Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
In the garden, William and Elizabeth discussed the letters he had received from his own family.
“My aunt is anxious to meet you as she has heard much of you from Richard. Apparently, Richard told her how you were not cowed by Aunt Catherine and, in fact, challenged her on more than one occasion. He also told them bits about my first disastrous proposal to put to rest any fears you may be a fortune hunter,” he grimaced as he remembered that night and the weeks that followed.
“They are predisposed to think well of you and have pledged their full support for the match. My aunt has requested that I bring you to call soon upon our return. I feel she will want to go shopping with you and assist with the shopping for your trousseau.”
He paused momentarily and caressed the hand in his arm as he considered how to phrase his request without offending.
“While I am certain the Gardiners are very capable of providing you with a trousseau, given the lack of support from your family, I would like to be of assistance if I may. Since we will soon be wed, I can ensure you have accounts where Georgiana shops or anywhere else you may care to go.”
“Hatchards?” she enquired.
“Of course,” he said automatically. “You may purchase whatever books you like, but you may want to peruse the libraries in both houses first.”
“There is another library in your house in town? Does it rival this one?” Elizabeth asked, eyes wide in wonder.
“It is smaller than Pemberley’s, of course, but larger than the library at Netherfield. And infinitely better stocked,” William grinned at her as he answered.
“I have explored the library here, but it would take months, or even years, to become as familiar with it as you seem to be. I can scarcely imagine a second library almost as wonderful as this one,” Elizabeth said.
“The Darcy collection is a product of many generations. It is one of the largest private collections in England, I believe, and I am always seeking to add to it. The bookseller in Lambton keeps an eye out for unique volumes he thinks may interest me, and there are several shops in London I visit regularly as well,” William said proudly.
Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I think this is one area where your pride is warranted, my dear. And I will much more happily shop for a book than a bonnet, so I hope to accompany you on some of these forays for rare and unique books.”
William laughed in return before checking his watch. “I believe it is time to return for luncheon, Elizabeth.”
At lunch, the topic was the return trip to London, and Georgiana and her companion were apprised of the changes to the plans.
Mrs. Annesley was happy to act as chaperone to Miss Bennet for the day or two she would stay at Darcy House until the Gardiners returned, while Georgiana was thrilled about shopping with Elizabeth.
During this conversation, Mr. Gardiner told Elizabeth that as a wedding gift, they intended to purchase her trousseau.
When William quietly stated his desire to assist, Gardiner assured William it was unnecessary.
“Several modistes in London regularly obtain their fabric from me. I have agreements with them about providing discounts on gowns my wife has made, and they extend the same to my nieces when they are in town. With my wife’s help, Elizabeth’s trousseau will cost far less than you are imagining, and I am certain Madeline will ensure Elizabeth has everything she needs.
The hardest part will be convincing Elizabeth to accept the number of dresses and other items she will likely need to befit her new status. ”
William grinned his agreement. He had shopped with Elizabeth and Georgiana earlier that week—his sister had no problem spending his money, while Elizabeth had been much more reluctant to do so.
“Gardiner, I received a draft of the settlement papers today as well. Are you able to sign as Elizabeth’s guardian? I know she is of age, but I want to ensure everything is handled correctly,” William asked. “After you have reviewed the draft, I would like to discuss it with Elizabeth.”
“Certainly,” came the reply. The two men headed directly to the study after lunch, where Gardiner was shocked to read what Darcy would settle on Elizabeth.
“Clearly, the ‘ten thousand a year’ my sister crowed about was understated,” Gardiner said after reading the document thoroughly.
William chuckled. “Pemberley brings in a little over that amount most years. I have two other estates, one in Scotland and one in Kent, and quite a few investments. My annual income is somewhat closer to thirty thousand pounds a year.”
“Elizabeth may swoon,” was all Gardiner could say.
She did not but was very shocked to hear the actual amount that William earned each year.
The settlement was likewise shocking. Initially, he would settle thirty thousand on her and add five thousand each year for ten years.
