Chapter 4
“Yes,” Darcy responded. “I am not proud of myself, but you have summarised the situation well enough. It is the only solution I can find to an urgent and deeply distressing matter.”
“Why me? I assume you are well acquainted with several young ladies with impressive fortunes and connections who are willing to marry you. Do you not have cousins? Friends? Why a stranger?”
“Your questions are just, and any number of doubts and concerns are justified too. I am acquainted with several young women, but I am not a man who enjoys parties and gatherings. I do not make friends easily and have very few people I trust. I do have a cousin of marriageable age — Anne de Bourgh — and I can think of a few friends’ sisters, but none of them would be an appropriate choice. ”
“They do not possess the necessary amount of money?”
“Most of them do not — because I need this sum urgently and all together. But, aside from the monetary aspect, I cannot simply marry anyone who might have that amount. My deepest concern is how my marriage will affect my family. Even if it is an arrangement, I could not pollute the shades of Pemberley — my family home — by taking a wife who lacks character, honour, responsibility, and a kind and honest heart. My excellent mother was the last mistress. The next one must be worthy of her position and her legacy.”
“It seems the list of accomplishments you expect from a wife — aside from the money — is quite long. Is there anything else you would like to add to it?”
Darcy felt the question was sarcastic, but still he responded.
“Only one more thing, since you ask, though I doubt it is easily found — the constant improvement of her mind through extensive reading.”
Miss Bennet suddenly laughed, and her entire countenance changed; sparkles in her eyes replaced her prior severity, and a smile twisted her lips when she responded.
“With such fastidious expectations, I am no longer surprised you do not have many friends, nor that you have been unable to find anyone to marry, Mr Darcy. I must warn you that I am quite far from the perfect image you just drew. You may want to give the matter further consideration and find another solution.”
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy replied with all seriousness, in contrast to her lighter tone, “our brief conversation has convinced me that this would be my best solution. You would be my best solution, if I may be so bold as to say that. There is much more about you that I have not yet had the chance to observe, but I completely trust Mr and Mrs Gardiner’s judgment. ”
Her expression changed again, and he continued, “The only consideration is whether you believe me to be an honourable man to whom you would wish to be so closely bound. I am still waiting for the rest of your enquiries and for your list of expectations for the man you will marry.”
“Oh…very well… You mentioned a cousin. Are your relatives aware of this distressing situation you are in?”
“No…not entirely. I have sound reasons not to share the extent of my predicament with anyone, except for Mr Gardiner and partially with another cousin on my mother’s side, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
“I see…”
“I can assure you, Miss Bennet, that even if the law says otherwise, I shall never consider your money to be anything other than a loan, which I promise to repay — with proper interest — in no longer than a year. Even so, I shall remain forever in your debt.”
“That will not be necessary, Mr Darcy…the interest, I mean. We may not have much in common in this arrangement, but I hope we shall act in the best interests of ourselves and our families.”
“That would be my deepest hope, Miss Bennet.”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters, Mr Darcy? I assume not.”
Again, the change of subject and the question surprised him.
“I have a sister.”
“Oh… Is she older than you?”
“No, she is more than ten years my junior.”
“Is she in London or at Pemberley?”
“She… Neither. She married almost five months ago and now lives in the North.” As much as he struggled to maintain a calm tone under her scrutiny, he noticed a shadow pass across her face and realised he had somehow betrayed himself.
He tried to repair as much damage as he could.
“I cannot deny I was unhappy with my sister’s decision, as I consider her too young for marriage.
Therefore, the subject is rather unpleasant to me. ”
“I see… I apologise. I did not mean to intrude.”
“Think nothing of it. You could not have known. Please, Miss Bennet, continue your questions.”
She paused for a moment, glanced at her relatives, then looked at him again.
“Mr Darcy, the most important question that remains is whether you are so determined to enter into this arrangement that you will agree to accept my conditions and requests — which will be quite numerous.”
“If this means you are willing to accept the proposal yourself, I am ready to accept your requests. They might be numerous, but I trust they will all be reasonable. And I shall repeat my promise to repay you the sum you will loan me.”
“Strange as it may sound, believe me, Mr Darcy, at this moment, the money is the least of my concerns. I do not doubt you will keep that promise.”
“Then you should not doubt that I shall keep others. We should discuss your most pressing concerns and your most important requests, Miss Bennet.”
He waited, watching her carefully. She seemed suddenly uneasy and reluctant to speak.
“Mr Darcy,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, “it is difficult for a young woman to discuss this subject, so I shall take the liberty of explaining it. Elizabeth expects that the marriage will be in name only — at least at the beginning. Immediate consummation is not under debate.”
At this, redness flooded Miss Bennet’s face, and she lowered her eyes, while Darcy’s own face and ears burned hotly.
“Of course. It never crossed my mind… I mean…I do hope that one day, in the distant future, this might become a real marriage…but that is a long way ahead. Miss Bennet may rest assured that I shall treat her in our house the same way I would treat her here, in your home and in your presence.”
“Thank you,” Miss Bennet whispered. “May I ask about the living arrangements?”
“In our house here in town, as well as at Pemberley, the master’s and mistress’s bedrooms are separate but connected by a door that can be locked.
For the sake of appearances and to lessen the risk of talk, it would be more convenient if you — as Mrs Darcy — occupied the mistress’s chambers.
