"We," George Darcy marched into his wife's room at Rosings Park but a few days after they had arrived, "are leaving for town as soon as you can arrange our staff to pack the trunks and I, the carriages."
"Why," alarmed, Anne rose from her seat by the fire. Alexander in her arms, mother and son spent this hour together before being called to dine. "What has occurred to destress you so!" When her husband did not answer immediately, Lady Anne approached the distraught man. "This cannot be about my niece and Catherine's plan for marriage to Fitzwilliam. We are both aware such is the delusions of a foolish woman."
"There is fever in the village," George Darcy looked stricken.
"Then I shall have the children removed to the nursery and inform the maids and governess," Anne offered reasonably. "There have been many illnesses at Pemberley in the past. With the correct precautions, our children shall not suffer."
"You do not understand. I have it from that sycophant your sister keeps as her pastor. Already several babes have succumbed in an untimely fashion. They contracted a cough and lay in wait for their final rites not a day or two later," he explained, taking the infant from his wife's arms and cuddling him into his embrace. Looking down into the blue eyes of his second son, George Darcy's heart faltered at the thought of losing the child they never expected but wish for, more years than he cared to remember. "Alexander, nor any of our other children shall number among the dead. I will not lose my sons and daughters. I have sent an express to The Earl of Wessex. Elizabeth and Jane are to stay with their Uncle Montague in Town. It has been to long since they visited their mother's relations."
"What of Anne," Anne Darcy worried. "If the girl is as sickly as Catherine insists, is she not in danger also?"
"Perhaps," George finally allowed his mind to consider his niece's precarious health, "more so than our brood. I have spoken with the idiot surgeon Catherine keeps. He believes her heart is weak. I should very much our personal physician to examine the girl. I am certain it would be in Anne's best interest to remove her town with us so she may get suitable attention."
"My sister will not welcome such interference," Anne stated, thinking how she could word her demands toward Catherine. Using her nieces' health could prove the salient point in removing her namesake from this mausoleum and into society befitting her station. However, neither Darcy wished to be saddled with the mother. Lady Anne must use every skill learnt in disciplining Elizabeth, in order to make way against her older sister.
"It shall be a squeeze, in the travelling coach," Mr. Darcy considered the logistics of removing so many in as little time as possible. While doing so, he missed the speculation and, dare she feel it, trepidation, in his wife's countenance. "However, it can be done. I wish to be away before we lose the light. Time is of the essence."
"Husband," Lady Anne, taking on a pose of her regal best, placed a hand upon her spouses' arm, "you cannot mean to start our travels this night with a mere babe, even if it is the start of July. Alexander would catch his death, not to mention Georgiana or Jane, both of whom share a delicacy ill equipped to cope with such a sudden journey. Would it not be prudent to start at first light? That way we will be at Leighwood before nightfall on the morrow. The servants would have ample time to consider all that is required. And," she arched an eyebrow, "we would travel in more comfort with all the servants and coaches."
"I shall send an express tonight," George stated, handing back the bundle in his arms. "Mrs. Payne must be given time to prepare the London Town House for our arrival. I will send a note by the usual coaching inn's so teams will be ready. And invite Wessex to dine so we may discuss Elizabeth's and Jane's future. He should be informed of our wish to unite our houses, for on consideration, sending the twins back to Longbourn is pure absurdity."
Nodding, Lady Anne left her sitting room a few steps before her husband. While George Darcy set about his self-appointed tasks, she sighed, considering what lay before her. In the nursery, Jane, Elizabeth and Georgiana took the news of an unexpected return to town with good grace and more than a little concealed glee. Elizabeth had tired of Lady Catherine's restrictions quickly. She had few freedoms under that watchful woman's servants, who reported every minor infraction immediately to their mistress. Catherine did not disappoint as the Darcy's descended to dine, for she had a list of violations awaiting discussion with her sister.
"Anne, I am glad you have come down before George," Catherine cornered her sister. "There is much I have to acquaint you with."
"If it is in regard to the illness in the parish," Anne started, glad her sister had commenced with such an opening, "my Husband has had it from your pastor. I should like you to consider how this sickness, that has taken the lives of several village children might affect Dear Anne. I fear for her health, Sister."
"Of what," Catherine spluttered, concern colouring her tone, "do you speak! I have not been informed of an illness."
"We are readying the carriages and staff to leave at first light," Anne informed her sister cautiously. "The children must not be exposed. Alexander is much too young," swallowing hard, she whispered, "to survive the cough that caused so many to pass."
