Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 7
Sunday, April 25
Lizzy hid her news from her family and friend until time to depart for Rosings. She informed Mary about their departure on Monday for Longbourn, so Mr. Darcy could ask for Mr. Bennet's blessing. Mr. Darcy would be an outrider while she, Kitty and Charlotte rode in his carriage.
Mary hugged her sister. "I'm so glad you are marrying for love, Lizzy. I'm glad Jane is marrying for love."
"We must not tell Mr. Collins. I cannot bear for him to tell Lady Catherine before Mr. Darcy can announce our betrothal." Lizzy insisted. "He is already distraught Lady Catherine did not attend church this morning."
"Lizzy," Mary spoke quietly. "You remind me of the phrase from Shakespeare: What the heart thinketh, the tongue speaketh."
"I know, I know," Lizzy sighed. "My pert opinions might offend Lady Catherine."
"I am not worried about you offending Lady Catherine. I worry you will temper your feelings for Mr. Darcy when confronted by Lady Catherine. Mr. Darcy loves you. You love him. Such a love should be celebrated, not censured." Mary observed Lizzy in her gown of primrose silk, with her hair dressed becomingly with primrose ribbons. Mary wore her new green silk dress embellished with fine dark green silk lace. Their clothes would not be as fine as what Lady Catherine would wear, but they were finely crafted for daughters of a gentleman.
"Lizzy…marriage will never be as easy for you as it will be for Jane. You are accomplished in ways which none of your sisters will ever be. You do not hesitate to read difficult books. I cannot read Greek, nor do I wish to. I could not debate the philosophies of Plato, nor do I want to. Mr. Darcy appreciates your reading and enjoys your wit and vivacity." Mary counseled her sister.
"Mary, your home has been so welcoming and restful. I want that ease for my home." Lizzy valued her sister and her lessons and examples.
"Thank you, dearest Lizzy. I enjoy working in my gardens or stillroom without Mother's nerves demanding attention. I love sewing without hearing Lydia and Kitty arguing over bonnets, ribbons and lace. For your sake, I hope you marry at the end of June with Jane. Perhaps the two of you will temper Mother's exultations and expectations. I had a quiet wedding and lovely wedding breakfast thanks to Aunt Gardiner. Perhaps she can help you with Mother." Mary admired her bonnet Kitty redecorated with spring green ribbons and dark green silk lace.
"Are you happy Mary? Jane and I are marrying for love…and I know you barely knew Mr. Collins before you married. I noticed he is attentive to you, and I believe there is real affection in your marriage." Lizzy watched her sister's face carefully.
"I am happy Lizzy. I'm so grateful Mr. Collins and I married by special license in London. Mother would have embarrassed me by revealing my compromise. Or she would have bragged how I secured Longbourn, so she never loses her social standing. You know Mother has daydreamed of an excessive celebration for Mr. Bingley and Jane since Michaelmas last year. I'm surprised they are waiting to marry at the end of June. They must be exhausted from Mother dragging them all over Hertfordshire for visiting, teas, dinners, card parties and other fetes in their honor." Mary counseled.
"William and I want a simple ceremony with a few guests." Lizzy tried to shake the image of Mama bragging about Jane's marriage from her head. Mama would always judge William against the amiable Mr. Bingley.
"Ask Mr. Darcy; know what you want. Be prepared for Jane and Mr. Bingley to share your thoughts." Mary advised again. 'Lizzy will have to be strong. I am glad Lizzy accepted Mr. Darcy without interference from Mother. She expects blind obedience to her ridiculous plans, like Lady Catherine! No wonder Lydia behaves so badly. She is still fully young, perhaps there is time to correct her. What are the options? Kitty blossomed while here, away from Lydia. I wish I could help Kitty continue to advance.'
"I must warn you…Lady Catherine has a great deal of advice and conversation regarding matters which are of no concern to her. I do not believe the woman has ever sheared a sheep." Mary noticed Lizzy's restrained laughter. "I sincerely hope you are able to laugh when this day is over. The carriage has arrived…we cannot delay any longer."
~X~
Lady Catherine planned to speak to Darcy this morning, but he, Fitzwilliam and Anne left for church before she rose. Instead, Lady Catherine met with Mrs. Jenkinson who felt indisposed this morning and planned to attend Evensong instead. Lady Catherine prepared to reassert her authority and control at Rosings. She planned and plotted during her journey from London to Rosings. Anne should not entertain Darcy and Fitzwilliam at Rosings without Lady Catherine present. If necessary, she would claim compromise and force Darcy to offer for Anne. If Fitzwilliam and Anne's present masters appeared to be difficult, she would pay them off. Anne's return to health meant Darcy could no longer delay the engagement and marriage. Lady Catherine regretted not sending an engagement announcement to the London Times before she departed.
After a conversation with Darcy and Anne about their duty and their engagement, Lady Catherine intended to have a conversation with Mrs. William Collins. Clearly Mrs. Collins did not credit her marriage and current living situation to Lady Catherine's excessive attentiveness to Mr. Collins' future at Longbourn. If Mrs. Collins did not cease interfering with Anne's health and society, Lady Catherine had plans for Vicar Collins. If he did not follow her orders, she would separate him from his living. She knew the Bishop of London. She felt a large donation would see her orders followed…one way or another.
Lady Catherine would rid herself of her vicar's cousins. She plotted to load her shabbiest coach with those country chits and transport them home to Longbourn after dawn tomorrow morning. Anne ignored her social standing by introducing her cousins to her vicar's guests. Lady Catherine disapproved of such low connections. She felt rank should be observed and preserved at all costs. The grandchildren of the Fifth Earl of Matlock should not be dinner guests at the parsonage. Nor should they plan garden parties with guests from the parsonage. The grandchildren of the Fifth Earl of Matlock should socialize with their peers of the ton…at an engagement ball in London and a society wedding.
Lady Catherine, the eldest child in the Fitzwilliam family, was born after a difficult increase and a difficult birth. A large child at birth, her parents lamented she would have made a fine, healthy son. She could be found outdoors, following her father during his daily rounds, knowing more about the farm than an heir would. During Parliament, the Earl of Matlock kept his family in London. For half the year, Catherine's playmates were first set like herself, and not tenant or staff children.
