Rosings

by Karen Aminadra

  Lady Catherine was fully recovered from her shock and was enjoying herself far too much, she admitted to herself. “Shall I help you out, Montague? You seem to have lost the use of your tongue.” She turned to the rest of the room. “Nancy Bishop is Montague’s mistress. He intended…” She turned back momentarily to Monty. “Correct me if I am wrong, won’t you? He intended to marry Anne, not out of love, but purely out of the desire to gain her land, property, and fortune.” She raised her eyebrows questioningly at Monty, who merely stood, open-mouthed and staring at her. “He would do as he pleased with the fortune as permitted by the law. He would get Anne with child, and then run back to his mistress – Nancy – the real object of his desire.”

  “What…how?”

  “You and your friends should not speak so loudly with the door to the library open, Mr Fitz-Herbert, if you do not wish to be overheard.” She enjoyed the look on Monty’s face immensely. “Then, this morning, when Anne tried to inform you that she refused your offer of marriage, you forced yourself on her and she bit you.” The looks of disbelief from Ernest and Horace were enough to confirm that Monty had indeed lied to them also. She finally turned to Anne. “Anne, do you wish to marry Montague?”

  “No, Mother. I do not.”

  “Very well.” She turned back to Monty. “Mr Fitz-Herbert, I would rather my daughter remain a spinster for her entire life than marry a cad like you. Therefore, I suggest you and your friends vacate Rosings Park within the hour. I will not allow you to depart when you are ready; you deserve no such compliment from me. You have insulted my daughter in the most heinous manner possible, and I will not tolerate your presence any longer!”

  The threesome stared at those in the room with them. Monty made to open his mouth and speak.

  “Now, Mr Fitz-Herbert!” Lady Catherine bellowed.

  She smiled to herself as the threesome clambered to get out of the drawing room. She doubted they had ever moved so quickly in the whole course of their lives.

  SIXTEEN

  _______________________________

  Anne slept better that night than she had for at least a week. She felt so relieved, and she was amazed at her mother. She never before believed her mother would defend her in such a way. Anne always believed her marriage would be forced, so to be rescued by the very person who arranged the party was, in her mind, nothing short of a miracle.

  Anne awoke late and stretched lazily and happily in the bed before a thought occurred to her. Henry Watkins also had a hand in her freedom. If he had not kept a clear head and asked the difficult and probing questions, then Anne may well have been organising her trousseau that very morning. She hurriedly climbed out of bed and rang the bell for Jeanette. She had to tell Henry, that very morning, how grateful she was to him for all his help the previous night.

  As she washed her face, she pondered what her life would now hold. She had written regularly to Mrs Darcy, and her replies now came back to Anne just as often. She hoped that, in time, the breach between the Darcys and her mother would heal, too. Despite the lump that came to her throat as she made the decision, she determined that her cousin’s children, should they be blessed in such a way, would benefit from her love, time, and fortune. Her duty, she felt, to Rosings and to all that the de Bourghs fought and worked hard to give her as an inheritance was more vital than her desire to marry. She was also sure that they would turn in their graves if she so willingly handed it all over to a cad like Monty. She had, over the last couple of months, had as much of romance as she could handle, and merely wished now for a quieter, simpler life. Matrimony was the furthest thing from her mind.

  Within minutes, Anne was in the breakfast room with Charles and Walter, and she openly admitted that the atmosphere was much improved.

  “Absolutely, it is!” Walter agreed.

  “I have to admit that I was heartily proud of how your mother conducted herself last evening. If it had been me, I’d have had the fellow whipped to within an inch of his life for his impertinence and reprehensible behaviour towards you, Anne.”

  “Thank you, Charles. I, too, am very proud of her. She seems to have mellowed considerably of late.”

  Anne’s voice trailed off as she realised her mother was entering the room. It appeared, much to Anne’s relief, that she had not heard a single word of what they said.