"Rochester," Lady Catherine yelled to the nearest footman. "Have Mr. Fulham fetched here from the parsonage at once."
"No," Lady Anne countermanded in a strangled voice. "That man has been ministering to the sick and dying. Do you wish to invite this malady into your home, Catherine? We must be quarantined from the villagers until the children are safely away. My husband wished to travel at this very night, chancing highwaymen to protect our children. You know George as well as I. He is not a man easily unnerved by an idle report."
That made Lady Catherine stop and consider her actions. Instead she called for the surgeon attending her daughter. It seemed in the conversation that followed, Mr. Yeats agreed removing Anne to Leighwood under the care of Mr. Darcy would be the best cause of action. Lady Anne attempted to hide her smile. Obviously, her husband had done more than speak with Mr. Yeats. Mr. George Darcy could be very persuasive when required, or when he wished to have his way.
"I shall have the servants and carriage prepared," Catherine announced, "and you shall make a room for me in London, Sister."
"How," Mr. George Darcy demanded, finally entering the conversation after with Mr. Yeats, "would that look to your tenants and servants! I shall tell you before you make some dim-witted excuse, Catherine. Such would create panic and chaos not only for this estate, but the surrounding villages. For if you, who has never bothered to leave Rosings Park from the day of your marriage finds it impossible to stay, what are those you are duty bound to protect to think? I shall tell you. If the Mistress is fearful, with her condescension and advice, they will follow your lead, and not in one's or two's. The crops in the fields will fail for lack of attention, stock will starve and perish, and finally, Rosings Park's coffers will bleed. I shall have to further reduce your allowance, if servants and tenants can be found after this is over."
"I…" the red-faced woman stuttered. Not mean of understanding, Lady Catherine had been forced to live within her means while the estate returned profit under her brother-in-law's strict management. To further decrease her income, and Anne's inheritance was not to be born. Yet if Anne were to succumb to such a malady, Rosings Park would pass to her husband's younger brother.
How, she considered, am I to live should that occur? The entirety of my dowry is invested in Rosings. I should then be dependent upon my brother and family. I will not return to Matlock and see out my days under James's roof with that woman he married. Therefore, I must ensure a marriage between Fitzwilliam and my daughter so Rosings will prosper into the next generation. Besides, Anne shall be in company with Fitzwilliam until he attends Eton in August. Perhaps sending Anne to London with my sister will be of benefit in the long run. However, I do not like the idea of an association between my daughter and those odious Bennet girls.
Lady Catherine's cheeks lost their ruddy hue as her mind worked on this issue. Lady Anne glanced at her husband who signalled for her to intercede. Not willing to lose the advantage, Anne Darcy approached her sibling. Leading her to the nearest couch, they sat beside each other.
"I should like to take my niece to London, until this pass's," Lady Anne spoke in a firm, yet quiet tone. "She will be well cared for. Mrs. Forrester shall continue her studies and Mrs. Jenkinson may come as her companion."
"Anne," Catherine looked stricken. "My daughter…"
"I understand sister," Lady Anne laid gentle fingers on her sibling's forearm, "for it is the way I feel for all five of my children. Let us not get into specifics in regard to the twins, for the Earl and Countess of Wessex would feel every bit as wretched should those girls become afflicted. Just as your tenants and villagers who have lost little ones must surely lament their passing."
Dinner turned into a sombre affair, even more sombre than usual. In the morning, Lady Catherine rose early, dressed carefully and broke her fast allowing all the children into the morning room. She did not stand on the driveway as the coaches pulled away, however tears pooled in her eyes at the loss of her daughter. Later that day, Lady Catherine would learn of three more deaths in the parish and two score of sick children. The sudden removal of her child proved a fortunate prospect she would bear with equanimity.
After a long and arduous journey, for thirty miles with six children could never be considered easy, the Darcy's arrived at Leighwood House to find the Earl of Wessex awaiting their return. A black cravat and coat signalled a death in the immediate family. Lord Henry Montague proceeded his father to the title shortly after Elizabeth and Jane came to live at Pemberley. The late Earl had lived over ninety years, yet he had resided in London for the last twenty, allowing his son to take up the duties associated with the Earldom.
"Uncle," George Darcy acknowledged the man waiting in door to his study. A personal call at such a time did not bode well.
"Darcy," Henry replied. When his nephew's glaze enquired, he responded with, "The Dowager Countess."
"I shall take a moment to ensure my family is settled," George Darcy said. "Pour yourself a drink and I shall join you shortly."
