Page 5 of Raised at Rosings (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse #4)

Chapter Four

Darcy looked at his reflection in the glass without really seeing it. Had he really crossed that far over the line? Darcy observed a rare intensity in Richard’s eyes that contradicted his usual laid-back personality, indicating he really would have inclined to throw a punch, as he said. That he had pushed his cousin so far made Darcy stop and question his actions.

While he initially thought he was speaking the truth, he was slowly coming to the realization that there was more to the situation than he had initially considered. He had not lied per se; he did feel that Miss Jane Bennet smiled too much and the likelihood that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would ever amount to anything was slim. His aunt was known for saying that she would have been the most proficient had she learned this or that. She would not support learning things that would make a word of her husband more skilled than herself. It would take a miracle for a girl growing up in such an environment to become anyone of significance. His aunt would most likely drain anything remarkable about her out of her with daily bouts of cruelty and restrictions.

On the other hand, Richard was correct. If someone had said as much within his hearing about Georgianna, he would have thrown them off his property. It did not matter whether what they said was true or not, he would have reacted the same. He had always prided himself on being honest, but was there more to it than that? Had he become cruel in his dealings? He would hate to think that he had, but evidence was pointing in that direction. Despite fading, his significant shin pain proved the point.

Regardless, he had somewhere to be. He could not just keep staring at his reflection. He was there because Uncle Lewis had specifically requested his presence, and now that he had cleaned himself up from the dusty journey, he knew he should be making his way down to the study as instructed. Not they had any idea why he was there.

With one last adjustment to his hair, Darcy hurried down to his uncle’s study, where he found his uncle and Richard deep in conversation. Looking over, Uncle Lewis said, “Darcy, Richard, and I were wondering if you would ever show up.”

Hoping that he was not blushing, Darcy said, “Yes, I am sorry. I got lost in thought.”

“I wondered if you might have. It seems that you have had an interesting visit already.” Then, chuckling at his discomfort, Uncle Lewis added, “Take a seat, my boy. I will not torment you anymore. We have much to discuss before we must dress for dinner in order to appease my wife.”

Taking the seat next to Richard, he faced his uncle across the desk, grateful that he would not make a larger deal about his earlier blunder with his ward. He and Richard waited in silence as their uncle seemed to prepare himself for what he was about to say. As the time stretched out, Darcy began to grow uneasy. What words, heavy with unspoken emotion, did the man of quiet strength struggle to utter?

Finally, with a small shrug, Uncle Lewis said, “I have asked you both here because I am dying, and I wish to have you both prepared for the ramifications.”

Leaning forward in his chair, Richard exclaimed, “Is it certain, Uncle?”

Running his hand down his face, Uncle Lewis said, “As certain as anything in this life can be. I even got a second opinion the last time I was in London, and my physicians are in agreement. I have some form of cancer. A mass in my abdomen is increasing in size, and though the doctors have conflicting treatment plans, they all acknowledge my impending demise. I will not live to be an old man.”

Copying Richard, Darcy leaned towards his uncle and asked, “Have you told anyone? My father or the earl?”

At this question, his uncle seemed to slump slightly in his chair and, taking a deep breath, explained, “You are the first to know besides my valet.” Holding up a hand, he forestalled any further questions. “I will tell my brothers-in-law soon enough, but I wanted to speak with you first because my passing will affect you the most. Richard, I have drafted a will stating that should Anne pass before she is twenty-five or remain unmarried at thirty, you will inherit Rosings.”

“Surely neither of those will take place,” murmured Richard.

“What you do not know is that Anne is unwell, severely unwell. We have had several doctors come to see her and while my wife is in denial and would like to fill her days with tinctures and purging, there is really nothing we can do. The scarlet fever that she contracted damaged her heart and she will not recover. If she manages to lead a peaceful existence, she could possibly live until twenty-five or thirty, but any attempt to conceive a child would result in her demise. Making any idea of marriage out of the question. So what I’m saying, Richard, is that one day you’ll be master of Rosings.”

