Chapter Ten
COMMITMENT
London
The Same Day
When William arrived in Town on Wednesday, many of the streets were already filled with activity.
This was the evening of the Prince Regent’s Grand Fête, a lavish event he was hosting at Carlton House to acknowledge his rise in power.
With that event being celebrated in nearly every quarter, it was no wonder William’s arrival at Darcy House took longer than anticipated.
Needing to accomplish much in a short time, he had previously arranged several appointments for the afternoon beginning with his uncle, the Archbishop, followed by his jeweller, and finally his solicitor.
Initially, William had asked his solicitor to draw up similar documents to those he had presented to Lady Catherine on Anne’s behalf.
While at Rosings Park, however, he had time to rethink certain aspects of those arrangements and decided on several changes.
He also wanted to set aside monies with the intention of purchasing a house in Meryton or perhaps leasing a small estate with a bit of income for Mrs. Bennet to reside in following her husband’s death.
Given their past interactions, William was not keen on having Mrs. Bennet living with him.
Nevertheless, not wanting to hurt Elizabeth’s feelings, he vowed to do his best where her mother and youngest sisters were concerned.
Returning to Darcy House, William could not believe the volume of letters requiring his attention.
As expected, very little of that correspondence was estate related, for most of it was in response to what had taken place at the charity ball.
Many offered condolences to his predicament, while others no longer wished to be associated with him and not so politely informed him of such.
On the brighter side, he had received a reassuring message from Lady Gwendolyn offering her support.
She very much liked Elizabeth and would take every measure to see that his new wife was accepted amongst her friends and peers.
To openly show her support, she insisted on attending his wedding and wished to be kept informed of the particulars.
In addition, William had received a note from Bingley, who also wished to attend. As suspected, Miss Bingley had not taken the news well. In an effort to console her, the Hursts had decided they would all travel to Bath and stay there until well after his nuptials.
Thursday
On Thursday morning William went to his bank to set up accounts for Elizabeth and then later met with his jeweller to pick up one of his mother’s rings which had been resized for Elizabeth’s smaller hand.
He wanted to present the engagement ring to Elizabeth on the following day and was pleased that the work could be completed on such short notice.
He would return for the wedding ring on Saturday afternoon after finalising the settlement papers with his solicitor.
William was grateful that Anne had wanted new rings and was not interested in those worn by his mother.
Surprisingly, his father did not have the wedding ring engraved and therefore he was able to request a short inscription be added for Elizabeth: My only love.
In truth, Elizabeth was the only woman he had ever cared for in that way and he fervently prayed their wedded lives would be filled with the deepest love and devotion.
Darcy House
The Study
Before going to his appointments, William had sent round a note to Matlock House indicating he would be dropping by to speak with the family at four o’clock. He was preparing to leave for that purpose when Richard entered unannounced.
“Ah, Darcy! I see you are getting ready to go and meet the wolves.”
William groaned, “So it would seem.”
“Cheer up! Mother has defied our aunt by saying she happens to like Miss Elizabeth. And while she could never condone what took place at the ball, for the sake of avoiding further scandal will support you where the young lady is concerned. Father, on the other hand, is still irritated that our family will be tied to the Bennets. Apparently he had backed Lady Catherine’s subterfuge when she first proposed buying off your intended. ”
William scowled, setting his jaw as he spoke. “You mean to tell me the two of them were in it together?!”
“Yes, but since nothing came of the offer, he also wishes to avoid more scandal and has reluctantly sided with Mother providing he cannot change your mind this afternoon. Even so, I believe he intends to make his displeasure known.”
“I would be hard pressed to believe otherwise.”
“As for Aunt Catherine….” He let out a low whistle. “She must be related to the devil himself. The vitriol I heard coming out of that woman’s mouth....” He shuddered. “I am sure you will hear plenty from her today.”
“I certainly had my fill when I informed her of my intentions on Saturday.” William’s scowl intensified.
“Moreover, I cannot begin to tell you how appalled I was when I received Gardiner’s express detailing her unannounced visit to his home.