She would retain rights to Pemberley for her lifetime, as well as Darcy House.
Any children of the union were provided for as well.
Overall, the settlement provided well for Elizabeth and their future children, and the only complaint she could find was that it was too generous.
“William, it is simply too much,” Elizabeth said once her uncle was gone.
“Elizabeth, this is the same settlement my father gave my mother. It is generous, but it is appropriate for your status as Mrs. Darcy,” William insisted.
She glared at him, but he did not relent. Finally, she relented. “Fine, then. But I can use my pin money however I see fit, correct?”
“Yes,” William said slowly.
“So, I can give some of it away?” Elizabeth asked.
“Within reason, love. I hope you will discuss your charitable endeavours with me so we do not duplicate our efforts. If there is a need on the estate, I do my best to ensure things are handled adequately with estate funds. We have discussed what you have been doing with tenants around Longbourn, and I know you intend to do the same here,” William replied evenly.
“What about in London? My aunt participates with several charities there, and I have always tried to help when I visit,” Elizabeth asked.
“We will likely spend a few months in London until Georgiana’s come out.
After, we will not have to spend as much time in London but will participate in as much of the season as you would like.
I know my aunt participates on several charity boards and would be willing to assist you with getting involved,” William told her.
She huffed. “You are being entirely too reasonable, William.”
He laughed. “I do not know whether to apologise or to thank you, my love. Either way, I hope you will always find me reasonable or at least willing to discuss any matters, especially things we might find difficult.” He sighed before continuing.
“Before he passed, my father spoke to me about marriage and my future wife. The most important thing he told me was that there will be disagreements, but it is how we respond to those disagreements that will make or break a relationship. While I believe we both have passionate natures, my dear, which we have seen evidence of, I have little doubt we will occasionally quarrel. We must ensure that we never let these disagreements fester. We must seek to resolve disagreements without letting them come between us.”
Elizabeth took William’s hand in hers. “That is sound advice. I know I can be quick to rush to judgment without knowing all the facts, and you are too used to relying on your own counsel. I hope I have learned to do better after misjudging you so badly in the spring. We will have to learn to work together, and there will inevitably be an adjustment period for both of us. Hopefully, we will learn quickly how to overcome adversity, and I believe that our argument in Hunsford may benefit us in this.”
“I would have never thought I would appreciate that argument, but you may be right. Elizabeth, one thing that we must always do is what we are doing now—talking and listening to each other,” William said.
“I can be reserved, but I have sought to do better with you. If I slip back into my old ways, you will need to speak to me to remind me of my resolve to talk to you. I have enjoyed speaking to you about estate issues, and you have provided valuable insight.”
Elizabeth blushed slightly. “I often spoke to the steward at Longbourn about issues on the estate, and I tried to convince my father to make improvements. Sometimes, I was successful, but more often, I was not. I became well-versed in estate matters but rarely saw my suggestions implemented. Father saw few reasons to improve the estate, especially following Mr. Collins’s visit.
He was certain Mr. Collins would run it into the ground anyway and did not see any reason to assist him by improving it.
“While he supported my refusal of Mr. Collins’s offer, I often thought he was disappointed in me for not accepting him. I think he knew the man would have made my life miserable but still nursed a small hope that I would be persuaded to endure it for the sake of Longbourn.”
William sat shocked for a moment. “Do you mean that Mr. Collins made you an offer of marriage?”
“Yes, the day after the ball at Netherfield. He said Lady Catherine had ‘suggested’ he offer an olive branch by offering marriage to one of my father’s daughters, and he assumed any of us would be thrilled to receive his offer.
I became his target after Mama warned him away from Jane.
His proposal was, in some ways, worse than your first attempt.
” She grinned at him. “Nearly as insulting, but he refused to accept my answer. I must have said ‘no’ a dozen times before he understood that I was serious and was not merely attempting to ‘increase his love’ by refusing him.”