“But why me? Surely there is someone better suited to the task.” Darcy could hear the anxiety climbing in Richard’s voice. Richard had long ago decided to join the military to support himself because practically everything his parents had would be going to his older brother. Inheriting Rosings would change all that he had planned out for his life and be a large shock besides.

Uncle Lewis smiled at Richard and said, “Like you, I was a second son, expected to shift for myself. When my brother died without an heir, after having nearly run our family into bankruptcy, I was wholly unprepared for the challenge of taking everything in hand. I believe that allowing you to know now that Rosings will be yours will only benefit you. Besides, I am the last of my line. Darcy and Felton will both have their own estates soon enough, so it makes sense that you will get one too. I know you will treat it well and take care of the tenants and various staff.”

Darcy observed his cousin for a moment and could tell from his downward gaze and tense posture that Richard was feeling uneasy with the information. Though frankly, nothing about this conversation was easy. He may not have been close to his uncle, but the news of his deteriorating health still affected him deeply. There was also the feeling that Darcy was waiting for something, as his uncle had asked for them both. Now he was left with a sense of dread, wondering what else his uncle would bring up next.

Turning to Darcy, Uncle Lewis smiled softly. “I can see your mind working, Darcy, and yes, there is a reason I wanted you here as well.” After hesitating for a moment, his uncle pushed forward and said, “I am not sure if you have ever paid much attention to Catherine’s insistence that a cradle betrothal exists between you and Anne or not. Regardless, one does not exist. It is not something that your mother wanted for either of you. She wanted you to be able to fall in love or, if that was not possible, to find your own way to happiness in a marriage that you chose. Catherine is entirely against such an idea. She wants you to marry Anne because she thinks that you are not bold enough to stand against her when she wants to retain control over Rosings.”

Darcy stared at his uncle in shock. There were so many things about what he just said that he wanted to question. When his mouth opened, the first thing he said was, “Does she not understand that Anne will die if she marries or rather attempts to have children?”

This caused a look of anger to flash across his uncle’s face before he said, “Oh yes, I have had a conversation about it with her when she mentioned having her go to London and have a season next year. While she agrees that with her recent illness, it is too early to plan anything that might put a strain on her heart. My wife believes that Anne’s illness should not prevent her from marrying. In fact, she stated that women died in childbirth all the time. In Catherine’s perspective, it is a woman’s obligation to bring together two influential families in marriage and endeavor to bear an heir, even if it means accepting death as part of God’s divine plan.”

“She would kill her daughter or see me without an heir because she thinks that she can control me?” gasped Darcy.

Shaking his head, Uncle Lewis clarified, “Sadly, Darcy, she thinks of all her sibling’s children you are the most like her and would agree to her plans. It does not help that you are rather quiet in company and can be easily overwhelmed in social settings. She thinks that she can use that against you.”

Collapsing back into his chair, Darcy rested his head in his hands. His aunt, known for her cruel and manipulative nature, was also filled with an inflated sense of pride. He couldn’t help but question what he had done to make her see him in the same light.

It seemed to Elizabeth that something was off about Richard and the Darcy fellow. Richard poked at his dinner with an absent air that was unlike him, and Elizabeth suspected that there was more to it than simply not enjoying the heavily sauced dish. While Elizabeth found the meal to be not to her liking and knew that it would most likely turn Anne’s stomach, the two of them at least were able to pretend that they had partaken.

At least Lady Catherine had not noticed that she was the only one relishing the richness of the food. She was too busy pontificating to care that none at her table enjoyed the meal as she had wanted them to. Elizabeth had long ago realized that the haughty lady cared little for the enjoyment of others. She looked more to gaining recognition for her wealth and power. Lady Catherine wanted those around her to bow before all that she was, or at least what she thought she was. Though in the grand scheme of things, Lady Catherine was a much smaller person that she presumed.

