retired with no knowledge of Elizabeth’s whereabouts.
Thus, the contents of the letter shocked him.
He sat down in his chair with a defeated sigh.
It seemed that he could never do anything correct when it came to being a father.
All these years he had left his daughters alone and that had nearly cost him Lydia’s life, now that he was trying to be involved, his Lizzy had left him.
His most sensible daughter had rushed off to London and to her suitor’s house because she did not trust her own parents with her happiness.
He removed his glasses and buried his face in his hands.
It was in this posture that Jane found him.
“Papa, are you all right?”
Seeing his daughter, Mr. Bennet fixed his appearance and invited her to sit next to him and handed her Darcy’s letter.
“Have I been unjust, Jane?” When she did not answer, Mr. Bennet smiled ruefully and said, “I just did not want her to live in regret.”
“Papa, you have been unjust in judging Mr. Darcy. He would never let Elizabeth be unhappy.”
“I kept blaming him for Bingley’s actions over the past year, and you have to agree he makes it easy with his disapproving demeanour.”
“Mr. Bingley is not a child; he is responsible for his own actions. If Mr. Darcy was disapproving of our family, then our behaviour deserved it.”
“Well, it seems I will have to travel to London.” On seeing Jane’s frowning expression, he explained.
“I do not intend to drag Lizzy back, if that is what you are worried about. Mr. Darcy has indicated that she will be staying with his aunt and will soon be introduced to the ton. I would like to be there in case she needs her old Papa.”
“May I come with you? I would like to spend some time with Lizzy, I am sure she will soon be married.”
“But what about Bingley? He is still in the neighbourhood and I thought that you both would be reconciled.”
“Mr. Bingley needs to grow up and start taking responsibility for his actions before he can consider matrimony.” Jane spoke with a rare firmness.
Mr. Bennet patted his daughter as he got up to get ready for his travels.
******
Elizabeth had been summoned to Lady Matlock’s study right after breakfast. Last night the countess had introduced her to her husband and son as Darcy’s betrothed.
While the Earl spoke just the pleasantries, disapproval apparent in his posture, the Viscount seemed to enjoy every outrageous detail of her connection.
He had even invited himself to visit her aunt at Gracechurch Street.
With some trepidation she knocked on the study door and entered.
“Miss Elizabeth, I had sent a note to your aunt with a desire to visit her today with my son and nephew. I had thought it better that she be prepared and your uncle may also be home for the visit. We are to leave once James and Georgiana are ready. I already sent notes to the family for tonight’s dinner.
By the time we are back we should know who would be coming. ”
“Lady Matlock, I appreciate all that you are doing, and I hope to be of use to you in the future.” Elizabeth responded. Just then, Darcy was announced. He greeted his aunt and then walked up to Elizabeth and kissed her hand. “Are you well dearest?”
“Darcy, I hope you understand that we at Matlock House do not bite our guests.” Lady Matlock chimed in to Darcy’s embarrassment.
Soon the Viscount and Georgiana had also joined them, and the party was on their way to Gracechurch Street.
“So, Miss Bennet, what line of business is your uncle in?” The Viscount asked as they settled into the carriage.
“Fabrics, mainly distribution. He deals with importers and mills and distributes their produce in London.”
“That seems very respectable.” The Viscount responded in mock regret.
“James, behave yourself.” Lady Matlock chided.
“The Gardiners are respectful and well-behaved folks, unlike some in our family.” Darcy commented.
“More is the pity. It is heartening to see you lose your mind, Darcy, it would have been perfect if it had been after some shop girl. Miss Bennet, are you sure you are by no means a foundling.”
“Elizabeth, I hope you will not be offended by James. He fell on his head in childhood.” Darcy responded, causing her to laugh. “I am sorry for disappointing you, My Lord, but I resemble my grandmother Bennet too much for anyone to consider me a foundling.”
“You have your mother’s chin.” Darcy spoke absently to everyone's amusement.
“I was not aware, you observed my mother so acutely, sir.”
“I observe you acutely and your mother is hard to ignore.” Darcy responded with a flirtatious smile causing Lady Matlock to clear her throat.
“Miss Bennet, I think we will have to plan your introduction to society tomorrow evening itself, or by the looks of it, my nephew will take off for the border with you.”
Then turning to her son, she continued. “James do be useful and arrange for us to attend the theatre. Make sure your father is one of the party and if we can have Lady Margaret it would be much better.”
The rest of the journey passed with Lady Matlock planning all the outings for them over the course of a week.
When Elizabeth was to be accompanied by Darcy and when just the ladies.
Which all society ladies she was to be introduced to and when the news of her engagement was to be published.
“For if it is widely known, Lady Catherine is sure to arrive and cause a disruption.” Lady Matlock finished.
“Lady Catherine can have no cause to complain. I have made it very clear that I will not be marrying Anne.” Darcy grumbled.
“When have you known her to be rational? She will come and she will rant and rail till you are married and maybe for a few months after that.” Lady Matlock replied.
“Lady Metcalf is in town mother and will consider it her solemn duty to inform Lady Catherine once Darcy is spotted in public with Miss Bennet.” The Viscount added.
“I will think of something, Lady Margaret may very well be of assistance.” Lady Matlock answered absently.
The carriage arrived at the Gardiners’ house causing them to cease the conversation.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were both awaiting their presence in the parlour and were surprised to see Elizabeth accompany the countess.
Once the introductions were complete Lady Matlock explained the whole situation to them.
“Bennet can be eccentric, but this is beyond what I had expected of him," Mr. Gardiner replied, shocked at his brother's rare obstinacy. “To deny Mr. Darcy in such a way is unthinkable.”
“I implore you to not blame Mr. Bennet alone in this, for my own reserved manner is the cause of some of his unease. He has Miss Elizabeth’s best interests at heart, and I can hardly blame him for that.” Darcy answered.
“You are a good man, Mr. Darcy and I assure you that my wife and I will speak to Bennet on your behalf.”
Soon the conversation moved to more general topics and Georgiana went up to the nursery with Elizabeth to meet her cousins.
Darcy went with Mr. Gardiner to his study while the Viscount kept the ladies’ company in the drawing room.
It was decided that if Mr. Bennet did not come to London by tomorrow Darcy and Mr. Gardiner would go to Longbourn with a marriage settlement.
Lady Matlock expressed that maybe a couple of Elizabeth’s sisters may accompany them to town, if possible, for that would add to her respectability.
The Gardiners assured her that she would have their complete cooperation in society in whatever way it was needed.
Thus, with everything arranged Elizabeth returned to Matlock House to prepare for the most significant dinner of her life.