This chapter in my mind explains Lady Catherine, I am taking artistic license just with Mrs. Bennet.
Chapter Twelve
Lady Catherine- a history
Lady Catherine de Bourg resided in Kent, a few hours outside of London and miles away from her ancestral home in Matlock. Her only daughter Anne was her last hope of attaining her heart's desire, the combining of the largest estates in England Pemberley and Rosings.
Lady Catherine wanted to become the symbolic master of the largest dynasty in England, with these two estates under her control, she envisioned herself as being one of the most powerful women in England since Queen Elizabeth I.
Her principal goal was to reside and reign over Rosings Park until her death without any man having to dictate commands over her as her father, then husband, and now brother. Her nephew Darcy, up until a few years ago seemed pliant enough that she would succeed in her dreams. That was until Miss Elizabeth Bennet entered her world, then all her plans crumbled around her.
With Anne's health failing it prevented frequent travel, thus leaving Lady Catherine a virtual prisoner stuck in Kent. This circumstance caused her to remain an unhappy and resentful woman. If she could not travel, then she wanted everyone to come to her and pay his or her respects as she saw fit. She held "court in Kent" for so many years without many objections to many of her commands. The recent refusal by her family concerning her nephew's health was not something she adjusted to easily.
Lady Catherine had developed a system of spies over the years to keep her informed of her family's activities, since they neglected to keep her informed themselves. How is the intelligence I need to discover ever going to reach me I do not do something? She thought to herself. If only my brother had consulted with me more often, Darcy would not have married that upstart of a girl Elizabeth Bennet! If only they had kept a closer eye on him, they could have prevented that marriage! These thoughts kept her resentful and angered for she could not force her nephew do her bidding. She had labored so relentlessly for too many years and currently it was all lost, or so she thought.
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Lately the only thing that brought her some joy was thinking about how foolish the men in her life had been. First was her father. He forced her into marrying a worthless man such as de Bourgh. Sir Lewis de Bourg died shortly after they married, leaving her with enough disposable cash to do as she pleased. No one questioned his sudden death.
Second that useless brother of hers now the Earl of Matlock. He was unaware that a few well-placed spies or rather servants, were in his home and remained loyal to her alone. The money did not matter as long as she knew what Lord and Lady Matlock were up to at all times. Lady Catherine enjoyed imagining how her brother and sister in-law believed their home and personal lives were unknown to her. As if! That woman, my brother calls his wife, is daft if she believes her home to a place of privacy and safekeeping as if all her activities are unknown to me, thought Lady Catherine as she laughed aloud to herself.
Lastly was her nephew Darcy. Until he met and married that Elizabeth Bennet she knew all his concerns. Now however no amount of money would gain her the information she sought regarding Darcy or his wife. Darcy's employees would not allow the agents Lady Catherine employed to dishonor themselves by accepting bribes. Lady Catherine could often be heard declaring on more than one occasion, "This is most infuriating!" The staff at Rosings quickly learned to leave the area once Lady Catherine was shouting to herself.
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Lady Catherine placed the weekly missive from her spy in London aside when Anne sat down for breakfast. Whatever was inside the letter would have to wait until Anne was not around, for she knew her daughter would not approve of her methods when it came to finding out information regarding the family. After breakfast, Anne removed herself to her sitting room, making note of the letter her mother was trying to hide. When Lady Catherine opened the letter, she was surprised to read,
Your Honorable Lady Catherine,
Your niece Georgiana Darcy is currently residing at Darcy house in London, with Reverend Covington and his wife. Lady Matlock is often in her company. I have noted many shopping trips as the packages arrive daily containing gowns and such. Nothing suspicious there, she thought to herself.
Lady Matlock has been the company of Mrs. Gardiner, the wife of the tradesman from Cheapside. They are planning a charitable event held here at Matlock house sometime in the coming weeks. The date remains unknown at this time. As soon as I am aware of the final date, I will forward it to your attention. The annual Matlock ball is scheduled for ten days hence, I took note that Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are not on the guest list for some unknown reason.
Lord Matlock and the Viscount (recently returned from Scotland) have travelled to Netherfield. They are to visit Mr. Darcy and the Colonel at the home of Mr. Charles Bingley. Their return date had not yet been determined.
