Chapter 6 #2
“As you know, my sister Lady Catherine did not give birth to a son, so there are two estates included in my settlement you may choose from.
When you marry your Miss Bennet, you will inherit either Foxwood Hall in Cheshire or Oakridge Manor near Dovedale.
Both are within fifty miles of Pemberley and bring in approximately four thousand pounds per annum.
Whichever you do not choose will go to Richard when he decides to marry.
I have tried to convince my brother to at least hint at this inheritance to his son since I sincerely doubt Richard will ever seek to marry so long as he remains in the army.
“Your father managed these estates during his lifetime, ensuring they prospered, but they have come under the responsibility of their stewards since his death. The income from these estates has been put into accounts to be transferred to whoever takes ownership of them when that event occurs. Some of the income has been used to improve the estate, but you will find quite a substantial sum in these accounts.”
Darcy looked at her, his mouth agape. She laughed at her son. “I am finished, Fitzwilliam; you may speak now.”
“I am astonished, Mother,” he said, “and not just a little upset on my cousin’s behalf.
Richard has said he will never marry because he cannot imagine asking a woman to share the life he lives as a soldier.
You are correct that uncle should hint at this to him at the very least, as he might be more willing to consider marriage if he knows what awaits him. ”
Lady Anne laughed. “You are a good boy, Fitzwilliam. I have just told you that you are to inherit an estate, enabling you to trade London and your career as a barrister for a life in the country, and you are more concerned with how this news impacts your cousin.”
He took a deep breath. “I admit I have yet to consider what all this will mean. Elizabeth will appreciate the change in my path, as I believe she prefers the country to town.” He thought for a second before he chuckled.
“Is it terrible that one of my first thoughts is how glad I am this was not well known? Had others known I would inherit an estate, even if it does not approach Pemberley’s income, I would have been far more sought after, a situation I would have hated. ”
“So, you will be well placed to care for a wife, and although you are not aware of the amount of her dowry, you can do as your father did and leave the amount for your wife or later for any daughters you have,” Lady Anne told him.
“I confess I have worried about who my sons would marry, but it seems you have chosen well. You mention she has sisters; would any of them appeal to George?”
Darcy groaned. “I have not met any sisters, and her younger sister, who is just 16, is the only one I believe I could recommend based on what Elizabeth has said about the rest. Since coming to London, she has been rather disillusioned about her elder sister. Elizabeth said she is beautiful, but only on the outside, as she has recently realised she is vapid and uncharitable.”
“Well, perhaps I should not promote a meeting there,” Lady Anne replied. “Will you marry from London, or will she return home for the wedding?”
“Her uncle suggested London,” Darcy said, his mind returning to the earlier conversation.
“Gardiner asked me to join him at the office in the morning to discuss some things related to her family. I know she is not particularly wanted by her parents, despite her father proclaiming her to be his favourite for years. He sent her to London, thinking she was to act as governess to the Gardiners’ children.
Gardiner does not think much of his sister or her husband and will invite Elizabeth’s next younger sister to take her place when we marry.
I believe it is intended to get her away from the callousness of the rest of her family. ”
Lady Anne smiled at her son. “In the course of a conversation, you have gone from thinking you might propose to making plans for ‘when you marry’. I believe you are rather decided at this point. I know you must speak to Mr. Gardiner tomorrow, and I suggest you speak with your Elizabeth tomorrow evening to settle matters. Once it is done, you might speak to your uncle about your inheritance, and perhaps you can suggest he speak with Richard as well. He might listen to yet another voice saying what I have said for years.”
“I need some sort of jewellery to give Elizabeth as an engagement gift,” Darcy told her. “What do you suggest?”
“I have just the thing for your intended, Fitzwilliam. If you wait a moment, I will retrieve it,” Lady Anne informed him with a sparkle in her eyes.
She exited the room, leaving Darcy to his thoughts.
He settled into a comfortable chair, contemplating the evening’s revelations and the glass of brandy he had poured himself.
