Page 37 of Obligation and Redemption
Lady Catherine listened to all that Mr. Collins had to say, as he continued to add details to his dialogue with his betrothed.
Her lip curled up into a half smile, as she began to formulate a plan, should she not succeed in changing Darcy’s mind.
Perhaps he may need added motivation to do his duty to his own family.
They arrived at Netherfield so that Lady Catherine could give Darcy her opinion on his plans and ensure that he reconsider his familial obligations and stop this abhorrent arrangement to ruin the names of Darcy and De Bourgh.
This time, she left Mr. Collins in the chaise with the task of considering alternative ways to change the mind of his cousin Elizabeth.
She did not think that he would actually come up with a new idea but felt the exertion could only be good for him.
Lady Catherine was soon announced to those in the drawing room, which included Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst, Mr. Hurst and her nephew, Mr. Darcy.
Looking directly at Darcy, she said, “I must speak to you at once. These other people must give us privacy.” She then looked around to the gathering waiting for a speedy response.
Darcy was embarrassed by his aunt’s officious and offensive display and spoke to recover some semblance of decorum.
“Lady Catherine, allow me to introduce my hostess, Miss Bingley, and her brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley has been gracious during my visit to her brother’s home. ”
His point was clear, so his aunt, though not in the mood to recognise yet another of Darcy’s acquaintances tainted by trade, gave a small nod, and said with a peevish look upon her face, “It is a pleasure.” Then turning back to Darcy demanded that he take her somewhere to speak privately concerning a most alarming subject.
Miss Bingley would have felt offence at the slight, if not secretly pleased at the obvious reason for her visit, and wished her all the luck that could be sent her way.
Darcy led her from the public area to Bingley’s study and offered her a seat, which she refused.
Instead she began making her point. “Darcy, what can you mean by engaging yourself to that…that… trollop! Have you lost your mind? Have her arts and allurements caused you to forget yourself, what you owe to your family, to your own honour?”
Darcy desperately wanted to diffuse the situation without giving his aunt hope for a change in circumstances. “Madam, please be seated and let me order tea. You must be in need of refreshment after such a journey. I am sure we can discuss the matter as two civilised adults.”
“I will not be distracted. Tell me, do you plan to go through with this farce? Or can I hope that you have seen reason?”
“Aunt, I can assure you that I have put no small amount of thought into my decision to marry Miss Bennet. Our plans stand. The wedding will be Tuesday, and if you are willing, you may stay until then, so that you might wish us joy.”
She looked at him as if he had declared that he was to become a monk. “Have you no sense, Darcy? Your mother would be ashamed of you, as I am ashamed. You are to marry my daughter, as you well know. Truly, you have known since you were a child what your obligations to the family are.”
“No, Aunt, I will not be marrying Anne. I am bound by neither duty nor inclination to join with my cousin.” His aunt was about to speak, until he held up his hand to stay her.
“And you need to know that my marriage to Miss Bennet has no bearing on the supposed engagement to your daughter. My attachment to Anne is limited to that of a cousin. I have never intended to marry her; this she knows, as Anne and I have previously spoken on the subject.” He did not mention that he had in fact spoken to Anne due to his desire to offer for Lady Annette rather than Miss Bennet.
“If you asked her, you would know that she has no desire to marry me either.”
“What she wants does not signify, just like what you want does not. You are to join the De Bourgh fortune to that of Pemberley, thereby making our family one of the wealthiest in the kingdom. It is your duty to make this happen.”
Of course Darcy had heard this before, but he had never witnessed his mother or father speak of growing the fortune by way of marrying his cousin, Anne.
In fact, his father had told him that he must make certain to marry a healthy woman who would be able to bear him children; he needed an heir far more than additional fortune, and Anne was too weak to accomplish this task.
“I am sorry that you travelled so far to be disappointed in this way, but I will not be moved. I can only hope that you will accept my decision and welcome Miss Bennet to our family.”