I must point out some rather distressing news since writing the above. I have gained some intelligence that I think you will find most helpful. Lady Matlock has been careful to speak in hushed tones when mentioning both Mr. and Mrs. Darcy in the past few months. It appears Mr. Darcy seems to have lost his memory and does not remember Mrs. Darcy being his wife. His marriage is unknown to him.
That piece of information is worth all the money I send to Mr. Baker, thought Lady Catherine.
I hope you find this update suited to your requirements. I will send another letter if I find anything else that may be of help to you.
Your devoted servant,
Nathanial Baker
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Lady Catherine held the missive in her hand trying to work out in her mind how she could manipulate the situation as to attain her ultimate goal of separating Darcy from Elizabeth Bennet. Might she persuade her nephew Darcy to rid himself of that Elizabeth Bennet and marry her daughter Anne, since he did not even remember her? Oh, the possibilities were endless now that she had the truth of the matter.
Lady Catherine rung the bell, shouting, "Have trunks packed for Anne and myself this instant! Ready my carriage! We are to be off within the hour!"
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Lady Catherine arrived at Anne's room and instructed her maid to pack Anne's trunks for they were to leave Rosings immediately, "We are to travel to someplace called Netherfield!"
Anne puzzled at her Mother's orders and quickly penned a letter to her Aunt Lady Fitzwilliam in London, if anyone could prevent the tempest her mother was planning; it would be her Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam. Anne was certain her mother was up to something dreadful, for they never left Rosings unless it concerned her cousin Darcy.
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A quick note to Mrs. Charlotte Collins at the parsonage, to cancel their afternoon tea along with Anne's deepest apologies for her mother would not require Mr. Collin's presence until their return. Anne understood how much Mrs. Collins enjoyed her time away from her husband, while he was in the company of his "esteemed patroness Lady Catherine."
Anne thought it was a shame that such a cleaver woman as Charlotte Collins was married to that foolish man, Mr. Collins. Anne valued her friendship with Charlotte and was unhappy to be parting from her whilst she tried to thwart her mother's unknown plans.
Anne appeared to be a dutiful daughter to everyone, except those who truly knew Anne, which were not many. Anne had always dreamed of leave Rosings, she desired any chance to leave the estate,which included traveling with her mother.
"Hopefully my Uncle will find the means to force my mother to heed his warnings and avoid his censure," said Anne to Mrs. Jenkinson her companion of many years while she completed their task of packing.
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Mrs. Jenkinson, employed by Lady Catherine for too many years just smiled at Anne while trying not to wound Anne's feelings by disagreeing with her assumptions. The older woman endeavored to make Anne's quality of life better, however the fear of being destitute without a home, made Mrs. Jenkinson take Lady Catherine's side more often than not.
They both arrived downstairs to see Lady Catherine shouting orders. "Move quickly! I must not tally!"
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The carriage itself was fashionably equipped with the latest of conveniences, making the ride comfortable even with jostling from the ruts in the road. If Anne had paid more attention to the ride, she would have noticed the farther they traveled from Rosings the roads greatly improved. This would have been another indication that her mother was not taking her responsibilities as Mistress of Rosings seriously. Lady Catherine refused to spend her money on something so trifling such as the upkeep of the roads, for she deemed it unnecessary as she rarely traveled upon them, so why repair them.
Anne's life until this point held no true happiness, she wished to spend more of her life traveling and seeing the world outside Kent without her mother, of course. The carriage ride seemed to pass quickly for Anne as she her thoughts drifted to all the cities she would like to visit, Paris, Venice, and possibly America.
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When the carriage stopped at a rather small Inn outside the town of Meryton, Anne suspected whatever her mother had planned included Mrs. Darcy. Anne recalled the last time she passed through the town of Meryton it was when her mother confronted the then, Miss Elizabeth Bennet at Longbourn. This Netherfield must be near here, she thought to herself as she began to twist her handkerchief.
"Mother, why have we stopped here?" inquired Anne as she exited the carriage hoping to engage her mother and discover something of her plan.
"Nothing that concerns you Anne, just go inside before you catch another cold. I cannot have you sick again," barked Lady Catherine as she ordered their belongings to be taken inside by the awaiting footmen.
Anne sat in her rented room at the inn waiting for her trusted ladies maid, Sally. When Sally entered the room to begin unpacking her belongings Anne asked, "Sally what can you tell me?"
Sally curtsied and replied, "Another letter arrived this morning from Matlock house, as you know." Anne nodded as Sally continued, "I have yet to find the contents; I suspect your mother is holding the letter on her person. Judy was not able to find the letter this time. I am sorry miss."
