by Suzan Lauder
“No, we will have to convince her.”
“Convince her? You mean bribe her,” Bennet said grimly.
“True. Unfortunately, it is highly doubtful that she would help us otherwise since I dismissed her without a reference, and she bears hard feelings towards me. I have some notion of where to find her, though. She was known to have a boarding house in a less than reputable part of London. I will go to her and find out whether she has any word about Wickham’s whereabouts.”
“I cannot ask you to bear such mortifications on my behalf,” Bennet said, but Darcy waved off the protest.
“I will also ask my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam to assist. He has connections of value to us, and he will be more than glad to help. Fitzwilliam is joint guardian of my sister, you see, and holds a great deal of resentment towards Wickham. Hopefully, we can stop this before something untoward happens.” Darcy pulled out his knife to prepare a pen for writing several notes.
Unfortunately for Bennet, Darcy had a standing order to his staff that close family members were welcome at Darcy House at any time. It was also unfortunate that Darcy had been uncharacteristically remiss in not issuing instructions to be left in privacy for his discussion with Bennet, for it was at this point in the conversation that the butler entered the library and made an announcement.
“Lady Matlock.”
Elinor Fitzwilliam, the Countess of Matlock, stopped in her tracks when she saw the elder of the two men standing before her. Her face showed recognition, disbelief, and confusion. Bennet, feeling no little distress, coloured, and neither spoke for some moments. He was relieved when Darcy took control of the situation, speaking in a way that Bennet hoped would persuade Lady Matlock to believe what was said and not what she saw.
“Aunt, please allow me to introduce my future father-in-law, Mr. Thomas Bennet. Bennet, this is my aunt, the Countess of Matlock.”
Relieved at Darcy’s intervention, Bennet made his bow and said quietly, “Lady Matlock.”
Lady Matlock’s eyes widened, and she made her curtsy like an automaton while saying softly, “No, Fitzwilliam, you cannot fool me. Lord Shelton.”
“My Lady, you must have me mistaken—”
“I do not have you mistaken, Shelton,” her ladyship interrupted gently. She hastily looked around the room, trying to collect herself. “I did not expect to see you, sir. I dropped by unexpectedly. I would never have presumed . . . ” Lady Matlock was flushed and obviously shaken by the astonishing situation.
“I was not expected to be here. I would not normally have imposed,” Bennet said. Had he been more sensible of the situation, he would have noticed the lady’s anxious tone, but he was too bewildered. His eyes flitted about the room, settling nowhere and avoiding meeting those of Lady Matlock. There was an awkward pause.
“Excuse me, your family are in good health?” Bennet asked nervously. His palms were sweating, and he was short of breath.
“Yes, they are all very well, I thank you,” she replied.
“I am glad to hear it.”
“How long have you been in Town?” she asked.
“I have just arrived today.”
“And where are you staying?”
“At my brother’s home in Gracechurch Street.” There was another pause, during which both looked at the floor embarrassed, then Bennet said nervously, “And your family and your children, are they well?”
“Yes, they are all in excellent health, sir,” she answered, suppressing a smile.
“Please, would you like to sit, Lady Matlock?” Darcy asked, gesturing with his hand. His aunt sat, and the gentlemen followed suit. All three struggled to think of something to break the uncomfortable silence. It was Lady Matlock who spoke first.
“Now it makes sense that Lady Jane and Lady Elizabeth were brought up by an unknown country gentleman called Mr. Bennet. I thought you died in Bermuda and left the girls there with this stranger. However did you find another name and estate to take on?”
Bennet ran his hand over his face. He had known there was a risk of being recognized in London and was especially concerned about encountering close friends of Lord and Lady Shelton. But Lady Matlock was Jane’s godmother and Olivia’s sister. He decided that for her, he could reveal the story . . .
“ . . . Therefore, I am no longer Lord Shelton,” he said as he finished the tale, “I am Thomas Bennet, married to Fanny Bennet these twenty years with five daughters and a small estate in Hertfordshire. I would appreciate that you not expose my secret, Elinor.”