A quarter hour later, with the dust still upon him, Mr. Darcy clinked glasses with his uncle. Together they downed the amber liquid. "Have you sent an express to Pemberley?"
"Almost a week past. I had though you spending the summer at your estate," Montague said.
"I suspect the express is now in Kent," Darcy lamented. "Mother did not wish to accompany the family to Rosings Park. She cannot abide Catherine de Bourgh."
"I suspect Grace will join you at Leighwood in a day or two. At her age, it will take the better part of a week before my sister is in London," Montague responded, amused at his sister's dislike. Lady Catherine was well known for her unique character among the first circles. "You, I assume, will represent my sister at the funeral?"
"And your young cousins, Jane and Elizabeth. Although I shall not insist they be dressed in morning, Anne will ensure they go into lesser colours. Lady Montague has been a favourite of the girls. They shall miss their time at Midland House," Darcy stated sadly.
"I hope," Lord Montague responded in a firm tone, "the association shall not end. Jane and Elizabeth are my nieces, as you are my nephew. Family reputation is measured by integrity. I should not like to lose your society."
"Anne and I are considering a future between young Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth," Darcy sighed. "Such a bond would strengthen family ties. However, for a marriage to come about, we must have your agreement and support."
"Yes," Montague allowed a slight smile to lift the corners of his lips. "With all I have witnessed, and considering their standing in society, it is an eligible match, though they are full young. I should be happy to consider it."
"I am at your service," Darcy responded.
"I believe," Montague let out a strangled chuckle, "we will have little to do with any such match. Our wives will be more than ready to arrange the particulars when the time comes. For now," he held up an empty glass, which his nephew hurried to refill, "let us remember Lady Montague."
The men sat quietly until dinner was served. The Earl declined an invitation to stay, as he had much to do before his mother's funeral two days hence. Lady Montague had been ill for many years and her death expected. Still, it grieved her son and Darcy knew his mother, Lady Grace would be no less affected at her beloved Mama's passing. This event, both gentlemen understood, would bring their families closer.
Lady Grace's carriage arrived the next evening. Tired from the two-hundred-mile journey, she would not rest until Lady Anne agreed to call on Midland house the next day. It was to be the day of her mother's funeral and she wished to be in the company of her Montague family. Both Jane and Elizabeth, dressed in lilac and grey respectively, accompanied their Mama and Grandmother, whom wore black from head to toe for the first time in their memory. The sadness of the occasion silenced even Elizabeth, although in the coming days, she would have many questions. Death was not unknown to her, for she understood her own Mama died in childbirth, as did many women. Both Jane and Elizabeth remembered Lady Anne's laying in and the birth of Georgiana, which caused them much anxiety. This experience gave the girls yet another prospective on loss and grief.
"Shall we visit Midland house and our cousins?" Jane enquired quietly as they drove away, afraid they would forever be removed from the society of Viscount Rother's children.
"I am afraid, not in the near future," Lady Anne smiled. "Your uncle, Lord Montague, his son, Viscount Rother and all the family are to join us at Stansted Grove. After Papa has seen Fitzwilliam off to Eton, and parliament has ended for the season, the Fitzwilliam's, Montague's and Darcy's are to stay a month complete at Matlock. You shall not only have Rother's children to play with, but Susan and Emma as well."
"Mama," Elizabeth had that concerned expression on her face. The one she wore when considering the wellbeing of another. "Will not cousin Anne attend."
"I believe she shall," Anne hid her smile. She had discussed when her niece should be returned to Rosings in consultation with the family physician. Together they decided several months must pass and Anne's health improve before subjecting her to Lady Catherine once again.
In the meantime, a somewhat unexpected friendship occurred between eleven-year-old Anne de Bourgh and seven-year-old Elizabeth. Elizabeth's nature, one of curiosity and great intelligence understood what the men of medical science did not. Anne required little but sunshine, exercise and the love of a good friend to ease her burdens. Unable to take no for an answer, Elizabeth forced Anne into the children's normal pursuits, including her in every activity and game. Indeed, the young woman did not miss out on practicing her pianoforte under the masters.
"If Jane and I must learn to read music, sing and play," Elizabeth explained on their fifth day at Leighwood, "to be accomplished young ladies, then so must you. Mrs. Jenkinson is but a companion, not your governess. Mrs. Forrester insists she shall make a lady of me. I am sure she can do the same for you."
Thank goodness, Lady Anne thought from across the room when hearing this, Anne is a docile child, willing to do Elizabeth's bidding. While I agree with my daughter, much time spent in Elizabeth's company might just return Anne to high spirits. Then we shall see how the acquaintance improves.