  “Good morning all! It seems a much better day today than yesterday, do you not agree, Anne?” Lady Catherine smiled at Anne, and she wondered if her mother had indeed overheard her.

  “Yes, Mama. It is, indeed.” Anne drank a little more tea and continued. “Mother, I wonder if you would like to accompany me to visit with Mr Watkins today? I would very much like to thank him for his assistance last evening.”

  Lady Catherine smiled back at her. “My thoughts precisely, Anne. I intended to pay them a visit.”

  Anne nodded and resumed her breakfast.

  “Walter, Charles, would you both like to visit with us?”

  Charles nodded. “Yes, Your Ladyship. I would very much like that. I am intrigued to visit this parsonage that I hear so much of.”

  Walter also declared his desire to accompany them. Anne was pleased. Of all their visitors, it was Charles and Walter whom she felt she could continue to be friends with after they departed.

  * * *

  The parsonage at Hunsford was bathed in sunlight. Anne paused as she stepped down from the carriage. It was perfect, as though in a painting. Her heart leapt as she saw Henry and James emerging from the door. She frowned as she straightened her dress. Why do I react so?

  Henry and James seemed as elated to have a house full of guests as much as they were all pleased to be there. The sitting room had changed a little since the day before. The flowers on the windowsill were a welcome addition and brightened the place up. Anne also noticed that there were a few more ornaments than before.

  “I see you’ve noticed a few knickknacks that I’ve donated to James’ home, Miss de Bourgh.”

  “I have indeed, Henry. They are intriguing,” Anne replied.

  “Aye, they are. They are vases with fine examples of Chinese artwork painted upon them. I picked them up on a quick trip I took there once to get some fine silks.” He reached up and brought down from a shelf a fine example with gold edging on the rim. “This one was his mother’s favourite. I know she would have wanted him to have it.” He handed it to Anne.

  “It is very fine, indeed. I particularly like how the people are painted. How interesting!”

  “Have you never seen Chinese art before, Miss de Bourgh?”

  “I saw some in a gallery in London once, and, of course, we have some fine examples of chinoiserie at home, but this is nothing like anything I have ever seen. It is very beautiful. I can see why your wife liked it.”

  “Aye.” That was all he said as he nodded, took the vase from Anne, and placed it back on the shelf.

  “Henry…Mr Watkins, I want to tell you how grateful I am for all you did last night. It was painful, but necessary, and I truly am glad you were there to help me.” Anne looked down at her feet with embarrassment.

  “Oh, my dear. I am sorry I had to ask some difficult and delicate questions, but we flushed the devil out, did we not?” He patted her hand and Anne nodded. “Your mother was exceptionally good last night, too. I was impressed with how she handled the matter. I did think for a moment that it would all be a little much for her.”

  “What do you mean?” Anne asked, puzzled as to what he inferred.

  “Oh, do you not know? Your mother and I discussed it all and planned to draw him out so we could confront him with all she had learnt by listening in on their conversation in the billiards room from the library a few nights ago.”

  Anne gasped. So, Mother heard the same conversation, too.

  “Unfortunately, I feared that once Montague told her the lie about the happenings in your room, her courage would fail her. However, she rallied and did us all proud.” He chuckled. “Although, I think I would
have liked to have seen your mother have the brute horsewhipped!” Henry threw back his head and laughed heartily.

  Anne had to admit the idea was amusing and she laughed, too, which drew the attention of the others. Anne was happy to allow Henry to furnish them with all the details of their discourse. It seemed it was a subject they all wished to discuss, and soon they were all chatting animatedly and laughing at the remembrance of the threesome scurrying away from the scene.

  Henry roared with laughter again. “I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they scarpered from Rosings without taking any of their belongings!” He looked at Lady Catherine for confirmation.

  “Indeed. I shall send them on…in a week or two!” she replied with a smirk.

