20. An Unusual Courtship

Our Lady of Longbourn

This story is protected under copywrite law. Please enjoy it, but do not try to steal it... otherwise I might send Mr. Collins over for a long visit.

AN: Addressing the question of the entail that several reviewers brought up: The issue: wouldn't Jane's son inherit before Collins? When I first began reading fanfiction, I brought up a similar issue in a comment. The author of the story turned out to be highly knowledgeable about the issue and gave me an excellent explanation... which I cannot locate now, years later. I will, however, try to provide a reasonable facsimile of her explanation.

Jane Austin was obviously well-versed on the legalities of her own time and she did not address this issue. In fact, the mere fact that Collins was a threat when any of the daughters might marry and provide a son suggests that she knew something that we don't. The term that applies is at remove (at first remove, at second remove, etc.). For example, we do not know how Bennet came to inherit. We assume that he was the son and heir, but Austin never tells us. The dislike between Mr. Collins Sr. and Mr. Bennet might offer us a clue. If Bennet's claim was not as the son, but as the nearest male heir at first remove, and if Mr. Collins was the nearest heir at second remove, then Mr. Bennet's claim would supercede that of Mr. Collins. This would be the case if Mr. Bennet was the son of the daughter of the master of Longbourn and Mr. Collins, Sr. was married to a younger sister. If Mr. Bennet produced an heir of his own body, that child would then be at first remove and Collins' own claim would again be superceded. But if Mr. Bennet failed to produce a direct heir of his own body, then Mr. Collins would be heir. A grandson of an heir at first remove (not a direct heir) would be at third remove, and therefore Mr. Collins would have the most immediate claim.

The law existed in such a fashion because of the volatility of inheritance when vast wealth, property, and power was involved. Imagine if a man inherited a title through entail, and then a daughter of the former title-holder had a son. Without the "remove" clause, that son could demand the return of all properties, titles, etc. In many instances, swordplay would be the next result. The Middle Ages were fraught with just such drama. The legal stipulations were put in place in the hopes of preventing such bloodshed.

Now that I've muddied the waters and confused all and sundry, on with the story!

(One request: If you notice an error, please tell me approximately where you found the error? I've spent several hours tracking down errors pointed out by my kind reviewers, but some of them I just can't seem to find. For example: when did I ever mention raccoons?)

Chapter Twenty - An Unusual Courtship

With the incentive of getting to spend time with his lady love, Darcy aggressively worked towards his full recovery. The doctors cautioned him about pushing too hard, but he persisted. By mutual consent with the Royal Court, Darcy's elevation was kept secret for the immediate future. There was little hope that it would remain undiscovered for long, but all agreed that the patient was unfit to face the onslaught of well-wishers, leeches, and sycophants certain to follow news of his new honors.

Elizabeth and the Archers were regular visitors, though they entered through the carriage house to escape notice. After a week, Darcy was able to leave his bed and sit in the attached sitting room. That was where Elizabeth and Jane were led by Georgiana on one particular day. "Your Grace!" Elizabeth scolded when she found him bent over a stack of ledgers. "Should you be out of bed?"

Darcy grinned at her, then furrowed his brow, "Miss Bennet, I believe that we reached an agreement on proper forms of address on our last visit together?"

Elizabeth blushed, but managed to say, "Are you avoiding my question... Fitzwilliam?"

She was close enough that Darcy was able to gently secure her hand and raise it to his lips. Delighting in her reaction, he answered archly, "As you know, I have been allowed to occupy this sitting room now... so why shouldn't I make good use of my time?"

"But even sitting up, you should be resting!" Elizabeth scolded. The exchange was interrupted by Lady Archer's giggle. Both turned to look at Jane and she shook her head, "Listen to you, Lizzy! You are the last person in the world to scold another about the proper behavior of a patient." She smiled at the Duke, "I traveled all of the way from London to check on my 'bedridden' sister one time only to discover her holding court in the dining room, dispensing instructions on several projects and offering suggestions about drainage on some field or other."

Georgiana giggled, "They're two and the same then."

Elizabeth scowled, but she relented and laughed in return, "I suppose that you're right, Jane. I will not scold you, Fitzwilliam, if you will promise to be mindful of your recovery."

Darcy nodded solemnly, "I promise, my dear. And in that vein, I wanted to ask for your assistance."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, a mannerism that Darcy was coming to love, "Oh? And how may I assist the great man?"

Darcy slid a ledger over to her, "Captain Fellows stopped by earlier to deliver these ledgers. They are the books from my new estates: Carlisle Keep, Dover Abbey, and Channelview Manor, along with accompanying town homes in London, Bath, and Bristol." He paused at Elizabeth's expression of shock. She had realized that Darcy's title would include property, but hadn't anticipated so much. Darcy grimaced, "Exactly. The problem is that the former Carlisles have done little to manage said properties. In fact, they managed to sell or lose anything that wasn't entailed and neglected the rest..." he looked her in the eyes and tentatively asked, "Would you be willing to sit with me and go over these books? I know that it is much to ask, but with your experience...?"

Elizabeth felt a rush of emotion and fought back tears, yet quickly answered, "Yes! I mean... I would be honored to assist you in this."