Catherine turned five before a living sibling was born. The Countess of Matlock lost two sons before Reginald was born alive and healthy. Catherine, feeling abandoned while her parents doted on their heir, furiously smashed everything available in the schoolroom and nursery. Her governess banished Catherine to her own bedroom, away from Reginald's nursery. Catherine saw him once a day with her parents.
Reginald received the lessons which Catherine enjoyed before his birth. No longer did she follow her father at Matlock Estate, learning to manage farms, crops, animals and staff.
Delicate petite, and much adored Anne greatly displeased a jealous almost eight-year-old Catherine. Especially when her parents and Reginald adored baby Anne. Anne excelled at domestic arts quicker than awkward Catherine…mostly because Anne learned quickly. Anne excelled at her studies, and her accomplishments. Catherine couldn't play the piano, draw or paint. Dancing became a struggle because she appeared tall and ungainly. She struggled with lessons until Anne excelled in the classroom. She refused to learn languages and did not apply herself to reading or improving her mind. She excelled at horseback riding and cards. Catherine had good bloodlines and a sizeable dowry. Preparing for her debut season and court presentation required masters who knew if Catherine did not want to learn…they wasted their time and patience.
When Anne came out at six and ten…Catherine was almost four and twenty…and quickly becoming a shelf sitter. Reginald brought six of his friends, including George Darcy, to Anne's coming out ball. George and Anne fell in love over the supper set. Thanks to Reginald, they were often in one another's company. They wanted to marry…but Catherine asserted her marriage should come first. Catherine lacked everything which endeared Anne to sons of every peer, which delayed Anne's wedding. Eventually the Second Baronet de Bourgh approached the Earl of Matlock. The Fitzwilliam/de Bourgh marriage settlement included more funds, good horses and estate leadership by the Earl of Matlock to hasten the wedding. The engagement ball, the wedding ceremony, the wedding breakfast, and the wedding dance were everything Catherine wanted. Anne only desired marriage to the love of her life.
Now the Fitzwilliam family considered Lady Catherine formidable and overbearing. Rosings had been in an uproar since Lady Catherine's return late last night. She claimed fatigue from her travels and locked herself in her rooms. She sequestered herself with staff while Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Anne attended church. Lady Catherine had yet to speak to her daughter or nephews. She had breakfast and midday meal delivered to her quarters. Gerard delivered messages to Anne, Fitzwilliam and Darcy, which demanded they present themselves for tea at three o'clock in the drawing room.
"You will do fine. Remember Mother is an overbearing tyrant who meddles in other people's lives." Anne spoke to her mirror, after fastening her pearls around her neck. She sent for Mrs. Havens and inquired about the tea menu this afternoon. "We have not discussed this, however, I am the mistress of Rosings. I have been since my first and twentieth birthday. I want you to obey my orders. I know Mother extended an invitation for tea to the Collinses and their guests. What did she order served for tea? I will not be embarrassed by a paltry offering."
"Shortly after her arrival last evening, Lady Catherine ordered inferior brown tea, which we only serve to the farm workers, and one sugar biscuit per person for today's tea. Your weekly menu ordered a cherry cake for the Miss Bennets and a walnut cake for Miss Lucas and Mr. Collins. Lemon tarts and lemon biscuits were prepared for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy. Custard tarts were prepared for you and Mrs. Collins. The prepared sweets will be served as you requested." Mrs. Havens tried to appear chastised but failed. "Cold sugared grapes and a cheese tray could be prepared if you would like."
Anne shook her head no. "Serve the most excellent green tea we have. Bring me the tea tray. I will prepare and pour the tea; Miss Lucas will deliver the cups. Take the sweets tray to Mrs. Collins; she will pass the sweets with help from Miss Kitty. Once the trays have been delivered, I want the drawing room and halls cleared of staff. You and Gerard may be at the ready, next to the closed doors to the drawing room. I don't want Mother's confrontation with me to entertain the staff hall this evening." Anne stood and smoothed her gown.
"Lady Catherine ordered the drawing room rearranged before tea time. She is quite displeased with how you removed the excess furniture and furnishings. She is quite displeased by the way you rearranged the furniture."
"I do not want the drawing room rearranged. We will not sit in concert rows with Mother at the center of attention. I want the fire lit in the drawing room after midday meal. The weather is too cool outdoors for no fire; requiring time to adequately heat the large room. Close the doors to the music room. We will not heat or use the music room. I also want a fire laid in the library and in my study. They can be lit if needed. Send for Mrs. Jenkinson at half past two. Have her escorted via the servants staircase to her quarters by two footmen after Mother enters the drawing room. Station the footmen outside the door to Mrs. Jenkinson's quarters. I do not want her colluding with Mother again today."
"We understand; Mrs. Jenkinson is not to attend tea." Mrs. Havens had a quick grasp of the situation.
~X~
Viewing the drawing room last night increased the ire Lady Catherine felt as she traveled from London to Rosings. Anne ordered the room rearranged by removing one-third of the furniture and eighty percent of the décor. Side tables, which boasted porcelains and vases, were empty. The cleared mantle over the fireplace held a pair of candlesticks, a mantle clock and a low arrangement of flowers. Lady Catherine orders to rearrange the room to its previous ostentatious décor had been ignored. The heavy drapes, which blocked the sun, were open and provided an excellent view of the formal gardens. Her guests, nephews and daughter should have been waiting for her arrival. Everyone knew to be early…she would not condone this rudeness. She flung the doors to the music room open, thinking Anne, Darcy and Fitzwilliam might be in there. "Where's Anne?" She snapped at the one footman standing inside the drawing room.
"I'm here, Mother. There is no need to raise your voice to Timothy. I don't require help to walk down stairs. Mrs. Jenkinson does not need to swaddle me in shawls and blankets and set me in a corner like a useless doll." Anne crossed the room and closed the doors to the music room.
Lady Catherine observed the way Anne carried herself. Anne wore a blue, long-sleeved, heavy linen frock…devoid of excess lace and flounces…which accented her eyes. Her hair was simply dressed with a bandeau which matched her gown. She wore a simple string of pearls. Lady Catherine frowned. Her reticent Anne no longer existed. Fitzwilliam and Darcy appeared before she could address issues with Anne. Gerard announced the guests from Hunsford Parsonage. "Mother may I present Miss Charlotte Lucas, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Kitty Bennet. Ladies, this is my mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh." The ladies curtseyed to Lady Catherine. Anne bade everyone to sit, indicating one settee for Fitzwilliam and her, one for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth, and one settee for the Collinses. The other two Hunsford guests took chairs interspersed between the settees.
