“Of course not, Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet nodded and patted Lizzy’s shoulder. “You are absolutely correct. If the countess has already made plans, we cannot overstep her wishes. She is a generous lady but I must remember my place. As much as I adore Lady Anne, her ladyship cannot be treated like our close family friends, even if we had seen them for every Eastertime for the past several years.”
Lizzy smiled, “I know Mrs. Anne will wish to plan several tasks with you and whatever you and she agree on, I will agree. I will leave the decisions to the best ladies of my acquaintance while Will and I will be fencing and climbing our tree.” She laughed.
Mrs. Bennet burst into giggles, “I know you will, dear Lizzy. You make him deliriously happy and he has changed your mind about marriage! Oh, what blessedness!” She lowered her voice, “Lizzy, tell me more about the settlement papers that your papa signed this morning. Do you know how much he will settle on you? I had heard that his father has 10,000 a year but what will you and William live on? I worry that if you should have only daughters like myself, if you will be protected enough in your future.”
“I will be protected, mama. Will has ensured it and everything is in the settlement papers.” Lizzy explained. “He shared the document with me as if he would a partner of his businesses and he has already given me the Ramsgate cottage. We plan on using it for summer holidays but his father will be giving him Netherfield and we will never lack for income. You must not share with anyone else, mama,” Lizzy gently cautioned her, “but Pemberley alone brings in £10,000 a year and Mr. Darcy has many investments with Uncle Edward. My betrothed will have Netherfield and his grandmother’s inheritance and he also invests with Gardiner Enterprises. He will have at least £5,000 a year and has settled £20,000 on me. I also received word from Uncle Edward this morning that my trust, which Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Anne have begun for me when I was but ten years old, has more than £29,000, nearly £30,000, and I am independently wealthy, mama. Will had completely forgotten about it and was shocked when he learned of the amount, but I am glad I will come to him something. I have not shared this with even Jane but I plan on adding to my sisters’ dowries and will care for my family, and you will never need to worry for your future.”
Mrs. Bennet embraced her daughter heartily and cried tears of joy, “Your secret is safe with me. I knew you could not be so witty for nothing, Lizzy! You were always a favourite of the Darcys and your papa saw something special in you and I adored you for your independence. I am happy for you, child. What laces and grand houses; such jewels and carriages you will receive!”
Lizzy laughed, “I do not care for houses, lace, or jewels or even carriages, mama. I am happy to be bringing our family comfort and security but most of all, I am glad to be marrying my best friend whom I love with all of my heart. I never believed I would marry but he loves me and I love him in return. I wish to do all I can to be a good wife to him but I know I will need you and Mrs. Anne to help me where I am deficient. Not that I wish for my mother and future mother to become mistresses of my homes, but if I do not know how to do something, if I am lacking where I do not have the answers, will you help me, mama? Will you share your wisdom with your tomboy of a daughter who will be far too engulfed in archery and attending lectures on astronomy?”
“Of course, dear Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet stroked her daughter’s cheek. “Your only duty will be to keep your husband happy and he is all smiles when he is debating with you or fencing or reading those thick volumes of books together. I will do all I can and I will certainly not be overbearing within your own household. I know you will tell me off and send me away if I annoy you and all you need is a good housekeeper. I would not be able to get anything done without dear Mrs. Hill.”
“Thank you, mama. Now,” Lizzy changed the topic, “what have you heard about Mr. Bingley and his family’s imminent arrival? I hope Charles Bingley is able to court my sister properly and propose by next year. I have heard Mr. Jones has already been contacted to look over the elder Mr. Bingley but he may not have long to live. Do you think they could become engaged before Charles returns to school for the Michaelmas term?”
The ladies sat and conversed regarding their new neighbours who were expected later that week, and looked forward to dining with the Darcys who had returned earlier that afternoon.
The Fitzwilliams and the Grantleys were expected in another week for the wedding preparations and the date was set for the first of June, the earliest day of June that William wished to be wed.
~*~
“I have been thinking of an outdoor wedding, Lizzy. If I am able to obtain a special license, should we marry right under our tree here?” William asked, as they sat at Oakham Mount and shared many kisses while watching the sun rise.
Lizzy giggled as her betrothed grazed his face against her neck as he kissed her ear and temple. “Your stubbles tickle, Will! I have seen you early mornings before but not so
