Chapter 29
London
Bingley was shown into a dark, oak-panelled chamber that spanned the width of the building, the room illuminated by three front-facing windows.
Along the centre of the room stood a long, polished mahogany table supported by two immense pedestal pillars.
He was directed to a chair opposite the windows, the glare from the morning light shining in his eyes.
A door, which he had not noticed, opened, and an older gentleman entered.
Bingley stood and bowed. The man took a chair opposite him; his expression was difficult to determine, shadowed as it was against the bright light streaming in from outside.
Shortly thereafter, a fashionably dressed woman entered, followed by a clerk, who took a chair against the wall.
“Mr. Bingley, what brings you to Child though, indeed, his wife did deliver him last year a very healthy girl.”
“When we first met, Elizabeth, you reminded me so much of myself at your age: independent, confident, honest, able to stand high in a male-dominated world. Of course, I was an heiress, yet I found in my dear George, Viscount Villiers, a man who could support my ambition without demanding that I subsume myself to his. He was content to manage Osterley Park while allowing me the freedom to manage Child & Co., supporting my role in society. Contrary to some reports, ours is a match of admiration and respect. We have two delightful children—can I rely on your discretion?—and another soon to join them.”
“B—but Mr. Darcy? Was it always your intention that we should marry?”
“Indeed, Elizabeth, that was my hope—that you and Darcy would come to realise that you belong together. Can you forgive me?—some would call it meddling, but I see it as giving destiny a little nudge.”
Elizabeth gave Lady Jersey a heartfelt embrace. “I never suspected,” she said, “that when I came to Child’s at my uncle’s behest, it would so change my life. You have uncanny insight, Lady Jersey. Darcy is the finest of men, and I love him dearly. Thank you, my lady—thank you with all my heart.”
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