It made Elizabeth angry to look at all the food spread across the table meant to impress Richard and Mr. Darcy that would most likely just go to waste. She knew that Lady Catherine saw it as a show of power to present such a spread even if it would be mostly uneaten, but Elizabeth knew that the money would be better used to care for the people that relied on Rosings. Sighing, Elizabeth put her fork down and eyed Anne, who sat across the table.

Elizabeth did not like how pale Anne looked sitting between Richard and Mr. Darcy. She suspected that Lady Catherine sat her between the two to encourage a match, but it did not seem to be working the way she intended. Calling from her spot at the foot of the table, Lady Catherine chided, “Anne, sit up straight. You do not want your cousins to think that you are slovenly!” Then after a beat she added, “In my day you could tell a lady’s breading by the way she presented herself. A well-bred lady had erect posture, her dress was pristine, and her grooming was all that it should be.”

As typical of a meal where Lady Catherine had a captive audience, she barely drew breath between speeches she was so intent on cramming her opinions into the minds of others. “I despair over what the world is coming to lately. You know that we received a call from Mrs. Smythle and her daughter, and the dresses they wore were utter embarrassments. It goes to show just how far the family has fallen since they allowed their son to marry as he wished.”

Serviette covering her smile, Elizabeth met Anne’s eyes. They both knew how much Lady Catherine hated the recent changes in fashion. She was stuck in the last century and refused to see that the world was leaving her behind. Anne and Elizabeth, on the other hand, were quite fond of the more comfortable looking styles and would peruse the fashion plates that Jane sent to Elizabeth whenever they got the chance.

In fact, Jane and Lady Matlock frequently sent Anne and Elizabeth clothing items to supplement their wardrobes, but Lady Catherine insisted Anne wear only what she selected, creating a distinct contrast in their styles. Elizabeth managed to get away with a few modern dresses as long as they were subdued enough. Sadly, Lady Catherine did not think much of her, no matter what she wore, and so she had more leeway.

Eventually, Lady Catherine was forced to call an end to the meal and remove herself and Elizabeth and Anne with her to allow the gentlemen to enjoy their port in the absence of women. Everyone had managed to survive the meal, though Elizabeth was very glad that she and Anne had partaken of a light respite before coming down to dinner with the others. In no time at all, Elizabeth found herself seated at the piano playing for Lady Catherine and Anne.

There was something very encouraging, Elizabeth thought, about playing for someone who truly enjoyed it, and Anne loved listening to Elizabeth play the piano. Lady Catherine viewed listening to music as a required aspect of high society, but never did she seem to enjoy it. Anne, on the other hand, closed her eyes in near rapture when she could hear music played. She had once shared that it was almost as if she could be cared away by the freedom of the notes. It was Anne’s enjoyment that had Elizabeth practicing so very much and had her skill ever improving.

When the gentlemen arrived to the room, Elizabeth was in the middle of a complicated piece, so she paid little attention to them until the last notes hung in the air and the gentlemen clapped for her along with Anne. Smiling, Elizabeth inclined her head gracefully before asking Anne what she would like her to play next. It surprised her when Mr. Darcy jumped from his seat and offered to turn the pages for her.

“Do you think to unnerve me, Mr. Darcy? Beware that my courage always rises when there are those that try to intimidate me.” It was impertinent she knew, but the words had left her mouth before she could censor herself. Sometimes Elizabeth wondered if she would ever get a firmer grasp of her tongue.

She was startled when Mr. Darcy only smiled faintly and said, “I probably deserve such a defensive comment.” Then, reaching out, he turned the page for her as her fingers flowed across the keys.

Elizabeth attempted to focus on the music and not the large bulk of Mr. Darcy next to her and only said, “Oh?”

