Page 76 of To Love And To Cherish
She nodded once. “Will I be coming with you?”
“That is what I wished to discuss,” he said, folding his hands. “There are several options before you. You may remain here at Pemberley. I could ask the Bingleys and Kitty to stay, if that is your preference. Or you may come with me and see Scotland, it would be a fine opportunity. I could also arrange for you to stay with Uncle Henry and Aunt Helen at Matlock House, or even with Aunt Catherine in Kent. You have long wished to spend time with Anne.”
Georgiana regarded him in silence for a long moment. “I should like to see Scotland,” she said at last. “But it will be so cold for travel, Fitzwilliam. If Charles, Jane, and Kitty remain here, it will be delightful.”
He smiled. “We can ask them. Charles is purchasing an estate only eight miles from Pemberley; the papers should be signed shortly. He’ll want to oversee the kitchen renovations, and Jane may wish to repaper a few rooms. The house has been vacant for over six months and will need a thorough cleaning. I suspect they’ll be glad to stay close. And if not, I feel certain Kitty will agree to remain here with you.”
Georgiana gave a small smile. “Well then, Fitzwilliam, I shall remain here.”
“Very well,” he said, nodding. “We will plan accordingly.”
Darcy removed to the study, closing the door behind him with a quiet sense of resolve. The fire had burned low, casting amber light across the surface of the writing desk. He sat, pulled the inkwell closer, and reached for a clean sheet of paper.
First, he penned a letter to his solicitor in London. The instructions were clear: draft the formal contract for the sale of Ellan Hall, including the stipulations submitted by the Frazier brothers. In the same correspondence, Darcy added a second, more personal request, that the solicitor draw up marriage settlements between himself and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Three copies, to be properly witnessed in due course.
Then, with more hesitation than he had shown in years, he turned to compose a letter to Mr. Bennet.
Pemberley, Derbyshire
August 6, 1811
Dear Mr. Bennet,
I write to inform you of my intention to make an offer of marriage to your daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
At present, I do not know how she will receive my suit, nor do I presume her answer. Nevertheless, I am making preparations to travel to Scotland within the week for the purpose of presenting my proposal in person. In the event that she is willing to accept me, I take this opportunity toask for your permission to wed her and for your blessing on the match.
Enclosed, you will find three copies of the proposed marriage settlements. Should Miss Elizabeth favorably consider my offer, we shall be married in Scotland, and our first journey thereafter will be to Longbourn, so that the documents may be legally executed.
I beg you to make no mention of my intention until I write you again. There will be time enough for discussion should she accept me, a possibility I do not yet count as assured. It may require patience and persuasion on my part to bring her round.
If, however, she should refuse me, I shall write to inform you, and would ask that you destroy the enclosed documents at that time.
If I have any influence in the matter, she shall not refuse me.
Letters may be directed to me care of Ellan House, Dava Moor, Scotland. I shall write again soon to apprise you of my success, or failure, in this endeavor.
With the highest respect,
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Five days later, Bingley surprised him by stepping into his study unannounced. Darcy rose and clapped him on the back.
“You look absurdly pleased with yourself, Charles. Has everything gone well with your cousin Jack?”
Bingley grinned. “Darcy, it couldn’t have gone better. Jack is ecstatic. He and Caroline, along with my aunt, uncle, and Jack’s two sisters, are traveling to Scotland as we speak. They intend to marry over the anvil, as they say, and then sail for America from Glencaple Quay. I remained in Yorkshire just long enough to arrange the transfer of Caroline’s dowry. Jack is thrilled, Caroline is remarkably compliant, and my aunt and uncle are relieved their second son is now well provided for.”
Darcy gave a short laugh and poured them both a drink. “Well, you are either a genius or a madman. Possibly both.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Bingley replied.
Darcy sipped once, then said lightly, “Charles, I do not know your plans, but I have business in the north. I’m selling my Scottish estate; it’s too far to manage properly. While profitable, it will be a relief to see it off. I have received a fair offer from a local gentleman, and I intend to finalize the transaction in person.”
“Will Georgiana go with you?”
