MR DARCY MAKES A PLAN AND GOD JUST LAUGHS
The morning after the dinner at Blessing House, there were new participants at the daily breakfast hosted by Miss Darcy. Lady Eleanor, Lawrence Holmes and young Dr Parton were greeted enthusiastically by the group, and quickly integrated into what was becoming a daily ritual surrounding the first meal of the day. The relationship of forces shifted with these new inductees. Richard Fitzwilliam spent his time bent on impressing only Lady Eleanor with his sparkling wit. This morning he ended his role as entertainer for all the unattached ladies, and instead focused on just one. Lawrence Holmes and Mary Bennet also renewed their discussion from the evening before, and soon became immersed in a conversation about the clergyman’s sources of inspiration each week for his sermon.
Kitty, Georgiana, Jane, Dr Parton and Mrs Annesley were the participants that had no special partner with which to commune. They formed a group and spent their time, once again, discussing Jamaica. During the discussion it was learned that the young physician had a collection of drawings he had made of Jamaica. Soon the group was discussing drawing and favourite subjects. All three artists in the group preferred nature as their subject, although Dr Parton had recently begun drawing people. He had been attracted to men and women at work during his last few months on the island. Those he felt were his best were of the local market that combined the sellers with their colourful produce and flowers. He promised to show them to the two young women when they visited Blessing.
“Dr Parton, Georgiana drew a very beautiful crayon picture of the swans on the lake at her home when she was just a little girl. She gave it to my sister, and it is proudly hanging on the wall in her bedroom. I am so looking forward to visiting Pemberley.” She gave her soon-to-be-relative a playful poke. “This one takes after her mother who was also was an artist. Mr Darcy gave Lizzy a copy of a painting she did of the most beautiful stone cottage with a waterfall in the background—she treasures it and the shawl it was wrapped in more than anything.”
Kitty’s praise brought a smile to the younger woman’s face. “I hope you will come to visit me soon and together we could engage a master to improve our skills. I told Elizabeth I wanted to go back to drawing, but it would be so much more enjoyable to have a partner as I develop my skill.”
Elizabeth had shown Jane Mr Darcy’s bathtub the day before. The two sisters had gone exploring into his rooms and both were awed by the size of his tub. Jane was certain this must be like the one that Mr Bingley was planning to manufacture. The oldest Miss Bennet had listened without speaking during the conversation about drawing. Suddenly she was seized by an idea. “Kitty, would you be willing to draw a picture of Mr Darcy’s bathtub? Having such a rendering of it would allow me to convince Mr Bingley that my idea of showing its picture to potential buyers has merit.”
Kitty smiling at her sister’s confidence in her abilities readily agreed.
Richard told the gathering that his family would be arriving the next day and hoped in the course of the celebration all would meet them. Of course, it was Lady Eleanor that was chief among those he wanted to introduce.
His announcement reminded Darcy he had never explored why Richard had written to his father hinting at his marriage to Elizabeth. His anger at his cousin’s indiscretion resurfaced, and he resolved to talk to him about the matter.
After the ladies had left for yet another shopping trip, Darcy invited his cousin into his office for a conference. It was obvious to Richard that his cousin was annoyed about something, and he suspected he knew the source of the anger.
Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled a chair up across from Darcy’s desk, leaned back and put his feet up on the highly polished walnut top. His cousin glared at him, stood and pushed his feet off with a growl. “Not only are you indiscreet, but you have developed crude habits since you have been in the military. I am sure your mother does not allow you to put your dirty boots on her furniture. The indiscretion, however, must have been an inherited trait. I cannot imagine officers are taught to reveal military plans to the enemy.”
Richard’s suspicions of the source of Darcy’s anger were now confirmed. He chuckled to himself at how wrought up his cousin could become over the most trivial matters. “So are you saying you see my parents as the enemy?”
“Of course not, but I am certain your father will communicate with Aunt Catherine. You do remember how rude she was to Elizabeth at Easter? I think even then she saw her as a rival for Anne.”
“Cousin, any woman with a pulse in your presence would be considered a rival to Aunt Cathy.”
“Yes, but she was particularly impolite in her questioning of Lizzy. Perhaps in another bout of talkativeness you revealed to our aunt that I was attracted to Mrs Collins’ friend.”
Richard chuckled at his cousin’s accusation, “How could I have told her you were attracted? I did not know for certain you were. You did seem to walk out every morning with the intention of meeting up with Miss Elizabeth in her favourite haunts. Then there was the look of delight on your face during your verbal jousting… that was there for everyone to see. However, sometimes it seemed as though the two of you truly had differences, and the tone became less like play jousting and more like actual fighting.”
