Jump to new as of February 16, 1999
Jump to new as of February 18, 1999
Posted on Thursday, 11 February 1999
Chapter I
While enjoying herself thus she spied a couple hurrying down the street; the gentleman had his arm around the ladies waist, and she was gazing into his face with a look Lydia could only describe as admiration. Suddenly, she sat back in the seat and quickly closed the window. Her heart beating wildly, she hoped the gentleman had not noticed her or the carriage. 'Mr. Darcy?' she mused, 'what are you doing here and who is that lady you have your arm around?'
Lydia's mind was quite uneasy the rest of the trip. "Lizzy had not written of any trouble at home,' she mused, 'but then Lizzy wouldn't confide in me anyway, would she.' Lydia went on this way for most of the trip talking to herself and trying to discover if, during her visit with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, she had missed something. She knew that Lizzy would have confided in her aunt if something was wrong, but Aunt Gardiner hadn't appeared distressed at all by any of Lizzy's correspondence. In fact she had only seemed delighted by her nieces letters. 'No,' she thought, 'I'll just have to wait and see how Lizzy is when I arrive at Pemberley.' Lizzy was waiting on the front steps when the carriage pulled up to the front of the house. Lydia stepped out and immediately ran to Lizzy throwing her arms around her older sister as she cried, 'Oh, my poor, poor Lizzy!'
Elizabeth Darcy sat at her desk taking care of her morning correspondence. She had found several posts had come that morning that required her attention. Leafing through them she stopped when she found the one she was looking for. The writing on the outside betrayed the owner of the hand, it being so even and neat. She held it in her hands and gazed on willing the writer to appear, but since he couldn't she knew she must settle for reading his words. Laying the others aside she quickly broke the seal and read the letter, from her Wil.
My Dearest Loveliest Elizabeth,I am sorry for the delay in writing of my safe arrival, but things here are very grave. I have enlisted your Uncle Gardiner's aid in this business, so I hope to finish it quickly. I am hoping to be home within a fortnight with good news. I do not dare to go into the matter in more detail at this time; it will be better if I explain all when I arrive back home. I miss you immensely and wish you could be here with me, but as we know it was not possible. I must apologize for the shortness of this letter, but time is on the essence.
Love Eternally,
Fitzwilliam
Finishing the letter she refolded it and tucked it into the pocket of her gown. She then proceeded to read the rest of her correspondence. Jane wrote that she and Bingley would be delighted to visit at the end of the month, then take Lydia back with them. Lydia was expected at Longbourn at the end of the month, to wait for Wickham. Elizabeth smiled as she read the rest of Jane's letter. She missed her sister very much and all her letters were a joy to read. Next she opened the letter from her Aunt Gardiner. She wrote that Darcy had arrived safely and that Mr. Gardiner was delighted to be able to help her husband with his business matter. She noticed that her aunt was careful not to mention the exact nature of Darcy's business (in case of prying eyes) and Elizabeth was grateful for her caution. She put this letter in her pocket with Wil's and sighed as she pulled out her writing instruments in order to finish her daily correspondence.
Most of the time Elizabeth enjoyed sitting at her desk, which had at one time been Darcy's mother's, but today she just wished for the task to be over. After finishing the usual inquiries for dinner dates and such, and having to beg forgiveness for not being able to attend, she wrote to Jane, Aunt Gardiner and then Wil. Sealing the last letter she called for Mrs. Reynolds. 'Mrs. Reynolds please see to it that these are posted right away,' she instructed the trustworthy housekeeper. Mrs. Reynolds understood that Mrs. Darcy did not want them seen by her sister, without Lizzy having to tell her, because under normal circumstances she would have given them to any servant to post.
Lydia woke up several hours after Lizzy, taking full advantage of her status of visitor. Lizzy knocked on Lydia's door and found her dressing. "Lydia, you must have been extremely weary from your trip, you've slept past the morning meal," she said smiling. Lizzy thought it very peculiar for Lydia to have misses a meal.
Lydia just yawned and replied, "Yes I was quite fagged from the journey." Lizzy rolled her eyes at her sister's vulgarity. "Lizzy, I was surprised that Mr. Darcy had business to take care of at this time of year, he is usually here to greet me," Lydia continued.
Smiling at her sister Lizzy replied, "Fitzwilliam had some important business come up at short notice, he didn't even have time to explain it to me, but I expect him home in a fortnight."
Lydia smiled at this answer and mused to herself, 'important business indeed.'
