Chapter 19
When Darcy and Elizabeth walked into the house, they found Mr. Gardiner waiting at the door. He came to the point at once.
“Well, Mr. Darcy,” he said, “Mrs. Gardiner has just informed me of something unexpected.”
As usual, there was something about Mr. Gardiner that made Darcy feel he had done something wrong. It was nonsensical, of course, but Darcy could not shake it.
“Yes, and I will be glad of the opportunity to speak to you about it.”
Elizabeth reached out and squeezed Darcy’s hand. The warmth of her touch reassured him that all would be well.
Mr. Gardiner led the way to the library and shut the door.
“What is this I hear about you announcing your engagement in the middle of Green Park?”
Darcy could feel his ears burning. “It was on the spur of the moment. I was so ecstatic that Miss Bennet had agreed to marry me, I am afraid I was rather impulsive.”
“You do see, this puts me in a difficult situation. What am I to do? How am I to tell Lizzy’s father that she is already engaged, when he has not even given his permission yet? Can you imagine how neglectful of my niece I will appear to be.”
“Yes, I do realize I have made things very awkward. If you prefer, I will write to Mr. Bennet myself and explain the circumstances.”
“You can explain them to him directly. I will be sending an express requesting him to come to London immediately.”
“I appreciate that. By the time he reaches us, I will have the draft of the marriage settlement ready, and we can discuss it. Provided he approves our engagement, of course.”
Mr. Gardiner quirked his eyebrow. “That soon? Does your solicitor have no other clients to tend to?”
Darcy realized that Mr. Gardiner had misconstrued his statement as an indirect boast. “As it so happens, I had the settlement prepared the first time I asked for Miss Bennet’s hand.”
His ears burned even more at the amused expression on Mr. Gardiner’s face.
“A little presumptuous of you to do so, perhaps?” remarked Elizabeth’s uncle.
“As it turns out,” said Darcy. “It was.”
It was no longer clear where this conversation was going. Darcy decided to seize the bull by the horns and change directions.
“Mr. Gardiner, I am aware that I was not your first choice of husband for Miss Bennet,” said Darcy, “but I can assure you I will treasure Elizabeth and will do everything in my power to make her happy.”
Mr. Gardiner clapped Darcy on the shoulder.
“I admit I had my reservations at the beginning, but I have long since guessed how this would go. In fact, the day after the dinner at our house, I spoke to Mr. Millett and warned him that Lizzy may not be open to an offer of marriage. He was disappointed, but, fortunately, I do not believe his feelings are deeply engaged.”
Darcy sat back in his chair, the tension draining from him.
“As for my so-called reservations, my only concern was that you might consider Lizzy beneath you. I have changed my mind. I have witnessed first-hand your attachment to my niece. More importantly, I can see that you have too much respect for her wishes to impose yourself on her. That alone has earned my full approval. Though I must confess something. My wife and I decided to test the waters when you came to dinner. I may have made things rather difficult for you, and for that, I apologize. I am happy to say, however, that you passed the test.”
It was galling to think the Gardiners had been observing and testing him, but he was too happy to take offence. It was natural for them to want to protect their niece. He would have done the same for Georgiana. The main thing was that it had all been sorted out.
“Incidentally, I intend to procure a special license,” said Darcy. “I would like us to marry as soon as possible.”
“Normally, I would caution against impatience, but given everything that has happened, I would say it is a good idea.”
“Well, then,” said Darcy, impatient to return to Elizabeth. “I will go and inform Elizabeth of what we have said.”
“And I will write to Mr. Bennet. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy, try to keep your impulses at bay,” said her uncle, wryly.
Darcy had the coachman drop him off in Hyde Park and sent Georgiana home in the carriage.
He would walk the rest of the way home. He was too elated to return home and be enclosed between four walls.
He was in raptures. The very idea that he would soon be married filled him with amazement.
Who would have thought it? When he had gone to Green Park in the afternoon, he had not imagined that when he returned, he would be engaged to Miss Bennet. He still could scarcely believe it.
He walked for some time, dreaming about the future, imagining what it would be like living with Elizabeth by his side.
By the time he reached the Darcy townhouse, he was in a calmer state.
He was still full of blissful energy, but he was ready to face his household without the risk of bursting into sudden laughter and causing alarm over his mental condition.
Even so, when he stepped into the house, Darcy was grinning. He tore off his greatcoat and tossed his top hat to the astonished butler, who eyed him dubiously.
