by Kara Louise
Richard merely looked at his aunt. “I am sorry, I seem to have misplaced it.” He patted his hands around his pockets and into his coat jacket as if to search for it. Then he settled back with a sly grin, eager to watch events unfold. Over the years, he and his cousin had passively endured their aunt’s tirades on so many occasions that he was actually looking forward to Darcy putting her in her place.
“Misplaced it?” she exclaimed.
Darcy reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “Is this what you were looking for, Aunt?”
Lady Catherine gasped as she saw the marriage certificate in his hands. “And exactly how did you come into possession of that?”
Darcy leaned into her and, in a voice that barely restrained his rage, pointedly stated, “I might ask you the same question!”
Desperately, Lady Catherine reached out to grab it, but Darcy quickly pulled it away. Her voice raised a couple of octaves as she pointed her finger repeatedly at Darcy. “It was in the best interest of the family that it was put into my hands. You have not been in your right mind lately. Your cousin will attest to that! And this marriage that you had the audacity to enter into! Why… why…” Lady Catherine’s face grew red and she took a few breaths to calm herself. “It is positively insupportable!”
“And your behaviour to my wife was unspeakable and completely unforgivable!”
“Nephew, I am not used to being treated this way by family! Now hand me the marriage certificate! I shall deal with it so that the family will not go through the disgrace that this travesty of a marriage will bring upon us!”
“Indeed, I will not!” The resonance of his voice reflected the anger he was barely able to control. “My marriage to Elizabeth will bring no disgrace, no dishonour, and no shame to our family! It is you who brings our family disgrace by your insolent actions!”
“How dare you, nephew!”
“And how dare you approach my wife without my permission and threaten her and berate her as you did!”
Lady Catherine met his challenging glance and answered, “You are the one who has chosen to dishonour the family name! Your behaviour of late… your cousin has told me…”
Darcy looked at his cousin. “Just what do you have to say against me, cousin?”
“Me?” asked Richard, feigning innocence by shrugging his shoulders. “I can think of nothing you have done that is not of the highest integrity.”
“What?” asked their aunt in horror. “Tell him what you told me last night!” She turned to Darcy. “He knows, nephew! He knows how you have been mismanaging Pemberley, but fears telling you to your face!”
“On the contrary, Aunt,” Richard began. “None of those things I told you last night had any bearing of truth to them.”
“Certainly, they must!”
He shook his head. “No, I only said those things so that you would tell me about his marriage and I could obtain his marriage certificate and return it to the rightful owner.”
The two cousins watched their aunt as her face contorted in anger. “How dare you treat your aunt with such disrespect! Do you know to whom you are speaking?”
Darcy turned to his cousin. “Richard, if you will excuse Lady Catherine and me, I believe we ought to complete this conversation in the privacy of my study.”
“This is not to be borne! I refuse to go anywhere with you!” She turned to Richard. “Certainly you see that his marriage must be annulled, no matter what you say different today!” She then turned to Darcy. “Keep your marriage certificate, then. I shall not need it. When I inform our attorney what you have done, he will see that you are not in your right mind and turn over all your affairs to my authority!”
She turned to leave, but Darcy’s words stopped her.
“I have already paid a visit to Greeley this morning.”
She turned back and blinked her eyes, not believing what she heard.
“I have informed him of the circumstances of my marriage and he is under the direct order to take no action against it from anyone, particularly from you! He dutifully agreed, seeing no reason to do otherwise.”
Lady Catherine’s breathing became ragged and she pounded her foot upon the floor. “Insolent nephew! You know not what disgrace this marriage will be to our family. And what of Anne? You have been promised to each other since birth! Your mother and I…”
Darcy clenched his teeth. “Aunt, I have told you repeatedly, and your daughter has reaffirmed it, we have no wish to marry. We never have! I have already married another, and there is nothing that you or anyone else can do about it!”
“But our two estates… the obligation to your family name… the meagre station of this woman!”