It was impossible for me to leave Anna at the time, and until I see Gardiner later today, I have no idea how all of this has affected Elizabeth. ”
“You are seeing Gardiner?”
“I am, for dinner. I sent him a message yesterday and thankfully, he bears no ill will or at least none that I could discern from his response.”
“I shall wish you the best on that front, Cousin. The Gardiners are respectable people and I like them. If I was not attending the theatre this evening with Mrs. Walden and a group of her friends, I might have invited myself along.” He chuckled.
“Except for the lady’s excellent company, I could easily forgo Shakespeare and take in a good meal. ”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
He shrugged. “When one has spent as many months as I have in the field eating nothing but Army rations, let us just say his hunger for a good meal is rarely satisfied.”
Richard’s teasing grin prompted William to knowingly shake his head while saying, “So it would seem.”
More enthusiastically Richard continued, “Now, Cousin, tell me, when is the wedding to take place? I have not seen anything in the papers, but I would be happy to stand up with you, should you desire my presence.”
Smiling appreciatively, William said, “Of course I would be glad to have you, and I will be honoured to name you as my best man, assuming you can get away, since the wedding will not take place here in Town.”
“Oh?”
“Following the incident with Lady Catherine, Miss Elizabeth and her family returned to Longbourn.”
“Ah, the young lady must have been distressed by the old dragon. Our aunt can be quite harsh.”
“‘Harsh’ is too kind a word. That woman has left many fences for me to mend over the years. As for Elizabeth’s family, I have proposed to Mr. Bennet that he schedule the wedding for Tuesday next.
My plan is to travel there on the morrow and complete the arrangements.
Assuming all goes well, I should be back in Town on Saturday and then return to Hertfordshire early Monday morning in preparation for the wedding. ”
“The date is rather soon, but under the circumstances it is better to proceed than delay. And yes, do count on me being there. I should have no problem getting a few days off from the war office.”
“Thank you.”
“I must say, Miss Elizabeth is quite an engaging young woman, and one who is not afraid to speak her mind, as I recall. Our first meeting at Hatchards will attest to that.” Again, he chuckled.
“The young lady may present you with a challenge from time to time, but I wholeheartedly believe once the two of you survive this nightmare, you will do well together.”
“I appreciate you saying so. Your faith in us means much. Speaking of proceeding, let us leave now.”
Matlock House
The two cousins left Darcy House together; William being very sombre while Richard continued to be supportive in his usual jovial manner. On being announced at Matlock House, they learned the family were waiting in the drawing room.
On entering, William’s uncle rose and curtly stated, “Darcy, Richard, be seated. Nephew, I trust Anna is faring better?”
“Yes, Uncle, she is greatly improved though not fully recovered.”
He nodded in acknowledgement. “I see no point in delaying what I have to say. It is our understanding that you have committed yourself to the Bennet woman.”
“I have, sir. I have communicated with her father and my wedding is scheduled for Tuesday next.”
“Tuesday next!” Lady Catherine rudely interjected rising from her seat. “This wedding is an atrocity and we shall not stand for it!”
“Catherine,” William’s uncle glared at his sister and spat through gritted teeth, “Be seated, I have not yet finished.”
Doing as he requested, she huffed and loudly thumped her walking stick to show her displeasure.
“Frankly, Nephew,” the earl continued, “your parents would be appalled to know that their first born has fallen so low. Because of what happened at the ball, we have received cuts from every quarter. Why, even at Parliament, my standing is being questioned. How can you proceed with this wedding when our family is on the brink of ruination? I am appealing to your better judgement to reconsider your decision before it is too late. It is imperative you leave this woman to her Hertfordshire relations and marry another woman of your own sphere if we are to save face.”
“That, I cannot do, Uncle. I regret to hear your position has been challenged and I am well aware that it has been difficult for our family. Nevertheless, even if there was no compromise to contend with, I would have petitioned the young lady for a courtship and ultimately asked for her hand. I care deeply for Miss Bennet and I refuse to give her up.”
At that moment Lady Catherine could stand no more. Rising from her chair she screeched, “REFUSE! YOU refuse to give her up?! Who are YOU to refuse your betters?”