“Yes, I was rude earlier and insulted both you and people you care about. It was badly done and must have given you a poor opinion of me. I am sorry.” Elizabeth’s fingers flubbed over several notes as she fought off the confusion caused by his apology. It seemed that she might have misjudged Richard’s cousin. Unable to form a proper response, Elizabeth continued to play.

After a slight hesitation, Mr. Darcy continued, “As a gentleman, I know that I must strive for better. I recently experienced not a disappointment per se but a hard realization about how I am viewed by those around me, and I have found it difficult to accept. It is not an excuse for my behavior, but rather an explanation.”

Finding her voice as her fingers continued to move, Elizabeth said, “I have seen firsthand how harsh the world can be. I will not add to your burden. I accept your apology.”

Walking into the parlor to the sound of an impassioned piano concerto made Darcy feel even guiltier than he had before. He had stupidly said she would be nothing more than a timid wallflower, with an empty mind and not even tolerable for a dance partner at a ball. Miss Elizabeth was young yet, but she was no wallflower. It was obvious she was gaining skills despite his aunt, Lady Catherine.

Now he stood next to her as she played and he struggled not to say that she was a better player than his little sister, who was considered a prodigy by her masters. Miss Elizabeth’s playing wasn’t flawless, but the passion she poured into each note brought the piece to life and carried him along with its powerful melody. She would always be called upon to play at gatherings, and he had called her a wallflower. At least she had accepted his apology and did not seem to hold a grudge. He found that he would like to know more about the girl that his uncle had brought under his wing.

A glance in the direction of his cousin Anne made him feel even worse. He had belittled her, a dying young woman who needed his support, and he had belittled her. Just who was he allowing himself to become? He was determined to improve himself, to become a better version of himself. To become a better man and not just settle for the sort of man that his father required. If only he knew how to do that.

From across the room, Darcy saw his aunt take a deep breath, and he braced for another diatribe. Lady Catherine, not content to listen to the music, spoke over it and said, “The mark of good breeding lies in the mastery and proficiency displayed in one’s actions. Everything I do I do it with the utmost skill, so I know that had I ever learned to play the piano, I would have been highly proficient. While some people might aspire to greatness, their breading will always show in those little errors they exhibit.”

Turning the page for Miss Elizabeth as she continued to play, Darcy looked to see if she seemed affected by his aunt’s not-so-subtle dig. Catching his gaze, she discreetly rolled her eyes and continued to play. Schooling his face as best he could, Darcy struggled not to smile at the way Miss Elizabeth shrugged off Lady Catherine’s insulting remarks.

His aunt, on the other hand, did not react so well to their inattention to her comments. Before the last strains of the music had finished, she said, “That is enough music for the night. Too much attention on a girl of your age is immodest and inappropriate. Come sit down.”

Smiling kindly, Miss Elizabeth put away her music sheets and moved to go sit next to Anne, leaning over to whisper with her. While Anne had seemed to enjoy the piano playing provided by Miss Elizabeth, talking with her did even more. Anne brightened in her presence as they whispered. It was heartening to watch.

From behind him, Darcy heard his uncle say, “Darcy, my boy, come join me for a game of chess. It has been too long since we have matched wits.”

Darcy crossed the room and settled into the seat opposite his uncle at the chessboard. They often played chess when in company, and Darcy always found it a more relaxing endeavor than playing against his father. When his Uncle Lewis challenged him to a game of chess, it was purely for the joy of playing, in contrast to his father’s calculated matches to assess Darcy’s worthiness as an heir and intellectual ability.

Tapping the back of one of his uncle’s hands, Darcy selected his color and began setting up the board. Having selected white, Darcy took the first move, sliding his pawn into play. They moved along at a comfortable pace, talking a little until his uncle commented, “It seems that your skills have not grown rusty since the last time we played. Have you been playing with other students at Cambridge?”

Darcy moved one of his pieces and said, “I play often at school. In fact, I have joined the chess team and hold one of the best records for wins.” When his uncle made an unexpected move with his bishop, he added, “You seem to have been keeping your skill up as well. Do you have another chess partner that I did not know about?”