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Meryton
It was only after her Cousin Darcy married Elizabeth Bennet that Anne decided to find out more about what her mother was doing or rather not doing. Either scenario was dangerous as far as Anne was concerned. Anne succeeded in a plotting out a scheme with the help of her ladies maid Sally, and Sally's Cousin Judy, one of the upstairs maids. The scheme arranged for Judy to pass along the latest letter to Sally for Anne to read and have the letter returned before Judy was finished cleaning Lady Catherine's rooms. This scheme had worked for almost two years until today. This morning, there was no time to find and read the latest letter.
Anne had long suspected that someone at Matlock had been informing her mother of what her mother felt she needed to be aware of, until today the letters never contained anything Anne felt was "that" important. The feeling of anxiety Anne carried with her today, would prove her correct. Her mother was up to something and it was…not good for anyone.
Lady Catherine ordered Anne remain in her rooms declaring, "Be prepared to leave by noon for we will be departing this hovel upon my return."
"Return?" Anne questioned her mother however received no answer as the door shut quickly.
Lady Catherine retired to her rooms to pen a letter to her solicitors requesting they begin proceedings to gain an annulment for her nephew Darcy, reasoning that if he could not recall his wife, he should not have one. The sooner she could gain the annulment to acquit Darcy of that marriage, the sooner he could marry Anne, reasoned Lady Catherine.
Anne surprised to learn that her mother retired to her rooms without leaving the Inn that evening and stated, "Something must be happening in the morning Sally; I must send a note to Netherfield to make them aware of my mother. She is definitely up to something." Anne saw Sally nod in agreement and pleaded, "Sally, you must help me get a note to Netherfield tonight."
Sally replied, "I will take the note myself Miss Anne. I am sure Michaels will accompany me and I will make sure to leave this letter with someone from the family and not in the hands of a servant Miss." Sally was all too happy to provide any service to Miss Anne knowing it would prevent Lady Catherine from achieving her goal.
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Anne quickly penned a short missive stating the facts of their location and the unknown plan of Lady Catherine. .
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To whom it may concern,
Please forgive my impertinence at writing to you this way. It is very important for you to note that my mother Lady Catherine de Bourgh is currently residing at an Inn just outside Meryton. I pray that you understand how serious the situation is, for she has never gone out of her way to be helpful. If my mother is in the area, she means to cause harm to someone. I do not know to whom she wishes to cause harm. My belief is it must have something to do with my cousin Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife Elizabeth Darcy.
Pray, take all necessary precautions. I know not what she means to do other than she does plan on our leave taking shortly before noon tomorrow. I ask that you destroy this letter, for if my mother were to find out about my interference it would cause me great distress.
Yours sincerely,
Anne de Bourgh
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Netherfield
Sally called for Michaels to escort her to Netherfield to deliver the note from Miss Anne. Michaels who was also employed at Rosings, had shown his interest in wishing to marrying Sally, however they had to postpone their wedding, choosing to remain loyal to Miss Anne until such a time Miss Anne was free from her mother's dictates.
When Sally knocked on the servant's entrance at Netherfield, neither she nor Michaels knew to whom they would need to speak with at Netherfield. When they learned that Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was in residence, they requested an immediate audience with him.
Richard was surprised to find himself downstairs in the kitchens at Netherfield just before midnight, Richard surprised at being presented a letter from his cousin Anne who he assumed was in Kent. As he read the missive, he was shocked to find that both Anne and his Aunt Lady Catherine were in the area and definitely not in Kent.
"What can that horrid woman mean by this?" said a flustered Richard. Then he remembered himself and apologized to Sally and to Michaels. "I am forever in your debt; I will go to my father immediately and see what we can do to thwart my Aunt."
Sally and Michaels arrived back at the Inn with feelings of encouragement and relief; they hoped they had prevented Lady Catherine from doing much harm. It was only when Sally retold Miss Anne who she given the note to, her cousin Richard, that Anne smiled. "Thank you Sally, you have done my family a great service. My hope is that my Uncle will be able to free us all, and once I have my freedom, so you shall too!" Anne unknowingly embarrassed Sally and realized her words when she saw a red-faced Sally standing before wringing her hands as she stared down at her feet. Anne knew of Sally's long time feelings for Michaels and often encouraged her to accept him. "You must have your own happiness and that includes having your own family Sally," Anne declared before hugging Sally and dismissing her for the night.
