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Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived in London in the Rosing’s estate coach and four without anyone noticing.

The coachman was concerned that one of the team appeared to be going lame, but the mistress would not hear of a horse delaying her arrival at Matlock House.

Stepping through the front door, Lady Catherine did not rest. The woman of noble birth was determined to have her way and force her nephew to marry Anne.

The formidable woman ordered the servants into a flurry of activity.

The housekeeper was surprised to hear that a suite of rooms was to be aired and cleaned immediately.

Then Lady Catherine told the butler that she required writing materials.

When the letter was sanded and sealed, a footman was dispatched in a rented hackney cab to the attorneys who managed legal affairs for Rosings Park.

In the note, her ladyship demanded that the primary attorney–Gilbert Hastings–attend her immediately at the Fitzwilliam family home in London.

Upon receipt of the note, Gilbert Hastings was confused by the command and questioned the footman closely.

His primary question was to determine if Lady Catherine expected him to travel to Kent.

Another concern was if Her Ladyship was aware that her nephew had relinquished all control of the estate.

Upon learning that Lady Catherine was in the capital, the attorney inquired as to her location.

Learning that the woman resided in Matlock House, Hastings realized he could not avoid the meeting.

He wrote a reply and dispatched the footman back to across London affirming that he would appear at the house in the late afternoon.

The attorney’s delay until late in the day displeased Lady Catherine but she was forced to rest for a time.

Unfortunately for the composure of the housekeeper and chambermaids, Lady Marie, Countess of Matlock and her daughter returned from a visit to the modiste, and the two older women had an unpleasant confrontation in the hallway outside their suites of rooms on the first floor.

When Mr Hasting appeared at Matlock House, he was surprised to meet with Lady Catherine without any other member of the family, staff, or servants present in the morning parlour.

“Lady Catherine, how may I…” Gilbert began to say as he bowed to the woman.

Recognizing the man, Lady Catherine immediately interrupted him with commands, “Hastings, you will immediately sell the two properties I brought to my marriage as part of my dowry. I believe the buildings to be warehouses in Gravesend. Sell them and provide me with fifteen thousand pounds within the next ten days.”

Hastings blinked and thought for a moment before he replied, “Your Ladyship, those two buildings are part of your daughter’s estate…”

“I am in charge of Rosings Park! You will follow my instructions, or I shall complain to the Earl of Matlock regarding your intransigence,” threatened Lady Catherine.

“His Grace would give you the same reply. Sir Louis de Bourgh’s will did not allow anyone to sell off the estate.”

“My daughter’s estate is not being sold. These were two Fitzwilliam properties that I brought to the marriage. I wish to make an… I have need of the gold,” the older woman explained.

“Ten days is not a suitable amount of time to advertise and receive bids,” the attorney replied. “Perhaps we could arrange mortgages?”

“I do not wish to deal with the bankers,” growled Lady Catherine. “Mortgages take at a month or more to arrange. The properties are valuable and earn income each year. Find a buyer or buyers.”

“The properties are in good shape and together they are worth at least another five thousand pounds,” Hastings stated to begin another argument for delay.

“Then you will have no problem finding a buyer with ready gold. Perhaps you should seek individuals within your own firm,” Lady Catherine stated. “What problems do you foresee with following my direction?”

Perplexed Hastings said, “Your marriage settlement is not clear on your rights to dispose of those properties, Lady Catherine. Perhaps we should speak with your nephew.”

Her voice filled with anger, Lady Catherine shouted, “No, Darcy refuses to obey me! This is my choice!”

After more pressure from Lady Catherine, Mr Hastings admitted that Fitzwilliam Darcy had visited the firm and relinquished all oversight and control over Rosings Park. Following the will of her late husband, Lady Catherine could do as she pleased until Miss de Bourgh married.

“You men should have the funds I require between yourselves. Or you must know individuals who will purchase the buildings. Arrange a private sale from Rosings Park and yourselves this week.”

Seeing the man no longer argued but seemed to be considering who would have the gold and interest in an investment, Lady Catherine continued, “I shall sign all necessary papers when you hand over the gold.”

Mr Hastings agreed to follow Lady Catherine’s directions and left Matlock House to travel to his club.

There were three individuals he wished to speak to about the sudden opportunity.

Gilbert would document the particulars of the meeting so that no one could claim he was taking advantage of the widowed Lady Catherine.

He had no care about the woman’s sudden need for fifteen thousand pounds.

It took Hastings three days to secure two acquaintances who were interested in the purchases with readily available funds. The two men were not partners in the legal firm and no one would claim any conflict of interest after the transaction was complete.

Upon receipt of a letter from Mr Hastings that confirmed preliminary agreements by reputable men to purchase the two properties within the time frame specified, Lady Catherine sent one of her footmen to the Sleeping Dog with a note addressed to George Wickham to call on her the next day at ten of the clock at Matlock House.

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