Darcy shook his head in frustration even though he knew on this point his cousin was correct. Even Elizabeth had been taken unaware that day at Lady Catherine’s Grecian Temple. Still, he refused to let Richard off the hook, “If not for you and your loose lips, I might be married now… instead of worrying that once again the beast of Elizabeth’s misgivings will rear its ugly head, and she will call off the wedding. She recently voiced her apprehension that my family will not approve of her.”
“What did I do to keep you from being married?”
“The day I proposed in Kent…”
Richard looked both amused and stunned at his cousin’s news and interrupted him.
“You proposed in Kent?”
“I did, and she refused.”
A snort of laughter was released by the colonel, “Well that explains your abominable ill humour during our return to London. You are rich. Some say you are handsome. What were her reasons?”
“Chief among her reasons was my role in separating Bingley from her sister.” Darcy knew this was not precisely conclusive, but he did not want to reveal all the epithets that were hurled that day. “I have learned it was from you she had just received that intelligence.”
Richard’s face reflected something other than mirth. “How interesting you did not learn of the other topic we discussed that morning. Had I acted on my feelings, you might not have had even a remote chance of meeting Miss Elizabeth at the altar.”
This conversation was not going as Darcy had hoped, and the look on his cousin’s face appeared to contain a bit of rivalry, “What do you mean?”
Richard still sporting a semi-serious look challenged his cousin as he said, “We talked of marriage that morning. The thought of proposing to her had been on my mind for several days. She was a woman with whom I believe I could have been content… nay, more than content… I am certain I would have found great enjoyment in her company.” Darcy saw a flicker of passion on his cousin’s face that enhanced the jealousy he had begun to feel. But the touch of lust he detected was soon replaced by a boastful look of resolve, “On the other hand, as I explained to her that day, I was poor and it was through marriage that I hoped to be relieved of my state of self-denial and dependence.”
Darcy was struck by the crassness of Richard’s words, and he compared his own fears and anxiety as he had prepared himself to propose to her that morning in Kent. Listening to his cousin caused him to feel sadness for Elizabeth and for all women. Their lot was to wait, and hope an offer would come from a man worth having, “What did she say to this talk?”
“She laughed and questioned whether the younger son of an earl knew much of either self-denial or dependence. In the course of our conversation, she expressed disbelief that I had been prevented by want of money from going wherever I chose or procuring anything I fancied. Obviously, it became my lot to spell out the difficulties in pursuing a marriage of affection. My intentions were never specific with regards her, but I did tell her outright that younger sons cannot marry where they like.” Colonel Fitzwilliam was back to enjoying the humour of his exchange with Miss Elizabeth, “I will always remember her wry response. ‘Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.’ Our discussion had a foot in the camp of both philosophy and nonsense.”
Darcy was able to relax once her jesting words were relayed, “How so?”
“After I stated that few in my position could afford to wed without some attention to money, she blushed seeming to know my intent but quickly recovered. Her talent for delivering barbs laced with sugar was evident immediately. She asked and answered the question as to the price of an earl’s younger son. After qualifying the need based on the health of the elder brother, she determined that if he were robust, it certainly could be as much as fifty thousand pounds.”
Darcy could not help himself. He laughed. His Elizabeth was as the virtuous woman in Proverbs… her price truly was far above rubies. He relaxed when he realized his cousin, despite his glib charm, had never had a chance to win her. For a few seconds, he smiled dreamily off into space; but soon he came back to the problem at hand. The conversation had strayed from his original purpose, “Richard, I need to prepare for what I fear will be a confrontation with your father. I am certain his trip to London includes the need to question me about my attachment. What exactly did you tell him about Elizabeth?”
“I told him you seemed quite taken with her and I expected a betrothal soon. Besides telling me of your admiration when we met upon your return from Derbyshire, the evidence of the depth of your devotion was obvious when I observed your actions with regards her sister. Cousin, you were proclaiming your blame for the dilemma—because you had not checked Wickham’s dealings with the young women of Hertfordshire. However, it was clear to everyone that your regard for Miss Elizabeth was at the heart of your actions. I wanted my mother and father to know that you were poised to achieve the happiness they had wished for you since the death of your parents. They are not the enemy, Darcy. Elizabeth will be able to win them over easily.”
The words of Richard’s response were designed to reassure, but they also betrayed a bit of defensiveness. Darcy felt the need to continue his probe, “Did you mention Lord Colton and Lydia in your letter?”