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Meanwhile Richard went upstairs to show his father the note from his Cousin Anne, Richard smiled when he thought of Anne's deviousness. He often enjoyed spending time with Anne; however, his Aunt (he used that term loosely) kept him away from her at every chance she could. He used his visits with Darcy to spend more time with his cousin Anne, without having his Aunt spew her diatribe and hostilities at him. His Aunt always focused on Darcy during those visits; she missed the times he spent with Anne, away from her prying eyes.
"Father, a note was just received from Anne, she and Aunt are at the Inn outside of Meryton, Anne states that her mother is up to something," announced Richard when he walked into the Earl's sitting room while he was talking to his brother Henry to arrive.
Richard had knocked on his brother's door on his way to his father's room, stating, "Brother you are needed in father's room immediately." When Henry asked for a reason Richard replied, "Aunt Catherine."
The Earl was surprised to hear how near his sister was to them, "What can she know?" he asked as he stood running his fingers threw his hair. Several years ago his niece Anne sent him a letter stating she had found out her mother employed spies in his homes. His first reaction to the news was to laugh, for there was nothing to hide. If it made his sister happy to pay her spies to give her drivel, he did not care.
Now he cared, "She must have heard something about Darcy."
"How father?" asked Richard, "I have not been around, nor Henry. What could have her spies have found out?"
"I am not sure, however her presence here in this county means she must know. We have to try to stop her from doing anything to harm Darcy and Elizabeth," said the dejected Earl.
"Darcy is going to be a bigger problem, with his current attitude regarding Elizabeth and the Bennet's. You must have noticed his actions at dinner last night. He could not get away from Mr. Bennet any faster," declared Henry.
"Yes, I am very aware of his attitude," replied the Earl. "I have tried to reach him, he feels we are controlling his life and that part of Darcy has not changed. He is too proud of himself to be controlled by anyone; my only hope is that Catherine will not be able to control him." The Earl sat then continued, "Maybe we should tell him of his marriage to Elizabeth, it may help him get over his prejudices regarding her."
The three men planned to be awake at first light in an effort to confront Darcy and Lady Catherine if she appeared on Netherfield's doorstep in the morning. The only thing they had not counted on was Darcy leaving with his Aunt once he learned he was married to Elizabeth.
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As the sun began rising the next morning, Mr. Darcy prepared for the day. He was convinced his decision to leave Netherfield with the possibility of cutting all ties to his friend Charles Bingley was the correct thing for him to do based on the last three weeks he spent here. The upheaval he experienced while here at Netherfield was too much for him to handle and he desired peace and quiet. He reasoned being in London that he would find his dear sister Georgiana and with a bit of luck the peace he was missing inside himself.
Darcy opened the front door to an exceedingly unexpected sight. As Mr. Darcy stood on the front steps of Netherfield, he was overcome with astonishment when he saw his Aunt Lady Catherine descend the steps of her carriage.
"Aunt Catherine, what brings you here?" asked Mr. Darcy with a hopeful look on his face. He knew his aunt would not approve of recent events here; she was after all the voice of reason in his life. (So he thought.)
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This was the scene the Lord Matlock Henry and Richard found them in when they went down to search for Darcy early in the morning. They witnessed Darcy greeting Lady Catherine de Bourg. The men had missed Darcy in his rooms by just a few minutes, so they headed downstairs in pursuit of him before he could leave Netherfield.
"Catherine, what brings you here?" asked a very cross Earl. He took a deep breath, as he reasoned how he should deal with his sister and more importantly how to discover her plan. The Earl stepped to Darcy's side, placed a hand on his shoulder hoping to direct him back into the house to arrange for the discussion of his marriage to Elizabeth, as he had agreed to the night before. Darcy shrugged off his uncle's hand, frustrated at the thought of his "being managed" once again.
"Do not talk to me that way brother! I have every right to be here, our nephew had been severely injured in that horrible carriage accident, and yet you have refused to keep me informed. How else can I care for him if you refuse to allow me to see him or even visit with him?" shouted Lady Catherine as she waved her walking cane at him. She took notice of Darcy's actions by his removing the Earl's hand from his shoulder.
Darcy was astonished to learn his Aunt Catherine was unaware of his injuries, turning red-faced to his Uncle he asked, "Is this true, was my Aunt not told of my injuries?"