“I am not inebriated, Blake. Or at least, it is not brandy that is responsible for my high spirits.” Darcy was too happy not to share the news with the old family retainer.
“I may as well tell you. I know I can count on your discretion, because it is premature to announce it. This is between the two of us. I am engaged to be married.”
“That is excellent news, sir! Might one enquire the identity of the fortunate young lady? Am I acquainted with her, sir?”
“You may enquire, and indeed you have made her acquaintance. It is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
The corner of the old butler’s eyes crinkled.
“I wish you both well, sir,” said Blake. “I presume that is the reason Colonel Fitzwilliam has been pacing in the library for the last half hour?”
Heavens! Could the colonel have heard the news already? Darcy groaned. Richard had advised him against marrying Elizabeth. Clearly, his cousin was not happy with the news.
As Darcy walked into the library, he braced himself to receive an earful. It would make no difference to him, but he needed to be prepared.
“Good lord, Darcy! Is what I heard true? The club is buzzing with the news of you kissing Miss Bennet in Green Park. Are you out of your mind? I am still convinced that your plunge in the water has affected your brain.”
“On the contrary, my dear cousin, I have never been more clear-headed in my life. I am engaged to Elizabeth Bennet, and I am the happiest man alive.”
“I would have thought you would have the decency to consult with me first,” said the Colonel,
“What?” said Darcy, taken aback. “Well, it happened all very suddenly—”
The colonel guffawed loudly. “It was a joke, Darcy. In fact, I could not be more delighted. You have won me quite a sum of money.”
Darcy mouth fell open. “You were betting on me?”
“I knew it was only a matter of time before you asked for Miss Bennet’s hand again. You were too besotted to let her slip through your hands.”
Darcy shook his head. “You had an unfair advantage.”
His cousin shrugged. “I am a soldier. Information is key to winning a battle. Why should I not take advantage of my knowledge?” He chuckled. “Betting aside, I am very happy for you, Cousin. Let us drink to celebrate.”
“Only one glass. I want to keep a clear head for tomorrow. Mr. Bennet will be coming to London, and I need to request his approval.”
“Only one glass,” agreed the colonel. “Let us raise our glasses to happiness in marriage. May love conquer the world.”
As Darcy sipped his drink, the colonel slapped him hard on the back.
“You do know there will be hell to pay once my father finds out. And Lady Catherine.”
“Yes. I know.” He had not forgotten, but the reminder brought him down to earth.
It had been folly to announce his engagement so publicly when he did not even have Mr. Bennet’s permission yet.
What if Bennet withheld it for some reason?
He had a nightmarish vision of his aunt Lady Catherine, his uncle Lord Matlock and scores of others showing up in the middle of the night, trying to dissuade him from his ‘folly’.
“If you want my advice, you had better take out a private license and move your quarters to Mivart’s Hotel until after the wedding.”
He tossed back the last of his drink. “I am happy for you, Darcy, truly. Any young lady who can make my staid, starchy cousin do so many foolish things has my approval. It is time you came out of your shell. I am convinced Miss Bennet will be good for you. I cannot wait to finally meet the young lady who has captured your heart. Oh, and by the way, you may invite me as a witness to your wedding.”
Then, with another painful clap on Darcy’s shoulder, he left the room.
When Mr. Darcy had left, Mr. Gardiner announced his intention to write an express to Mr. Bennet, asking him to come to London the next day.
“Mr. Darcy says you have given your approval, Uncle.”
“My approval is irrelevant, Lizzy. It is your father’s approval you need. Hopefully he will be here tomorrow before noon.”
“Is uncle Bennet coming to see us, Lizzy?” Margaret asked.
“Yes, poppet. Come, sit next to me. I have news for you.”
“News?” she said, wide-eyed. “What is it?”
“Mr. Darcy and I intend to marry.”
“Oh. I knew you would marry,” said Maggie, in a matter-of-fact manner. “Mr. Darcy loves you.”
Elizabeth laughed at the child’s perception. “It was very clever of you to see it, Poppet! Are you pleased?”
Maggie giggled and threw her arms around Elizabeth. “Of course. It means Mr. Darcy will come again, and I can show him how well I have been taking care of the rocking horse. I am going to go upstairs now to polish it.”
She ran off.
“So tell me now, Lizzy, what do you think of my cunning plan?”
“Your cunning plan? Aunt Gardiner, you cannot take credit for everything, you know.”
“I see you still have no idea what my cunning plan was.”