Chapter 68
So accustomed was Darcy to dismissing his aunt's demands and determination to control what qualified squarely as the business of others, that he had paid little mind to her threats to send the Bennet's a governess. He was, therefore, shocked when the third candidate for Miss Lydia's companion stated that she was unemployed as the family she was retained for following her previous post refused her at the door.
Mrs. Evans, though firm in nature, hesitated to relay the story, which only further piqued his interest. Had he known it would lead back to the Bennet's he would have proceeded more cautiously. Upon prompting, the elderly woman relayed that a great lady, Lady Catherine De Bourgh, had retained her and sent her to Hertfordshire. Not revealing the woman was his aunt, Darcy prompted her to continue, concerned some news had spread from the house.
"Well sir," she said, "the lady, though claiming to be no relation, in fact, she was quite vexed that I had inquired as to her connection, claimed that she would oversee their education herself. I understand the gentleman has five daughters and the youngest were both rather wild. She proceeded to insist that distinction of rank would not endure if the education of young ladies was not seen to properly."
Darcy called upon all of his training to see that his countenance retained the use of his public mask, but inside he was in a panic. What did Lady Catherine know? What did Mrs. Evans know? He wished he had paid closer attention to his aunts ranting, but then again if Lady Catherine knew he would have heard it from his uncle."
"Then it was the strangest thing, sir. When I arrived at the Bennet's door it was as if no one was expecting me. The housekeeper insisted that the family in residence was too ill to receive visitors, and kindly but firmly sent me away, assuring the master would write to me if he wished for my return. Beg your pardon sir, but the business was so odd that I thought I might do better to find another post. I meant to call upon Lady Catherine again this afternoon, as the first time that I did she was not at home."
As soon as his relief was felt at Mr. Bennet's story holding, it was taken away again at the women's declaration that she would again call upon his aunt. Lady Catherine would know that the family was not likely ill, as she had just seen them but a few days ago. She also had a decided gift for sniffing out scandal.
Darcy, grateful for the ability to ease situations through the girth of his purse, said to her. "Would it be too much to ask you to put your call aside madam? In my view, your duty has been discharged. Though I am not yet certain that my sister will need a new companion, I can say with certainty that I will pay a month's wages now, and two months' wages if it is decided that your employment with my family is unnecessary."
Mrs. Evans almost gasped, that was most generous indeed. "Sir, I cannot fault your generosity, but do I not have a duty to return the first month's wages to her Ladyship, though not the travel expenses?"
"Mrs. Evan's, Lady Catherine is a distant relation of mine, you may keep the wages for your trouble. I will reconcile the matter myself and let her Ladyship know that you are to take another post. My aunt, now further along in years, is often leading others to frustration while dictating affairs. I apologize for any inconvenience the matter has caused you." He knew the woman would conclude his aunt was somewhat senile, though he spoke only the truth of the frustration his aunt often caused with her high-handed ways.
Darcy directed her to his man of business with a note releasing her guarantee, letting her know that he would be in touch if their need for a companion came to fruition. Though the woman found the mysterious connection odd, she had no desire to turn down four months' wages without having to so much as lay her eyes on a charge, by the time she passed through the doorway, she had dismissed her resereservations entirely.
Darcy, hoping to keep his aunt from Mrs. Evans, shot off an immediate note to her, stating in no uncertain terms her interference was not welcome and that her governess was dismissed at the door of Longbourne. He knew his aunt would huff and gladly complain of insult, but he also knew she would not be overly concerned with a governess' well-being. She would not follow up with her, viewing her as someone who had failed in her duty. He felt his duty discharged to the woman as well, she would have made a fine candidate, being firm in nature, but he couldn't have the woman reporting to his aunt. In a few weeks, he would send a note with the rest of her pay claiming no need for a governess. It would give the woman plenty of time to find new employment while keeping her from finding the scandal.
E & D will be back soon, we'll meet Parker first. I really like him, I hope you do to.