Before his aunt had a chance to reply, Darcy turned to the earl. “I had a pleasant conversation with Richard’s solicitor. If they had been married—even without children—the marriage contract Richard had signed with Elizabeth’s father would have provided the exact benefit he stipulated in his will.”
“But they were not married!” the earl thundered, banging his hand on the arm of the chair for emphasis. “This is the material point!”
His aunt took a more conciliatory tone. “If they had married and perhaps had a child by now, her position would be quite different.”
Unable to remain seated, Darcy pushed himself to his feet and paced toward the fireplace. “And why were they not married?” His aunt and uncle both looked so shocked at this question that he almost laughed. “Do you not recall demanding that they delay the wedding following Mr. and Mrs. Wickham’s marriage?”
His aunt spoke immediately. “Yes, of course. The scandal—”
Darcy did not allow her to finish. “If they had married then, her sister’s death or her father’s illness would not have caused further delays.”
Aunt Rachel shrugged. “It matters not—”
Darcy’s gaze caught and held his aunt’s. “Elizabeth’s sister and her husband delayed their nuptials only a fortnight following the scandal, and she is nearing the end of her confinement.” Darcy’s eyes bore into the countess’s, refusing to allow her to look away. “Had you not interfered, you might now have a grandchild—even if you still suffered the loss of your son.”
His aunt gaped at him. Obviously, such a thought had never occurred to her. Finally, she closed her jaw with a snap and lowered her eyes to the floor. “I – I –” Now the handkerchief was employed to dry her eyes. “I would have liked a grandchild….”
The earl’s face was red with consternation, and he was leaning forward in his chair. “Now see here! No need to upset your aunt! The will, the house—it is strictly business. We bear Miss Bennet no ill will.”
Darcy snorted in disbelief. “Business? You only have one reason for incurring the cost of a solicitor’s fees: you wish to punish Miss Bennet for having the audacity to love your son!”
“Love!” His uncle huffed and shoved another biscuit into his mouth.
However, his aunt appeared intrigued. “Do you believe she loved him?” Her hands were worrying the hem of her handkerchief.
“Yes. And she loves him still. I thank God he knew such love before he died.” Elizabeth had made Richard’s last year on earth a happy one.
The countess had a faraway expression on her face. “He did seem quite happy with her.”
Darcy nodded. What a fool I was for heeding my fear of my family’s reaction to Elizabeth! If I had made the decision to propose earlier … No, he could not afford to think such thoughts. She had been, and always would be, Richard’s.
His aunt turned to her husband with a troubled mien. “Perhaps we should abandon this business with Miss Bennet. I do not wish to cause difficulties within the family. Thomas does not truly care about the townhouse. He can buy another property.”
“There are no difficulties within the family,” the earl said gruffly. “She is not a member of the family.”
“No, but William is.”
The earl looked at his wife in consternation. “He would not cause trouble within the family over so trifling a matter.” His eyes then focused on Darcy. “Would you?”
Darcy held his uncle’s gaze steadily. “Without a second thought.”
Uncle John blinked and then blinked again, as if he could not believe his nephew had actually uttered those words. “What is Miss Bennet that you would value her fortune over your own flesh and blood?”
Darcy closed his eyes briefly, praying to find words that would not reveal too much. Then he opened his eyes, pacing restlessly to the other side of the room. “She is the woman who loved my cousin with her whole heart and has suffered grievously for his loss. She deserves our support, not our censure.”
The earl shook his head as he stared at his tea. “No. She is nothing but a fortune hunter, and you will never convince me otherwise.” He cleared his throat. “However, I will halt my efforts to challenge Richard’s will, if you wish.”
Darcy released a relieved breath. “I do.”
The earl sighed heavily. “Very well.”
Darcy stood, eager to quit a room so thick with tension and distrust. “I thank you, sir.”
Aunt Rachel stood as well. “I will walk you out, William.” Darcy’s breath caught. Had she guessed his feelings for Elizabeth?
They reached the elegant, marble-clad entrance hall, and a footman handed Darcy his hat. His aunt regarded him steadily. Fortunately, his aunt’s words put him at ease. “We should make preparations for Georgiana’s come out.”
Darcy donned his hat. “She has matured over the past year, and I believe the prospect is not as frightening to her as it once was.”