She waved her hand at him. “You have no need to worry about me; this will be a family secret. I am surprised you were able to keep it this long. Yet, how did you hide from us?”
“Thomas Bennet and I looked very much alike, so I could pass as him. I kept a quiet life and never left Hertfordshire. Over so many years, Shelton was presumed dead and would have been forgotten were it not necessary to announce Lady Jane and Lady Elizabeth upon their engagements.”
“But even so, those who know you well would recognize you right away! You have already been seen by Darcy’s servants.”
“I introduced myself as Thomas Bennet. They need not know more.”
“But they will have their suspicions,” said Lady Matlock. She saw disapproval on her nephew’s face and raised her hand to silence the obvious retort. “Darcy, save your protests. I know your staff will always show discretion, but undoubtedly, if I recognize Shelton, others will know him. George and Anne would have, and Harold will guess, and you will have to relate all of this to him.” She turned back to Bennet. “Is your wife in Town? You must have dinner with us, Shelton. Harold will be happy to see you again.” Her eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.
“I am not certain I should be seen by Lord Matlock,” he replied. “I have stayed somewhat secluded from London society. Although Jane and Lizzy have previously been to Town for the Season, they were not known in the highest circles, thus keeping our secret.”
“Especially since, except for her colouring, Elizabeth looks just like Olivia.”
“Elinor, please. With the exception of my daughters taking their rightful titles and fortunes, I do not wish for this to change. I enjoy the quiet life of an inconsequential country gentleman. The latest rumours serve my purpose. All society needs to know is that Bennet is reclusive and Shelton is dead. Only close family need visit us in Hertfordshire, so only a select few would even wonder about my resemblance to Lord Shelton.”
“If you wish to remain incognito, why are you now in Town?”
Bennet’s body tensed. He was uncertain about sharing his problems with another person, even one who had once been such a close friend.
Darcy sent him a quizzical look and there was a long pause before Darcy said, “Lady Matlock is well aware of my long-standing troubles with Wickham, including his attempt to elope with Georgiana and Mrs. Younge’s participation.”
Lady Matlock had no respect for Wickham and said as much. “He has all the appearance of a gentleman, but he has no notion of honour or integrity.”
Bennet understood his friend was indicating that her ladyship could be trusted with their troubles, and he bestowed approval to share that information with a slight nod. Darcy then proceeded to tell Lady Matlock about Wickham’s most recent exploits and that he was hoping to find Mrs. Younge because he suspected she would know Wickham’s whereabouts in London.
“At a price, no doubt,” she said.
Bennet added that, because of the episode in Kent, Darcy had taken measures to ensure Elizabeth’s safety. Lady Matlock confirmed that she had noticed the two new footmen and their great size during shopping trips but had chosen not to make mention of it.
“And knowing your impulsive nature, Shelton, you do not have the patience to sit back in Hertfordshire and hope that others will take care of it.”
Darcy suppressed a smile at the all-too-correct summary of his friend’s personality.
“Yes, Elinor, so my wife has told me,” Bennet respond
ed contritely.
“Darcy, you must ask Richard to help you,” Lady Matlock said.
“I was just about to write him a note when you called.” Darcy furrowed his brow and turned to Bennet. “What if Wickham remains in Meryton? What about Mrs. Bennet and your younger daughters?”
“My informant says that Wickham came to Town nearly five days ago,” Bennet told them. “But in case that is not so, Kitty and Lydia are under the care of my most trusted servants. Mrs. Bennet is on her way to my brother Gardiner’s home, and I will be joining her. It is less likely that Lord Shelton will be known in Gracechurch Street, so I feel much safer there whilst I remain in Town.”
“Are you not worried that others will recognize you?” Lady Matlock asked.
“When Wickham is found, he will be turned over to the authorities on charges of desertion from the militia and placed in gaol. My brother Gardiner will be meeting with the colonel of the regiment, and there is no need for me to be involved in the trial, so I trust my identity will be protected. I believe that Wickham knows nothing of my identity based on the questioning of my informant.”