  Anne could not help herself. She had to laugh at her mother’s daring. This was a side of her Anne had never before known, and she liked it very much. She hoped this would herald a new dawn in their relationship and that they would laugh more together in the future.

  * * *

  The morning passed amiably and Lady Catherine invited the Watkinses back to Rosings to spend the remainder of the day. Anne was pleased when they said they would enjoy it. She and her mother saw this visit was going the way of all visits with the Watkinses – it would last for hours – and it was better to gather again at Rosings for the convenience of the ladies.

  James stated he had a little work to do, but would join them all for luncheon. Henry escorted Lady Catherine home in the carriage and Anne was delighted to accept and partake in a rare delight – to walk to Rosings with Charles and Walter.

  She smiled to herself and laughed as they set off from the parsonage. “I confess, over the past few weeks that I have been working so diligently at avoiding Monty or eluding being married off to him that I have not had the pleasure of getting to know you both well.”

  “That is true, and there were many times we thought you were lost to him forever. However, things have taken a happy turn, and we can remedy that fact now.” Charles smiled down at her.

  Anne liked him. He made her wish that she had an elder brother.

  “If you will allow me to cross the boundaries of propriety, I think you’re a smashing young lady, and you have bloomed since we arrived. I am heartily glad that you will not be marrying that man.” Walter grinned at her as he moved to walk on the other side of her to Charles.

  Anne blushed at the compliment.

  “Walter is spot on there. We heard of you before we visited, you know. I freely admit that curiosity was our sole reason for accepting the invitation, and I am pleased to see you are not the mouse you were purported to be.”

  Anne frowned. “Society believes me to be a mouse?”

  “I am afraid so.” He looked down at her with compassion. “You see, your mother’s reputation is such that news of your apparent imprisonment is widely spread.”

  Anne gasped in shock.

  “But do not fear. I will see to it that tales of the great entertainment that we have had here…” Walter waggled his eyebrows and she knew he was referring to the incident with Monty. “…are spread as quickly as wildfire.”

  Charles laughed. “Oh, I would enjoy seeing Montague Fitz-Herbert taken down a peg or two in society by the knowledge of your mother’s scolding being told abroad.”

  Anne shook her head. “I do not think that I am comfortable with the thought of his deeds being spread abroad.”

  “I understand you would not wish your part in it revealed, nor your good name sullied, but other young ladies need to be warned of his character, do they not?”

  Anne reluctantly agreed with Charles on that point. She disliked the idea of another young lady being trapped into marriage to him.

  They continued in silence for a while until Walter spoke up and told Anne of all they did the summer past and their plans for this one. They were fond of fishing and boating and Anne’s liking for them grew. By degrees, Anne felt comfortable again. She knew they would most likely tell some of their acquaintances about what happened at Rosings with Monty, and the more she thought about it, the more she realised they were right.

  Anne learnt that Charles knew her cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, and that they had much in common. “It is a shame he is not here. Unfortunately, he is in Spain at the moment.”

  “I pray he comes back to you all soon.”

  “Thank you, so do I. I miss him terribly.”

  “He has distinguished himself valiantly, so I am told. My father regaled us all with tales of your cousin’s daring. I believe he was rewarded handsomely for some of his strategies.”

  “Truly?” Anne asked.

  “Yes, I believe he devised a plan to help to save more than one hundred men after they were surrounded by the enemy. They would not have escaped if it were not for Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  Anne smiled. She was proud of him.

  As they approached Rosings, the conversation turned back to lighter subjects. Anne confessed that she had never been taught to ride and they offered to mentor her, as long as she had a mount that was placid enough for a beginner. She smiled and said she believed they did have. To her excitement and amusement, they offered to begin teaching her the very next day and she consented, providing they stayed close to the stable. She told them of her promise to her mother and they agreed to allow her cousin to take over once they departed.

  * * *

  Anne watched with utter delight at the improved atmosphere at Rosings and how everyone had relaxed since the departure of the threesome. She was reminded greatly of how things were when her father and Aunt Darcy lived. The laugher filling the air was rare, but felt very good to her.