"Can we please go inside and discuss this Darcy? We assumed you would be leaving this morning, or do you not wonder at our presence this early in the morning," said Henry hoping to make Darcy focus on other things in an attempt to calm him.
"That sounds like an excellent plan," replied Lady Catherine to which all men opened their mouth in surprise unsure of what Lady Catherine had planned.
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Darcy hesitant of postponing his leave taking, until his Aunt said, "After you have learnt their reasoning, you can still take your leave Darcy only this time you will be coming with me!" declared Lady Catherine in that tone of voice he remembered as a child.
It was the sound of her voice, a memory from his childhood, of feeling being safe and cared for, the memory of a moment in time when he did question the motives of his relatives. He felt safe.
Richard suggested they assemble in the breakfast room, as most of them had not broken their fast, he reasoned he would need something in his stomach to deal with his Aunt and Darcy. The Earl prepared tea for his sister, hoping to delay the confrontation she was waiting for to materialize.
"Darcy, we have a lot to discuss, do you wish your Aunt to privy to your private affairs?" asked the Earl hoping to rid himself of his sister sooner rather than later.
"Uncle you need not be uneasy with her presence, it would seem practical that you begin before I lose my patience and leave Netherfield without hearing what you have to say," replied an angry Darcy.
Richard and Henry looked worried as they both sat down at the table. Richard not waiting for the melee to begin with regards to his Aunt, started to eat his breakfast. Richard trained in the military to eat when hot food was present no matter the situation around him, learned quickly it may be a long while before he ate another hot meal.
Henry watched his brother Richard in amazement. He was not of the same constitution; he was not able to eat on an upset stomach. Henry feared his being the next Earl of Matlock, for he may not have the ability to withstand all the controversy he would find in parliament. Henry's greatest fear was he might not ever be able to eat again.
The Earl having grown up with his sister's tirades all his life, considered his words and began, "Darcy what will you have me begin with?"
Darcy glared at his family in frustration. "Why not begin with your motives as to why you did not inform Aunt Catherine of my injuries? Why should not all my family know about my memory loss? It does not affect her in any way," expressed Darcy.
Lady Catherine happy with Darcy's statement, confirmed the information she received about her nephew's memory loss. Behind her smile, she was wondering what her brother had not previously revealed that should upset Darcy; so much so that he would not remark on leaving with her after all was said and done.
The Earl coughed at Darcy's statement not sure he believed his words. He shook his head and said, "Alright I will tell you." He looked to his sons as they nodded then said, "Catherine, until I am finished you will keep your comments to yourself, is that understood?" he commanded.
Lady Catherine just nodded knowing if she spoke up, her brother would not continue and she would not learn all the details she travelled all this way to learn about Darcy.
"Darcy, as you are aware, the carriage accident caused not only your physical injuries, it caused significant memory loss." The Earl waited as Darcy nodded. He was watching his sister absorb this information with too much glee, as far as he was concerned.
"You lost more than a couple years of memories, what we have not told you based on your Doctor's recommendation" he stressed recommendation before continuing, "Is that you are married." The Earl waited for Darcy's reaction to the news before wanting to continue. He knew this intelligence was going to scandalize Darcy especially once he found out to whom he was married.
Darcy stunned by his uncle's words said, "I'm married? That cannot be," He turned to see his Uncle grimace and his Aunt smile. He was dumbfounded, the news of his marriage was worse than finding out Elizabeth had a child, for his feelings towards her had been those of falling in love, until this very moment he denied.
Then Darcy began to wonder where his wife was presently. Was she killed in the accident and that was the reason his family hid this from him? Might he have an unhappy marriage similar to those of the usual ton's standards: a young woman with the right connections, a large dowry, and very dim-witted as far he was concerned? "To whom am I married and why is she here not at my side," questioned Darcy.
When Lady Catherine heard that Elizabeth was not at his side, she gained more confidence that she would be triumphant with her plan to annul his marriage, however she remained silent hoping to learn the reason for Elizabeth's absence.
"Darcy, she was injured in the carriage accident along with you and Georgianna," replied the Earl. "Since you did not remember her and based on her injuries, her family thought it was best to take her to their home. She almost died," the Earl, answered grimly.
With those words spoken "She almost died" the Earl could see the sorrow on his son's countenances. As he turned to look at his sister, her eyes only sparkled with glee making him sick to his stomach. How my sister can hate Elizabeth, to be happy to hear she almost died, makes me want to slap her senseless, thought the Earl to himself.
