Page 66 of Shields and Roses

"I spoke with Martin a few minutes ago and he told me one of his men would be around shortly to convey then to the estate stables," Richard told them. "He expects that Mrs. Hanson will ride home from the ceremony with him."

"Mrs. Hanson will be happy to do exactly that," Anne replied.

Smiling, Richard said, "Mrs. Jenkinson has arranged a place for you to freshen up before the ceremony starts. I see her coming this way now along with Mrs. de Bourgh. Polly can go along with you. Darcy and I will join up with Sir Phillip and Martin and make any final preparations that are needed on our side. I look forward to witnessing this marriage, Anne. I know I speak for Darcy as well when I say that we hope you will be very happy. It has been a long time coming."

"I thank you for the good wishes and the help you both have given me. I might have made it here on my own, but it would have been a great deal more trouble. I want you to know that I appreciate you, cousins." She started to turn in the direction of Mrs. Jenkinson and Mrs. de Bourgh, but Richard stopped her.

"Before I forget, Anne, I have a small wedding present for you. It is just a little trinket I found in my travels but never had a chance to give you before this." He offered her a small carved wood box.

Curiously, Anne opened it. Inside was a necklace of delicate flower-patterned links with a pendant made from a carved pink stone that matched the design.

"The stone is rose quartz. It is not very valuable, but I thought it was pretty and it seemed appropriate for you," Richard explained.

"I will treasure it, Richard, and the lovely box as well. Thank you." She offered them both a very bright smile before heading to where the other ladies waited.

Darcy had a memory of a similar box but had not quite placed it when Richard clapped him on the back and said, "Come along, Will. It is time you met Martin Hanson."

Martin turned out to be a man of surprisingly small stature who had a slender, almost weedy look about him, especially when one took into account the curly shock of straw-colored hair that billowed about his head like dandelion fluff. While his overall look was boyish and unkempt, his bright blue eyes seemed to radiate intelligence and determination. Darcy's first impression as they were introduced was of a man who would find a way to deflect any trouble Lady Catherine might throw at him.

"I am a little surprised to see you here, Mr. Darcy," he said after the usual civilities were exchanged. "Anne has told me you have been more likely to see her mother's side of things rather than anyone else's."

Accepting the comment with a nod, Darcy said, "That has been true in the past. However, I have recently learned much that has challenged my view of the world and my perception of my aunt's place in it. Anne now has my firm support, as do my other family members who seek to counter Aunt Catherine's attempts to control them."

"I am glad to hear it. Anne has been worried about you, and your sister by extension. Hopefully, your new attitude will ease her mind. I look forward to hearing all about the ruse you used to spirit Anne away from Rosings Park today."

"Anne can tell you all of it at a better time," Richard broke in. "For now, we ought to have the wedding solemnized before anyone can interrupt the proceedings."

"I see your point," Martin agreed. "I will let my father know we can call the guests in, and I will put Mr. Nichols, the rector, on alert that we are about ready to begin. My brother is standing up with me, so I need to find him as well."

"I think I saw Viscount Bonner heading over to talk with Sir Phillip as we came in," Richard volunteered. "I will go let him know he is needed inside."

Before either of them could leave, Darcy asked, "Excuse the question, but does your family approve of this marriage? My aunt is not exactly an in-law to be desired."

Martin chuckled. "That is true, but despite Anne's mother, my family absolutely approves. In fact, even though they have had little actual contact with Anne, they are delighted to be gaining her as a daughter as well as gaining the connections to your families. Have no fear, they will treat her well."

"That was my concern," Darcy said. "Thank you for the reassurance."

With that, they parted to set things in motion for the wedding to begin.

~o~

It did not seem long at all before Darcy found himself signing the register as official witness to the marriage of Anne de Bourgh and Martin Hanson. He felt a sense of satisfaction that they had outsmarted his aunt and put Anne beyond her reach.

He and Richard wanted to get on the road for Meryton as soon as possible, so they declined the invitation from Martin's parents to join them for a celebratory meal. They did, however, stay long enough to talk with Sir Phillip to get news of Mr. Collins and any other problems he had noticed.

"I must admit to being worried," Sir Phillip told them as he accompanied them to the Darcy carriage. "I found out yesterday that she sent Collins off somewhere, but he had not told anyone where. He was curate for a nearby parish, you know. Well yesterday he left the position, taking all his personal goods with him when he went. Lady Catherine even provided a small carriage for his use, although it must have been the oldest and shabbiest she could find from all accounts. He has not shown up in Hunsford yet, though, so he must be running an errand for her somewhere."

"From the reports my father has sent me, Collins is not one to keep secrets very well. There was no hint of where he might have gone?" Richard asked.

"None. He is something of a blabbermouth in general, but when it comes to anything related to Lady Catherine, he is silent as the tomb."

"Well, I suppose there is nothing we can do about him now. If you hear anything else, write to me in care of Mr. Bennet of Longbourn, near the village of Meryton in Hertfordshire. He will know where I am for the near future. We have other plans of my aunt's to untangle there."

"I wish you luck at it. I need to get back to Mother. We are going to join the party up at the manor house. It seems Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have already left and most of the other guests are on their way."

"Have a drink for me," Richard said. "I think we will want to be well on our way before we break for food or drink today."

"We are going to wish we had already been on our way," Darcy said, catching sight of a familiar vehicle.