His cousin shook his head in exasperation when it became clear Darcy was not ready to let the subject drop, “My letter was written shortly after Miss Lydia’s rescue, and you had just begun meeting with her father. It seemed obvious you were requesting permission to court Miss Elizabeth. Lord Colton and Lydia had not yet met.”
The nature of Darcy’s apprehension became clear with his next statement. “I fear the news of Lydia’s elopement and quick betrothal will raise concerns for the earl with regard gossip about our family. Lady Catherine has a history with the Earl of Blessing, and I am worried she will become inflamed for other reasons than just my being removed as a husband for Anne.”
Richard nodded at his cousin’s words. “My father has talked of Lord Blessing over the years. They know each other from the House of Lords, of course, but it sounds as though they were friends at one time during their youth. All the great Derbyshire families seemed to have spent much more time in company during that age. Our generation has not been as close. Although I wish we had. Perhaps, I would have already won the hand of the beautiful Lady Eleanor. I only became friends with her brother at Mrs Teasewell’s.”
Darcy decided to ignore Richard’s attempt to divert the conversation in the direction of his matrimonial pursuit. He needed to determine the nature of the grilling he should expect from his uncle. “Does your father know that Mrs T is Lord Colton’s aunt?”
Richard’s face once again reflected his natural tendency to bleed information. “Yes, it was during a conversation about her establishment that I learned they had known each other years ago. He told me she was the sister of the Earl of Blessing.”
With a smirk, Darcy said, “I see a familial pattern of indiscretion here.”
“Darcy you judge us too harshly. During this particular discussion, he was not gossiping but was detailing the reasons he sent James and me to her place at your father’s suggestion. He was convinced it would protect us from unscrupulous women, and allow us to marry for the right reasons.”
Shaking his head, Darcy’s smirk melted into disdain, “And what would those right reasons be?”
“My father is not as big a proponent of marriage for love as your father was, but he is not without the belief that a successful marriage should be about more than just status and connections.”
This time an audible chuckle was heard from Darcy, “I see you left out money. What prompted such a discussion?”
“We were discussing marriage shortly after I had been promoted to Captain. At the time, I was infatuated with Bella, and he became frightened when I told him I wanted to find someone just like her to marry. My confession prompted his need for frankness. I believe he feared I might act in a rash manner, and enter into a secret marriage with her.” Richard laughed at his youthful infatuation, “I believe the Curzon Street location of the house made him jump to that conclusion. Darce, the other thing we talked about is, I am sure, going to make you angry. In my defence, I told him you also thought very highly of her.”
Darcy looked startled at his cousin’s words, “You said what?” He stood up and began pacing the room. “Richard, have you no sense of what is appropriate to say about others. You had no right to tell your father about my supposed feelings for Bella.”
“Darcy you are over reacting. All I did was tell him how we both thought she looked like Titian’s Venus that we had seen in Florence, and nonsense about our certainty she was the living manifestation of the goddess… and how talented she was in the use of her mouth.”
Darcy stopped pacing and looked at his cousin as though he was daft, “Richard, I was sixteen years old when I said those things.”
Richard knew he was guilty, but the military man in him refused to concede. “Yes, but you have also told me she became your friend over the years.”
This time he received a glare from his cousin, “Richard, how did you jump from friendship to insinuating romantic feelings?”
With a bit of a whine the colonel said, “I just told him you thought highly of her.”
Once again, shaking his head in exasperation at his cousin’s refusal to surrender he said, “Yes, immediately after you told him you wanted to marry someone like her who had such a talented mouth.”
“Darcy, I am sorry. It was many years ago, and I was trying to dig myself out of a hole with my father. I used you in an attempt to persuade my father that neither of us had any true matrimonial plans for Bella. He has always believed you to be more aware of duty and obligations.”
Settling on a pained expression Darcy ended the topic. “I certainly hope you managed to persuade him of your point. This conversation has left me with such a feeling of dread that your indiscretion will lead to my hopes and dreams being delayed once again.”
The Earl of Elderton and his family arrived in London on Friday, two days after the celebratory dinner at Blessing House. Richard was summoned home to dine with his parents and brother and sister-in-law. He was hoping his parents would not be offended if he planned to continue to stay at Blessing House. Where he slept was not his concern, as much as maintaining the right to breakfast each day at Darcy House. He had grown accustomed to spending time with all the lovely young ladies, and of course he was truly inspired by the thought of eating his first meal of the day with Lady Eleanor, the goddess of the hunt.
Colonel Fitzwilliam soon learned that his cousin’s fears were about to be realized. His Aunt Catherine and Cousin Anne were descending upon his father’s London townhouse the very next day. Her letter had been waiting for the earl. It had declared that the reputation of their family was at stake, and Darcy must be stopped.
