Page 59 of Moments Frozen in Time (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“What have you discovered about the estate, Anne?” came a new voice, a tall, handsome man who I guessed to be the earl from his patrician mien and the look of fear that passed on Lady Catherine’s face.

“That it was left to me when Father died. However, Mother was to remain responsible for it until I turned twenty-five or married,” Anne stated.

“Had Darcy given in and married me, I would have inherited Rosings, but I believe Mother intended to ship me off to Pemberley so she could remain in control of the estate. Not that Darcy would have allowed it, but I suppose if he had been so easily cowed into marrying me, she thought she would browbeat him into allowing her to remain in charge of the estate as well.”

“Well, Catherine,” the gentleman said, his voice ringing with command, “what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Sir Lewis left the estate to me,” she insisted, stubbornly refusing to look at anyone else in the room. “Anne cannot possibly manage it on her own, even if she were supposed to inherit. She needs a husband to tell her what to do, and, Fitzwilliam, you were promised to her.”

“Then why does Anne say it is otherwise?” Fitzwilliam interjected.

“And for the last time, Anne and I were never engaged, and even if my mother had wished for the match when we were babes, there is nothing to hold me to that wish. Father refused to sign a contract, and I cannot imagine that Sir Lewis was any more willing to do so.”

“Catherine, you have been warned enough times about this matter,” the earl said firmly, having reached the limit of his patience.

“You and Anne will accompany me now to Matlock House. We will discuss the matter of Anne’s inheritance there.

Fitzwilliam, since we have so rudely intruded upon your home, would you do me the honour of introducing me to your wife?

I imagine Anne would appreciate a proper introduction as well since I doubt my sister bothered with such niceties when she burst in. She does not deserve an introduction.”

“Gladly, Uncle,” Fitzwilliam replied, turning toward me with a fond smile. “Uncle, it is my very great pleasure to present my wife—Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth, this is my uncle, Henry Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Matlock.”

I dropped a curtsy. “My lord,” I murmured politely.

Before more could be said, Fitzwilliam guided me gently to face his cousin.

“And Elizabeth, this is my cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh—as I am sure you have already gathered. Anne, may I introduce my wife, Elizabeth? I have no doubt the two of you will get along famously. You already know Charlotte Collins, one of Elizabeth’s dearest friends.

If you remain in town for the Season as you stated, perhaps you and Elizabeth can shop together—giving me the very great pleasure of remaining at home. ”

I laughed softly. “Not if your aunt has anything to say about it. She fully intends for you to escort me all over town. Still, Miss de Bourgh, I would be delighted if you would join us—my sister Jane is also here, and I believe we shall make a fine party for shopping, promenading, and whatever else your aunt deems fashionable. It is truly a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to knowing you better.”

“You as well, Mrs. Darcy,” she replied. “But, since we are cousins, please call me Anne. Once Mother has been sent back to Rosings, then I will call on you here, and we will plan some outings together. I have heard about the gossip that has been spreading, and I imagine you will be doing all you can in the coming months to correct any misconceptions.”

“Indeed, Lady Matlock has already begun her campaign. I do not know whether she will still call tomorrow since you and your mother arrived a day early, but if she does, please come with her if it can be arranged,” I said. “Oh, and you must call me Elizabeth, or even Lizzy, as my sisters do.”

Lady Catherine scoffed in obvious displeasure, but no one paid her any mind.

“Thank you, Elizabeth,” Anne said. “I will come if I am able, but since I intend to spend several months here, I am certain we will be fast friends. I wonder whether we can find a way to bring Charlotte here, but only if we can find a reason to leave Mr. Collins at home.”

I laughed with my cousin and husband, but Lord Matlock soon escorted the de Bourgh ladies out of the house, leaving us alone again.

“I think dinner in our room sounds delightful, Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam said the moment the door closed behind our unexpected visitors. I laughed softly, recalling how I had made the same suggestion what felt like hours ago.

“Very well,” I said with a smile. “I will stop by Jane’s room on the way up to let her know about our latest guests—though I suspect your servants may have already informed her.

I doubt she will be terribly surprised by any of it, but I may have to tell her some of what has transpired since she went upstairs. ”

Fitzwilliam followed me upstairs, his hand resting lightly at the small of my back.

Half an hour later, we were comfortably settled in our sitting room, enjoying a quiet meal and speaking of everyday things—the sort of conversation that steadied us after the chaos.

When the last of the dishes had been cleared away, we sought the solace of our bed and the peace we had found in one another’s arms.