"Well, don't take long with your toilet Lydia if you want to do some shopping with me today." Lizzy remarked as she left the room. Lydia on hearing the invitation to shop hurried her toilet and met her sister downstairs in less than fifteen minutes time. Lydia looked forward to her visits with Lizzy, for she knew that she could expect some pretty presents from her sister.
The rest of the day was spent in shopping in Lambton, and visiting the dressmaker. Lizzy knew that if she did not buy Lydia anything nice when she came to visit that Lydia would have been naked by now, for if left up to Wickham to dress his wife, she would have been bare. Wickham had not changed in the five years he had been married, and so for the last three years Lizzy and Jane had seen to it that Lydia was clothed. Lydia had tried to weddle some expensive finery out of Lizzy, but she had put her foot down and bought her sensible clothes. If Mr. Wickham wanted his wife dressed any better, he would have to foot the bill Lizzy and Jane would not.
On arriving back at Pemberley, Lydia excused herself and went to her room to try on some of her purchases that had not had to be altered. Lizzy was relieved to have a moment's peace and headed for the garden. She had been so worried about this business Wil was on, but at least the day's activities had helped her to forget, for a time. She found she was relieved that her uncle could be of use to her husband, since he had wished to repay the family debt somehow. This would finally allow him to put some of the guilt he felt for Darcy's help in the Lydia fiasco behind him. Lizzy walked in the garden for sometime, and only when Mrs. Reynolds called her did she realize how long it had been. Dinner was spent very quietly, as Lydia had begged to have something sent to her room, as she was tired from the day's exertion. Lizzy was thankful for this too, and after eating retired to spend another lonely night in her chamber.
Chapter II
Fitzwilliam Darcy stood on the steps of the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner. Taking hold of the knocker he announced his presence with three quick knocks. Gerard, the butler, opened the door and greeted Mr. Darcy, "Good day Mr. Darcy, do come in the master has been expecting you."
With this he led Mr. Darcy to the sitting room where he joined Mrs. Gardiner. "Do come in Fitzwilliam," Mrs. Gardiner said.
Taking her hand in his Fitzwilliam bent and kissed it before asking, "Where is Mr. Gardiner I thought he was expecting me."
"He is in the study with our guest, I'll send Gerard for them at once."
Gerard, anticipating his mistress's desires had already gone for Mr. Gardiner and the guest. Mr. Gardiner entered the room just as Mrs. Gardiner started to call for the butler. "Mr. Darcy, excuse me for not being present when you arrived," he apologized, "but our young guest and I were going over some of the papers you left the other day."
Mr. Darcy smiled and reaching out his hand grasped Mr. Gardiner by the hand, "No apology is necessary sir, indeed I have just arrived so I have not been inconvenienced." He then reached for the lady's hand and kissing it tenderly asked, "I hope I find you in good health this morning."
The lady only nodded and blushing replied, "Mr. Darcy have you heard from Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
"Yes, I had a post from him this morning, he is safe."
Turning back to Mr. Gardiner, Darcy asked, "Are we ready to start planning our mode of attack?"
"Indeed we are!" the gentleman answered.
"Good, now just how do we begin? It must be swift and no mistakes can be made," Darcy said with a furrowed brow.
"If you gentlemen don't mind a suggestion from a lady," interrupted Mrs. Gardiner, "What about a distraction, or as I like to refer to it an erroneous detour?"
The two gentlemen turned and looked at each other then the young guest. Each smiled their approval and in unison asked, "What do you have in mind?"
Mrs. Gardiner suggested they all be seated as she began to explain her plan. "It will not be easy to pull off," she started. Then moving closer she unfolded the plan to the group. After much discussion and deliberation over tea, they all decided it was a good plan, a very good one indeed. So it was decided that in order to succeed in the business they had already started, they would use this plan to divert those who could upset the apple cart. There were several others who needed to be informed of the plan to make it work.
Darcy agreed to send an express to three of the parties concerned, they in turn could inform the others. It had been agreed on that the fewer who knew what was happening the better, so the members of the conspiracy had been kept to an absolute minimum. The plan therefore was put into motion with the expresses sent to Mr. Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was just getting ready to take a stroll, in the garden, when she heard the rider on the drive. As she approached the front hall she saw Mrs. Reynolds paying the messenger. "There's an express just come from the master ma'am," Mrs. Reynolds said handing the missive to Elizabeth. Taking the letter, she turned and walked into her husband's study locking the door behind her. She sat down in her husband's leather chair and looked at the letter in her hand. She looked at the fine even writing on the letter and sighed, then turning it over she broke the seal. She couldn't believe what she was reading, did he really think this plan was best. Best for whom she didn't know, it would take a great deal of nerve to see it through, but, yes it would work.