“This woman is my wife. None of those things are of any import to me! She is the only thing that matters! If you cared in the least for my welfare, if you loved me as the son of your sister, you would rejoice with me! You would treat my wife with kindness and respect. But what you have done, what you have said, your behaviour…” Darcy felt his ire rising. “I confess I know not how I shall ever be able to forgive you.”
His aunt was rendered speechless as she looked from one nephew to the other, hoping for some sort of weakening. But both remained resolute.
“Aunt, if you do not wish to discuss this further with me in my study, I think it best for you to remove yourself from my premises without delay.” Darcy turned to depart the room but stopped at the door and turned. “One more thing, Aunt. I did advise Greeley that your behaviour of late has been quite unstable and if you come to him with any request that he deems highly unusual, he is to notify me at once and we shall proceed in declaring you unfit to manage Rosings. He is in complete agreement with me that Anne is perfectly capable of handling your affairs if you prove to be incompetent.”
Lady Catherine’s mouth dropped wide open, her whole body began to tremble, and she was rendered mute by Darcy’s threats.
Darcy used her silence to make one final point. “And do not think that you have an open invitation to call here or at Pemberley until you have improved your conduct and made a full apology to my wife.”
She looked up at her nephew through narrowed eyes. She had only seen the unyielding look etched across his face on a few occasions. And while she prided herself on never cowering to anyone, the threats he was issuing were enough to make her reconsider. The thought of having Rosings forcefully taken from her set her mind in turmoil.
Darcy turned and walked away, leaving Richard alone to see the look of anger upon his aunt’s face turn to anguish. Looking helplessly at her nephew, she said, “Surely you see… you agree with me, do you not? His marriage… it is unacceptable!”
Richard actually felt pity for this woman who held so tightly to what she perceived was family honour and obligation. “No, Aunt. Although I have not met this lady, I am quite confident that Darcy would have chosen well. She must be someone well suited to the intelligent gentleman he is.”
“But…” Lady Catherine tried to interrupt, but Richard put up his hand to stop her.
“And to him, that is more important than any expectations you may have for his wife.” He smiled. “As a matter of fact, I am quite anxious to meet this young lady who was finally able to break through the barriers he has always put up. Already, I find myself holding her in the highest regard!”
Richard excused himself with a quick farewell and left Lady Catherine disturbed and fretful but not yet inclined to yield. Lady Catherine was extremely indignant when she left London later that morning. Darcy remained secluded in his study and did not bring himself out to bid her farewell. Neither did she take the opportunity to stop and advise him she was leaving. Her only companions on her way home to Kent were her very diverse thoughts and feelings about all that had transpired.
It grieved her to imagine being turned away from Pemberley or the London townhouse. But her resentment and anger were in such an excessive state that she could not bear the thought of going to the girl and offering an apology. My
nephew will soon overlook my actions, and his familial bonds will bring him around to apologizing to ME for his severity! Her face contorted in uncertainty. She could only hope.
Chapter 32
Elizabeth saw her father off that morning when Colonel Forster arrived in his carriage to depart for London. She wished him Godspeed as they walked arm in arm toward the carriage. He was grateful that Elizabeth was the only one who had risen early to see him off.
“Father, I do hope all goes well.”
“Have no fear, Elizabeth. If this husband of yours is as excellent as you think he is, he will have done everything required of him.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes as she wondered what her father’s opinion of Fitzwilliam truly was and whether he thought him excellent enough for her.
“Father, you will treat him kindly, even if he was not able to accomplish all you expected him to, will you not?”
He looked at his daughter and smiled. “Fear not, Lizzy. By the time we return to Longbourn, I am quite sure he and I shall be the best of friends.”
With that, he climbed into the carriage, and it pulled away. Elizabeth enjoyed her father’s wit and was usually quite capable of discerning whether he was being serious, mocking, or sarcastic, but now, when his words spoke of someone she loved, she found it difficult to know his true feelings.