“Do not mention her name to me again. I have already spoken to that strumpet and she cares nothing for you. She told me that she is only acting in a way that will bring herself happiness without regard to anyone else. Miss Bennet cares nothing for you, Darcy, yet you defend your choice to marry her. She means to enjoy your fortune and save her family. I told her that no one in your family or of your acquaintance would recognise her, but instead would scorn her; however, she remained unmoved.”
In indignation, Darcy said, “You went to Longbourn and spoke with Miss Bennet on my behalf? You take far too much upon yourself, madam. Whom I choose to marry is no concern of yours. If you cannot respect my wishes as they stand, I ask that you keep your opinions to yourself. You have placed a burden upon my duties that can only make my future a greater trial. I would ask that you give your apologies to Miss Bennet if I felt that it were within your power to do so. As it is, I must ask you to desist from your censure of her and of her family.”
“Darcy, you cannot be putting her concerns above your family’s!”
Irritated but also with contrition, he answered, “Aunt Catherine, you are my family, and I respect you and your position in my life; however, I cannot have you threatening the future Mrs. Darcy. I apologise if I have not been sufficiently forthright with you. In attempting to avoid conflict, I have created an even more unpleasant situation for us all. You could not have known my mind regarding Anne, of course, and I have disappointed your hopes. But I can assure you that I am only acting upon the noble inclinations that were instilled within me by my most excellent parents. I believe that they would not have had me leave a family in ruin when I could do something to help, especially when I would be the central figure in their destruction.” His speech became softer and more beseeching as he spoke.
“Dear Aunt, please do not make this more difficult, I beg you.”
Lady Catherine was a woman who wore her nobility with pride.
She was arrogant, critical of others and happy to be of use to her subordinates through directional instruction.
However, she also did have a sincere affection for her nephew and could not continue in this manner.
She determined then that she would take upon herself the task of saving him from a marriage to a woman unworthy of the Darcy name, a woman whose maternal heritage had no consequence whatsoever.
Lady Catherine took her leave of Darcy, departing Netherfield without the common courtesy to say goodbye to his hosts. She entered the carriage, telling the footman to take them to the militia officers’ quarters.
When they arrived, she had her footman discover the location of Mr. Wickham.
It had been years since she had last seen the son of Mr. George Darcy’s trusted and reliable steward.
Mr. Darcy loved the younger Wickham – as he had admired his father – for reasons that Lady Catherine could not understand.
Years before, Mr. Darcy had come to Rosings for his annual visit and brought his son and Wickham with him, as they were friends, of about the same age.
The young men were at Cambridge together, and Mr. Darcy wished to acquaint his son with the estate management concerns at Rosings.
He brought Wickham along to liven the more sombre atmosphere surrounding his deceased wife’s sister.
Wickham was summoned and brought to Lady Catherine, who was waiting at his commander’s office, having left Mr. Collins in the carriage.
“Lady Catherine, how delightful to make your acquaintance once again. I must say that you look as lovely as ever. To what do I owe this visit?” Wickham’s charms were on full alert to make the most of the interview.
She asked him to close the door behind him and when that was done, said, “I do not have the time nor inclination for small talk. Instead, I want you to tell me what you are doing in Meryton with the militia and what my nephew has against you that he would warn Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s family against you. ”
Her look of contempt was not lost on him, but he was used to being looked down upon and had learnt to use it as a strength.
He smiled and said, “Indeed, my circumstances are reduced from what they were when last we met. I was then a student at Cambridge looking forward to a living at Kympton, as my godfather, my dearest friend, had told me that he intended for me; however, I do believe that his son became jealous of his love and affection for me. I knew that I was not meant for the church and asked and also received some small compensation that I was happy to have. I tried to get more, to obtain a sum equal to the living, but he would not agree. Instead he dismissed me without hope of a future means of supporting myself. Since his father’s demise, he has exacted his revenge upon me by thwarting any hopes of a fruitful alliance.