After dinner, the Earl of Elderton met with both his sons to discuss the rapidly approaching wedding of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Once the three gentlemen were comfortably seated and had helped themselves to brandy, their father began questioning his youngest. “Why would your aunt see this marriage as disastrous to our family’s name? Who is this girl?”
Richard’s loyalties in this matter were with his cousin. He put on a serious military face and looked his father in the eye. “Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She is a gentlemen’s daughter. Her father’s family has had a modest estate in Hertfordshire for more than a century. I met her last year at Easter when she was visiting Hunsford. She is cousin to Mr Collins, Lady Catherine’s parson, and is best friends with his wife.”
The earl’s gaze was calm as he evaluated his son’s words and face for any sign of trouble. “I must admit Darcy’s need to get married so quickly does make it appear that something is amiss. I received your letter and initially had thoughts of joy for my nephew; but his speed to wed… my sister’s concerns make me wary that there is more than meets the eye with this affair. Luckily we were planning to spend a few months in London.”
The Earl of Elderton and the Viscount Lillebridge watched as Richard’s face shifted out of his serious bearing into an expression of hope. “This woman is perfect for Darcy. You will know as soon as you meet her. She has brought out the spirit of fun in him I remember from when we were boys. For the last ten days or so, I have been spending time with both her family and Lord Colton’s. The honour of being allowed to be part of their ranks as they prepare for the weddings has been all mine. You will not believe how changed Georgiana is from spending time with Miss Elizabeth and her sisters.”
His lordship had a momentary look of alarm on his face at his son’s last statement. “Changed, in what way?”
Richard chuckled inwardly at his father’s fearful expression. What did he think this gaggle of young women staying at Darcy House could have done to his beloved baby sister’s daughter? “She is significantly less shy and withdrawn. Darcy and I were quite worried about her after the debacle at Ramsgate. Relating to Miss Elizabeth and her sisters has given her a much-needed woman’s perspective on her troubles. They are all protective of her, and she has become the sixth sister. She smiles, she participates in conversations, she acts the hostess and she laughs. In fact, laughter seems to be the order of the day when I am around these families.”
Richard’s brother James, the Viscount Lillebridge, spoke for the first time. “I have seen the notices in the paper. This Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s sister is marrying Lord Colton at the same time. How did both of these weddings come about so quickly?”
Richard pondered whether he should tell his father and brother about Lydia’s elopement with Wickham. His conversation with Darcy had made him hesitant, after being labelled indiscreet. However, Darcy had said that Mr Collins had been sent by their aunt to chastise Mr Bennet for the licentious behaviour of his daughter. In the course of delivering his message, Mrs Bennet had told him of the double wedding and its participants. Mr Collins would keep nothing from Lady Catherine. When she arrived the next day his father would most certainly and most vehemently hear her side of the story. After much internal debate, he decided to tell the truth of what happened between Lydia and Wickham and her subsequent betrothal to Lord Colton. He studied his father and brother’s faces as he told his tale. Since he was being asked about both weddings he decided to start at the beginning with what he knew of Darcy’s meeting Miss Elizabeth in Hertfordshire.
His audience listened attentively as he told of how long Darcy had been enamoured with Elizabeth and the only time they belayed any surprise was when Richard told them of the proposal in Kent and her refusal. He observed what he had hoped for with that tidbit. They both recognized that she was not marrying Darcy for either position or money.
When finished, he waited patiently for either his father or brother to comment. It was several minutes before the earl spoke. His face betrayed nothing of his feelings one way or the other. His words, however, did. “I have known the Earl of Blessing since I was twelve. He is a good man and we were once great friends. There was even hope, at least on Catherine’s part, that our families would be joined. He had no such desire; and your aunt harbours resentment toward him. We all know her to be a bitter woman and this is one source of her discontent. I fear poor Darcy and this Miss Elizabeth Bennet are situated in the eye of a thirty-year-old storm.”
Richard’s father stopped to sip his brandy and seemed to be remembering the past. “Your cousin has had to put up with Lady Catherine’s preposterous contention that she and my sister Anne had agreed their children should marry. Anne’s death gave her the opportunity to promote that myth. Lucky for you, James, your mother is alive and well; or she might have made the same contention with regards a marriage to you.”
