Page 99 of To Love And To Cherish
Richard leaned forward. “He could marry the milkmaid and still manage the scandal, with his fortune.”
Darcy gave him a grateful glance. “It is simply this: Elizabeth’s family is closely connected to trade. Her father’s estate is modest and entailed away from the female line. However, her younger sister is married to the heir.”
Richard perked up. “Have you had Kendal or his son review the entail? They might find a way to break it.”
Darcy’s eyes brightened. “An excellent idea. We are going to Longbourn next week to sign the marriage settlements. I shall obtain a copy of the entail then.”
Lady Helen gave a satisfied nod. “Very good. And the rest of her family?”
“The next sister, Catherine, has been with Georgiana this winter and is soon to meet Daniel Grant in Kent.”
Richard scratched his chin. “Grant? Do you mean Humphrey Grant’s son? The shy one?”
“The same.”
“I’ve heard he’s not simple, just painfully awkward. Good luck to Miss Catherine.”
Darcy stiffened. “Should I investigate?”
“No, no,” Richard said. “I meant no harm. He’s said to be respectable. Perhaps he’s simply like you, Cousin.”
Darcy glared. “I’ll thank you to keep your opinions on my social graces to yourself.”
Lady Helen interjected. “And the fifth sister?”
“She’s still in school, a seminary in London.”
“You must see to her future as well, Fitzwilliam. With your support, she may marry well.”
Darcy nodded. “We shall.”
Lady Helen asked, “Is Elizabeth the eldest?”
Darcy replied, “No, Jane is the eldest. She married my friend Bingley. You remember Charles, Aunt Helen, Charles Bingley.”
His aunt blanched.
Darcy added quickly, “Charles has never worked in trade, Aunt. It is true his fortune comes from trade, but he has never engaged in it himself. He has just purchased an estate in Derbyshire, so he is now a landed gentleman.”
His aunt considered this. “The man himself is well enough, but the sister…”
Darcy laughed, his tone deep and resonant. “Bingley married her off to a second cousin, and she is sailing to America in March. We will not have her underfoot, Aunt.”
Lady Helen gave a satisfied nod. “That is very well done, then.”
She leaned forward. “What about this trade connection?”
“Her uncle, Edward Gardiner, is a merchant in London. Her other uncle is a solicitor in Hertfordshire.”
Richard looked thoughtful. “Gardiner… isn’t he the one Lord Pembroke just invested with? Something about a housing development. The offices are near Cheapside, I believe. But that Gardiner is no mere tradesman; he is an investor, and very much sought after.”
Darcy sat straighter. “It might be the same man. Gardiner doubled my own investment before my grand tour.”
Lady Helen looked at Richard. “You ought to speak to your father. If Mr. Gardiner is in such demand, Fitzwilliam may be thought clever for securing him as family.”
“Quite,” Richard said. “I will look into Gardiner today, Mother. As for Mrs. Darcy, if she is neither vulgar nor grasping, society will overlook the rest, soon enough.”
Lady Helen nodded. “We shall call it a love match, that, at least, is true. And we will introduce her at a ball held in her honor.”