  However, the failure of James to arrive for luncheon rattled her. She could not settle once they retired to the drawing room. During luncheon, grey clouds drew in and the skies opened, depositing heavy rain upon their otherwise perfect day.

  Anne could not relax. She listened to the conversations around her and laughed at the jokes, but she could not sit still long enough to participate. She walked to the fireplace, turned, watched the occupants of the room, and then walked back to the window in hopes of catching a glimpse of James as he approached.

  As the afternoon wore on, she began to lose all hope of seeing him again that day. She wondered at herself. Why was she behaving in such a way? As she seated herself in her favourite armchair, Wilson arrived and announced James’ appearance.

  The relief that washed over her was so tangible that she had to restrain herself from jumping excitedly out of her chair. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Charles and Walter notice her reaction and smile knowingly at each other. What does that mean?

  SEVENTEEN

  _____________________________

  James’ tardiness, they learnt, was due to a parishioner arriving at the parsonage in need of assistance. James, of course, gave it, and was deeply sorry to have missed luncheon, as he had not eaten at all.

  Lady Catherine was gracious and arranged for a small repast to be prepared and taken to the breakfast room for him.

  Anne was loathe to see him go again, but did not want to poor man to starve simply so that she could have the pleasure of seeing him.

  That’s it, isn’t it? I desperately wanted to see him. That’s why I could not settle this afternoon. She frowned at herself. Now, why is that? He is an amiable enough fellow, but it’s not as if I… She gasped and placed her hand on her chest at the realisation.

  “Miss de Bourgh, whatever is it? Are you all right?” Henry’s voice cut through her thoughts.

  She shook herself mentally. “Indeed, yes, I am. I just felt a little chill. Perhaps I will go and fetch my shawl from my room.” She stood up and quickly scurried out of the room as they all declared their concerns for her health.

  As soon as she escaped to the hallway, she closed the door behind her and leant against the wall. Is that what is the matter with me? Am I in love with James?

  “Miss de Bourgh, are you well?” Anne turned to see who spoke and saw that
James was stood in the corridor, staring at her.

  “James!” Anne was alarmed to see him standing there. It was as though he heard her thoughts. “I thought you were having something to eat.”

  “I…I had intended to, but then I heard the door open and saw you. Are you quite well?” he repeated. The concern was plain on his face.

  Anne swallowed hard. “Yes, quite well.” Her voice trembled and belied her words. She knew her feelings were clearly etched upon her face.

  James stepped towards her. “Miss de Bourgh, I…”

  “Really, James, what if your luncheon is getting cold?” She was nervous at his close proximity, and she regretted interrupting him so. She looked up into his face and he looked crestfallen.

  “Yes, you are right.”

  He turned to go and she placed her hand on his arm, staying him. “I’m sorry to interrupt. What were you about to say to me?”

  “I…” He stared into her eyes and pointed back towards the breakfast room. “I…ought to go and marry.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Anne’s eyes grew wide.

  James shook his head. “I mean…I ought to go and eat.”

  “But that isn’t what you said.” Her heart thumped against her chest and she could hardly breathe.

  “No. No, it wasn’t, was it?”

  To Anne, it seemed that the whole world came to a standstill as she stood there, mesmerised by his eyes. They spoke volumes to her and she could scarcely believe it. “What…” Anne was aware of his eyes watching her mouth. “W…what did you mean to say, then?”

  An eternity passed before he spoke again.

  “Marry me?” he whispered so quietly that she thought she’d imagined it. When she did not reply, he repeated himself. “I love you, Anne. Marry me?”

  Anne gasped, but did not have the chance of replying as James bent his head slowly and she watched with mounting excitement as he kissed her. The kiss was so soft and sweet that Anne wished it to last forever. The need to breathe, however, overcame them, and they reluctantly parted.