by Jann Rowland
“Again, I would remind you of the premature nature of this conversation—I am not engaged to Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth. “This is all still nothing more than speculation.”
For the first time since entering the room, Lady Catherine’s mien softened. “No, you are not engaged at present. I hope, Miss Elizabeth, you will allow me the knowledge of my nephew. I have watched over Darcy and his sister these many years since my sister’s death, and I can tell you my knowledge of him is as great as any. Darcy does nothing by half measures. He is forthright, a man who acts when he has made up his mind. When I came here today, I expected to meet with a woman who has captivated him, and what I have seen has not disappointed me by any means.”
Though Elizabeth could not determine what she should say in response, she was flattered at the notion she had attracted a man of such character. The lady required no response, for she turned and spoke to Mr. Darcy.
“Please request a room for my use from your friend, Darcy, for I wish to stay in the neighborhood for some time.”
Mr. Darcy regarded his aunt, his expression and that of his cousin suggesting they did not think allowing Lady Catherine to stay was wise. “Shall you not return to Kent?”
“No, Darcy. I wish to come to know your young woman better, and she shall need a guide. Though she is an intelligent girl, she still cannot know of the trials she will face in London. She will, I suspect, charm most of them, but she still requires some training to become a credit to our family. I shall do my duty by my sister and offer what advice and knowledge I can.”
Elizabeth caught her father’s eye and they shared a look of mirth while the lady was engaged with her nephew. For Elizabeth’s part, she was no less than shocked at the way the discussion had turned, for, with Mr. Darcy’s account, she might have suspected Lady Catherine of entering the room with guns blazing. Elizabeth had no notion that Lady Catherine had given up on her wish of marrying her daughter to Mr. Darcy, but she seemed to have pushed that desire to the side for the moment.
“Shall your ladyship stay for dinner with us tonight?” asked Mrs. Bennet. “Your nephews are invited also, as is your niece if you would like to send for her.”
Lady Catherine regarded Mrs. Bennet and nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. I should like that very much.” Then she addressed Mr. Darcy. “As for Georgiana, I believe she is well where she is, at the moment, unless you disagree.”
“With my unexpected absence,” replied Mr. Darcy, “I would prefer to leave Georgiana at Netherfield, for I have not been a good guest of late.”
It seemed Lady Catherine had some understanding of Mr. Darcy’s meaning, but she was circumspect enough to avoid asking further. Instead, she fixed her attention on Elizabeth and began speaking to her again, and Elizabeth, interested to know this lady better, obliged her.
For a time, Elizabeth sat with Lady Catherine, exchanging conversation with her that was almost pleasant. Jane attended her and was not spared some of Lady Catherine’s attention, though the lady reserved most of it for Elizabeth herself. Mr. Darcy sat close by, his concentration set upon them. For a time, Elizabeth thought him concerned, and a time or two he winced at some of his aunt’s pronouncements. After a time, however, seeing that Elizabeth was comfortable and his aunt was behaving herself, he relaxed.
In time, Elizabeth thought she might enjoy having Lady Catherine as an aunt, though she reminded herself not to put the cart before the horse. It was also clear to her that whatever enjoyment she gained would best be administered in small doses. She knew Lady Catherine could be overbearing when she set her mind to it.
Chapter XXI
Congenial man though he was, it heartened Darcy to see that Bingley possessed a backbone when necessary. In his dealings with his sister, Darcy had always seen a man who abhorred conflict and would go to any lengths to avoid it. Miss Bingley was, for all her other faults, an observant and intelligent woman, and she used her brother’s trait to have her own way. It was a situation about which Darcy had always warned his friend, for the risk of her embarrassing him in public by her behavior was real.
In the matter of Lady Catherine, however, Bingley proved himself to be unyielding, a necessary stance given the lady’s fondness for having her own way. When they returned to Netherfield that night after dining with the Bennets and applied for his permission for Lady Catherine to stay, Bingley agreed, but with conditions.
“It would be my pleasure to have you stay with us, and I am certain Caroline will agree with me.”