Lord Elderton shook his head while wearing a bemused smile. “Probably not… she knows I would never have allowed her to get away with such a fabrication. Your uncle would not have put up with her nonsense regarding his son, if he was still alive.” His attention seemed to wander for a minute before he spoke again. “George Darcy and the Earl of Blessing were both adamant that marriage should be about love. They were the talk of ton for their beliefs.” His Lordship’s mind seemed to return to the present and his duty. “Fate can be cruel, and Darcy has had no protector from your aunt’s fantasy these past five years. I knew what his parents wanted for him and I am now shamed by my negligence. As head of this family, I should have put a stop to her nonsense. The irony of Catherine’s claim is that she was vehemently opposed to Anne marrying George at the time. As a young woman, titles were much more important than wealth to her.”
Again there was a lull in the conversation as all three participants seemed to be digesting the news that had been revealed. Finally James spoke. “Richard, when will Maria and I meet Miss Elizabeth? I have always admired Darcy. He has—and I know Father agrees with me—always been most cognizant of duty and honour, while at the same time eschewing that which is superficial and crass.”
Lord Elderton spoke to his oldest son’s request. “Tell Darcy we will see him and greet all his soon-to-be relations at Saint James on Sunday. Further, assure my nephew, I will caution Lady Catherine to behave when she arrives tomorrow. Lastly, tell him I would like to meet with him on Monday. I do not plan to object, but I would feel more comfortable hearing of this attachment from him.”
James told Richard he and Lady Lillebridge believed she was with child. The conversation then turned to the topic of hope for the next heir to Elderton. Richard confessed to his father and brother of his enjoyment at being often in the company of the Earl of Blessing’s daughter. The discussion that had started with a heaviness of purpose, ended with the sharing of joyful news, and Richard encouraged his father to tell his mother of the seriousness of his feelings for Lady Eleanor.
As the conference was breaking up, the Earl of Elderton winked at his younger son and said, “I hope to be able to reacquaint myself with the Earl of Blessing as well on Sunday. Perhaps, I will be able to put in a good word for my son.”
Richard’s face took on a look of sadness. “Father, I am not certain you will see him until the wedding. He is dying, and while he seemed lively and joyful enough at Blessing House the other night at dinner; he tires easily and is never far from his physician.
His father, who was of an age that hearing of the death of a friend from his youth was becoming more commonplace, sighed with regret.
Lady Catherine arrived the next day. Her brother greeted her warmly, but said he and James were off to White’s. With the promise they could catch up at dinner, Lord Elderton and Lord Lillebridge were out the door. The Countess had Lady Catherine and Anne shown to their rooms to refresh themselves and rest after their journey.
Several hours later, Lady Catherine met with her sister-in-law, Lady Elderton. Anne and Lady Lillebridge were both feeling poorly and remained upstairs in their rooms. It had been years since the two older women had engaged in a tête-à-tête without the presence of others. Lady Catherine’s plan to confront her brother this afternoon with her concerns had been thwarted. Instead, she decided to use her time alone with her sister-in-law wisely. The Countess was a sweet woman and a good match for Henry. The Lady Cassandra had also been the daughter of an earl when she caught her brother’s eye. In addition to her excellent connections, she had brought a substantial dowry to the marriage. A pretty face and a docile manner had been the attributes that had attracted her brother. Still even after all these years, he continued to have great affection for her.
The Countess of Elderton had one vice and her sister-in-law planned to exploit it. She enjoyed gossip… not gossip intended to hurt, but instead for its entertainment value. Lady Catherine knew Henry would not have chosen Cassandra if her tongue had been vicious in nature, but with a little encouragement perhaps there was some nugget she could dislodge that would help Catherine in her quest to break up both couples before the twenty-fourth. She had little concern for the damage rumours of weddings cancelled so precipitously would create for her family—particularly her niece, Georgiana. Her life was far removed from the talk of the ton. Her aim was pure malevolent revenge.
The opening to pursue her gambit came when she asked the nature of her brother’s visit to White’s.
He is testing the temperature of the gossip about Darcy and Lord Colton’s wedding. It seems Miss Lydia Bennet was fooled by the same young man that trifled with Georgiana.
Lady Catherine was pleased with her brother’s mission and his knowledge of the folly of the Bennet’s youngest daughter, “Yes I heard about that business. My parson is the Bennet’s cousin, and he said Miss Lydia was quite wanton in her ways. Is Henry gathering ammunition to object?”
Her pleasure soon dissipated with Cassandra’s next words, “No, he seems quite resolved to give his support, and just wants to be prepared for how best to accomplish that. Richard persuaded his father that Darcy has found the sort of woman Lady Anne and George would have wanted for their son. He says the entire Bennet family is delightful, and he is enjoying spending time with them as they prepare for the wedding.”
