Page 56 of Suddenly Married

"Aunt Catherine, I must share with you news of the utmost importance," he said, and proceeded to explain the entire arrangement. To his astonishment, she remained silent throughout. He had expected one of her well-known fits of temper, but instead she seemed strangely resigned.

"I know Anne is very ill," she said at last, unable to restrain her sobs.

"It is acceptable to me. If she dies, Rosings will pass into the hands of some distant cousin of the de Bourgh family, who has never cared for her nor for Rosings.

But if you marry and have children, a Fitzwilliam shall inherit the estate.

Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for helping my daughter.

Tell her, however, that I was outraged by what you told me and am furious with you.

She does not wish me to comprehend how very ill she is. "

"Do not trouble yourself, Lady Catherine. I shall tell Anne only that you were furious," Richard promised.

He resolved never to betray her confidence.

If both women preferred to maintain such appearances between them, it was not for him to interfere.

After spending a week at Rosings, he returned to London to resume training duties for the new recruits, assuring them that he would return within a few weeks.

◆◆◆

At Clark House, they were all assembled at breakfast. In the afternoon, Roland was to sail north, while Mary would travel to her mother's home for a few days to assist Kitty and Lydia with preparations for the surprise party.

Jane was overseeing the celebration, but as she still required rest, long journeys by carriage were not advisable.

Roland was displeased with the separation, though he knew it would last but a few days. He intended to be present at his mother-in-law's birthday and would see his wife again then.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, had reached a decision and wished to announce it to her sisters and brothers-in-law.

"I must tell you that I plan to send a message to Mr. Darcy today. We must have a serious conversation. I also considered meeting him in the park nearby. I do not expect that you would receive him in this house, after how he treated you," Elizabeth said, blushing with embarrassment.

"Do not speak such nonsense, Lizzy. How could I permit my sister to discuss such private matters with her husband in the street?" said Jane warmly.

"We are not like him, Lizzy. We would never forbid you to invite anyone to this house, which is now yours as well," added Lawrence.

Elizabeth could not help shedding tears. "I do not know what is the matter with me, but lately I cannot help crying over everything. Thank you both for your kindness," she replied with heartfelt gratitude.

Jane had already confided her suspicions to Lawrence regarding Elizabeth's condition. Lawrence sincerely hoped that her foolish husband might at last act properly and that they might reconcile. If not for themselves, then surely for the sake of their future child.

Elizabeth, however, had no suspicion of her situation. Being only a few weeks pregnant, no outward signs had yet appeared, and she attributed her emotions entirely to the tension of the past month.

"Lawrence, I should like a word with you before I depart for my ship. May I see you in your office?" Roland asked.

"Of course," Lawrence replied, somewhat intrigued.

"I shall be there within half an hour," Roland concluded.

Lawrence then bid farewell to his wife and sisters-in-law and left for work. Mary accompanied Roland to their room, for he needed to collect his luggage before leaving for the port.

"Since our marriage, we have never spent a single day apart, Mrs. Walker. I do not know how I shall endure these days without you, my love," Roland said with emotion, holding her tightly.

"We shall be apart for only a few days, Captain Walker. You will be so occupied that you will hardly notice their passing," Mary replied, laughing at his dramatic tone.

"Mary Walker, never doubt my love. Be grateful that I must depart, or I should show you what I mean," Roland teased, delighted by the blush that rose to her cheeks. Then he kissed her, and Mary returned his affection with joy, happy to feel herself so loved.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy had risen very early. Although he had not slept well, he was determined to appear flawless. He was about to confront that wretched man who stood between him and his wife, and he wished to show that he was ready to fight for her.

There was, besides, the matter of Caroline Bingley. He ought to speak with his friend about her. Unfortunately, such a subject could not be conveyed in a letter, and he resolved to postpone it. For the present, all his energies must be devoted to defending his marriage.

Though pale, he had dressed in one of his finest suits, and the elegance of his noble mien and distinguished figure shone more than ever. He could scarcely eat; two cups of coffee were all he managed before departing to face the man he believed his greatest enemy.

◆◆◆

Lawrence was reviewing his latest business transaction accounts when Rolan entered his office.

"Clark, I must tell you something that Anna informed me yesterday when she and Frederick came to dinner with us. Excuse me, but it is a difficult subject for me. You know I do not handle matters of society or the Ton well."

He took a deep breath and began to tell his friend about the circulating rumors about him.

"Undoubtedly, you are the talk of all the drawing rooms in this city.

People said you were the lover of the despicable Lady Isabela and left her for a younger and more beautiful woman with whom you walk all over London. "

"WHAT? That damn woman!" Lawrence began pacing around the office while telling his best friend everything about Lady Isabella, from the day he met her until the day she came to his office.

"Uff, I am not surprised; the brazen woman also tried to entice me.

Thankfully, I rejected her energetically.

In any case, I do not care about that lady.

I only worry about what they say about you.

Anna immediately clarified everything with the people who told her that.

She explained that you were a man of impeccable morals, but I do not know if it will be enough.

I hope it does not affect your marriage or your business.

You know you can count on me for whatever you need.

" Roland loved Lawrence as much as his brother and was sincere in his offer.

"Thank you, Walker. Jane knows everything, and she will not believe anything that woman says. But honestly, I do not like people saying such things about me, implying that my wife is married to a shameless, immoral," said Lawrence, sorrowful.

Roland and Lawrence were conversing when Lawrence's assistant notified him that a gentleman demanded to speak to him immediately and handed him his card.

"And who wants to talk to you so badly, Clark, that he comes to demand to see you in your own office?"

Lawrence read the card and replied, "Fitzwilliam Darcy. Tell him to come in."

Roland and Lawrence looked puzzled at each other and said nothing until they saw Mr. Darcy enter.

"Good morning, Mr. Clark. I hope you have time because I think we should have a long conversation, and not precisely about business. I guess you know why I am here," said Mr. Darcy, visibly nervous. He was so tense that he did not notice Roland's presence.

"I have an idea why you are here. In any case, it is your lucky day because I am not very busy today. So, please tell me, why are you here?"