But if you prefer otherwise, you may have your own rooms in both houses. ”
Again, she hesitated a moment, glanced at her aunt, blushed, and said, “I agree that appearances are important. I think the mistress’s rooms would do well if I can have complete privacy.”
“On this, you should have no doubt. I shall hand you all sets of keys, and you may lock and unlock the doors when and if you wish.”
“Thank you,” she repeated. “I must also have the liberty to use my own money.”
“Of course.”
“And I need to know I am allowed to continue to see and write to my uncle and aunt, as well as my family and friends from Hertfordshire, and to invite them to visit me at times. Do you have any objections?”
“Certainly not. I would not deny you something which…” He checked his impassioned response and continued in a statelier tone, “No objection at all.”
“Mr Darcy, I am not opposed to the notion of trying to turn this arrangement into a real marriage, but what if that is not possible? What if, once you resolve your financial problems, we discover we are unsuited to each other and cannot be a couple — a family? What if we come to loathe each other?”
“I hope that will not be the case, Miss Bennet. But, in such a situation, how would you like to proceed, as it seems you have given the matter some thought?”
“I would like a house of my own, where I could live with my father, my sisters, or a companion. I want to have your written agreement that you would not oppose such a scheme. In exchange, I understand you would also have complete liberty to live your life as you please, in the company of any friends you wish.” She blushed again, and he guessed her meaning.
“I hope all my friends will have my wife’s approval,” he answered, and she appeared slightly surprised. “And certainly, I shall have no objections to my wife inviting her family and friends to our homes.”
“Thank you, sir. I am relieved to hear it.”
“As for your request for a separate house, Miss Bennet, if the circumstances require it, you will have the liberty to choose to live in any way that provides you comfort and security.”
“You are very generous, Mr Darcy. May I enquire about your requests and expectations?”
“They are less numerous but equally important. I expect you — as well as myself — to behave in such a way as to protect our good name and reputation and to keep up the appearance of our marriage to our families and acquaintances. I would prefer that as few people as possible be told about the reason for our union and particular arrangements. Also, I hope you will strive to accomplish your duties as Mrs Darcy in regard to our households, our tenants, and all the people whose livings depend on us and our estates.”
“That, I can promise. It would not be an effort but a privilege. And I am not eager to share the details of our union either. The more people that know, the more awkward it will be. Discretion would serve us best.”
“For my part, that is all, Miss Bennet. I am satisfied with your word in these matters. The final decision is yours,” he concluded, but her countenance expressed more distress than relief. She was still obviously fearful to give her final agreement.
“Mr Darcy, would you mind if we put everything we have discussed in writing? A formal agreement, with both our signatures, as well as my uncle’s, as a witness?” she enquired.
“It would be like a settlement,” Mr Gardiner explained.
“I would not mind at all,” Darcy replied. “And if I understood her meaning correctly, Miss Bennet wishes not for a marriage settlement but rather a contract, with clear stipulations for both parties. Like a business contract.”
He looked at her, and their eyes met, holding for several moments.
“Yes, you understood my meaning very well, Mr Darcy. A contract would be perfect to avoid later misunderstandings.”
“Mr Gardiner, would you mind writing it out?” Darcy asked.
“No, not at all. Do you wish me to write it as I would a business contract? That would be quite unusual.”
“It is Miss Bennet’s wish, and I see no reason to refuse it. I am sure it is unusual, probably unique, but so is this arrangement.”
“It will be done by tomorrow,” Mr Gardiner said.
“Then I shall leave you now,” Darcy said. “Miss Bennet, are you sure about your decision? Is it final?”
“I am sure, Mr Darcy. It is a business deal, with terms we have agreed upon, and we should proceed with it.”
“Good,” he said, a strange warmth spreading through him. He did not dare believe it was all resolved, that his torment — at least the part related to the funds — would come to an end.
“One more question. Should I go to Longbourn to ask for Mr Bennet’s consent? I may travel on the morrow and, depending on the time needed to discuss and explain the reason for my call, return tomorrow evening or the next day.”
“I do not think it is necessary,” Mr Gardiner responded. “While Elizabeth is part of my household, she is my responsibility, and therefore such demands should be made to me. Both Elizabeth and I shall write to Mr Bennet and ask for his blessing. I am sure he will have no objections.”
“I agree with my uncle,” Miss Bennet added. “We can agree everything through letters. But I hope you will meet my family at a later date.”
“As you wish. Then — may I apply for a licence tomorrow? If so, we could be married in a week, if you approve and if the marriage contract is agreeable to you.”
“I approve,” Miss Bennet replied in a low voice, but her eyes widened at the mention of the short time he was proposing until the wedding.
With that, the meeting ended, and Darcy was ready to take his leave, still incredulous about the conclusion.
“One more thing before you leave, sir,” Miss Bennet asked, stopping him.
“Yes?”
“Yesterday, just before we first met, I heard you telling my uncle about someone being tolerable. May I ask whom you were talking about?”
Her daring, challenging gaze and raised eyebrow disconcerted him briefly. Heat crept up his neck, then he breathed and answered, “About you, Miss Bennet.”
“I suspected as much.” She smiled. “I must say I appreciate your honesty, sir.”
“We were debating the idea of a marriage, and I probably said it was tolerable. Something like that — Mr Gardiner might have a better recollection. However, after having the pleasure of making your acquaintance and sharing this long conversation, I can safely declare that I shall never use the word tolerable in regard to you ever again.”
She smiled again, and so did he. Then he bowed to the ladies and left, Mr Gardiner escorting him out.