“Was there never anyone you came across who knew you?” Lady Matlock asked, leaning in towards him.
He shrugged. “Once someone knew Bennet and was suspicious that a burn scar was missing on my ear. And thrice over the last eighteen years, I was nearly exposed as the Earl of Shelton; although my wife was quite concerned, my family and the society in Meryton laughed it off as mistaken identity. The locals, you see, do not think I aspire to the peerage. These fellows who thought I was the earl had not been close acquaintances, so after all was considered, they agreed it was an uncanny resemblance and left it at that.”
Just when the tension in the room relaxed and the participants developed a sort of ease in their conversation, another visitor was announced.
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Chapter 23:
Lady Catherine has her say, while causing a great delay.
27 April 1812
Darcy House, London
When Lady Catherine swept into the room, Thomas Bennet had been discussing the intent to capture George Wickham with Darcy and Lady Matlock. Immediately all three tensed, realizing it was likely that she would guess Bennet’s secret, just as Lady Matlock had, since Lady Catherine had known the Sheltons as a young couple. She stopped in her tracks the moment she saw him. It was obvious she knew what she saw, but not what to make of it. Her mouth opened as if to say something, then closed again, then opened and closed apoplectically before she declared her recognition loudly to the room.
“Lord Shelton, I did not expect you to be here!” she said imperiously.
“Nor did I expect you, Lady Catherine,” Bennet replied with a level voice. To his consternation, Lady Catherine’s greeting sealed the decision, and based on his recent experience with Lady Matlock, he was resigned to abandoning any intention of pretence.
“I suppose you are part of this imprudent conduct; nay, it is most evident that you must be instrumental in this deception. I recognised her as your daughter at once when she was at Rosings, but she was evasive and pretended no knowledge of her connections. Are you aware that your daughter has been masquerading as a person known as Miss Elizabeth Bennet, daughter to a Mr. Thomas Bennet of Hertfordshire?” She was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.
“I am, though I would not refer to it as Lizzy masquerading as much as she was unaware of her fortune and connections by my own design. I can confirm that I have acted as her guardian under the name of Mr. Thomas Bennet these twenty years and that she had no idea of the identity of her original family until a fortnight ago.” Bennet spoke in a much calmer voice than he felt.
“Then you can be at no loss as to the reason for my coming quickly hither; your own heart, nay your conscience, must know it.”
“Indeed you are mistaken, madam; I cannot account for your being here at all.” Bennet regarded the lady with unaffected astonishment.
“Do not trifle with me, Shelton; it is not a compliment to the understanding of either of us. My character has long been acclaimed for its forthright and discerning nature, and in a case like this, I most certainly will not depart from it. There is no reason for you to believe that I would abide the great travesty taking place here.
“A report of an alarming nature reached me at Rosings. Not only is your eldest daughter matched into a situation with a tradesman, of all things, but you must be aware there is a rumour industriously being circulated that your second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has the gall to consider herself engaged to my own nephew, Mr. Darcy!”
“She is called Lady Elizabeth.” Bennet was careful in his response. He knew Lady Catherine well enough to not enter into an argument with her willingly.
“That does not signify!” cried Lady Catherine, rapping her cane on the floor. “You must know this claim to a betrothal is a scandalous falsehood, I am sure! As soon as I heard of it, I resolved to make my sentiments known.”
“If it is untrue, I wonder why you would take the trouble to come all this way to tell us. Your appearance at Darcy’s home confirms the truth of the matter.”
“I am here in hope that you will universally quash this rumour and declare it to be impossible.”
“I cannot.”
“You refuse to say it is without foundation? Is it your own design, then, to attach your daughter to my nephew? Is this rumour started by you, to lure us into believing this subterfuge of your creation?”
Lady Catherine’s accusatory retort did not sit well with her audience, and Bennet’s ire was raised at the woman’s refusal to back down.
