by Kate Speck
“It is yours as Mrs. Darcy, Elizabeth. I have another with my initials on it that I use.” Mr. Darcy stood behind a chair and watched her as she read the letter.
Elizabeth saw only a short note and frowned.
I forgive you, Anne.
Darcy
“I do not understand, William,” she said in confusion. “Why have you carried this with you all this time? Forgive her for what? Did you jilt her from the engagement as Lady Catherine mentioned?”
Mr. Darcy took the letter from her and lit a match to burn the corner and tossed it into the fireplace. He moved to sit next to Elizabeth and lifted her up onto his lap then kissed her lips several times before he answered. “I did jilt her, in a sense. I broke off the understanding four months after I proposed when I returned home from university and found her pregnant at about three months along. She had given herself to another man after becoming engaged to me and she was one of the few whom I had told of the prophecy. She believed her place so secure that I would be committed to her no matter what and was seduced by another man. He was one of the tenants at Pemberley and my father was outraged and sent him packing off the property after I told him why I was terminating the betrothal. I wrote that letter, believing that I had to dedicate myself to her no matter what because of the prophecy, but did not give it to her because I could not forgive her. I could not bear to even look at her again and I held on to the letter as a reminder to guard my heart always and stopped believing in the prophecy, staying away from women to focus on my work instead. I tried to not pay attention to any of the gossip and although it was embarrassing, no blame was laid at my door and other rumours soon replaced my story and few speak of it now. It still lingers, it seems, and even Georgiana has heard of it, but it matters naught. As long as you will marry me, as long as you will be my wife, I will beg and grovel and be committed to you for the rest of my life.”
Elizabeth kissed his lips, “I will never betray you, William.” She touched her forehead with his, “Did you love her very much? Were you... could she possibly have had your child if the timing was...”
“No, my love.” He placed his thumb on her lips. “I was ready to make you my wife in body today but I had wished to wait with her. I do not think I truly loved her, Elizabeth. I thought of her while I was convalescing and I honestly knew very little of her character and desires in life. She was someone that I enjoyed to have on my arm and although it had been pleasant to remember her at times while I was finishing up university, I was busy with my studies and assignments and thought little of her. You, I think of you constantly and I am far too distracted when you are near because all I want is to hold you and make love to you. You brought me hope as no one had ever done before and I would give up everything for you. I was prepared to leave Pemberley so I could stay with you if wished to abscond with me. We will not anticipate our vows and I promise to cherish you all of my days.”
Elizabeth’s eyes shined with his declaration and knew with certainty that he was the best of men. “William, your prophecy, I do believe there is some truth to it. I know you will be dedicated to me for all of your days but perhaps the first part warrants consideration. Can you tell me word for word what was said?”
Mr. Darcy smiled as he completed trailing his kisses on her temple, “The old woman told my mother, ‘Your son’s future lies in the hands of one who carries his mother’s name. He will be kept safe if he dedicates himself to his lady’s service for all his days.’ It was the babbling of a mad woman who was never be seen again. She was a gypsy travelling through Derbyshire and some swore by her and called her a great prophetess but I am certain she must have been insane.” He asked after Elizabeth’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, “What is it, my dear? I hope you have no plans to break off our engagement. I will kidnap you to Scotland and marry you immediately if you think to change your mind.”
Elizabeth laughed merrily, “No, William! I plan on becoming your wife proudly and although I dearly wish to see Scotland someday, I have no intention of being kidnapped anytime soon. I only wondered if you are aware of my full name. Georgiana told me that you are Fitzwilliam Alexander Percy Darcy and although my name is quite plain compared to yours, there are still several things that you do not know about me.”
“And what is your name, madam?” He ran his lips against her neck and décolletage, “Elizabeth Grace Bennet is a beautiful name; more beautiful than any other name in my heart.”
Elizabeth breathed out as his kisses intensified, “It is Elizabeth Grace Anne. I am Elizabeth Grace Anne Bennet.”