Later that morning, Elizabeth was delighted to receive an invitation from Miss Darcy to join her at Netherfield in the afternoon. Elizabeth looked forward to removing herself from the house and her mother’s continued emotional outbursts.
When the carriage arrived from Netherfield, Elizabeth and Jane enjoyed the ride over together. They both were grateful for the quiet and solitude of the short journey.
“Oh, Jane! Will Mother ever see reason? Can she not see the folly in her wishes that Lydia marry Wickham?”
“She has been taken in by him as much as Lydia was, Elizabeth. A man in a red coat, unfortunately, holds more credibility to her than a respectable man such as Mr. Darcy.”
“That ought to change soon enough when he and I inform her we are married. Only then, I believe, will his wealth sway her opinion of him for the better.”
“When will you tell her, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and clasped her hands tightly together. “Most likely when he and Papa have both returned from London.” She looked down, but lifted one eyebrow as she looked up at Jane. “But, most assuredly, not when William is present. I can only imagine how she will behave once she finds out, and I do not wish to be mortified in his presence by her actions.” Elizabeth tilted her head and smiled at her sister, reaching out and taking her hand. “Remember when she found out about you and Mr. Bingley?”
The two sisters laughed, and the carriage pulled up at Netherfield.
As they stepped out of the carriage, Elizabeth’s heart beat a little nervously. The first time she met Miss Darcy, it was quite unexpected, and she was enamoured of the sweet young girl. Now they would be meeting as sisters and she only desired to make it a rewarding occasion for each of them.
They were ushered into the sitting room where Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, and Miss Darcy were having afternoon tea.
Miss Bingley did not notice Elizabeth at first, as she was diligently leaning in to Miss Darcy, engaging her in what appeared to Elizabeth to be a one-sided conversation. All eyes turned to the two sisters as they were announced, followed by a most exasperated glare by Miss Bingley.
Miss Darcy stood up. “Miss Bennet… I am so pleased you could come. It is good to see you again.”
Miss Bingley looked from Elizabeth to Miss Darcy and back again to Elizabeth. The expression on her face was one of great astonishment. Elizabeth could only imagine her desperation in attempting to determine why Mr. Darcy’s young sister had sent for her and how they had already come to be acquainted.
Miss Bingley, in an attempt to recover from her surprise, quickly stood and offered—as hostess of Netherfield—a greeting. “Good day, Miss Bennet, Miss Eliza.” She promptly informed them, “Miss Darcy and I were having such a pleasant conversation. She and I have had a long, close acquaintance.”
“I hope I did not disturb you,” Elizabeth said apologetically and walked up to the young girl.
“No… no,” stammered Georgiana and tentatively reached out for one of Elizabeth’s hands. “We were merely having afternoon tea.”
As Miss Bingley witnessed the interchange between Elizabeth and Miss Darcy, she felt another long-held hope within her fade. The friendship that she was trying to nurture between herself and the young Miss Darcy was being snatched out of her hands by none other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It did not escape her notice how the girl’s face lit up when she saw Elizabeth walk in.
She no longer felt hospitable, no longer wished to entertain Jane and her brother, and only wished to leave this insufferable room, these insupportable people, and this intolerably unpleasant neighbourhood!
Miss Bingley was grateful to be relieved of her duties as hostess and any further hospitable pretence when Georgiana asked Elizabeth if she would accompany her for a walk of the grounds.
Elizabeth cheerfully agreed.
As Elizabeth walked out with Georgiana, she felt the young girl’s arm tighten around hers. Elizabeth looked at her and noticed the tense look upon her face. “I hope I did not arrive at an inopportune time.”
“Oh no. In fact, your arrival was most timely. I do not think I could bear another minute of Miss Bingley’s gruelling conversation.”
Elizabeth smiled and patted her hand. “I understand completely, Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana turned to Elizabeth. “Please call me Georgiana.”
