Page 25 of An Offer of Marriage (Engaged to Mr Darcy #7)
I SHALL KNOW HOW TO ACT
H is visit to Hertfordshire was far more agreeable than he had anticipated. Mrs Bennet appeared too much in awe of him to speak, and Mr Bennet said nothing more satiric than that he would not deny a man like Darcy anything he deigned to ask for.
Darcy was also satisfied in doing the Bennets another good turn.
He overheard a conversation from within the drawing room—an argument between two of the youngest sisters.
Evidently Lydia was invited to go to Brighton to follow the regiment there and the family thought Colonel Forster’s young wife an adequate chaperon.
Quickly, and privately, he told Mr Bennet precisely why he must not allow any such thing to happen, and how he himself had learnt the hard way what harm might befall a young lady by the sea.
Mr Bennet was shocked and expressed his sympathy on the matter and said in no uncertain terms that Lydia’s scheme would be ended that very day.
He returned to London the day following and went at once to his club.
Finding the most gossipy of the men, he indulged in jovial conversation about his visit to his future in-laws and all the preparations his charming bride was undertaking.
He hoped it was enough to subdue the gossip, at least a little.
Mrs Hobbs met Darcy at the door as he entered the house on his return from the club. “Sir, your aunt and cousin are here. They wished to wait for you.”
“Lady Matlock?”
Mrs Hobbs shook her head, clearly unhappy to be the bearer of bad news. “Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to get the butler and have him escort them from the premises, but he could not bring himself to do it. Perhaps if it had been only Anne…but no. One must pay family due respect.
He walked towards the drawing room with all the alacrity of a man approaching the gallows. Entering the room, he gestured towards Anne. “I believe I was very clear when I said this person should have no further intercourse with me or anyone connected to me.”
“Darcy,” Anne said in a small and meek voice. “I really am so very sorry. I wish to pay for any bills you might have incurred from your physician…it is the least I can do.”
“I did not see a physician for some bumps and bruises,” he retorted disdainfully. In truth, he was somewhat surprised by her demeanour. Meekness and humility were far from the common way for either of the two ladies present.
“I see,” Anne said. “Then I pray you will accept this small token of apology from me.”
There was a parcel next to her on the sofa and she rose, extending it towards him.
A book was his guess, based on the size of it and the paper used to wrap it.
He took it from her, and unwrapped it. The Elegiac Sonnets by Charlotte Smith, published in the year of his birth.
He had long wished to have a first edition of it; his mother had been very fond of it, but somehow her copy of it had been lost.
“Thank you.” He carefully laid it on the table nearest him. “Unnecessary, but appreciated nonetheless.”
“Do sit down, Darcy,” Lady Catherine said. “We cannot speak amiably with you looming over us in such a way.”
Reluctantly, Darcy sat.
“I understand you have been to that place…her father’s estate.” Lady Catherine had a pinched expression on her face as she spoke.
“Longbourn,” Darcy replied. “Elizabeth’s father’s estate is called Longbourn, as I am certain you already know.”
“And have the articles been signed? She has no dowry, you know.”
“Mr Bennet is reviewing the articles now, and yes, I am aware of her lack of fortune.” Darcy had a suspicion of what his aunt might say next and sure enough she soon followed with,
“It is not too late, Darcy. We, your family, can extricate you from these claws?—”
“It is too late,” said Darcy with a patient sigh. “His lordship and my aunt believe this is for the best. There have been unsubstantiated rumours going about?—”
“Yes, yes,” said his aunt impatiently. “We know all about them. But my dear nephew, think of this: those rumours only affect her reputation, not yours. Why should you be held to account for her lowliness?”
“I am not sure I take your meaning, but it is my name as well and gentlemanly honour demands that I put things right.”
“Gentlemanly honour! Pah!” Lady Catherine scoffed. “ What good will your honour be when you are bound to one of no name, no fortune, no connexions… She is a degradation to your name. To us all! How do you expect Georgiana to marry well when you have connected her to such people?”
Darcy only shook his head. It was tiring, covering this same ground that had plagued him over and over last autumn.
“Get rid of her,” Lady Catherine urged. “Or permit us to do so for you and then you and Anne can marry and take your rightful place as leaders among the ton . Miss Elizabeth Bennet will never be accepted by anyone of consequence.”
Darcy closed his eyes for a moment. “There is nothing for it now. Best to be hanged for a sheep than a lamb.”
“It is best not to be hanged at all,” Anne said.
“Well…yes, of course.” Darcy chuckled weakly. “But sometimes fate catches one.”
He did not miss the looks that the two ladies exchanged with one another.
“The girl bewitched you, betrayed you, and will do absolutely nothing for you. There will be a scandal when you put an end to it all, but never mind that. Your marriage, and the subsequent increase in your fortune and influence will carry us all through.”
Darcy merely stared at them a moment, then said, “There is nothing to be carried through. I must marry Elizabeth Bennet. I do not care to hear more on the subject.” Darcy rose. “Allow me to escort you both out.”
Both ladies rose. “Time is running out, Darcy,” said Lady Catherine ominously. “Once you have placed your gold on her finger, it is done.”
“It is as good as done,” Darcy told them both. “’Til death do us part, for better or for worse. ”
Anne gave him a pensive nod and then said, “’Til death do you part, indeed. Come, Mother.”
As the carriage began to roll away from Darcy House, Lady Catherine announced, “That boy is too stubborn for his own good. We shall see how it is once he is married to that chit. I predict he will be repenting of it all by July.”
“Perhaps he will, but what good will that do?” Anne said. “You heard him, did you not? ’Til death . That is a very long time.”
“One never knows. She is likely already with child, and the Darcys have always had large babies. One might kill her.”
Anne laughed. “A killer baby. I like that. Or of course anything could kill her, in truth. We live in dangerous times.”
Her mother only nodded and closed her eyes, leaning back into the squabs.
Dangerous times indeed , Anne thought. Yes. Elizabeth Bennet, I shall know how to act.