“I see no reason to interfere with the young people’s plans, madam. They should be allowed to act in a manner which would constitute their own happiness without regard to people so wholly unconnected to them.”
While the war of words was escalating, Bennet could not help but see that Darcy was not in a forbearing mood. Darcy wiped his hand across his face in frustration at his relative’s inability to be tactful, but he was unable to insert a word into the verbal sparring taking place.
“In a moment of infatuation, perhaps, Darcy forgot his family and was drawn in by your daughter’s arts and allurements. But your daughter has no right to aspire to such a match, and you must ensure it does not happen. Darcy is engaged to my daughter, Anne!”
Darcy finally interjected, “Lady Catherine, you know from my letter that I am engaged to Lady Elizabeth. I hoped that you would wish me joy, as did Anne. Anne and I have told you numerous times that we have no intention of marrying each other and have no feelings for one another other than the familial affection expected of cousins.”
“Nonsense. You were formed for each other from your very cradles. It was the dearest wish of your mother and me to unite two great estates. Anne has the advantage of good breeding and an impeccable reputation to bring to your marriage. You were both descended from the same noble lines on your maternal side, and on the paternal side from respectable, honourable, and ancient, if untitled, families. You were destined to wed your cousin.”
Lady Matlock attempted to reason with her sister-in-law. “Catherine, there was no such intention by Lady Anne, and she argued against your designs for Fitzwilliam. It has been your wish alone.”
“If anyone, Lady Anne expressed a wish for a match between young Fitzwilliam and my Jenny!” Bennet offered, with a hint of a smirk. “Of course, we all knew it to be silly talk between her and Olivia, the kind of thing young mothers who are the best of friends would indulge in. There was no seriousness to the idea.
“Now that Lizzy is grown, I see the remarkable likeness of intelligence, high principles, and loyalty that Darcy shares with her, and the differences in their temperaments will only serve to complement each other. Her liveliness will bring him out of his reserve, and his maturity and experience will enlighten her to the conduct of high society and the goings-on around the world.”
“You cannot believ
e this is true!” Lady Catherine persisted. “Honour, interest, prudence, and decorum forbid such a match.”
Darcy retorted, “I saw those qualities in Elizabeth when I proposed, and they do not preclude our alliance; I hope Elizabeth had those attributes in mind when she accepted me.”
“But she will be friendless after this affair is exposed! Shelton, you have come out of exile to champion your daughter as suitable for my nephew, yet your hypocrisy and her capricious independence ensure that none of us will ever speak to her. She will be slighted, censured, and despised for your irremediable infamy. The alliance will be disgraced.”
“As the wife of Mr. Darcy, she will have no cause to repine,” Bennet countered.
“Obstinate, headstrong man! I am ashamed of you; I expected you to be more reasonable. Is this your gratitude for the attentions I paid your daughter?”
“I do appreciate the time she was able to spend at Rosings, and I thank you for your notice,” Bennet said graciously.
“I have come here determined to put an end to any notions you have. You must not try to dissuade me from my purpose. Your whims and fancies of using an alias all these years make you a shameful model for my nephew. You are a person of consequence, and you must cease this façade as an obscure country gentleman with no importance in society and return to your rightful position. I will brook no disappointment on this score.”
In his need to make his point clear to Lady Catherine, Bennet addressed her in a firm tone. “I will not be exposing my identity to anyone. Everybody thinks Shelton is dead, and I want to keep it that way.”
“Without your title, your daughters have no connections.”
“As my heiresses, they are titled.”
“They have their godparents, the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys, as connections, Catherine,” Lady Matlock added.
“But what of this Mrs. Bennet? Her brothers: one in trade and one a country attorney? I am not ignorant of their position.”
“If Darcy has no objections, I cannot see how it applies to you,” Bennet said with clipped words. While he had tried to exercise self-control throughout the discussion, his nerves were wearing thin. He was dangerously close to shouting at Lady Catherine, especially given this last disparaging remark regarding his wife.