While Lizzy was contemplating her part in the plan, others were being informed of their parts. Mr. Bennet was reading the express, that he had been able to get before the whole house had been alerted, at about this same time. After reading the letter from his son-in-law he lit a small fire in the fireplace of his study and burnt it. This may have seemed a little dramatic to anyone else, but he knew full well of the prying eyes that existed at Longbourn. Meanwhile at Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam was perusing the letter eagerly, it would have to work, he knew his happiness depended on it. Knowing that he would have to let his parents in on the plan, so they would not worry needlessly, he went immediately to his father's study. Knocking on the door he entered the room, happily to find both his parents together.
"Good, your both here," he said as he handed his father the letter.
Lord Matlock looked the letter over and exclaimed, "This is daring indeed, but it is in your best interest to have a diversion."
Lady Matlock looked at her husband and then her son before saying, "What diversion." Lord Matlock handed the letter over to his wife. Lady Matlock perused it with great interest, then exclaimed," I believe it can be done."
The following day Mr. Bennet went to Meryton, on the bogus excuse of needing to check on a pair of new boots. Making sure to leave the house, before Mrs. Bennet had risen, he told Hill of his errand. Mr. Bennet did not take his horse as he usually did, but went by foot since he had much to mull over. Upon reaching Meryton he stopped in front of a building at the edge of town. He glanced at the sign above the door before entering it read, George Philips, Solicitor.
"Brother, it is good to see you," Mr. Philips exclaimed as he stuck his hand out to grasp Mr. Bennets.
Mr. Bennet smiled and shook the extended hand before saying, "I am here to discuss that business matter I was telling you about last week, it needs immediate attention."
"Come in to my inner office brother," Mr. Philips said directing Mr. Bennet into his private office. Before closing the door he instructed his clerk thus, "Mr. Mason, we are not to be disturbed, especially not by my wife or other family members," then as a second thought he added, "and do not under any circumstances is anyone to know who I am conferring with, understood!"
Mr. Mason, who had been his clerk for several years now, understood that Mr. Philips meant it having placed such emphasis on this last statement. "Yes, sir I understand," he replied quietly before retaking his chair.
The gentlemen spent nearly two hours in the office together discussing the plan. Mr. Darcy had put his trust in them, and they would not disappoint him. Indeed Mr. Darcy had come to respect Mr. Philips ability as a solicitor. Mr. Philips had managed to negotiate several business deals for Darcy that his own solicitors had failed at. It was not generally known, around Meryton, the excellence of Mr. Philips abilities. He had managed to keep a low profile, taking occasional trips to town to finish business that was extremely sensitive. Mr. Philips and his wife lived very comfortably and he did not wish to see it change, so he did not let many know of his philanthropic deeds. When the meeting was over Mr. Philips wrote a letter to Darcy endorsing the plan, while Mr. Bennet went looking for those boots.
Meanwhile at Pemberley, Lizzy had started putting her part of the plan into motion. That morning, after Lydia had finally gotten up, she entreated her to take a stroll around the grounds. "Lydia, would you care to take a stroll around the grounds with me, there is something I wish to discuss with you."
"Oh, of course Lizzy," she replied.
As the strolled toward the pond, Lizzy suddenly turned to Lydia saying, "Lydia, I need to know if you can keep a secret."
"Of course Lizzy, I promise you I can faithfully."
"Well, I need to tell someone about these doubts I'm having, since Jane is not here I'm sure I can depend on your secrecy."
Crossing her heart Lydia pleaded, "Oh Lizzy, please you can trust me, honestly I swear."
With this the plan was now in full motion.
Chapter III
Elizabeth and Lydia walked about the grounds, of Pemberley, for a good half-hour. Lydia was not used to such exercise, since her marriage. She had not bothered with long walks, preferring to idle away her days. She had not much to do in her small accommodations, having no children, so she could lay about most of the day. Lydia's marriage had so far been one of total lack of respect, but it did not seem to bother her. She had Wickham and his red coat to fawn over and that was enough for her. Having lived such a life, she was used to husbands who strayed, so it was not so shocking to have seen her brother-in-law with another lady. During this outing Lizzy confided to Lydia about her fears of Mr. Darcy's abrupt departure to town. This news was all the encouragement Lydia needed to tell her tale.