Lady Catherine sat in her large chair in the large drawing room, looking like a queen surveying her serfs. She disliked the way Anne rearranged the room. The settee with Anne and Fitzwilliam faced the settee with Darcy and the Bennet chit. The settee with the Collinses faced her chair. A low table occupied the center of the seating square. Additional chairs were placed between settees and near side tables. The company in her drawing room displeased Lady Catherine. A great many things at Rosings displeased Lady Catherine.
Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam exchanged mutual nods and glances. Servants delivered the tea tray to Anne, who prepared and poured tea. Lady Catherine accepted a perfectly prepared cup of green tea served by Miss Lucas. 'Obviously, my directives regarding the tea menu have been ignored. One sip of tea to fortify…'
Mrs. Collins cut and served two different cakes, tarts and lemon biscuits. Miss Kitty delivered a slice of cherry cake to Lady Catherine, with a serviette and fork. Lady Catherine frowned at the ease with which Mrs. Collins prepared sweets and the ease with which Miss Kitty delivered plates to the remainder of the guests. 'Obviously Anne has been entertaining at tea time since Mrs. Collins knows what to serve to me and the others without asking preference.'
Gerard nodded to the footmen present, indicating time for them to depart. He closed the doors to the drawing room to leave Lady Catherine with her guests.
'How could I have looked at her picture in the gallery and thought William looked like her? The blue eyes must be a Fitzwilliam trait…for both Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam have them also. Lady Catherine is tall, like Darcy. I'm amazed…Anne looks more like Lady Anne's picture than her own mother.' Lizzy berated herself.
"Darcy…Miss Elizabeth Bennet…" Lady Catherine frowned at the couple who sat on a settee directly facing Anne and not her. "You can be at no loss to understand the haste of my return to Rosings while my brother, the Earl of Matlock, is busy with the House of Lords this Season." Lady Catherine sipped her tea and set her cup on the table next to her. "Nay, your own heart, your conscience must tell you why I hurried home."
"Indeed, you are mistaken, Aunt Catherine. We cannot account for the honor of your early return." Darcy sipped his tea and waited to nibble his favorite lemon tarts and biscuits.
"Do not trifle with me nephew! I will not brook your insolence!" Lady Catherine stomped her cane on the floor. "I will not be swayed by good manners which conceal insincere comments and ruinous actions. I do not approve of Anne and my nephews consorting with my vicar's wife and her sisters. They've encouraged you to be headstrong and foolish!"
Lady Catherine's violent wave of hand cut off Mr. Collins' comment. "I have heard Miss Jane Bennet intends to be advantageously wed to Charles Bingley. Trade is as trade does, I suppose." She sniffed. "However, I learned you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, intend to use your association with Mr. Bingley to unite yourself with my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy."
Darcy set his tea cup down, prepared to argue when Lady Catherine's voice rolled over all of them. "I instantly resolved on setting off for Rosings, so I might make my sentiments known about Miss Elizabeth's determined scheme to trap my nephew in a degrading and debasing marriage. Do you deny your scheme?" She glared at Elizabeth.
"Lady Catherine, you may ask questions which Miss Elizabeth and I decline to answer. Our understanding does not require your blessing or approval." Darcy glared back at her.
"This is not to be borne. Have you forgotten what you owe to your family? I am almost the nearest relation you have in the world. I am entitled to know your answer!" Lady Catherine stamped her cane on the floor.
"Georgiana is my nearest relation. She knows the situation and approves. She anticipates having a sister." Darcy announced. "You are my AUNT, not my MOTHER."
When Mr. Collins appeared as if he would intervene, Mary grabbed his arm and violently shook her head. For the sake of his position and their situation, he had best remain quiet.
"Miss Elizabeth …do not aspire to a position which belongs to my daughter by birth, by rank, and by duty. Darcy is engaged to my daughter Anne. Now what do you have to say to that, Miss Elizabeth?" Lady Catherine's triumphant look would have made a lesser person quail. Her look discomposed Mr. Collins.
"Mr. Darcy is a gentleman. He would not trifle with my affections while betrothed to another woman. He would not dishonor a commitment to another to court me." Lizzy calmly sipped her tea.
"The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. My sister and I planned the union while our children were in their cradles. I will not allow a young woman of inferior birth, low connections, and penurious dowry to pollute the Fitzwilliam name and the honor of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine asserted.
"Ah, the infamous cradle engagement," Lizzy acknowledged.
"Mother, I have been meaning to ask…since Darcy is three years older than I am…how could there be a cradle engagement? We certainly were not in cradles at the same time." Anne needled Lady Catherine, who could not reply before Darcy spoke.
"Mother never wished for me to unite with Anne, nor did Father approve. I never offered marriage, nor signed marriage articles. Anne does not desire the match and neither do I. You are the only family member to cherish the hope Anne and I will marry." Darcy brushed off Lady Catherine's assertion like an insignificant speck of lint. "I do not wish for a marriage of convenience. I want a wife who wants me…not my position, my portion, or my possessions. With the blessings of Georgiana, Anne and Richard, I offered for Elizabeth. She made me the happiest man in the world by accepting my offer. We travel to Longbourn tomorrow to ask Mr. Bennet for his blessing."
"Are her arts and allurements so strong you think she loves you? She loves your position, your portion, and your properties. Like Caroline Bingley, Elizabeth Bennet only wants you for silk dresses, servants, and a good bottle of wine and meat on her table. You can give her those things through protection…not marriage! I demand you give her up!" Lady Catherine practically spit the words at Darcy and Elizabeth.
"You will not insult Elizabeth!" Darcy snapped at his aunt.
"You may demand we give one another up, Lady Catherine, but I refuse to break the engagement." Lizzy retorted to an obvious gasp from Mr. Collins. Mary pinched Mr. Collins HARD when he sought to pontificate his thoughts. Collins would have glared at Mary, but he was rendered speechless by a look of amusement exchanged between Miss Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Darcy! Have you lost all sense of propriety?" Lady Catherine screeched and thumped her cane for emphasis. "While my back has been turned, you courted this chit who has no education or accomplishments! Her family is impoverished, and the estate is entailed away in favor of Mr. Collins, my vicar!"