The Earl had listened to Catherine's constant complaints about Darcy's marriage for almost three years. This was why he did not want to Catherine to know about Darcy's memory loss. Catherine would not care about Darcy; only what she could gain from his injuries.
However, he heard Darcy say something but missed the words. "What was that Darcy?" asked the Earl.
"It was my fault?" Darcy stated softly. When Darcy awoke at Pemberley his feelings told him that the accident that caused Georgiana and himself to be injured was somehow his fault. The nagging feeling in the back of his mind that told him he could have prevented the accident. Now confronted once again with that same accident and learning of his wife's injuries, something in the back of his mind told him that is was indeed his fault. Darcy felt responsible and could not remember why he felt that way.
Richard asked, "Why do you say that cousin? I was at the scene of the accident and as far as I could tell, there was nothing you could have done to have caused the accident."
Darcy learning this for the first time pushed his questions aside and pleaded for more information regarding his wife, "What is her name? Is she recovered from her injuries? Where is her family home? Pray I must know more of her." All in the room heard the sense of urgency in Darcy's voice.
The Earl hesitated while carefully formulating his answer afraid of what his sister would do or say. He reluctantly said, "Her injuries…were severe as I said, she almost died. When she awoke, it was determined her memories were also lost to her." The room was quiet as he said, "Elizabeth Darcy nee Bennet."
The Earl did not continue as Darcy stood and shouted, "It cannot be! I could not have married into that family!"
Before any further discussion continued, Darcy stormed out of the room. Richard and Henry followed Darcy out of the room trying to find a way to reach Darcy to make him understand.
The Earl turned to his sister and said, "Not one word Catherine or so help me I will make sure you will live your days out in the smallest cottage I can find with only one servant!"
Lady Catherine fully aware that her brother could make her life a living hell especially if he knew Anne had come into her inheritance, said nothing. She just smiled behind her teacup. After a while she said, "I will be leaving to make arrangement for Anne and I to leave this horrid place!"
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The Earl upset with Darcy's reaction and outburst, had not heard his sister's words. He placed his head in his hands and cried. He tried to help his nephew and his wife…he had failed them. Darcy was too angry to accept his marriage and it was unknown if he would ever come to accept his marriage. Then the Earl thought, at least Elizabeth's marriage settlement is legal and binding in the eyes of England. There was no way for Darcy to take away the financial support and house promised to her before their marriage. The Earl promised himself to take all necessary steps to prevent his nephew from harming Elizabeth and Emma further.
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Lady Catherine had learned more than she thought she would. Her plan was falling into place, Darcy was unhappy with marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. She heard the contempt in his voice as he said those words, "It cannot be! I could not have married into that family!"
It is as it should be, she thought to herself. She would get the marriage annulled and he would marry her daughter. Finally…all the years of trying to get her nephew to bend to her will. Lady Catherine also noted Darcy's reluctance to trust her brother and nephews during the discussion. This would make it easier for Darcy to listen to her; after all, she was the closest relation to him.
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Richard and Henry found Darcy in the library holding his head in his hands. It appeared to them that Darcy was suffering a headache and they were afraid for his health. They entered the room slowly hoping to avoid Darcy leaving the room before they could speak with him.
"Darcy is there something we can clarify for you? I am sure you have questions and without father or our Aunt Catherine present, it may make it easier for you," said Henry.
Darcy had recently accused Richard of having an affair with Elizabeth and fathering Emma. This accusation had not eased Richard's anger towards Darcy, so Richard felt speaking to him now would not be worth the effort. His resentment was too great to say anything to Darcy.
"Do not, just do not!" said Darcy not wanting to hear any more details about his "wife" from his family. Darcy was not able to make sense of the changes within his family, including their connection to the Bennet's. The news of his marriage to Elizabeth Bennet hurt his soul. Even with his recent softening towards "one of the most beautiful women he had ever met," had not made the pain he was experiencing any easier. Learning she had a child, was beyond all he could endure. Then the thought of Richard's affections towards Elizabeth on top of the child was almost too much to withstand.
"Who if the father of that child, is she mine?" asked Darcy so quietly Richard almost missed his question.