“And you must call me Elizabeth.”
As the two walked, Elizabeth noticed Georgiana glance toward her several times, as if about to speak, but saying nothing. Elizabeth remained silent, giving her an occasional encouraging smile, hoping to hearten the young, shy girl to speak.
Finally, Georgiana spoke the words she had been longing to say. “May I say, Elizabeth… that I have always longed to have a sister. I am especially delighted that you and Fitzwilliam are married. I could not ask for a finer sister.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly at her. “I am most pleased to have you as my sister, as well.”
Georgiana looked down nervously. “But then you already have four sisters.” Georgiana said this almost apologetically.
“Oh, Georgiana. But none are like you. You shall be a special sister to me, indeed!” Elizabeth wrapped one arm around Georgiana’s shoulder and gave it a tender squeeze.
Georgiana smiled. She had so much she wanted to say to Elizabeth and wondered if she could put into words her thoughts and feelings.
They walked in silence for a while and Elizabeth recognized that their steps were taking them down the same path she had walked with William when she was at Netherfield. When they came to the pond, they both stopped and looked out over it. Elizabeth sensed something was weighing heavily on Georgiana and let time and silence be her ally.
At length, Georgiana spoke. “My brother informed me of the reason for his leaving so abruptly for London.”
This time it was Elizabeth’s turn to look down as she recoiled at the thought of Lydia’s unspeakable behaviour. “He told you, then, of my youngest sister’s actions?”
Georgiana nodded, “Yes.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips together. “Unfortunately, Lydia seems to have made a very reckless decision.”
When she glanced at Georgiana, she noticed her draw back and look down. Elizabeth could not miss the scarlet that spread over her features.
“Georgiana?” Elizabeth leaned in to her. “What is it?”
Georgiana’s eyebrows pinched together, and Elizabeth, still holding her arm, felt her shiver. The younger girl looked away and then emboldened herself to look back at the lady who was now her sister.
“Elizabeth, there is something my brother did not tell you. He thought it would be best if I te
ll you rather than himself.”
“What is it, dearest sister?”
Georgiana looked up and feebly smiled at the endearing words. “I am guilty, as Lydia is, of running off with the intention to elope earlier this year.”
Elizabeth reproached herself for making the comment about Lydia’s actions. “Georgiana, I am sure the particulars were not similar at all.”
Georgiana closed her eyes as she struggled with the painful memories of being deceived and disappointing her brother. “No, Elizabeth, they are quite the same.” She paused in an effort to summon the strength to continue. “I also ran off with George Wickham.”
Elizabeth drew her arms around the young girl and pulled her close into a hug as tears began to well up in Georgiana’s eyes.
“Oh, my dear, sweet Georgiana.” Elizabeth closed her eyes in contrition at her thoughtless comment about Lydia’s behaviour and thought frantically for something to say to lessen Georgiana’s regret. “Georgiana, I understand Mr. Wickham was a longtime friend of your family, is that correct?”
Georgiana sniffled and nodded an affirmative.
“Was he particularly attentive to you?”
“Yes, Elizabeth. He was always kind toward me.”
“I thought as much.” Elizabeth drew away and clasped each one of Georgiana’s hands. “Georgiana, you are still young and have so much to learn. Mr. Wickham is the sort of man who knows how to charm a young girl by saying the things she wants to hear, by giving her the attention she longs for.”
Georgiana looked at Elizabeth and took in a few tremulous breaths. “If I had known someone like you whom I could have talked to… and who would have talked with me, I often have thought I would not have made such a dreadful decision.”
Elizabeth smiled, aware that this young girl had lived most of her life without a mother or close female friend. She’d had governesses, but she wondered whether they were women with whom she could confide her deepest thoughts and ask her hardest questions. Elizabeth took the girl’s hand firmly in hers. She pondered how difficult it must have been for her to have lost both her parents while still young. Did William even know how to talk to this young lady about the things she most needed to hear?