"There are varying degrees of luxury, Lady Catherine. While we may not have an estate the size of Rosings or Pemberley or a home in London, we are not impoverished. My Cambridge-educated Father insisted my sisters and I be educated as well as accomplished." Lizzy presented a serene face to Darcy's harridan aunt.
Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes at Elizabeth. "Darcy may have high hopes for you, but you are simply ill-formed for a position as Mrs. Darcy. He forgets he is third in line to succeed the Earl of Matlock. Until Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam produce an heir, Richard Fitzwilliam is second in line and Fitzwilliam Darcy is third. Fitzwilliam's occupation is perilous at times. Darcy must be ready to step into the role of the Earl of Matlock at any time in his future. Your low connections are scandalously embarrassing for a possible Countess of Matlock! You will never fill my sister's position at Pemberley or in society! You simply are not formed to lead London society!"
"Father and Mother married for love and desired Georgiana and I marry for love. Both of us have large inheritances. I have no need to marry for title, peerage or dowry. I do not love Anne and she does not love me." Darcy's hands shook with anger. Elizabeth took his cup and saucer, setting them on the table before them.
"Love has very little to do with brilliant marriages," Lady Catherine stamped her cane again. "You do not marry to please yourself! Marriage in our social circle combines portion, peerage and property to benefit both families. Your mother was the daughter of an Earl who married a landed gentleman a large fortune! Marriage with Anne unites Rosings Park and Pemberley into a large estate which rivals the holdings of the Crown. Your and Anne's heirs will be sought by descendants of the 400 leading families of England! Their property and legacy will influence generations to come! Anne and your descendants could marry royalty! Your obedience to the Crown could earn you a title!"
"There is a biblical caution about serving two masters. I cannot manage Pemberley and Rosings, not without damaging one of the estates. If they were adjacent to one another, I could. But they are four full days apart from one another. Pemberley has been my life for the last five years. Rosings needs a full-time master to repair the damage and neglect you have inflicted on Rosings since the death of Sir Lewis." Darcy's dark scowl never left his face.
"If Mr. Darcy is not attached to his cousin by honor nor inclination…why is he not allowed another choice? If I am his choice, why may I not accept him?" Lizzy decorously nibbled at the excellent cherry cake.
"Because honor, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Elizabeth, interest. You will be censured, slighted and despised by everyone connected with Darcy. Your alliance will be a disgrace. Your name will never be mentioned by any of us. You will not be welcome in our homes. You will be cut by the best families of the ton!" Lady Catherine smiled smugly, as if she carried her point.
"These are heavy misfortunes to people who count them as important." Lizzy sipped her tea before continuing. "However, marriage to Darcy will provide other sources of happiness. I shall have no cause to repine."
"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended from the same noble line on the maternal side, and respectable, honorable, and ancient families on the paternal side. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other despite your upstart pretensions. If you were sensible, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been raised." Lady Catherine's face turned an ugly shade of red. "This is the exact reason I object to Mrs. Collins educating her servants. You don't raise the expectations of the lower classes."
"I am a gentleman," Darcy retorted. "Elizabeth is the daughter of a gentleman. We are equals. I am honored Elizabeth refuses to give me up because you believe marriage should be defined by funds and family. Perhaps you think me traitorous, but I believe one should like their spouse. I feel compatibility with one's spouse is more important. Elizabeth is kind, intelligent and caring which are three virtues needed by Pemberley."
"Who is her mother? Who are her uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their situation." Lady Catherine shouted, thumping her cane for emphasis. "You cannot expose the lineage of our family to such low connections! You must marry Anne and preserve the rank to which you were born!"
"If your nephew does not object to my connections, they can be nothing to you." Lizzy carefully sipped her tea. She would not allow her nerves to make the cup rattle on its saucer.
"Your union will never take place." Lady Catherine declared. "I will call upon my brother and Darcy's uncle, the Earl of Matlock, to intercede!"
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy. "My courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me, Lady Catherine. Your words, your attitude and your scorn…they cannot hurt me. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the head of the Darcy family. He is his own lord and master. He makes the decisions for his life."
"I have had enough of this ridiculous conversation. Anne, you will either marry Darcy, or be disinherited." Lady Catherine's resolve proved steadfast. "You will not ruin Rosings Park by enticing a fortune hunter or a rake!"
Anne laughed…not a ladylike little giggle…but a belly laugh which sounded like one from a tall, broad, beefy farmer who had observed his farm hand do something ridiculous. "Mother, would you like a moment to reconsider your edict?"
"No, I am adamant. I will not be gainsaid. You will either marry Darcy, or you will find yourself penniless and living off the charity of the Fitzwilliams or the Darcys. You will not stay here. I will not provide succor for a viperous child." Lady Catherine thundered at her daughter with another stamp of her cane.
"I am not a child," Anne glared at her mother.
"You are a child…a simple, sheltered, sickly child. You have been pampered and protected all your life. Now, when you should do your duty and marry Darcy…you don't want him! How stupid can you be? Every acceptable…and unacceptable…woman in England wants to marry Darcy. Marriage to anyone else will waste the resources of Rosings! Marry Darcy or I will change my will and cut you off completely!" Lady Catherine threatened her daughter with a shake of her cane.
"Pampered? Protected? You criticize everything I do…unless Darcy is present. Then you pin your ridiculous expectations of our marriage on my few accomplishments…which seem to be the ability to continue to breathe and the ability to stay quiet while you rule Rosings." Anne took a deep breath and turned to Elizabeth. "Darcy is not an easy man to understand, however I believe he will be an easy man to love. He is normally not ill-tempered, but he is taciturn. He has pride, and he should. He inherited an estate, position, funds and a ten-year-old sister at the age of two and twenty. He is a good master, a good man, and will be a good husband to you." Anne turned to her mother. "Darcy and I do not suit. I will not marry him."