Richard had endured enough of Darcy's foolishness over the past several months during his recovery, punched Darcy in the face knocking him out, so that he fell back into the chair unconscious. Richard said, "I cannot deal with him any longer; I am due to report back in London. I will take my leave before I injure him further. Take care brother, tell father I will stop and visit mother soon," declared Richard as he strode from the room heading towards the rear of the house to exit near the barn with intension of leaving Netherfield. Richard was sorry not to take his proper goodbyes, however he knew his brother could handle it for him.
Henry unsure of what to do with an unconscious Darcy, he left him alone and headed to the breakfast room to see his father crying and his Aunt missing. Unsure of interrupting his father, he turned and went upstairs to his room. Oh, how is this mess ever going to be fixed? Henry said to himself.
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Meanwhile Lady Catherine had returned to the Inn to collect Anne, giving directions to the staff to have their trunks put on the carriage, "We are off to London!" Anne surprised at the direction said nothing. Thinking back to her note sent to Netherfield last night, Anne began to wonder what Richard was able to do to prevent her mother causing problems. As they travelled the lanes towards London, Anne thought she spotted Richard on his horse headed in the same direction: London. Maybe I will see Richard while in London, Anne said softly to herself.
Lady Catherine was certain her brother had made grave mistakes with Darcy; she would be at Darcy house hoping to catch him before he left for Pemberley. If she convinced him to travel with her to Rosings, while she awaited news of the annulment, she was convinced he would fall in love with Anne. Anne's health had improved so much over the past three years, Lady Catherine considered her daughter almost pretty. This along with various contrived problems at Rosings would keep Darcy there long enough to see Anne for himself. Lady Catherine smiled like the cat that ate the canary, while Anne feared the smile on her mother's face. .
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Mr. Bingley and Jane arrived in the breakfast room to find news of Richard's leave taking from Henry, as he offered his apologies. Henry informed the Bingley's of his Aunt Lady Catherine's arrival and the discussion thereafter. Jane silently cried as Henry relayed Darcy's reaction to his marriage to Elizabeth.
Henry explained, "Darcy left without informing anyone of his direction. We believe he will want to see Georgiana before he makes additional plans. At this point, he is mobile and we cannot force him to stay in one place. His anger towards my father and well… the rest of us is extreme. We can only hope he begins to remember something soon."
.Bingley concerned for Jane's health suggested she go upstairs to rest, while he sent a note to Mr. Bennet informing him of the morning's events.
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Henry added, "My father is writing to his solicitor as we speak, I am sure once that is complete we shall depart for London. My hope is Darcy will not cause your family any more harm. I am sorry that we were not able to make Darcy see past himself. I was always in awe of the love my cousin had for Elizabeth. It was seeing them together that gave me hope of my finding someone to love me for me and not for the title I will inherit one day."
Jane softly replied, "My Lord, please do not give up hope. Love is worth it, Mr. Darcy is lost to Lizzy now, but not all hope is lost. I have faith he will find his way back to Lizzy; she is his other half. I know my sister she is hurt and will try to hide her pain. I know how much Mr. Darcy means to her however once he remembers …nothing shall keep them apart. It is going to take time for them to find each other again."
Charles Bingley smiled loving at his wife, his angel. Jane had a way of looking at life that made you believe in miracles. As Jane left the room, Bingley sighed and said, "Henry, I have to believe my wife when she says Elizabeth and Darcy were made for each other. We cannot give up hope. The coming days, months or possibly even years will be difficult for us all. I have faith that Darcy will find his way back to his love. Remember when Darcy admitted the love of life was Elizabeth and how much her loved had changed him. I have to believe he will find his way back to the man we all know and love."
Henry smiled at Bingley pondering Jane's words. "I will not give up hope then, Bingley. Maybe one day I will find my other half." He laughed at the thought of his mother, Lady Matlock happy with the knowledge of gaining a daughter one day.
The Earl was writing a letter to his solicitor making sure to appraise them of the details of today's events. He did not want any steps to be taken on behalf of his sister Lady Catherine or nephew Darcy concerning wife, Elizabeth Darcy.
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Longbourn
Mr. Bennet read the note from Bingley and sighed. Mr. Darcy had learned about his Lizzy and had not taken the news well. It was as he expected, the proud disagreeable man was back. It was hard for Mr. Bennet to admit to himself, he had failed his daughter along with his family. The only thing now was to worry about where his Lizzy could be, it was somewhere between Hertfordshire and Derbyshire. Once he found out, would he be able to resist the temptation to go after her? He did not know.