His mouth was on hers and they kissed ardently until there were several knocks on the library’s door. They broke apart from each other and Mr. Darcy walked to the door to open it only slightly, hiding his ardour behind the panel. “What is it, Richard? I am with Elizabeth.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam winked and whispered, “Still dressed? But I see I interrupted you and I do apologise, cousin. I received word from Leigh that Wickham finally broke. He did not say much but he confessed that it is a woman but has not revealed her name. The mastermind and the one funding the plot is some wealthy woman bent on revenge.” He immediately closed his mouth and bowed his head when Elizabeth approached the door and Darcy opened it wider.
“Richard, I would like to speak with Wickham myself but please do allow me to formally introduce to you the love of my life, Elizabeth Grace Anne Bennet, soon to be Darcy.” Mr. Darcy beamed proudly. “I am now fully convinced that the prophecy is true, as I will be dedicated to my lady’s happiness for all of my days.”
Elizabeth laughed, “And I will be dedicated to yours, sir.” She curtsied to both men, “I will see if Jane requires my help. She not only has Miss Bingley to manage but now Lady Catherine is under her roof and I cannot imagine two worse houseguests!” She laughed and walked to look for her sister while Mr. Darcy and his cousin conversed quietly in the library before heading to the cottage.
Chapter 25
Elizabeth wondered if her diary’s Anne could possibly be Anne Chapman, the woman who had committed a terrible wrong against Mr. Darcy, and if she had died some time ago that she could be now trying to right that wrong. She shook her head in amusement as she approached Jane, who was flustered with Mrs. Nicholls, the housekeeper, who was reporting to her that Miss Bingley had insisted before her departure to her dinner engagement, that Lady Catherine should be given her due as a daughter of an earl and be placed the largest guestroom and that Elizabeth, being merely the sister of the mistress, should immediately be removed to the farthest bedroom in the other wing.
“Jane, Jane,” Elizabeth calmed her sister as she rubbed her hands on Jane’s shoulders. “Take a moment to breathe. Lady Catherine came into your home unannounced and Miss Bingley has no idea of the purpose of her visit here. Mr. Darcy will become angry if you move me for the sake of his aunt’s comfort but I absolutely agree that her ladyship should be given her due. That also goes for Miss Bingley, Jane. As the mere sister of the master here, I believe her rooms should be given to Lady Catherine immediately, as it is truly the best rooms after the Master and Mistress suites and Mr. Darcy’s rooms, do you not agree? Mr. Darcy will not tolerate his rooms being changed but Miss Bingley, by her own logic, should readily give up her rooms. You are the mistress here, Janey, and it is your decision. It will be dark soon and she will have to stay for the night but let us give every comfort we can give to Lady Catherine and her daughter.” She winked.
Jane laughed, “You were always a devious one and I am very glad to have you counsel me, Lizzy.” She stood tall and directed Mrs. Nicholls. “Please do as Miss Bingley advised. Her rooms are the largest rooms for our noble guest and Miss Bingley shall be moved immediately. Which room did she recommend for Lizzy?”
The housekeeper smiled coyly, “The smallest one next to the servants’ entrance, ma’am. The noisiest room in the mansion, Mrs. Bingley.”
“Well then, I will have you get to it. Send six of our best maids for the task and ensure it is d
one within the quarter hour. Miss Bingley just left with Mrs. Hurst for dinner with the Robinsons, and should return in a few hours, but we must see to Lady Catherine’s comfort at once!”
With a quiet giggle, the housekeeper left to see to her duties while the sisters laughed loudly and headed towards the sitting room where Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and Mrs. Jenkinson had been waiting.
Jane entered the room bravely with her sister next to her, “Lady Catherine, your rooms will be ready in a quarter hour. Miss de Bourgh, Mrs. Jenkinson, your rooms are prepared now if you should like to rest. Mrs. Nicholls will arrive in a moment to walk with you.”
“It is quite impolite that you did not have my rooms prepared first!” Lady Catherine barked. “You have no idea how to manage a household of this size and I am unsurprised, considering that you are related to that... woman.” She glared at Elizabeth with furore in her eyes.
