Chapter 10 Compromised #2
In his study, Thomas Bennet gestured to Lizzy’s chair, and Mr. Darcy sat down with an air of assurance.
“Sir, you wished to discuss the marriage settlement. These are the points I propose to have my solicitor include in the contract, if they meet with your approval.” Mr. Darcy laid a paper on the desk, which Bennet took up and read.
He looked at the young man seated across from him.
“This is a very generous settlement, sir. Forty thousand pounds as her widow’s portion.
You have also set aside estates for up to four boys, and you plan to set aside thirty thousand pounds for dowries for two daughters.
” He studied the young man’s face. “Sir, you and my daughter were not betrothed. It likely never entered your mind to attach yourself to a woman so much lower than yourself. Please help me understand why you have embroiled yourself in this misadventure created by Sir William Lucas and my cousin. As far as I know, you had nothing to do with any of it.”
Darcy’s lips pressed together. “Sir, I danced with Miss Elizabeth earlier in the evening, and it came to my attention how much she feared him, to the point that I saw her shiver. I asked about it and, though she did not say very much, I understood that she feared him because of his carnal propensities. She did not use that language, but I knew what she meant. I took it upon myself to watch him throughout the evening, and I saw how he looked at her. I could see that Mr. Collins did not have the best intentions for your daughter. You can imagine my misgivings when I saw Elizabeth leave the ballroom with him following close behind. I followed, but was detained by Miss Bingley. Unfortunately, Sir William Lucas arrived before I did, and all that was left for me to do was to announce our betrothal. I wished to save her from that roué, for I am certain that is what he is, and by the time I reached them, announcing an engagement was the only way left open to save her.”
“But why was it your responsibility to rescue my daughter?”
Darcy flushed, and his gaze dropped to the floor.
He stood and walked to the window. “It was entirely my fault that Miss Elizabeth sought refuge in the library. Miss Bingley repeated something I said to the Netherfield party, and she shared it as a jest with all of Bingley’s friends and within hearing of your two eldest daughters.
Miss Elizabeth was quick to answer, and her quip caused the gentlemen to laugh, and she saved face.
But I saw the pain it caused her, and I knew she had been injured.
When she fled to the library, I knew I had driven her there.
Therefore, it was left to me to make things right. ”
Thomas Bennet exhaled, a low grunt. “Marriage is a high price to pay for a casual jest, sir. Are you certain you wish to tie yourself to my daughter, a woman far below you in social status, wealth, and connections, for the rest of your life? It is not too late. I can still give her to my cousin and insist that he not take her into his bed until she has had ample opportunity to know him better.”
Darcy turned to face Bennet, alarmed. “No, sir. I will not allow you to give her to him.” He paused and was silent for a moment. “Forgive me. I overstep. I meant to say, sir, I wish to marry Miss Elizabeth myself. I could not bear for her to be another man’s wife. It would be insupportable.”
Bennet had his answer and was satisfied.
“Very well, sir. You may have my daughter, but under certain stipulations. Elizabeth has agreed to the marriage, but wishes to know you better. She has asked that her two sisters be allowed to reside with her at Pemberley, to keep her company while she comes to know you well enough to give herself to you as your wife. She wishes to wait to consummate the marriage until she and you have formed an attachment.”
Mr. Darcy looked pained. Bennet continued.
“You must understand that my Lizzy believes you find her repellent. According to my daughter, you believe she is not comely, based on the insults you have made about her appearance. She does not understand why you should wish to marry her if you do not even like her. And to be honest, sir, if you do not take my Lizzy into your bed, you will have the option of an annulment. I am concerned that perhaps you jumped into this too quickly and may be seeking a way out before long. Rather than have my Elizabeth suffer through a lifetime married to a man who does not like or respect her, I would rather she suffer the shame of an annulment. At least she could spend her days with me, taking whatever happiness could be found in that sorrowful state. Sir, it is not too late to back out, now that you have heard all her stipulations.”
Darcy paced the floor. “Mr. Bennet, please know that early in my visit to Netherfield, I said some things about Miss Elizabeth that were not true. I was goaded into saying them by my friend’s insistence that I dance and by his sister’s incessant teasing.
I like Miss Elizabeth. She is lively and intelligent.
I would never consider an annulment unless she wished it.
I want her to be happy, and I will do everything in my power to make her so.
And so that you know I mean well by your daughter, I agree to her stipulations.
Her sisters are welcome to my home as honored guests, and I will not visit her bed until she invites me. ”
Mr. Bennet stood and shook his hand. “I believe you, Mr. Darcy, and I believe my Lizzy will be in good hands if she marries you.”
Darcy asked, “Mr. Bennet, how is it that you are sending all three daughters to Derbyshire with me? Do you not wish to attach one of them to Mr. Collins?”
Bennet shook his head. “No indeed. Mr. Collins must return to Hunsford a married man, so I advised him to pursue Miss Mary King, who has a dowry of ten thousand pounds and who has been pursuing him since the first time she saw him. She finds him perfectly acceptable, and I refuse to give any of my daughters to him. They would not suit.”