Lady Catherine was not to be deterred from her mission. She hoped her brother had not spoken of her pursuit of the Earl of Blessing. It had happened before he wed Lady Cassandra. With luck that bit of history had not been shared. If he had, her sister-in-law could become suspicious with her next line of questioning, “What does Richard say of Lord Colton and his family?”
Cassandra’s face was guileless as she said, “Not much except that he admires his sister, and is spending a great deal of time with her family. Blessing House is where he is currently residing until after the wedding. One other bit of information is that Richard told his father the Earl of Blessing is dying, and seemed particularly joyful he will see his son and heir wed.”
Lady Catherine realized as she heard the news of Lord Blessing’s impending death that she had no feelings for this man she had hoped to marry so many years ago. She schooled her face to register simple curiosity as she asked. “What of his sister, Lady Sarah? Is she participating in the celebration? I had heard some rumours about her, but I am unable to remember what they were.”
Catherine’s sister-in-law now had a very juicy topic about which to gossip, and her face registered her enjoyment. She lowered her voice to speak her next bit of intelligence. “Oh yes, she has a very wild history. Very few in London know, but she runs a very elite brothel. Henry told me I was never to speak of her business to anyone. However, I am sure he did not mean you.” She leaned in to whisper. “George Darcy encouraged him to send James and Richard to her for an education in the ways of love. I was opposed at first. However, he won me over by suggesting that my boys would have an outlet for their youthful lust, and would not be rushed into marriage for the wrong reasons.”
Assuming the same whispered tone as Cassandra, she pursued this highly scandalous topic. “George knew of her place? Did he send his son to her?” She doubted that the Bennet family knew of this particular point of her nephew’s history. Could she use this to disrupt their daughters’ plans?
Lady Elderton continued to bleed information her husband had told her in confidence. “Yes, he took him when he was sixteen. James and Richard were a few years older when they went. Later, Henry became quite concerned he had made a mistake. It seems Richard and Darcy became enamoured of one of the young women there. I remember her name was Bella because Henry related a story about the two and the young woman. It seemed Richard always called her ‘beautiful Bella’, and Darcy insisted every time he heard the phrase that it was redundant.” Lady Cassandra seemed to be chuckling at some of the antics she had observed between Darcy and Richard over the years. “Those two boys are closer than even James and Richard.”
Lady Catherine began to develop a plan. If her brother would not intervene, she would. Cassandra told her Henry planned to meet with Darcy on Monday. She would wait until that meeting was concluded, and her nephew was lulled into a sense of security. Then she would strike on Tuesday. Should she blackmail her nephew with revealing his dalliance with this Bella, or devastate Miss Elizabeth with the news?
Tuesday morning found Lady Catherine travelling to Darcy House to confront her nephew. The past few days had allowed her to craft her plan of vengeance. She decided to confront her nephew and threaten to expose his visits to Lady Sarah’s establishment. He would most certainly brush that aside, but then she would tell him of her knowledge of his plan to marry this country nobody and continue his relationship with Bella, the harlot, on the side.
That was what Sir Lewis had done to her. He had told her shortly after their wedding that his reason for marrying her was he believed she was the type of wife who would not complain. He knew all she wanted was his estate and wealth, so certainly she did not expect loyalty. She had not, but her mortification at the excesses of his degeneracy, had forced her to rarely leave Kent.
Her nephew was very different. His reputation as an honourable man was most important to him. He would not want Miss Elizabeth Bennet to know of his depraved plans. No, not she who had rejected him once… what a revelation that had been from her sister-in-law… she was certain Darcy would break off their betrothal rather than subjecting her and himself to a public humiliation because of his need to satisfy his lust. Cassandra had divulged that Henry had seemed to consider her rejection most pertinent information in defence of this marriage.
When she was arrived at Darcy House, she could hear the lilt of girlish laughter somewhere in the house. This momentarily confused her, but she proceeded on her course. She asked the footman for her nephew and was told he was not at home. Just then Miss Elizabeth Bennet dressed to go out for a walk appeared. In that instant, Lady Catherine changed her plan.
Donning her most haughty expression and curling her lip in disdain, she sneered at the young woman before her. “Miss Bennet, I see you have already made your arts and allurements available to my nephew by moving into the mistress chambers. What a clever way to ensure he is unable to back out of this preposterous marriage.”
