Page 16 of Mr. Darcy’s Forgotten Heir (Pride and Prejudice Variations #1)
“My sister Mary,” Elizabeth said, her voice thick with emotion. “She is staying with my aunt and uncle. She too has been…” She hesitated, unwilling to speak ill of her parents.
“Say no more,” Lady Eleanor said with a wave of her hand. “She is welcome as well.”
“Lady Eleanor, I—” Elizabeth began, struggling to find words adequate to express her gratitude.
“There is no need,” Lady Eleanor interrupted gently. “Now, we should return to the drawing room before your absence becomes remarked upon. Not a word of this to anyone, not even your sister Jane. I shall make the arrangements through your uncle, Mr. Gardiner.”
Elizabeth nodded, composing herself as Lady Eleanor helped her to her feet. “Of course. I understand the need for discretion.”
They returned to the morning room to find Lady Catherine in full rhetorical flight about the presumption of young women who overstepped their stations. She broke off as they entered, her sharp eyes immediately assessing the change in atmosphere.
“Well?” she demanded. “I trust this mysterious matter has been resolved?”
“Indeed it has,” Lady Eleanor replied calmly. “Miss Elizabeth was feeling somewhat faint. The winter air in London can be quite trying for those unaccustomed to it.”
“Lizzy, are you well?” Jane asked with immediate concern, rising to come to her sister’s side.
“Quite recovered, thank you,” Elizabeth assured her with a smile that she hoped appeared genuine. “Lady Eleanor has been most kind.”
“In fact,” Lady Eleanor continued, addressing the room at large, “I have invited Miss Elizabeth to recuperate at my estate in Yorkshire. Bellfield Grange offers excellent country air and peaceful surroundings that would benefit her health considerably.”
Lady Catherine’s expression darkened. “Eleanor, this is most irregular. We know nothing of this young woman beyond her connection to Hertfordshire.”
“I know enough,” Lady Eleanor replied with quiet authority. “Miss Elizabeth has experienced difficulties with her family situation, through no fault of her own. The Honywoods—who manage Bellfield—speak highly of her character. That is recommendation enough for me.”
Elizabeth kept her eyes lowered, acutely aware of Jane’s confusion and Lady Catherine’s disapproval. She could feel Georgiana watching her with renewed interest, as if seeing her in a completely different light.
“Lizzy,” Jane said softly, “you never mentioned any plans to leave London.”
“It is a recent development,” Elizabeth replied carefully. “I shall explain everything later, dear Jane.”
Lady Catherine’s face went purple. “Eleanor, surely you cannot be serious. The girl is nobody, from nowhere, with no connections worth mentioning. What possible benefit could there be in cultivating such an acquaintance?”
“The benefit of common Christian charity,” Lady Eleanor replied as if felling a giant with a sling.
“But why Bellfield Grange?” Lady Catherine’s voice was sharp with suspicion. “Why on earth would you send her there?”
“Because the air is clean, the surroundings are peaceful, and the Honywoods are the kindest people in England,” Lady Eleanor replied smoothly. “Surely you cannot object to offering sanctuary to a young woman whose health has clearly suffered from recent trials?”
Georgiana had been listening to this exchange with growing excitement. Suddenly, she spoke up.
“Might I go as well, Aunt Eleanor? I should so like to see Bellfield Grange again, and the Honywoods. And I confess I have no heart for the Season while Fitzwilliam is so unwell.”
Lady Catherine turned on her with fury. “Absolutely not. Miss Georgiana, you will remain in London where you belong. Your debut cannot be postponed indefinitely, and I will not have you gallivanting about the countryside with unsuitable companions.”
“But Aunt Catherine,” Georgiana protested with unusual spirit, “surely my place is with family who understand my distress, rather than forced into social obligations that seem meaningless under current circumstances?”
“Your place is where I decide it should be,” Lady Catherine snapped. “You are not yet of age, and I will not permit this nonsense.”
“Actually,” Lady Eleanor said quietly, “as Georgiana is Fitzwilliam’s sister and ward, and as I am his aunt with equal standing to yours, Catherine, I believe I have as much authority over her welfare as you do. Particularly when Fitzwilliam himself is unable to express his wishes.”
The battle lines were clearly drawn. Elizabeth held her breath as the two women squared off with sharpened glares.
Finally, Lady Catherine spoke, her voice dripping with disdain.
“Very well. Remove yourselves to Yorkshire if you must. But do not imagine that this arrangement changes anything fundamental about Miss Bennet’s circumstances.
She remains what she has always been—a young woman of no fortune and less consequence who has allowed herself to develop romantic notions far above her station. ”
Elizabeth felt the familiar fire rise in her chest. “Your ladyship is quite correct. I am indeed a young woman of no fortune. But I would rather be poor and principled than wealthy and heartless.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes glittered dangerously. “Such impertinence! Eleanor, I trust you will ensure this young woman learns proper deference during her stay under our family’s protection.”
“I will ensure that she is treated with the courtesy and respect due to any guest in my household,” Lady Eleanor replied firmly. “As I would expect for any member of our family.”
The emphasis on “any member” was not lost on Elizabeth, and she felt a warm rush of gratitude toward this unexpected ally .
As they departed Darcy House, Jane put her hand on Elizabeth’s. “Sister, I will be the model of discretion. Whatever has befallen you, know that I shall write you and miss you fondly. Perhaps after all this is over, we can find ourselves sharing confidences and other joys.”
Elizabeth blinked back tears, unable to speak, as Mr. Bingley handed her up into the carriage.
Providence had given her a found family with Lady Eleanor and the Honywoods.
Perhaps God would be gracious to Fitzwilliam, too.
A small flame of hope kindled in her heart for the first time since Darcy failed to return.