"Don't be a fool!" Lady Catherine thundered, slamming her hand on the side table. The tea cup rattled in its saucer and the fork bounced on the plate. "You will ruin us! You will ruin Georgiana's ability to marry well! He is a fool to have his head turned by HER arts and allurements."
"Elizabeth is everything I would wish to be…lovely, intelligent, modest, charming, happy, friendly and kind. She has exceptional manners…which is amazing considering how you have abused her to her face. Elizabeth, I apologize you have been subjected to such rude and churlish behavior." Anne ignored Lady Catherine's scowl.
"Anne and I understand the merits of combining our lives, properties and fortunes. However, we want to marry for love." Darcy reached for Elizabeth's hand, kissing her knuckles. "All you care about is being the daughter of an earl and preservation of rank. You have no regard for your own daughter or for our family. You have no regard for Rosings Park, or you would have completed upkeep and repairs which I have recommended for the past five years. Perhaps you have forgotten my temper is resentful, and my good opinion, once lost, is lost forever."
"This is not to be borne! Darcy, you will not marry the cousin of my vicar! I refuse to be insulted in my home in this fashion! After I destroy this travesty of an engagement, I will remove Mr. Collins for allowing this to happen!" Lady Catherine shouted.
"No, you will not!" Anne rose from the settee and faced her mother. "For years I excused your actions and behavior as grief over Father's death. I blamed myself because you were alone, with a sick child. I blamed my lack of education and accomplishments on my illness. I'm not as ignorant as you would have me believe. I know everything!"
"You know nothing about living in real society! You were too sick for governesses and masters. You do not need accomplishments because you have a large dowry, connections and an understanding with Darcy! Anne, you have quite forgotten yourself…consorting with my vicar and his lowly connected cousins! When you are mistress of Pemberley…" Lady Catherine lectured.
"I am tired of hearing your when you are mistress of Pemberley pronouncements. Upon my five and twentieth birthday and being in good health, I inherit Rosings Park. I inherit the property, the holdings, and the funds…without an advisor. Father's will allows me to remove you from Rosings Manor. I choose to settle you at the de Bourgh House in London with your jointure funds, which is adequate to support you. I don't want you at Rosings Park. You will have no say in how I run Rosings or how I live. Rosings will be quite different when I inherit! I intend to care for the people and the land before I care what the ton thinks of me!" Anne stiffened her spine and straightened her shoulders. This topic is too important to allow her mother to browbeat her.
"How do you know such things?" Lady Catherine gasped. "I removed every copy of Sir Lewis' will from this house. They are safely locked away at my solicitors in London!"
"Father received verification of the filing of his will from the Crown Court. Father put the Crown Court letter with a copy of his will in the de Bourgh family Bible in his office safe. You obviously missed these items because you don't read the Bible and are the most unchristian person I have the misfortune of knowing! I showed the letter and will to Darcy, who shared with Fitzwilliam. I have the only key to Father's safe, unless you have one secreted away." Anne scoffed.
Mr. Collins, shocked at Anne's insult over Lady Catherine's Christianity prepared to argue…but Mary pinched him HARD again and shook her head NO. Mary's brazen behavior, Miss Anne's comments, and Lady Catherine's discomposure confused Mr. Collins.
"I am ashamed of you!" Lady Catherine shouted at Anne. "Sneaking about my home. Prying into things which are none of your business. I raised my daughter with manners. You do not speak to me thus!"
"I'm ashamed of you. I inherited Rosings Park when I turned one and twenty, albeit with three advisors. For a dccade I endured your iron-fisted rule! I have not the time nor the appetite for such manners and assertions from you. I always knew you would be angry over Darcy choosing any bride but me. However, this fury and thunder because Darcy is his own man is worthy of Bedlam! I will not continue this conversation. Darcy and I will not marry! There is no offer of marriage nor marriage settlements to impede our plans!" Anne and Darcy exchanged a look and a nod.
"You will do your duty to the family! Darcy will do his duty to the family! My father intended a union between Pemberley and Rosings Park. Otherwise, why would he insist George Darcy provide direction for Rosings Park?" Lady Catherine roared. Anger colored her voice and her face.
"Sir Lewis would not take you without Grandfather Robert increasing your dowry and adding to the marriage articles. Father refused Mother's dowry to increase yours. Grandfather and Father gave up a pair of stallions and mares to bolster the horse breeding lines here at Rosings Park, for naught. Additionally, both Grandfather and Father agreed to review Rosings Park once a year to determine the best expansion for the property. All advantage in the marriage went to Sir Lewis so you would marry and stop interfering in Father and Mother's marriage." Darcy's revelation silenced Aunt Catherine momentarily.
Lady Catherine's face turned from the deep red of anger to a mottled purple. Her mouth dropped open. Instead of screaming or screeching…she let out a gasp…she struggled for sufficient air. She attempted to rise from her chair, but her eyes rolled backward, and all color drained from her face. Her body did not hold the form of the chair and she slid to the floor.
Anne gasped, and her knees buckled. Fitzwilliam captured Anne before she fainted.
"Lady Catherine!" Mr. Collins shrieked, moving toward his patroness.
"Courage, Anne. This is not the time to fall apart! You must be strong. Everyone except Darcy and Mrs. Collins…follow me to the library! You, Collins, follow me. You will only be in the way!" Fitzwilliam force marched the parsonage guests to the library.
"Aunt!" Darcy ran to her. He listened to her breathing and tried to rub life into her cold hands. "Mrs. Collins, I need smelling salts."
Mary rang for the servants and ordered smelling salts and the surgeon. Once she had the smelling salts in hand, she and Darcy attempted to revive Lady Catherine. Darcy lifted Lady Catherine, moving her to a settee. He continued to rub her hands and listened to her breathe.
A footman roused the fire in the library. He offered sherry to the ladies and port to Mr. Collins. From time to time, Kitty or Charlotte comforted Lizzy.
Lizzy could not help but worry. Lady Catherine's health might delay William and her happiness. She walked around the library, futilely reading titles. Her mind swirled with doubts and fears.
"Sit down! I cannot stand your restlessness!" Mr. Collins snapped at Lizzy.
"Collins! Glare at the empty hallway, not your cousin. Miss Elizabeth…if you see something shelved incorrectly…please put it where it belongs." Fitzwilliam encouraged her.
When the surgeon arrived, Fitzwilliam took him to the drawing room.
