Page 10 of Compromise & Consequence
“Do you truly think she conspired with Wickham?”
“I have reason to believe that, yes.”
“I would never have dreamed her capable of such deceit. She and her sister always struck me as genteel, refined ladies.”
“Appearances can be deceiving.” Darcy finished his coffee and stood. “I am off to London. Shall I see you there in a few days, or are you remaining in Hertfordshire?”
“Caroline is adamant about leaving, and I… I shall bend to her wishes. There was a time when I might have been persuaded to stay….”
“No need to elaborate, I understand exactly what you mean. I had no intentions of returning either.”
“You are not… I mean… you are going to London this very day?”
“As soon as the carriage is ready, I am off.”
He knew Bingley thought he was leaving Elizabeth Bennet high and dry with her reputation in tatters, flapping wildly on the winds of gossip, and in his anger, he did not care to elaborate further. When he had a better handle on his emotions, he would explain everything – away from the keen ear of Bingley’s sister. His good friend knew about Wickham and Ramsgate and would understand why he was so furious at the moment.
“As we both will be in town, come for dinner on Saturday. Then we can discuss what has happened.”
He said his farewells, entered the carriage, and took off in the direction of Meryton, passing through on his way to Longbourn. All too soon the manor came into view, and he was exiting the carriage to glare at the house whereshelived. Before he’d even pulled the bell, the door was opened, and he was led to Mr. Bennet’s study. An hour later, he faced the man over his desk, who shook with anger.
“These terms are a disgrace. I cannot sign it.”
“Then your daughter does not marry. It matters not to me. Personally, I do not want the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted by a person of her character. Good day, Mr. Bennet.”
“Wait! Lizzy should not have to live her life in shame. She did nothing wrong.”
“Your daughter waited until I came onto the terrace, and then fell into my arms just as your wife came outside. So very convenient, think you not? Wickham will not get one penny from me.”
“Mr. Wickham? What has he to do with all this?”
“Ask your daughter. I am sure she has much to add in that direction.” Darcy enunciated each word tightly. “I will return next Tuesday with the final settlement, and you will arrange a common license.”
“Very well,” Bennet finally conceded. “However, I want a clause added which states all outside assets and income that comes into Elizabeth’s name, as well as current assets, personal belongings, and any money Elizabeth has possession of now, remains her exclusive property both during the marriage and after it, and can never be given to you, or any member of your family. It will be hers to disburse as she sees fit. I have prepared a rough outline for your solicitor.”
Bennet handed him a single sheet of paper.
Darcy almost scoffed out loud at the country squire, acting as though they had great wealth. Everyone knew Longbourn was entailed, and most likely, the only asset Miss Elizabeth had was the pretty garnet cross she wore daily. Other than whatever funds she would receive upon the deaths of either Mr. or Mrs. Bennet would make no difference. However, if it made the man stop wasting his time, he would agree.
“Very well, I will have my solicitor include this clause, at no expense to you,” he said with a condescending sneer. “Ensure your daughter is ready to leave immediately following the ceremony.” Darcy gave Bennet one last command to pass on to his conniving daughter before settling his hat on his head, uncaring that he was still inside the house. He wrenched open the door to Bennet’s study and stormed out of the house.
Chapter Four
Thomas Bennet fell back into his chair, shocked by the anger the man felt for his niece. He sat in silence, his mind whirling before calling for Elizabeth to attend him in his study. Mrs. Hill found her in the side garden and told her the master wished to speak with her. She made her way to her uncle’s study, feeling as though she were walking to a certain death sentence.
“Enter,” her uncle said at her knock.
“Mr. Darcy has left, I presume,” she said with a quick look about the room.
“He has and will return next week. Shut the door, child, there is much to discuss.”
She did as he requested and then sat, hands clasped in her lap, heart pounding in her chest.
“I will not sugarcoat this, Lizzy. You are to wed Mr. Darcy this upcoming Tuesday.”
Involuntarily her eyes closed. It was as she suspected.
“My plans to travel to Spain are postponed indefinitely, it seems,” she said with a heavy sigh.