Chuckling, his uncle said, “Would you believe that I have been playing with Elizabeth daily for the last five years?”

Eyes widening, Darcy slid his gaze over to where Anne and Elizabeth still talked in hushed tones. He had never heard of a woman playing chess before, let alone one so young. Turning back to his uncle, he exclaimed, “Even I was seven when my father began teaching me chess. Did you encourage the endeavor, or did she?”

“I think you mistake her age, Darcy. Despite her fourteen years, Lizzie's slight build and delicate features gave her a look of someone younger. Between that and her enchanting aura, it has always seemed to me that belonged to a different realm.” Fiddling with a pawn that he had captured, Uncle Lewis continued, “Regardless, Elizabeth had always had a fascination with my chessboard, and I eventually asked if she should like to learn the game. From the beginning, Elizabeth was an eager pupil. Thirsting for knowledge and learning chess was no different. I have always thought that by the time she reaches your age, she would be able to defeat me on a regular basis.”

Darcy moved his knight without really thinking about it, his mind more on the young woman across the room who was so unlike the woman he knew from society. He was still lost in thought when his aunt stood with a huff and declared, “I am retiring for the night. Anne, You will retire as well. You look pale and need your sleep if you are going to impress your cousins tomorrow.”

She left Anne and Miss Elizabeth following in her wake and Darcy turned back to his uncle, his brows drawing together in question. “With Aunt Catherine as contrary as she is, how did you arrange it just so Miss Elizabeth could join your home? It is obvious that she practically despises her.”

“Ah, that took some maneuvering on my part. I will admit.” Lewis de Bourgh looked up at Darcy and away from the board. “I simply told my wife that it was what was happening and I let her know in no uncertain terms that if she did not like it, she could go elsewhere. I told her that she could live at the dower house or return to her brother’s home.”

Darcy watched his uncle eye’s wide. It was not that his uncle did not have the right to do as he wished, rather that Lady Catherine was so very contrary. Darcy simple could not imagine telling her something so contrary to her wishes. Uncle Lewis, sensing Darcy’s amazement, let out a laugh. “Your aunt,” he explained, “acts like she has more power than she really does. She may tout the fact that she is the daughter of an earl, but she is married to me. Any power that she has is only what I grant her.”

Darcy knew that in reality, a woman only had as much power as her husband or family gave her. His upbringing instilled in him the belief that dominating the women in his life was a form of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, such as his younger sister. But suddenly he saw the darker implications. Clearing his throat, Darcy said, “While I like that, you were able to care for Miss Elizabeth. I do not know if I like the way you had to go about it.”

It was not like a chessboard where a queen had the most power. With a nod, his uncle said, “I would never abuse my wife the way so many men of the world do, not even merely by words. However, I have the right to see to it that certain things go the way I want in my own home. For the most part, I ignore Catherine’s drama and declarations, but that doesn’t mean I will allow her to hurt those weaker than herself. Even in my death, I have seen to it that Elizabeth will have a home and will be provided for and no matter what my wife attempts to do, both Elizabeth and my Anne will have recourse. It is why I brought you and Richard here, because I know that you will uphold my wishes to the best of your ability.”

Though Darcy nodded and they returned to the chess match, he knew that he did not play to the best of his ability. His mind was too preoccupied. Darcy had never really thought of how little power women had. Nor had he considered the abuse that some of them, possibly many of them, might suffer under the cruel authoritarians in their lives. Darcy could imagine the terror of knowing you have no control over how your life might unfold. He, however, would never treat a woman cruelly. He wanted someone who might share his many burdens, not cower before him. Thankfully, it would be some time before he would have to worry about a wife or even choosing a wife.

Still, he dreaded having to take Lady Catherine in hand. Hopefully, his uncle would live a good long while.