The two quickly had their heads in, perusing the books. Georgiana shook her head and led Lady Archer over to the comfortable seats on the other side of the large room, "Poor brother didn't know if he should ask or not. It does seem like an odd sort of courtship."

Jane smiled beatifically and touched the younger girl's hand, "Your brother couldn't have possibly done more to win Elizabeth's heart, Georgiana." At the other's look of confusion she explained, "In a world of men, Elizabeth is an anomaly. She is as capable, or even more capable, than most landowners, but most dismiss her because of her sex. She long ago decided never to marry because she expected any man who married her to try to force her into more 'feminine' roles." Georgiana's eyes widened in sudden understanding and Jane nodded, "I wouldd imagine that any reluctance my sister had to attach herself to your brother has just vanished."

oOoOOoOo

Unusual as the "courtship" was, it continued in a similar vein for many days as the pair gradually acquainted themselves with the new holdings and the many issues involving each property. Envoys and investigators were sent, stewards and housekeepers were summoned, and problems were addressed. Most of those summoned proved to be surprisingly reliable, considering their former masters. Two housekeepers and the steward of Channelview, however, were dismissed for cause.

"Mr. Hodgekiss," Lord Darcy said icily, "Perhaps you can explain to me how a flock of five-hundred sheep could produce such a small quantity of wool... or perhaps why the labors of twenty sheerers were required to handle such a paltry result?" The sweating man blustered, but the Duke continued, "Or perhaps you would like to explain why the local textile mill..." he shuffled to a paper "... Cardwell's... took delivery of a quantity in excess of five times your recorded amount?"

Mr. Hodgekiss was a tall, overweight, blustery man who was clearly unused to being called to account. He was at a loss for how to explain his actions. Instead his mouth opened and closed like a beached fish as he tried to find a way out of his current predicament. Lord Darcy gave him no more time, "Very well, Mr. Hodgekiss. While my first inclination is to hand you over to the magistrate, I realize that the neglect of my predecessor created the environment that you operated in. Therefore I have sent my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to secure my estate. The magistrate will be involved and made aware of my concerns, but you, sir, have an option: you may return to East Sussex to await the result of the investigation or you may find another country in which to ply your skills. As of this moment, Mr. Hodgekiss, you are dismissed without reference."

Shocked and angered, the big man rose threateningly, but a simple grunt from the man stationed behind Lord Darcy discouraged any further action or retort. Boson Toliver eyed the thief coldly as he doffed his hat and stomped out of the room. "That one may still cause trouble, yer Lordship," Toliver growled. Darcy nodded. He hadn't been in favor of Elizabeth's insistence on the boson's attendance, but now he saw that she had been right again. It had been her who tied the various threads together to identify the steward's crimes, but she was not yet his bride, so her attendance in this meeting was impossible, just as she hadn't been able to attend the dismissals of the two untrustworthy housekeepers.

He intended to remedy that on this very afternoon.

oOoOOoOo

On the third week of his convalescence, Darcy was cleared to walk short distances. He decided that included permission to walk in the walled garden of Darcy House. When Elizabeth arrived for her daily visit, Mr. Jarvis, the butler, led her through the huge house and into the garden, where the Darcy's waited for her. Elizabeth noted Georgiana's bright, almost hopeful expression immediately. Then she saw the deeper, more tentative expression on Lord Darcy's face. Unsure of what to think, she curtsied and said, "Jane... Lady Archer couldn't make it today, as she had other commitments."

Darcy stood to his full height and made a careful bow just as his sister returned the curtsy. Then he extended a hand to Elizabeth, "It is a beautiful day, Elizabeth. Now that I have permission, I thought that you might be willing to stroll the garden with me?"

Elizabeth was lost for a moment in appreciating the Duke's tall, handsome presence. Then she shook herself inwardly and replied, "That would give me great pleasure, Fitzwilliam."

Georgiana smiled with a mixture of conspiratorial glee and anticipation, "And since the garden is fully visible from here, I shall remain and keep a watchful eye, as a good chaperon should."

Elizabeth didn't know what to think about the other girl's playfulness, but she was more than content to walk with her handsome beau. She took his arm and allowed him to lead her down the marble stairs and into the manicured garden. They walked in silence for several minutes, both content in each other's company. Still, Elizabeth sensed a tension in Darcy's manner. Finally he spoke, "From your words and those of your sisters, I know that you prefer the wildness of untamed nature to a garden such as this, Elizabeth. Derbyshire is such a place. In fact, Pemberley is surrounded by ten miles of untamed wilderness, though each generation has put its stamp on the place in some way... I look forward to seeing what you will contribute, not just to Pemberley, but to all of our properties."

Elizabeth froze, shocked at the full implication of his words. Darcy turned and took both of her delicate little hands in his, "Elizabeth Bennet, please allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. From almost the very first moment I saw you I knew that you were the only woman that I could ever love. I want you to be the love of my heart, the mother of my children, the sister to my sister, and my Duchess. Would you do me the great honor of consenting to be my beloved wife?"