Elizabeth quickly came to her sister’s defence, “And your arriving here unannounced and intruding upon the residents whom you have never met is considered civil? You have failed in changing your nephew’s mind and I will not tolerate your ill-manners if you do not at least have the decency to be gracious to my sister who will allow you to stay at all. It is now only a drizzle outside and your driver is perfectly capable of conveying you and your daughter to the village inn.” She saw the grand lady stiffen at the mention of the public inn. “Netherfield is the grandest estate here and you will be comfortable here, Lady Catherine, but the courtesy will only last as long as you return yours. Mr. Darcy has responsibilities enough and does not need to be burdened with your presence. Now,” she turned to see Mrs. Nicholls join the group, “Miss de Bourgh, Mrs. Jenkinson, if you would like to rest, please take the liberty to do so.” She nodded her head as the two ladies stood up and began to walk out. She saw Anne de Bourgh demurely walk without a word with Mrs. Jenkinson coddling her young charge by fixing her shawl. Elizabeth recalled her diary’s warning of the visitors and carefully watched the pair walk out of the room with Mrs. Nicholls to head to the guest wing and wondered what she was to think of these three ladies. None of them appeared dangerous and recalling that Lady Catherine was mistress of Rosings Park and Miss de Bourgh was a very wealthy woman with a £30,000 dowry, she wondered if the two of them could be capable of causing trouble for Mr. Darcy.
She shook off her thoughts and sat down with Jane and Lady Catherine, not speaking another word for several minutes until the grand lady finally opened her mouth. “When is the wedding?”
Elizabeth smirked but answered politely, “In twelve days, Lady Catherine. Lord and Lady Matlock already sent us their blessings and we are eager for the next two weeks to pass quickly.”
“Hmph,” Lady Catherine grunted, “My brother and his wife foolishly believe that you will be good for my reticent nephew. Harold mentioned something about your saving him but Darcy must have been tricked by you. You must be after his fortune and rank and I cannot fathom the shades of Pemberley polluted with an unworthy mistress. What know you of managing an estate as splendid as my sister’s home? This house here might be the grandest in this corner of the county, but Pemberley, not to mention Darcy’s other holdings, are far more magnificent and you will be ill-equipped to fill my sister’s shoes.”
“I have no desire to fill anyone’s shoes but my own, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth responded curtly, “and I have heard of the wonders of Pemberley and Georgiana shared with me what she knew of the other properties. I know there are several small homes that are leased and that Mr. Darcy leaves everything in the capable hands of his stewards and tenants. I know Mr. Darcy is the most generous and best master and brother, and I also know that he loves Pemberley and would do everything to see it prosper.” She looked directly at the bitter woman, “He offered to leave it all to be with me, did you know?” She saw the lady gasp. “He thought I might desire to leave England and said he would leave everything to go with me. Whether to Scotland or the colonies, he told me that he would abandon all of his possessions to be by my side.”
Lady Catherine exclaimed, “But he loves Pemberley! He promised his father that he would care for it above all else, even while chasing his hobby for the Secretary at War!”
“And yet he loves me more,” Elizabeth retorted. “He was willing to give up everything he knew and I am so confident in his love for me that I would be a fool to let him go for anything in the world. I love him, Lady Catherine, and although I will never achieve your sister’s greatness in Derbyshire, I will do all I can to do my duty and be the best mistress I can be. I will make mistakes and I know I will fail him at times, but all I can promise is that I will do everything to be a woman deserving of his care. That, I swear on my life.” Elizabeth saw Lady Catherine lower her eyes in resignation and changed the subject to ask about Miss de Bourgh’s companion. “Can you tell me a little about Mrs. Jenkinson? When did she come into your service?”
Lady Catherine quirked her brow as she responded, “Mrs. Jenkinson? Why do you care about her? She is but a servant.”
Elizabeth smiled, “She is a companion and is not a servant, Lady Catherine. She seemed very genteel when we first met at Rosings but I did not have a chance to speak with her at all. I know your history and your daughter’s and was curious of the remaining lady.”