Mr. Collins sat near the door, scowling at Lizzy or at the empty doorway.
Thirty minutes later, Anne, Fitzwilliam and Darcy approached the occupants of the library.
"Mother has succumbed to an apoplectic fit. She lives, but the surgeon does not believe she will recover." Anne looked at Darcy. "Elizabeth is overwrought by the conversation and Mother's situation. If you intend to take her for your beloved wife…this is the time to comfort her in sickness and health. If there is no change in Mother's condition tomorrow morning, I will send an express to Uncle Reginald and to Aunt Constance. Once they arrive, we may determine what to do." Anne observed Darcy draw Elizabeth into his arms. She felt grateful when Fitzwilliam took her in his strong arms, offering comfort and support.
"I must return home to Longbourn," Lizzy explained. "Darcy must apply to Papa for his blessing." She observed Mr. Collins, who seemed at a loss to say anything.
"Mary dearest, we are sorry to abandon you with this situation. However, Kitty and I should return to Meryton with Lizzy and Mr. Darcy." Charlotte commented.
"Everything will be all right cousin," Anne squeezed Darcy's hand.
Fitzwilliam clapped him on the back. "Go to Longbourn and offer for Elizabeth. I will send an extra man with you. As an outrider, he can convey messages back and forth between Rosings and Longbourn."
"Excellent idea. However, I cannot depart without a calming draught for Mrs. Bennet in my possession. Mrs. Collins?" Darcy pleaded with her.
"Absolutely; however, you might send for Miss Darcy. There is strength in numbers." Mary counseled.
"I will prepare an express to Father at Matlock House, London and to Mother and Georgiana at Bath," Fitzwilliam assured Anne. "However, I am here to champion for you."
"Please send an express to Father's solicitors in London. He needs to arrive by Friday, ready to discuss the situation with your father and me." Anne requested. "There is much to do."
"Send Mrs. Jenkinson and your mother's maid, Adams, to watch over Lady Catherine. Have Mrs. Havens collect the writing slope from your mother's travel items. Have Mrs. Havens collect all paperwork from your mother's suite. We need to lock Sir Lewis' study and place two footmen to guard. Important paperwork cannot disappear. Talk to Havens and Knowles. Ensure they keep the staff and tenants appraised of the situation and keep everyone under control. Pay off your masters and dismiss them with excellent characters, a bonus for ending their contract early, and provide transportation to London. Send an express to the de Bourgh House to expect your masters for a week until they make other travel arrangements. Once things calm, you may engage your masters again or get new ones." Darcy directed Anne.
~X~
"I'm not like Jane. I can't smile serenely when someone insults me or my family. I don't talk nicely or behave nicely. I must make an impertinent remark which cuts my attacker. I am sorry your aunt is not well…but I cannot apologize for anything I said to her." Lizzy raised her chin…prepared to do battle.
"Elizabeth…you must believe I have no inclination or feeling for Anne other than a cousin's concern. I have an obligation of honor and duty to ensure my cousin is well and remains healthy. I desire to support her as she becomes the mistress of Rosings Park. The only people who believe I am engaged to Anne are my Aunt Catherine, Collins, and Mrs. Jenkinson…but Anne, Fitzwilliam and I know the truth. Seeking the best social standing your portion and position can purchase does not fulfill the desires of the heart. The Darcys are one of the 400 richest families in England. However…my heritage means nothing to me if I don't have you, dearest Elizabeth. You are the first woman to desire me, not the position of Mistress of Pemberley. No matter what Aunt Catherine ordered…I will not give you up." Darcy lifted her determined chin and saw the sadness in her eyes. His hand caressed her cheek. Her head leaned into his hand; she closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead. Darcy enjoyed the lavender scent of her hair. His hand slid from her face to around her neck, entwining his fingers in the loose curls dancing on the nape of her neck. Darcy laid his cheek against her soft, fragrant hair.
"Why didn't you ask for a courtship before you offered for me," Lizzy felt a little discomforted by this afternoon's events.
"To ask for a courtship, I had to abandon you for the time to travel to and from Longbourn. I would have thrown myself on your father's mercy…asking him to not hate me for desiring to take you away. Or, I would have had to ask your cousin Collins, who still believes Anne and I are engaged. I love you Elizabeth. You challenge me and tease me, even in my dreams. I am restless and bereft when I am not with you." He bent his head and kissed her soft lips, deepening the kiss until Elizabeth almost swooned.
Lizzy gasped and pulled away. "William, I have a favor to ask…"
"I will grant your favor if I am able," Darcy wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, clasping her close to him, pressing her against his body.
"You must cease kissing me in such a fashion, William," Lizzy whispered to him. "For I will forget I am a lady..."
"As you wish, my darling Elizabeth, for I too am moved to licentious thoughts. I will not kiss your warm, soft, rosy lips again until the vicar pronounces us husband and wife. I will remember those lips exist only to torture me with their teasing words and tempting form. There's witchcraft in those lips." He released her from his clasp and gathered her hands in his. He kissed her hands, and then the insides of her wrists.
"William…Henry the Fifth…really!" Lizzy sighed. "If you plan to quote Shakespeare to me, there are sonnets and plays about lovers. Henry the Fifth!"
"There are things to discuss," Darcy revealed he wanted a quiet, but elegant, double wedding with Bingley and Jane. He did not expect Mr. Bennet to pay for a full trousseau. He discussed the clothes she needed for the wedding trip. He would settle £500 on her to pay for her trousseau and wardrobe costs for their travel and Little Season. Once they were married, and returned to Pemberley, Lizzy could order the warm winter apparel she needed.
Darcy smiled when Lizzy opined she'd rather spend her money on sturdy walking boots than fragile laces. While Mrs. Bennet might despair of Lizzy and her walks, Darcy was determined Lizzy would continue her walks…on his arm…enjoying the paths of Pemberley. Lizzy claimed Mrs. Bennet never saw a lace she didn't love…while Lizzy preferred minimal lace, classic lines and comfortable clothes. Mrs. Bennet would be disappointed to not have months to spend in warehouses or with milliners and dressmakers. Lizzy warned him she hated shopping. She warned him they would shop for gowns, shoes, stockings, shawls, fans, reticules, wraps, bonnets, and ribbons in addition to trunks, soaps and perfumes, nightrails and wrappers, etc. to take on their wedding tour. Darcy promised to ask his female family members to aid Lizzy when restraining Mrs. Bennet.