Darcy thought Miss Bingley’s eagerness to host Lady Catherine given the lady’s behavior earlier that day was uncertain, but he refrained from commenting.
“But I must insist, Lady Catherine, that you do not persist in attempting to persuade my sister to marry Mr. Collins. Caroline has already made her opinions known and shall not move from them.”
The way Lady Catherine regarded him, Darcy wondered if she thought he was to blame for Bingley’s suspicions. Knowing it would do no good to point out it was her own behavior which led to his caution, Darcy kept his own counsel. With a huff, Lady Catherine nodded to her host.
“I understand your sister’s reasons and have no intention to raise the subject again, Mr. Bingley. Though I have no notion of how you have come by this impression of me, there is no reason for concern.”
Bingley nodded and smiled. “Then I shall have Caroline select a room for you. I believe she keeps a room or two ready at all times for unexpected guests.”
The nod with which Lady Catherine regarded him spoke to her approval. “Just as she should, Mr. Bingley. I commend your sister for her diligence.”
When informed of her ladyship’s approbation, Miss Bingley’s pleasure was, perhaps, more muted than might have been the case otherwise. Then again, she had probably expected much worse and had steeled herself as a result.
As Lady Catherine retired to her room soon after their return from Longbourn, there was little opportunity for misunderstanding, for which Darcy could not be more grateful. A night of rest would do wonders for her mood, an essential ingredient for civil coexistence. A tired and moody Lady Catherine was a recipe for disaster, and Darcy had no wish to lose Bingley’s friendship.
The following morning passed without difficulty, though that might be in part because the Bingley family were not early risers. The way Lady Catherine glanced around the breakfast room with displeasure spoke to her opinion that those hosting guests should make themselves available at an earlier hour. It was a relief when she made no comment, instead turning to Georgiana and speaking with her about her recent doings.
Darcy had not informed Lady Catherine of the incident between Georgiana and Wickham; thus, Georgiana’s recent recovery from that event was a matter of some relief. Miss Elizabeth and her sisters had done wonders for Georgiana, both for improving her outlook and helping her forget such a disagreeable experience. Darcy was grateful he had found such a rare and wonderful woman.
After breakfast, Georgiana took herself back to her room with Mrs. Annesley, intent upon attending to her studies, after which she would join Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst when they emerged from their rooms. Lady Catherine, after seeing her niece from the room, informed Darcy of her desire to speak with him. Darcy had expected this, and as a result, suggested they repair to the library as a location where they would be unlikely to be disturbed. Though it was not his intention, Lady Catherine read between the lines of Darcy’s statement, and she did not refrain from offering her opinion when they entered the room.
“Your friend has graduated from university, has he not?”
“With excellent grades,” replied Darcy with a grin, understanding Lady Catherine’s inference.
“Then it is a surprise that Mr. Bingley should be so neglectful of his library. Why, I have never seen such a room so little deserving of the appellation. Have you not advised him of the need to stock his library with books?”
“I believe Bingley does not intend to see to it until he has purchased his own e
state,” dissembled Darcy, though he knew no such thing. “There is little reason to buy crates of books only to have to move them when the lease expires early next summer.”
Lady Catherine pursed her lips, but she could not deny Darcy’s point. “There is some merit to that, I think.” The lady paused for a moment and then said: “He has no option to purchase when the lease has expired?”
“The owner has purchased the estate of late himself,” replied Darcy, deciding the knowledge of the new owner as a man of business connected with the Bennets was a bridge too far for the lady at present. Though her eventual understanding of that point was inevitable should Darcy follow through with his intention to offer for Miss Elizabeth, her acceptance was still too new and fragile.
“Then he does not wish to sell so soon after purchasing,” said Lady Catherine, showing her understanding. “What he means to do with it is irrelevant; he cannot realize a profit if he sells so soon.”