“She came to us about a year ago after I found out that Anne's last companion was stealing from us. Several items had gone missing and I released the thief without recommendation when the pilfering could not be proved.” She declared. “The theft immediately ceased and Mrs. Jenkinson came highly recommended. She was widowed for several years, I believe, and it was to have been a great love story. She still gets teary whenever I ask about him and wears her wedding band and her mourning weeds even after four or five years after losing her husband. It is improper to grieve for so long and I, myself, followed the appropriate customs after I was widowed.”
“Perhaps she grieves deeply because she loved so intensely,” Elizabeth stated. “I could not judge a woman for her short mourning nor would I judge another for a lengthy one. What else do you know about her?”
Lady Catherine shook her head, “Not much more. She was born into a well-to-do family and appears to be intelligent. I do not have to instruct her more than once on a topic and she follows my directives without a problem. I should consider adding to her duties, since I am certain she has too much time on her hands, as my Anne sleeps most of the day and Mrs. Jenkinson does nothing but sit at her bedside for hours on end.”
“Well then, we must ensure that we entertain her as much as possible while she is here for the night. Ah, here is Mrs. Nicholls.” She stood up as Lady Catherine arose from her seat.
Jane smiled softly, “We have prepared the best guestroom in the house for you, Lady Catherine, even if we had to move Miss Bingley to another room to ensure that you receive the highest notice as deserving of your rank.” She nudged Elizabeth who was coughing to hide her snort at the announcement.
“Good. I will accept your hospitality, Mrs. Bingley.” Lady Catherine looked down her nose. “Mr. Bingley chose well, even if he is a son of a tradesman.” She promptly departed with the housekeeper.
Elizabeth broke out into laughter, “That was the highest compliment you will ever receive from that lady, Janey! She likes you very much and might even be acceptable to the fact that I will be marrying her nephew.” She sighed, “I will go and ensure Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson are comfortable. Dinner is in half an hour and I will be sure to let them know.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. I hope you will stay the night while Lady Catherine remains here,” She smiled seeing Elizabeth’s agreement, “and I wish you would live with me until you are married. I know mama is constantly showing you off and on your one-day break from making calls, we have had Lady Catherine’s great condescension upon us and you have had no peace.” Jane squeezed her sister’s hand.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and walked upstairs to check on the guests while Jane saw to the din
ner menu. After hearing from Anne de Bourgh’s personal maid that the lady was sleeping and the companion not in that room, Elizabeth knocked on Mrs. Jenkinson’s door which was located next to Anne’s room. After waiting for several moments without an answer, she was curious if the lady could also be sleeping soundly from exhaustion, and then walked downstairs to await Mr. Darcy’s return from his task and to anticipate Lady Catherine’s critical eye once more during dinner.
Chapter 26
Dinner was a merry affair, with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth speaking animatedly with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and the Bingleys, while Lady Catherine was prohibited from interrupting by Mr. Darcy’s edict and severe glances, and Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson remained quiet throughout. Miss Bingley and the Hursts were dining out with Mr. Robinson and his elderly mother and no one missed their company.
Jane was a patient hostess, nodding and smiling to the few censures that slipped from Lady Catherine’s mouth, and Elizabeth could only wonder if Mr. Darcy would bar his relatives from his homes in the future. Mr. Darcy had been furious with Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock for their carelessness in exposing his private affairs, where Lord Matlock’s letters could have been easily intercepted by spies or Lady Catherine’s ramblings to her dearest confidante Lady Metcalf could have been overheard and gossiped about.
Mr. Darcy whispered to Elizabeth at the end of dinner, “I hope you will forgive me to insist upon the separation of the sexes, Elizabeth, as I will need to check on Wickham once more and Richard will be meeting with Lieutenant Denny to locate Wickham’s additional accomplices. Denny has been instrumental in assisting in my efforts and had recruited Wickham to the militia to trap him here last autumn, and we plan on moving Wickham to Brighton under Colonel Forster’s command in the next few days, as we do not know who else is aware of my presence here. Those who know of my affairs is likely to suspect that I would keep Wickham near me and I must send him away. The Home Secretary will not be pleased that Lord Matlock is the leak but since he is an earl, he will not be reprimanded.” He kissed her hand in full view of everyone, “You have my approval to put Lady Catherine in her place as you see fit. It is entirely possible that after we are married, you will have a greate...”