Elizabeth was speechless. The only thing she could think of at the moment was keeping this confrontation from her sisters, Georgiana and Lady Eleanor. Lady Catherine had just accused her of wanton behaviour in front of a servant. How could she ever be the mistress of this house now that she had been so cruelly exposed? Her voice cracked the first time she attempted to answer. Finally, despite every fibre of her body shaking with a combination of anger and mortification, she managed to speak. “Lady Catherine, please come with me. We should have some privacy if we are to discuss my betrothal and wedding.” Elizabeth took the older woman’s arm and proceeded to drag her in the direction of Fitzwilliam’s study.
Lady Catherine continued to speak most indiscreetly as they moved out of the entrance and down the hall. “Your own conscience, must tell you why I come. My nephew must be protected from you and your disreputable family; and you need to know exactly why he is willing to lower his standards to offer for you."
Elizabeth stopped pulling Lady Catherine. Those last words had caused Elizabeth to look at her with utter astonishment. Her words were ominous and filled with venom. Suddenly, she realized for Georgiana’s sake she must remove this woman from the hall.
When Elizabeth had her within a few feet of her destination, she spoke again. This time Lady Catherine’s words were expelled in an extremely loud and angry tone. "Miss Bennet, take your hands from me. I came here today to confront my nephew with my knowledge of his outrageous plan for your marriage. Now that I am here, I realize things are worse than I suspected. It is obvious Darcy has been seduced into engaging in scandalous behaviour before he has said his vows. The depth of his depravity is beyond belief… that he would engage in such acts with my niece in the house. You and your sister are obviously very adept at making men desire you. My character has never been celebrated for that kind of skill, but instead for its sincerity and frankness.
Elizabeth stared speechless upon hearing the words of indictment coming from her betrothed’s aunt.
“Since my nephew is not here, I will inform you of the degenerate scheme he has concocted for this union. A report of a most alarming nature became known to me when I arrived in London. You are someone with whom he can trifle, and with such low connections you will be in no position to question his dalliances after you are wed. He will be married to you, but will be free to continue to frequent a certain courtesan named Bella. They have been involved with each other since they were sixteen. I believe Lord Colton has a similar plan for your sister. What could be more perfect for their degenerate needs than to be wed to two country simpletons who will play the role of loving complaisance to cover their illicit affairs?”
Outside in the hall all of the young women and Mrs Annesley had heard Lady Catherine’s last words. For a few seconds, they just stared at each other with round eyes and open mouths. Jane took command of the situation. She sent Lydia and Lady Eleanor to Blessing House to bring Mr Darcy. She told them to go as quickly as possible and asked them to stay there until the crisis was over. She asked Mrs Annesley to take Mary, Kitty and Georgiana upstairs where she would join them shortly. Jane was particularly worried about Georgiana, for she was pale, trembling and looked as if she might faint. Before Mrs Annesley took them upstairs, The oldest Miss Bennet told her that she thought Miss Darcy might need some laudanum.
Elizabeth was finally able to close and lock the door. Lady Catherine’s hateful words were swirling in her head, and she struggled to make sense of them. Everything she knew of Will Darcy said her words were untrue, but still there was this niggling doubt that perhaps… Her Ladyship sat in one of the two guest chairs as though it was a throne. “When do you expect Mr Darcy to return? It is he I came to see.”
Elizabeth continued to stand in defiance. She wondered whether it was a betrayal to answer her questions. The need to defend her honour won out over thoughts of loyalty. If this vicious woman knew there was no impropriety in the sleeping arrangements, perhaps she would leave. Her next words were delivered in a quiet voice while staring at the floor, “Your nephew is not staying here. He is across the square at Blessing House.”
The older woman’s cane was rapped on the floor like a sceptre. Elizabeth startled by the noise, lifted her eyes. “So you say. Tell your lover I expect him to pay a call to his uncle’s house. I must be allowed to express my disapproval of his behaviour in person. If my sister were alive, she would never tolerate such wanton licentiousness in her son. It is his father’s fault. He promoted these proclivities.”
Elizabeth was struck by her mention of Lady Anne and realized there was a flaw in Lady Catherine’s allegations. Screwing up her courage, her hope was to confront the harridan. She forced her voice to be firm and even a bit commanding. “Why if Mr Darcy is so depraved were you hoping for a marriage between him and your daughter?”
Lady Catherine paused and seemed to attempt to recover from Elizabeth’s most impertinent question. “I only just learned of his long time liaison with this Bella woman. Colonel Fitzwilliam told his father, the Earl of Elderton, of her. It seems they have shared her for many years. Now that I know of their degenerate ways, I will never let either of them visit my daughter again.”
Doubt crept back up Elizabeth’s throat. She could taste the bile of uncertainty. While fighting those feelings, she made a valiant effort to defend both herself and Will. Gathering herself up to her full height and donning her own haughty expression, she spoke. “I refuse to believe there is any foundation for your accusations.”