"Lizzy, I do not wish to hurt you, but as I was leaving from Gracechurch street, I spied Mr. Darcy walking with a young lady I had never seen before," Lydia stopped here to see the effect of her tale before continuing, "he had his arm around her waist in a most unseemly manner, I did not want to tell you, but I feel you have a right to know."
Elizabeth stopped walking and, reaching in her pocket, pulled out a hanky crying, "Oh Lydia, it is as I suspected!" She then put her hanky up to her face and when she removed it Lydia could see tears coming from her sisters eyes.
Lydia was caught quite off guard by her sister's sudden outburst. Wanting to comfort Lizzy, she apologized by saying, "I didn't mean to hurt you, I just thought you should know."
"Don't worry Lydia," Lizzy said sniffling, " I have had my suspicions for some time now."
Wiping her eyes she continued, "This sudden trip of Wil's is not the first one, but I had so hoped it was just business."
Putting her arms around Lizzy, Lydia again promised, "I won't breathe a word of this to anyone, you have my word." Then looking quite dismayed she begged, "I hope you don't mind if I go in now, I promised to write our Mother as soon as I arrived here and I have delayed it for far too long."
Lizzy smiled and wiping her tears again nodded her approval. "I'll just take a turn around the garden before I come in, send mother my love, and don't forget your promise."
With these parting words Lydia walked quickly into the house. Lizzy then tossed down the onion; she had hid in her hanky, and walked off to the garden with a grin on her face.
Dear Mother,I have been at Pemberley for nearly a week now. Lizzy has kept me quite busy or I would have written sooner. There is not much new here except, well I did promise not to disclose this to anyone, but you being her mother, I feel you should know. As I was leaving London to come to Pemberley, I spied Mr. Darcy walking down the street, but he was not alone. He was walking with a young lady and he had his arm around her waist. Lizzy informs me that she had suspected for sometime his infidelity. It seems he has often been away from home on these short trips. I hope you can keep this secret, as Lizzy did not want anyone to know. I did promise her faithfully, but I knew you should know. As for my Wicky and me not much has changed; he still has much business elsewhere for the regiment, so that leaves me with much time on my hands. So it is no inconvenience to travel, as no one is at home to miss me. My sisters make me much welcome and when I come to Longbourn, I will show you the presents Lizzy has bought me. I hope this finds you well.
Your Loving Daughter
Lydia Wickham
On receiving the aforementioned letter, Mrs. Bennet took to her room. As soon as Mrs. Philips was apprised of her sister's illness, she hastened to Longbourn. After visiting and comforting her sister, Mrs. Philips dropped in on Lady Lucas. Lady Lucas on hearing the news promised not to tell anyone, but as soon as Mrs. Philips departed she sat down to write her daughter Mrs. Collins.
Mr. Bennet had made sure to keep a watchful eye out, as soon as he saw his wife take to her bed. He knew it would not belong before Mrs. Philips showed up, and as we have seen he was right. When he observed Mrs. Philips leaving, after she had been with her sister for nigh onto an hour, he smiled to himself as he saw her turn not toward Meryton, but toward Lucas Lodge. "Mrs. Gardiner sure knows her family," he mused to himself. The plan was commencing just as Mrs. Gardiner had said it would. "Now if only Lady Catherine would react as Mrs. Gardiner and Darcy envisioned she would," he reflected.
Chapter IV
Lady Catherine De Bourgh listened intently as Mr. Collins related his new. "It seems that Mr. Darcy has grown tired of his wife, I am sure it won't be long until he finds a way out of the marriage. It must be due to his desire to have an heir. I beg your pardon Lady Catherine, but after all nearly five years married and no heir has been presented. It seems that the Darcys are cursed, after all my dear Charlotte and I have five children already, although they are all girls, but I am sure this next one will be our son. I beg your pardon for straying from the subject. Mrs. Bennet was informed by Mrs. Wickham, I am sorry for saying that man's name in your presence, that she saw Mr. Darcy with a young woman in London, and he was being very attentive to her."
Lady Catherine had sat very quiet through out the conversation, which was very uncharacteristic for her. Then rising she said, "Thank you Mr. Collins for your visit and the interesting news, but I must beg your leave as I remembered a prior commitment. I send my best to Mrs. Collins." Then she showing him to the door, she smiled to herself, "I knew that country mouse could not keep him happy."