As the minutes stretched, Darcy’s mind wandered, reflecting on how his life would soon change significantly.
He was excited about the prospect of marrying Elizabeth, and the news he would become an estate owner upon marrying was astounding.
It was not anything he had ever expected, although his father had trained him and his brother to manage an estate.
Before, he had assumed it was due to the off chance he did inherit for some reason, but now he recognised a greater purpose.
Before long, the soft swish of fabric announced Lady Anne’s return. Darcy looked up to find his mother re-entering the room, a small velvet bag delicately held in her hands. Her smile was enigmatic, hinting at a surprise awaiting him.
“I believe you will find this to be a fitting token, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Anne remarked, her tone infused with affection and significance. She carefully untied the drawstring of the velvet bag and gently reached inside.
Darcy’s curiosity was piqued, and he watched intently as his mother’s hands emerged from the bag, revealing a delicate necklace.
The pendant, suspended on a fine chain, gleamed in the candlelight.
It was an exquisite piece, a shimmering emerald cradled within a delicate silver setting, its facets catching and reflecting the light like stars in the night sky.
Lady Anne’s eyes met her son’s as she extended the necklace toward him. “This belonged to your grandmother, Fitzwilliam. She cherished it dearly, and I believe it would be a beautiful symbol of your affection for Elizabeth. You said she had green eyes, am I right?”
Darcy nodded as his breath caught as he gazed at the heirloom before him, his heart stirred by the profound significance of the gesture. The emerald’s rich hue seemed to mirror the depths of his emotions, its timeless beauty a reflection of the love passed down through generations.
“Mother,” Darcy’s voice was a mix of reverence and gratitude, “this is truly an exceptional gift. I cannot express how much it means that you would give this to me to present to Elizabeth, especially since you have yet to meet her.”
“I will love her because you love her, son,” Lady Anne replied. “From your description of her, I feel she will be perfect for you. I look forward to meeting her. Please tell her I said so.”
“I will, Mother,” he replied, standing to kiss her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Invite them to tea on Thursday, dear, but I will send a formal invitation as well,” she commanded.
“Now, will you stay here tonight or return to your rooms? You also need to think about where you will live once you are married and before you can move into your estate. I am not certain about the condition of the estates. Perhaps we will have time to visit before you wed, or if not, you can take it in on your wedding trip. From your description, I imagine she would like to visit the Lakes, and spring is an ideal time. You could use the Darcy cottage on Lake Windermere.”
“You have thought of far more than I have, Mother,” Darcy laughed. “I had not considered a wedding trip just yet, I suppose because I am more worried about the proposal. Once she accepts me, I can think about other matters.”
“Do you really think she would reject you, Fitzwilliam?” Lady Anne asked.
“Gardiner believes she will accept me, but I am hesitant to assume she will accept. I believe she cares for me, and I am becoming more certain I am in love with her, but we have not discussed it with her yet,” Darcy said.
“Plus, there is still the matter of whatever conversation Gardiner desires to have with me. I do not know what will come of that.”
“Is there anything he could say to make you change your mind?” Lady Anne asked.
Darcy considered this thought for a moment. “No, Mother, I am not certain anything he said would make me change my mind about this. I am merely worried it might prevent her from saying yes or making it difficult for my family to accept her.”
“Well, as long as you are certain, I will accept her. And I will do all I can to ensure the earl and countess will accept her. George will probably not care for any woman you do, but his opinion, quite frankly, does not matter,” his mother reassured him.
“All will be well. Now, you did not answer my question. Will you stay here tonight?”
Darcy nodded his head, and the two spoke for some time.
Georgiana eventually joined them and demonstrated to Darcy her skill on the piano for a half hour before the entire family retired for the night.
Georgiana pressed a letter into his hand before she went to bed, and in the morning, the butler handed Darcy a note for Mrs. Gardiner from Lady Anne with an invitation for tea in two days.
He was determined to do whatever was required to win the fair Miss Elizabeth Bennet, so he departed for Gardiner’s office to find out what he had to say.