~X~
"Miss Elizabeth, you do not understand the precarious position which your social climbing placed Mrs. Collins and me!" Mr. Collins lectured his cousin. "I have been blessed to find such a partner as Mary. You jeopardize my living by seeking to wed a man who is not your own, and whose society is above you. I urge you to reconsider this foolish endeavor!"
"Mr. Collins…please understand Mr. Darcy is a man who suits me in his manners, tastes and disposition. I will not give up my beloved because you believe Lady Catherine's dreams and assertions." Lizzy kept herself in good control, but she supported Darcy, completely.
"Lady Catherine is of the first circle…she is the most condescending and gracious…" Mr. Collins began to pontificate.
"Darcy is not engaged to Miss de Bourgh," Lizzy replied in an admirably calm voice. "Miss Anne told me the facts before I accepted Darcy's offer. I know Lady Catherine desired their union. However Mr. Darcy has never wished for it, nor made Miss Anne an offer." Lizzy tired of his lectures. They were almost as wearying as Mama's.
"I object because Mr. Darcy never approached me for permission to court you! I would not have granted permission and would have warned my patroness of the situation before the shock caused her to fall ill!" Mr. Collins blustered.
"Mr. Darcy indicated he wanted a courtship at the Netherfield Ball last November. I must finish packing for we leave tomorrow for Longbourn…where Mr. Darcy will ask Papa for his blessing." Lizzy departed the drawing room at the parsonage, leaving Mr. Collins speechless.
~X~
"I'm rather fond of her pert opinions, and her love of learning and reading. I wish I were more comfortable speaking my mind. Elizabeth deserves respect, happiness and love, and I'm glad she found those things in William." Anne sipped her sherry.
"I'm a great admirer of Mary Collins. I approve of your recovery and your increasing strength and stamina. I'm sorry Lady Catherine didn't appreciate the efforts to heal you and me. I appreciate all Mary Collins has done." Richard sipped his brandy.
~X~
When William returned from walking Elizabeth to the parsonage, Anne and Richard waited for him in Sir Lewis' study. Paperwork, which Lady Catherine had in her private sitting room, had been collected. They had her travel slate and travel documents box. They had her personal ledger. Anne found the contents most interesting.
Richard insisted Anne send an express to the de Bourgh House and Matlock House insisting all documents belonging to Lady Catherine at both houses be placed in a trunk until she came to claim it.
Richard was no fool. Collins' pay of £300 and the small glebe would not support a family despite thrift and economy shown by Mary Collins. They were living on one-sixth of the living Longbourn would provide. Richard knew the living at Delaford, overseen by his acquaintance Colonel Brandon, offered £300 per annum, and a glebe thrice the size of Hunsford's glebe. The Kympton living, overseen by William, offered £300 per annum, and a glebe which supported small herds of cattle and sheep with a large flock of poultry. A vicar at Hunsford Rectory deserved a minimum of £500 per annum to offset the penurious ten-acre glebe. The glebe was landlocked between the rectory and Rosings. There was no way to increase the glebe.
Richard knew William paid Wickham £3,000 for the Kympton living. He did not support Mr. Collins paying £8,000 for the living at Hunsford Rectory. Lady Catherine invested the funds in a separate bank account and paid Mr. Collins from the interest on his own money, not from church funds. Richard understood Mr. Collins' money came from trade, but that was no reason to rob the man.
Lady Catherine hired Bow Street Runners to investigate William Collins before she offered him the living. The report read as bland as a babe's porridge. Richard did not understand the second Bow Street Runners report after Collins married. The report listed the balance of Mr. Thomas Bennet's accounts, Mary Bennet Collins' account, and William Collins' accounts. Aunt Catherine did not need to know Mary Collins' inheritance upon the death of Francis Gardiner Bennet. She did not need to know the amount of Mary Collins' marriage settlement. The Bow Street Runners reported only Mary Collins could access the four percent on her marriage settlement as her pin money. Richard gleefully set fire to the Bow Street Runners reports. He left the vicar's pay discussion to William who had experience as a landowner with an advowson.
"Anne," William hesitated. "I understand we are examining papers and discussing Rosings?"
"Certainly. Is something wrong?" Anne did not want to borrow trouble…but she felt apprehensive once they gathered all of Mother's paperwork.
"I appreciate your graciousness and friendship to Elizabeth, her sisters and friend. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman and his daughters are wonderful people…" William prefaced the discussion as gently as possible.
"Except for Miss Lydia from what I hear," Anne attempted humor. William obviously had something to tell her.
"I want to discuss Hunsford Rectory," William reached for a ledger for Hunsford Rectory. He explained how Sir Lewis conducted rectory business in the years after he inherited Rosings. The Second Baronet Lewis banked the amount paid for the living to earn the latest percent. When the vicar retired, he received his payment for the living, plus half the interest accrued after almost thirty years of service. Sir Lewis banked the previous vicar's funds. However, Lady Catherine banked the other half in her personal account not in the Hunsford Rectory account.
William explained how to determine the cost of the living. He explained the level of the living at Kympton and at Delaford which are country churches, and not a rectory. "I reviewed Rosings Park's financial ledgers for five years. I know the value of the living, and Mr. Collins' remuneration. Last November, Mrs. Collins hired another servant to help in the kitchen and shares a laundry maid with Rosings. While they have house guests, Mrs. Collins hired Mrs. Tucker, the sexton's wife, as a maid-of-all-things to help in the kitchen and with the laundry. Lowe acts as a laundress half the time; she acts as a lady's maid half the time. Mrs. Collins is out wages, room and board for extra staff until her guests depart. She raises chickens for eggs, has a dairy cow, and raises pigs. She has a kitchen garden, an herb garden, an orchard and keeps bees. Mr. Collins is lucky to have an industrious wife, but Mrs. Collins is with child. She cannot continue working from sunrise to sunset. When her child is born, she may need a wet nurse and a nursery maid."
"Mr. Collins is indiscreet. He would have announced her increase." Anne demanded.