"Mrs. Sullivan," Lady Catherine screeched, "I must go to Matlock on important business, have a trunk packed for me at once. I shall be gone for at least a fortnight." Ordering the housekeeper thus, she left the room and went into her study. Pulling out paper and quill she wrote a short note to her daughter Anne in Bath, informing her of her removal to Matlock. She then wrote a letter to a Mr. Hyde, informing him to drop the surveillance of Colonel Fitzwilliam. After all nothing had come of it, he was at Matlock and Anne was in Bath. Lady Catherine had forbid the Colonel of speaking to her daughter, when she had found that he had a hand in encouraging Darcy to marry Miss Bennet. She had not changed her mind in five years time, and she had made sure he and Anne both knew it. She had threatened him when she had found him and Anne together earlier that year and she would be as good as her word. But Anne was safely in Bath with Mrs. Jenkinson and the Colonel was in Matlock, so she was assured he had taken her at her word. Anne would become Mrs. Darcy yet, all she had to do was convince Lord Matlock to help her and it would come too pass.
Within an hour of Mr. Collins returning from Rosings, a messenger arrived with a note for the Collinses. Mr. Collins opened the note and read it with much interest. Charlotte waited patiently for him to make the contents of the message known. At last Mr. Collins spoke, "Well, my dear our dinner invitation has been rescinded. It seems lady Catherine must go to Matlock on some urgent business."
"Urgent indeed!" Charlotte thought to herself, "she must be in a great hurry to make trouble for Lizzy." Smiling at Mr. Collins she said, "then I must go to the butcher for a leg of mutton, it will make a good dinner and the leftovers can be made into stew." Mr. Collins nodded his head in agreement. Charlotte grabbed her basket and headed out the door, before Mr. Collins could offer to come with her.
No one at Rosings noticed the two gentlemen watching the house from behind the hedgerow, at the edge of the park. They sat silently watching for Lady Catherine's' departure. They didn't have to wait long as within an hour of Mr. Collins departure, her ladyship had called for her carriage to be brought around. Lady Catherine exited the house as the carriage pulled up to the front steps. After directing the placement of her baggage, she entered the carriage and charged the driver to "make haste, make haste."
Darcy and Mr. Philips shook hands as they watched the coach's departure. "Now let us hope Lord and Lady Matlock can keep her busy until we finish our task," Darcy said under his breath as they made their way toward the house, making sure that no one saw them.
Mrs. Sullivan was taken by surprise by Mr. Darcy's sudden appearance. "Her ladyship has gone to Matlock, sir," smiling she continued, "I take it that was your doing?"
Darcy just laughed and smiling at his aunts housekeeper replied, "Now why would I send my Aunt on a wild goose chase?"
Mrs. Sullivan who had known Darcy most of his life, smiled and said under her breath, "Why indeed?"
"Mrs. Sullivan, I need to write a letter to Mrs. Darcy, do you think my aunt would object to my using her study?"
"Why, of course not sir"
"Good, and do you know of a safe place I may store some important documents?"
"Why, sir your aunt has a hidden safe in the study, which no one knows about."
"If no one knows of it, how do you?"
"Well, it was Sir Louis' room first and he never hid anything from me in his life."
Darcy just stared at the housekeeper, he had known of the rumors that Sir Louis had a mistress, but Mrs. Sullivan? Darcy turned to Mr. Philips motioned to the door of the study, if we are to find what we need we better be at it. Mr. Philips smiled and followed Darcy into the study. Mrs. Sullivan, who had led the way, motioned to a small picture of a red haired girl on the wall. "It is behind there sir."
Darcy glanced at the picture, then at Mrs. Sullivan. Even under her widow's cap and amongst the gray he could still see her red hair. Smiling he moved the picture to one side, behind it was a hidden panel. Feeling around the edges of the panel, Darcy discovered a small switch. As he moved the switch the panel popped open, exposing several yellowing documents. Darcy reached into the vault and took out the documents. Turning to Mr. Philips he motioned toward the desk. Sitting at the desk with the documents laid out for him to examine, Mr. Philips began to study the yellowing papers.
After several minutes, Mr. Philips looked at Darcy and said, "These are very interesting indeed," smiling he finished, "let us not waste one minute more here, these need to be filed in court immediately."