Darcy did not respond, prompting Lady Catherine to sit in a chair near the fireplace, which had burned low, though it still cast a considerable amount of heat into the room. For a moment, the lady was silent, though her frequent glances informed Darcy she was attempting to formulate her arguments. Darcy was certain he knew what form they would take and was not surprised when she spoke at length.
“Though I have approved of Miss Elizabeth, I must say I am still disappointed, Darcy. As I am certain you know, I have counted on your marrying Anne for many years now.”
“And I have told you for many years I do not wish to marry Anne,” said Darcy. “Do you know if Anne even wishes to marry me?”
Lady Catherine huffed and fixed him with an annoyed glare. “Anne will do as she is told.”
“Perhaps she will,” said Darcy, returning her glare with a grin. “But I shall not.”
“It was the favorite wish of your mother!” snapped Lady Catherine.
“That I do not know,” said Darcy. “I was old enough to understand by the time my mother passed, and yet she did not see fit to inform me of any such wish.”
Lady Catherine appeared on the verge of an outburst, leading Darcy to step into the breach to forestall her. “Lady Catherine, I understand your wish of uniting the two branches of the family, thereby keeping our wealth within the extended Fitzwilliam clan, but I have never had any such desire. I have no need of Rosings—managing such a large estate from a distance would present a difficult challenge.”
Though he expected an immediate response, Lady Catherine regarded him for several moments. “You think my primary concern is to unite the wealth of the de Bourghs and Darcys?”
“Is it not? I have often heard you speak of it.”
“That is a consideration,” confessed Lady Catherine, “but it is not my primary motivation, nor is it even a concern. I have every confidence in your ability to manage your affairs, Darcy, and I do not doubt you could choose a proper woman.” Lady Catherine paused and sniffed. “Then again, given you seem to have chosen a woman who does not possess dowry, lineage, or connections, perhaps I must revise my opinion.”
“There is nothing the matter with Miss Elizabeth, Lady Catherine. I would also remind you that I have not yet made an offer for her.”
The grunt with which the lady responded informed Darcy she had no wish to belabor the point. “My primary motivation in wishing you to marry Anne is to protect her.”
Surprised, Darcy looked at his aunt askance, and she obliged him by explaining. “I am not blind, Darcy. Anne is a good girl, but she is not healthy, has few accomplishments, and has never had a season besides. I am very much afraid that when you marry, every fortune hunter in the country will fix upon my daughter as an easy mark.”
“With all due respect, Lady Catherine,” said Darcy, “I believe you are neglecting to consider two important points. First, if Anne is so ill the possibility exists that she cannot provide me with an heir, which is essential for a man in my position. The second is that the family would not leave Anne to fend for herself, regardless of my marital status.”
“I know, and I thank you for that, Darcy. But you and my brother both live in Derbyshire, whereas Anne and I live in Kent.” Lady Catherine paused and sighed. “It has seemed less likely to me every year that I could work on you to marry Anne, but my frequent commentary on it has also worked to my advantage; few men would risk offending you by attempting to steal that which was perceived to be yours.”
“And few will risk the earl’s displeasure by attempting to take advantage of Anne,” said Darcy in a tone which allowed no rebuttal. “That I do not wish to marry Anne in no way affects my resolve to defend my family. Though taking care would be prudent, I do not think there is any overt danger. Perhaps Anne will surprise you, Aunt.”
Lady Catherine regarded him for a long moment. “In what way?”
“Given the chance, there is no telling what she can do. If you allow her to spread her wings, it is possible she may even learn to fly.”
A look of such hope came over Lady Catherine’s countenance that it moved Darcy to compassion. Anne was not robust, but Darcy had always thought his aunt’s tendency to smother her and exclaim over what she could not do was a self-fulfilling prophecy. One thing which had never been in question was Lady Catherine’s love for her daughter. A careful attempt to direct her might bear fruit.
“Should we give her the opportunity to move in a society which is not demanding, perhaps Anne will become more comfortable. You know she is intelligent, Aunt. If allowed to exercise her body, she might grow stronger.”
“You are suggesting I send for her.”