Elizabeth could barely see through the tears that welled in her eyes, but she managed to shake her head up and down while squeezing Darcy's large hands, before composing herself, "Fitzwilliam Darcy, I had not known you for more than a few days... perhaps even hours... before I knew in my heart that you were the only man I could ever love... and the only man I would ever marry. Yes, Fitzwilliam, I will marry you."

Despite his still painful injuries, Darcy managed to wrap his tiny fiance up in his arms and lift her while delivering a kiss that shook her world to the core. One-hundred feet away, on the garden balcony, a gleeful Georgiana squealed with glee and jumped up in down in a very undignified manner. Both Darcy and Elizabeth heard and saw her and quickly disengaged, with Darcy apologizing for his behavior, but Elizabeth only laughed and took his hands, "Think nothing of it, Fitzwilliam. I must confess that I have wanted that kiss for a long time... but in the future we must be better constrained... at least until we are man and wife."

Lord Darcy grinned, "And how soon do you think that we might achieve that happy state, my dear Elizabeth?"

She squeezed his hands, "Perhaps first you might address my father on the subject? I am, after all, not yet of age."

His eyes grew large for a moment, "Do you think that he would be willing to travel here? I am not yet cleared to leave my home, much less...?"

She smiled up at the man, "Come, let us set aside our walk for now so that we each may write letters to my father."

An hour later the fastest rider in the Darcy employ was riding north toward Meryton.

OooOOoOo

Mr. Bennet finished his last bite of dinner that night, wiped his mouth, and sat back to enjoy his port as his idiotic cousin, Mr. Collins, droned on enthusiastically about the many graces of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourg. He regarded the others at the table with momentary interest.

Mrs. Bennet sat looking pensive, most likely brooding over the continued absence of her most troublesome daughter. Thrice already today she had tried to insist on Elizabeth's return to Longbourn, even demanding that Mr. Bennet go and collect her. She was completely oblivious to the idea that Mr. Collins had long since begun forming an attachment to the eldest daughter residing in Lucas Lodge.

Lydia was ignoring everyone, still brooding over the recent departure of the militia to Brighton. She was particularly upset at the continuing absence of Lieutenant Wickham, a handsome man who had managed to join and disappear in just two days. Prior to his arrival, she had set her cap on several of the young officers. After seeing him, she had become more focused... but to no avail.

Catherine, who he had addressed since childhood as "Kitty," was also off in thought. There was little doubt where her focus was directed, since Charles Bingley had only recently requested and been granted permission to court her. Franny was exuberant about the match, though thankfully not aware that Bingley had decided to finish out his lease and then focus his attention on business instead. Mrs. Bennet was already telling one and all what a wonderful mistress of Netherfield her daughter would make.

Thomas Bennet had to fight the urge to chuckle at that. He had known for years that his Lizzy was the true owner of Netherfield, just as he knew that she had managed to raise the profits of Longbourn to four-thousand a year and that her mill and factory netted an additional three-thousand per annum. But it was the other discovery which drove any urge to laugh or even smile from his lips.

When he learned from Bingley that Elizabeth had saved Fitzwilliam Darcy at the risk of her own life, he had been shocked. But when he realized that she had done it completely without his knowledge or assistance, he was deeply ashamed. She didn't even think that she could trust me in something like this! I have failed her so completely that she wouldn't even turn to me with her life in danger...

That was the moment that Thomas knew that he had to change his ways and become the man and father that his daughter... no, daughters... deserved.

When Mr. Collins finally took a breath, Thomas interjected, "A very fine dinner, Mrs. Bennet, as always. I have an announcement to make." With all eyes turned to him, he said, "I will be traveling to London tomorrow morn. There is some business there that I must attend to."

Fanny nodded vigourously, "Of course, dear! You are finally going to bring that troublesome... I mean..." she glance over at Mr. Collins, "Our very eligible daughter Lizzy back to us."

"True, I will be seeing my Lizzy. As to the time of her return... well, we shall see."

"But Mr. Bennet! Oh, how you do try my nerves! Have you no concern for your daughter's future. She must be made to return and do her duty!"

Mr. Collins looked about to speak, but Thomas had no desire to deal with the repercussions of any announcement from him at this time, "Mrs. Bennet, rest assured that I go to do what is the best for our family. Mr. Collins, would you please join me in my bookroom?"

The toad-like man followed and Mr. Bennet closed the door behind them, ignoring the vociferous rantings of his wife in the room he had just abandoned. He turned to address his cousin, "Mr. Collins, am I correct in believing that you have formed an attachment to Miss Lucas?"

Collins puffed up with pride and was about to deliver a long speech, but Bennet halted him with the lift of his hand, "Yes or no will suffice for now."

Deflated, the man answered, "It is been my most auspicious honor to request and be granted the hand of Miss Charlotte Lucas. As my patroness..."

"So the answer is 'yes.'" Bennet interrupted. "Good then. You have made a fine choice and you have my sincere congratulations. However, I have a request of you: please wait to make your announcement until I return from London. I should be back within two days and then we may celebrate appropriately. Agreed?"

It took Collins many more words to express his agreement, but he eventually reached his point and agreed.