Chapter V
Colonel Fitzwilliam was wild to get to London. He had promised her, he would come to here as soon as he could safely do so. Now it appeared he had the chance to do so. The man, who had been watching the gate for the past fortnight, had left just as suddenly as he had appeared. Lord Matlock had wanted to confront the man, but Fitzwilliam persuaded him to ignore the spy. When the disappearance had been reported by one of the servants, Fitzwilliam made his final plans to depart. The Colonel, not wanting to take any chances, left under cover of night. Going to the stables he saddled his horse and walked toward the woods. Upon reaching the woods he mounted his steed and rode down the path that led to the main road. On leaving the woods he spurred his horse on in the direction of London.
On arriving in London, he went straight to the Gardiners' house, in Cheapside. He knew it was best if he avoided his usual haunts, and no one would think of looking for him in this part of town. The Gardiners were pleased to see Colonel Fitzwilliam, as was their guest. Under the watchful eyes of the Gardiners Anne had blossomed. Now that she was encouraged to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, she grew stronger day by day. Fitzwilliam noticed that her eyes seemed brighter and her complexion had a new healthy brilliancy. On seeing Richard Anne cried out, "Oh my love." Then she flew into his outstretched arms.
"Anne, my darling," Richard whispered into her ear, before greeting her with a passion filled kiss.
The Gardiners, who had been silently observing the couple, smiled at each other and quietly left the room. The two lovers sat together for several minutes talking and holding each other's hands. Fitzwilliam comforted Anne telling her, "It will be over soon, I'm sure of it."
"I hope so," she whispered. Looking up at Richard she continued solemnly, " I have been so worried about you, I know mother meant what she said about seeing you dead, before she would consent to our marriage."
"Don't worry, my love, Darcy knows what he is doing. I am sure the diversion will work and he, and Mr. Philips will find a way to end all of this, happily."
Suddenly voices were heard in the foyer. "Darcy, Brother Philips it is so good to see you come back," Mr. Gardiner was heard to say. Before Fitzwilliam and Anne could rise, the aforementioned gentlemen were ushered into the room. Quickly standing Fitzwilliam grabbed Darcy by the shoulders greeting him warmly.
"Darcy, it is so good to see you, have you any good news?"
"Yes indeed we have, be seated and we will tell you all."
The whole party did as Darcy suggested and sat down, tea was ordered and the explanation was begun.
"First of all, the plan worked."
"I ran into Mrs. Collins when we were leaving Rosings, she told me that Lizzy had written her about the plan and asked that she play along, which she did. When Mr. Collins enquired about the post that morning, she concealed Elizabeth's letter, but read her mother's out loud, as she often did." Pausing for breath Darcy continued, "Mr. Collins took off like a rocket, racing to Rosings to deliver the news."
"Lady Catherine was gone in less than an hour, to Matlock."
"Mrs. Sullivan told me, upon our arrival at Rosings, that Lady Catherine had dispatched two expresses before she left. One was sent to Anne at Bath, and the other to a Mr. Hyde."
Fitzwilliam rose to his feet on hearing the name of Mr. Hyde, "I know that name, it belongs to a devilish man who will do anything for the right price."
Darcy, seeing that Anne looked as though she might faint replied, "Cousin, you have no need to worry."
"On reaching town, I met with a mutual acquaintance of mine and Mr. Hyde's."
"His name is Dr. Jekyll, and he promised me that Hyde would not bother you or anyone ever again."
"Thank goodness," Anne sighed, "but what did he mean or anyone ever again?"
"I don't know, but I trust Jekyll, he is a man of honor." Darcy responded.
"But what of the other matter? Did you find an answer to our problem?" Fitzwilliam queried.
"I'll leave that part to Mr. Philips, he can explain it better than I." Darcy retorted.
Mr. Philips then proceeded to explain about what they had found in the secret safe. Anne could not believe what she was hearing. She was stunned, all her life she had been told she was the sole heir of Rosings. Her mother had controlled Rosings and the fortune her father had amassed. So what Mr. Philips was now saying seemed impossible.
"What do I do now?" Anne suddenly asked, "I'm not sure what to do."
"I know exactly what to do," Richard cried out excitedly, "Marry me, as soon as is possible."
Looking confused Anne replied, "You mean you still want me?"
"Of course silly, I love you!" he said as he kissed her hand.
Darcy looked at Mr. Philips and the Gardiners before announcing, "Well, what are we waiting for we have a wedding to plan."
The happy couple started laughing, then the whole room seemed to shake from the glee. "Yes, let us get the ball rolling!" Fitzwilliam shouted.