“I believe she would benefit from being here. Miss Elizabeth has worked wonders with my sister who, you must acknowledge, has gained much confidence. Anne would also benefit from the friendship of those of the neighborhood. If you will forgive me, those near Rosings are too in awe of you to befriend her as she requires.”
“Perhaps I shall consider it,” said Lady Catherine.
“Please do. If you apply to Bingley, I am certain he will not disappoint you.”
Lady Catherine laughed, one of the few times Darcy had ever heard a carefree note in the woman’s manner. “He would at that. Your friend, I am convinced, can be induced to do almost anything if only you should ask.”
“Bingley is that way with all of his friends. He is an excellent friend.”
It did not take as long as Darcy had expected. As soon as Bingley appeared that morning, Lady Catherine applied to him for permission, which Bingley gave with his typical good cheer. To Hertfordshire, Miss Anne de Bourgh was to come.
Later that day, Fitzwilliam arrived at Netherfield for dinner. The invitation was an open one, which Fitzwilliam accepted several times a week, but Darcy knew on this day he was most concerned with how their aunt was behaving. When he arrived, however, it was to the sight of Lady Catherine sitting with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, speaking together with perfect civility. That the lady was a little uncomfortable in the company of those who were well below her in society was something only one well acquainted with her would understand.
“I will own that our aunt has surprised me,” said Fitzwilliam when Darcy informed him of the day’s goings-on. “Just when I thought I knew what she would do in any situation, she proves me wrong. And regarding a matter I would have thought was beyond argument!”
“I am just as much at sea as you, Cousin,” said Darcy, shaking his head.
“Regardless,” continued Fitzwilliam, “it is gratifying to see her behaving in a way that will not bring infamy on our family. I wonder, however, if her staying here will not bring out the worst in her before long. It would not do to offend Bingley.”
“There is little chance of that,” said Darcy. “Either way, I shall remain watchful.”
Fitzwilliam grunted and turned his attention to another matter. “You know it is possible her agreement to send for Anne is nothing more than a final desperate attempt to throw her in your way.”
“It is possible,�
� said Darcy with a shrug. “If she espouses such designs, they are destined to fail. And it was I who suggested it, so you cannot blame it all on her ladyship.”
“Then it will be on your head if she conspires to compromise you.” Fitzwilliam grinned and slapped Darcy’s back, an action which drew Lady Catherine’s attention, though she said nothing. “I wish you the best of luck.”
Another thought seemed to occur to Fitzwilliam and his grin became a glare. “Now that she appears to have accepted your refusal to marry Anne, I must wonder if I am to be the next target of her dynastic schemes.”
Darcy replied with a grin. “Just remember, Fitzwilliam: I fended her off. If I can, I am certain you shall too.”
Fitzwilliam grumbled but did not speak. Soon the company was called in to dinner, and their private conversation gave way to the demands of the evening in company.
If there was one thing Elizabeth learned in the ensuing days, it was that Lady Catherine was everything Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had told her. While the lady had not seen fit to oppose Mr. Darcy’s continued association with Elizabeth—the lady did not appear happy with it, regardless of her silence—she was still a woman of decided opinions, unafraid to share them with all and sundry.
The woman’s target could be anyone; she dispensed advice to her nephews, her niece, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and the Bennets with equal fervor and belief in her rightness. Elizabeth did not know what others thought on the matter, she did not care for the lady’s meddling herself. When Lady Catherine opened her mouth to speak, Elizabeth listened, thanked her, and turned her attention to other matters, determined to ignore that which she did not find useful or sensible. Miss Bingley, she thought, liked the lady’s ways as little as Elizabeth.
The only time in Lady Catherine’s company that the lady did not speak incessantly was the first visit after she arrived. The Bennet ladies took themselves to Netherfield that day to pay a visit, and as she often did, Elizabeth sat with Georgiana and Mr. Darcy and spent the entire call with them. By that time, Miss Bingley’s looks of annoyance had mellowed to something akin to melancholy, allowing Elizabeth to have an agreeable conversation with her friends.