Mr. Bennet gazed out over his dining table, making note of how quiet the house was now that Mrs. Bennet and Lydia were gone. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia left Longbourn early this morning after concluding that Mr. Bennet would not relent and let them stay. Mr. Bennet had Mr. and Mrs. Hill assist his wife and silliest daughter to the cottage, making sure that none of the Longbourn servants were dispatched to work for his wife. She was to hire her own servants or do the work herself. Mr. Bennet chuckled at the thought of his wife doing household chores. He called for his horse to readied, as he wanted to say his goodbyes to the Viscount and Earl in person.
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Mrs. Bennet arrived at the cottage on the cart provided by her husband to convey her worldly belongings, along with her precious Lydia. It all seemed unreal. Mrs. Bennet had always feared her daughter Lizzy. As Lizzy grew, she thought something wrong with daughter for she did not have that connection she had with Jane. Then Mary came along and she saw Elizabeth as the child her husband connected with unlike herself.
Mrs. Bennet was jealous of Elizabeth, for the only attention Mr. Bennet paid to her when she was increasing with hopes of producing his heir. When finally Lydia arrived, Mrs. Bennet focused all her attentions on Jane, her most beautiful child and Lydia the child she could mold to be more like herself.
Recalling the day Mr. Darcy asked for Elizabeth's hand, Mrs. Bennet was flummoxed. Elizabeth was unruly, impertinent, and wild, why would such a rich man want Lizzy for his wife? She could not account for it at all.
Mrs. Bennet recalled her reaction to learning about Mr. Darcy and Lizzy's injuries and their memory loss. It was her initial fear of Mr. Darcy abandoning Elizabeth, then her fear of rumors spreading throughout the town of Meryton. Mrs. Bennet knew all too well, what rumors, and gossip did to one status in town. Lady Lucas would never let her live it down, especially with her daughter Charlotte becoming the next Mistress of Longbourn. All of Mrs. Bennet's sense left her head. It was to her as if her least favorite daughter had come back to live with them, only to torment her for her horrible treatment of that same daughter.
If the gossips in Meryton found out that Mr. Darcy did not want Elizabeth as his wife, all the imagined status she had for herself would be lost. The horror of it all! The shame of having a daughter divorced was not as shameful as having her own husband remove her from her own home. Mrs. Bennet started to cry then she realized Mr. and Mrs. Hill had left once the wagon was unloaded; they had not even opened the front door. All her belongings were stacked around her person and Lydia was staring at her opened mouthed.
Mrs. Bennet opened the door to the cottage, sat in the dusty chair, and cried. It was only when Lydia stormed into the cottage and said, "I am not carrying in those trunks, you will have to do it yourself!" That Mrs. Bennet stood and slapped Lydia across the face.
Mrs. Bennet found herself thinking about her own mother, along with the severe treatment of her as a child. Fanny Gardiner had been responsible at a very young age for raising her younger sister, the now Mrs. Phillis and her younger brother, Edward Gardiner. The resentment she carried for her own mother for making her grow up too fast held too much weight inside her still to this day. She had never forgiven her mother for making her responsible for all the household chores and education of her younger siblings. Upon her mother's death, she felt no sorrow, only relief that she was free of the burden placed on her shoulders. She vowed she would have a home with lots of servant to do her bidding along with fine clothes and carriages. How was one to feel sorrow for a woman who had not cared for you?
The next disappointment in Fanny's life occurred when her father commanded, "Fanny you are now seventeen and of age to be married, go out and find yourself a husband so that you will not be a burden me any longer." This was a bitter pill to swallow; her own father thought she was a burden to him.
The recently returned Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn attended the local assembly, taking notice of one Fanny Gardiner and only her beauty. He neglected to speak with the lovely young lady. When Fanny learned of Thomas Bennet's admiration for her, she was ecstatic. The idea of wedding Thomas Bennet, Fanny thought she would attain her heart's desire, the highly coveted position as a gentlemen's wife. No more household chores, no pressure to educate her younger siblings
Fanny solicited her father to contact Mr. Thomas Bennet with hopes of arranging her marriage prior to speaking to Thomas Bennet herself. She had no prior knowledge of him or his character; this was just another mistake in her life.
Mrs. Bennet cried until she fell asleep in the dusty chair.
Lydia true to her word had not bothered to carry in the trunks; she left for a quick trip to Meryton.