Before the day was over a special license had been procured, thanks to Mr. Philips legal connections. Mrs. Gardiner, with her dressmakers aide, managed to find the perfect dress for Anne. Darcy and Fitzwilliam , knowing a certain minister who had aided them in the past, managed to get the church. All was made ready for the ceremony to take place, the next day, and preparations were then made for the trip to Matlock following the wedding.
Conclusion
Lady Catherine arrived at Matlock with a great deal of noise. "Where the devil is everyone!" Marching into the dining room she shouted, "Brother is this how you welcome company?" The surprised occupants of the room nearly jumped out of their chairs due to this rude entreaty.
"Catherine, to what do we owe this honor?" Lord Matlock inquired as he rose from his seat. Lady Matlock, who had been slighted by her sister-in-law, remained sitting; which irritated Lady Catherine to no end.
"It is a family matter," she replied.
On hearing this, Lady Matlock stood and quickly excused herself. As she passed by Lord Matlock he could hear her muttering under her breath, "Family! You don't know the half of it."
Lady Catherine did not hear this, as she hardly ever heard Lady Matlock. To her way of thinking Lady Matlock was not family, even though she was married to her brother. She had never approved of her brother's choice, and she was not about to start now. This was just another reason to keep her Anne away from Colonel Fitzwilliam; she would never allow the daughter of Sir Louis De Bourgh to wed a son of that woman.
"Now brother, I want you to summon our nephew Mr. Darcy here immediately!" she ordered.
"Why sister, has Darcy done something else you don't approve of"
Catherine, on hearing her brother's words, narrowed her eyes and began to inform him of all Mr. Collins had divulged to her.
It took Lady Catherine two days of continual harassment to get her brother to agree to summon Darcy to Matlock. Finally, Lord Matlock agreed that as head of the family he would speak to his nephew, regarding his lack of judgment. Lady Catherine then demanded that he write to his nephew with haste, and send it by express that very day. Pledging that he would write that very moment, Lord Matlock locked himself in his study. Sitting at his desk he took out two sheets of paper and quickly wrote to Darcy.
The first letter was in the form of a summons; which much to his delight he enjoyed composing. It read :
Darcy,A report of a most alarming nature has reached me.
I therefore order you to come with all haste to Matlock.
Lord Matlock
The second letter explained the first. He felt sure Darcy would enjoy the missive very much. It read:
Dearest Nephew,Forgive my rudeness in the other letter I sent you. Your kind and thoughtful Aunt Catherine demanded that I send for you at once. I sincerely hope that all is well, and when you arrive I hope it is with good news.
With All Our Love
Aunt and Uncle Matlock
Smiling to himself he sealed the missives and exiting his study called a servant. "Jamison, have these letters sent express to my nephew, waste no time it is urgent he get them as soon as possible."
Jamison, took the letters and stopping for no one did as his master bid him. Lord Matlock then returned to the sitting room and informed his sister that he had sent word to his nephew, express as she wished. Lady Catherine looked at her brother and smiled. Lord Matlock thought how she looked like the cat that had swallowed the canary. Lady Catherine tried to discuss her plans for Darcy, once he rid himself of that country girl, but Lord Matlock would hear nothing of it. "We can discuss it when Darcy arrives," he would reply to her entreaties. Lord Matlock managed to stay out of his sister's way most of the time, pleading business matters. Unfortunately Lady Matlock was not as fortunate, she had to endure Lady Catherine's insults and unsolicited advice most of the day.
Finally, one day Lord Matlock received an express from Darcy. Luckily for him it came while Lady Catherine was taking her afternoon rest. As he read the contents of the letter he could not help but smile. "Jamison," he called to his butler.
"Yes your Lordship," Jamison replied as he entered the room, "what can I do for you."
Lord Matlock smiled and said, "Please tell Lady Matlock to come here, but do not let my sister hear you."
Jamison smiled saying, "I understand perfectly, at once."
Lord Matlock paced back and forth waiting for his wife. He puzzled at Darcy's letter, but was pleased also. He didn't know why his nephew could not tell him all, but he trusted Darcy and knew that his curiosity would soon be quenched. Lady Matlock, on entering the room, knew at once that something important had happened. Lord Matlock motioned to Jamison to close the door, as he handed the letter to his wife.
Lady Matlock perused the letter from beginning to end before she made a sound. "Ohhhhh," she uttered as she sat down in the nearest chair. Looking at his lordship she started laughing as she exclaimed, "Catherine will be incensed." All his lordship could do was nod in agreement, as he was laughing too hard to speak.