“This is not to be borne! Miss Bennet you must think me a fool. In a moment of infatuation with your wanton ways, you made Darcy forget what he owes to his family."
Once again Elizabeth heard an inconsistency in her ladyship’s argument. She pounced on the discrepancy and gained some momentum in taking on this vile woman. “Lady Catherine of what, exactly, are you charging me? Am I your nephew’s fool, or am I a woman of ill repute who has captured his lustful eye.” She paused and pointed at his imperious aunt. “I believe you are saying anything that suits you. None of your accusations contain any truth.” Elizabeth knew at least one thing she had said was valid, but she refused to allow her to observe any hint of her guilt.
Lady Catherine hesitated, but she was not finished spewing cruelty. “You and your sister deserve to be censured, slighted, and despised by every one of quality. Both of you are morally reprehensible, and your alliances will be viewed as a disgrace among the ton. If the two of you were sensible of your family’s honour, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up or expose your licentiousness to scrutiny."
“In marrying your nephew and Lord Colton, we would not be quitting that sphere. They are gentlemen and we are a gentleman's daughters… so far we are equal." Elizabeth who was losing her will to continue this battle, neglected to answer her ladyship on the subject of wanton behaviour.
"Miss Bennet, I am shocked. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. I am leaving now, but do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever concede. You and your sister will not marry on Thursday." With those words she arose from her chair and pointed her cane toward the door.
Elizabeth unlocked the door as she assumed was the gesture’s demand. She too wanted this interview over, and she was tired of trying to hide her uncertainty. However, she determined to fire one parting shot. “Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary allegation of both your nephew’s and my degeneracy have been as frivolous as it was ill-judged. I will give Mr Darcy your message."
“You are an unfeeling, selfish girl, without principles and an abominable sense of decency. I am most seriously displeased!”
Elizabeth gave the older woman a push out the door. She knew that if she did not get her out of her sight she would begin sobbing; and her advantage in this macabre play would be lost. As calm as possible given the circumstances, she said, "Lady Catherine, I have nothing more to say. You know my sentiments." The instant the older woman’s body had cleared the doorway, Elizabeth closed and relocked the door. She fell into one of the chairs, hugged herself and began rocking.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh stiffened when the country upstart gave her a push through the door and practically slammed it behind her. She knew the gesture was a sign of disrespect, but the evidence of this young woman’s anger… and yes, even desperation was a good sign. A smug smile graced her countenance as she heard the key turn in the lock. Surely she had found Miss Bennet’s Achilles heel. The fool wanted to marry for love. She had refused a secure life with Mr Collins and had even refused her nephew the first time. A woman with any sense would care less whether her husband planned to dally after marriage, as long as she was the one with the honour of being his wife. Not to mention the one who had the right to the precedence of place and the money bestowed by the settlement. This young woman had no notion of the prize that was Pemberley. She would pollute its value with her hopelessly romantic ideas.
Before she had entered her nephew’s office, she had seen out of the corner of her eye a gaggle of girls with mouths gaping open in disbelief and horror at her words. She was certain she had seen her niece… pale and shaking. She wondered which one had been the future Countess of Blessing. Her hope as she prepared to leave was that she had managed to kill two birds with one stone, and that she was as silly as her sister.
Currently there was only a regal looking young woman with fair hair in the entranceway. She glowered at Lady Catherine as she waved her cane at the footman to open the door for her. The Grecian goddess actually had the audacity to speak, and her words were delivered with a sneer. “You are a despicable woman… I say woman because you are no lady… you have no sense of proper decorum. You said the vilest things about my sister and Mr Darcy… here in his home… in front of his sister and his servants. I see what you are about, and you will not succeed. To be in their presence for only a few minutes is to know how true and powerful their love is.”
Lady Catherine seethed at her words, but refused to be led astray from her mission. She left the house without giving the young woman a glance. Once outside, she stood on the top step of the entrance to Darcy House and looked across the square to the house of which she had aspired to be mistress. Had she been successful she might have been less hostile to her sister marrying George Darcy. What would it have mattered if Lady Anne had not had a title if she had one, and it would have been convenient for their children to be able to play together in the park when in town? Perhaps there might have been more than just one child for her as there would have been no fear that the Earl of Blessing would have brought home a disease to give to her or pass it on to any children she might have.
About a third of the way across the park she saw a very tall young woman supporting another woman. The smaller of the two appeared quite distraught. She smiled with satisfaction at the scene. The one in agony must surely be the object of her vengeance.