On Saturday morning two coaches pulled up to the front steps of Matlock. Lord Matlock was there to greet the parties as they descended from their various conveyances.
Mr. Darcy made the necessary introduction of Mr. Philips as Fitzwilliam took Anne into the house to greet his mother. Lady Matlock took Anne by the hands and gave her a kiss. "Welcome to Matlock"
"Thank you very much, Lady Matlock," Anne whispered. Then looking around she asked after her mother.
"She is in her room, but I dare say the sound of the coaches should bring her down any moment," she replied. "Shall we go to the sitting room?"
Anne smiled, nodding her head in agreement. As they walked toward the sitting room they heard Lady Catherine cry, "Is that my nephew, let him come and explain himself."
The next sound heard in the house was that of total shock and surprise.
"Anne!" What on earth are you doing here?" A furious Lady Catherine demanded. "Your suppose to be in Bath taking the waters, Where is Mrs. Jenkinson?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed to Lady Catherine, grinning he said, "She is in Bath with her niece who was in need of the waters more so than my Anne."
"Your Anne?" Lady Catherine shouted, "how dare you call my daughter your Anne!"
Just as Fitzwilliam was starting to answer Anne tightened her grip on his arm. "Let me tell her," she whispered. Knowing that what she was about to say would take a great deal of inner strength, she gripped Richard's arm tighter.
"Mother, I'd like to introduce you to my husband, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed to mere slits in her head then turning to her brother she said, "This will not be borne!" She walked slowly toward Anne as she delivered her edict. "You can not marry with out my permission. Your father left me in charge of everything. You can not marry; I do not give my permission. I will take it to the highest court in the land, it will be annulled!"
As soon as Lady Catherine had finished with her ravings, Mr. Philips stepped forward. "I am sorry your ladyship, but Mrs. Fitzwilliam did not need your permission," pausing he smiled, "she had the permission of her guardian, as stated in Sir Louis De Bourgh's will."
"What are you talking about!" Lady Catherine screamed, "I am her only guardian."
"No, your ladyship you are not! Miss De Bourgh, or may I say Mrs. Fitzwilliam's guardian is Mr. Darcy."
Lady Catherine looked as though she was going to have a stroke. "What, but he was just a baby, he couldn't possibly…. No you are wrong!"
"Your ladyship, the will states that Mr. Darcy of Pemberley is to be the guardian of Anne De Bourgh. You see there is just such a legality in it, well Sir Louis did not say which Mr. Darcy. Since Fitzwilliam Darcy is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley he is legally her guardian."
Stopping for breath, and to let all he had said so far sink in, he continued, "And also there is another clause that is of great consequence to this couple. It seems that Sir Louis did not leave his entire estate to Anne, she is not his sole heir."
Lady Catherine slumping down into the nearest chair looked at Darcy and said, "You have no mistress; it was an erroneous detour wasn't it."
Darcy looked intently at his aunt and said, "How could you possibly believe I could love anyone but Elizabeth?"
"If you don't mind there is still another matter to settle," Mr. Philips said after clearing his throat. "The heir of Rosings Park...." He had not divulged this information to anyone yet, so all were eager to hear.
"Who is this mysterious heir?" Lord Matlock asked.
"In his will, which Mr. Darcy and I procured from a safe in Rosings, Sir Louis named as his heir his nephew Richard Fitzwilliam."
The room was suddenly quiet as all eyes fell on Colonel Fitzwilliam. The group sat down one by one as this bit of information sunk in.
"The will states that since Sir Louis is the last of the De Bourghs he leaves his entire estate to his nephew, the second son of Lord and Lady Matlock, on condition he takes the name De Bourgh. The only other gifts are to his daughter that is her dowry of fifty thousand pounds; which becomes hers on her marriage, and to Lady Catherine he leaves the home in Bath and an annuity of two thousand a year."
"What if Richard doesn't take the name?" Lord Matlock queried.
"Then the bulk of the estate goes to the crown." Mr. Philips answered.
Lord Matlock could not believe what they were hearing. Lady Matlock turned to her sister-in-law and bellowed, "Catherine! You have a lot to answer for!"
Lady Catherine began screaming incessantly, "I should have burned it, I can't believe I was so reckless. I always know the best, I, I, I," then falling over she grabbed her chest and turned blue.
"Mother!" Anne gasped.
Epilogue:
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy finally were presented with an heir to Pemberley, whom they gladly named Philip, after her uncle who was finally able to be of help to the man who had saved his niece, so many years ago.