"I don't have proof, but Richard suspects she is. Since he's been around more ladies in an interesting condition than I have, I respect his suspicions." William commented.
"Mrs. Collins is definitely with child. I hope she bears a son. Mary Collins needs a son to ensure Longbourn's continuation. Beside, we know men have all the advantages." Richard grinned.
"William Collins signed a contract with Lady Catherine on Lady Day of last year. Your mother cannot remove him. You cannot remove him. He can only be removed by investigation and order of the Archbishop of Canterbury." William explained. "He does not have to surrender the living when he inherits Longbourn. He could hire a curate and keep the living for himself. However, you must insist he release the Hunsford living when he moves to Longbourn."
Anne sighed. "What do you recommend?"
Richard recommended Anne terminate the current contract with Mr. Collins once she became the mistress of Rosings. A new contract for the living needed to be negotiated and signed. Anne deserved to hire a new vicar when the Longbourn entail came to fruition. Richard opined it was penurious for Mr. Collins' wages to come from interest on his own funds. Traditionally the vicar would pay the curate's wages, but the sexton's wages should be paid by the rectory. They both reviewed the tithes which Hunsford Rectory raised. Traditionally, the vicar received ten percent of the funds raised or goods given by local farmers and business men. Anne needed to raise Collins' wages to the level they should be. She increased the glebe as much as possible, so the increase in living had to come from wages and tithes. A second dairy cow, more poultry, and more bees would increase the living for the parsonage. While Rosings lent the parsonage a horse or horses, they should have their own. Collins could call on a parishioner quicker if he didn't walk to Rosings to borrow a horse.
They discussed the staff at the de Bourgh house in London, and the staff at Rosings. They discussed the rents at the tenant farms. William recommended Anne repair and rent the Dower House and the Steward's House. Rents would provide income and keep the homes from falling into disrepair. Improvements at Rosings Manor and essential repairs for the farms and the outbuildings were needed immediately. They discussed the repair and upkeep on the Hunsford Parsonage which William knew was not paid for by Lady Catherine, nor reimbursed to Mary Collins. They discussed the upkeep for the de Bourgh House in London.
They agreed on a few topics; the paperwork necessary to allow Anne to run the estate needed to be filed immediately. They needed to remove Lady Catherine from all funds and give Anne access to all funds including her mother's jointure funds. Issues not resolved, but needing addressed, were staffing at Rosings Manor and the de Bourgh House. Anne's dislike for the opulence and excess of Rosings Manor, and the excessive furniture at the de Bourgh House in London were noted but redecorating did not seem essential in the first ninety days of Anne's ascension to mistress of Rosings Park. She had to be established as the mistress of Rosings Park before Midsummer to facilitate collecting rents and paying staff.
William reached for a pile of papers from the Rosings ledger. "I feel I am repeating my advice from last year. I left written recommendations for expanding the holdings at Rosings. Increasing the poultry farms, the sheep farms and re-installation of a horse breeding program will increase the living at Rosings. I recommended expansion of the orchards with planting of new trees. Some of the trees are old and not producing as they should. Use Mary Collins as a guide for the kitchen and herb gardens. She utilized the space effectively at the parsonage. Mr. Knowles suggested building a conservatory at the parsonage to increase the living."
"The dairy has fifty cows, some of them need to be retired, and new stock purchased." William noted. "Rosings has a perfectly good dairy to handle the volume of milk, cream, cheese and butter from fifty cows. The dairy master should retire, and you should promote a new master and assistant master from within the ranks. Rosings needs four more dairymaids who are proficient at creating butter and cheeses or who are young, energetic and eager to learn. You need a large wagon, a team of four, with a wagon master and assistant to take your excess milk, butter and cheese to London with excess eggs, garden stuff and fruits. The east farms produce hops and corn for the London markets."
"Additionally, you need another wagon to explore new markets at Tunbridge and Brighton. You can rotate the travel to Tunbridge and Brighton between the staff and farmers with knowledge and help from Mr. Knowles to ensure the task is evenly distributed." Richard suggested.
"After discussions with Uncle Reginald, and Father's solicitors, I will determine the immediate course of action. Richard offered to help move Mother to London," Anne reviewed William's recommendations. "You can find us at the de Bourgh House when you come back to London."
"Thank you, Anne," William hugged her. "I need your approval and support. Elizabeth and I will be happy together, and we owe you our thanks."
~X~
"Is war as awful as I've read or heard?" Anne tried not to upset Richard.
"Father claims the stories are exaggerated. Mother believes the reality of war is worse. Yes, there's smoke and gun powder smells which precede the smell of blood and death. The screams of wounded or dying men and injured or dying horses precede the screams and wails of the people who are caught between warring armies. Some days you pray to be deaf, to not hear the cacophony of war, but then the ground and air are rocked by explosions. Then you pray to stay alive and be whole when the battle ends." Richard poured a small brandy for himself, embarrassed he had revealed so much.
"What can I do to help?" Anne watched his movements.
"Write to me when I return to the War Office. Tell me about your next plan to improve Rosings. Tell me of the work you complete with the farms and tenants. Tell me how your lessons progress." Richard sounded more calm than he felt.
"Will you return to the front?" Anne looked up from her mother's personal ledger.
"While I am recovering, I can work from the War Office in London. However, once I am hale and hearty again, I imagine my general will want me back at the front to lead my men." Richard sipped his brandy slowly.
"Retire…stay with me, help me improve Rosings." Anne offered.
"I don't want to be a glorified guest who rides daily. I must be useful, Anne, either in my military career, or as a gentleman farmer." Richard sank into a chair opposite Anne.
"There's too much to do at Rosings for you to ever be indolent." Anne protested.
"I can't stay at Rosings as your guest, Anne. I cannot idly sit by and watch you be courted by insipid men who do not deserve you. I'm only a soldier and a second son of an earl…but I would feel blessed and loved if you allowed me to share your life for the rest of our days." Richard offered for his cousin. While he had not made a hasty decision, Richard thought he might have chosen a better time to blurt out his offer.
"I understand, but I cannot muddy the succession process by marrying. If Mother does not recover, I will be in mourning for a year." Anne quietly resumed her study of Rosings' and Mother's ledgers. Anne wanted to handle things well at Rosings Park. After Father's death, she remembered Mother seemed lost for a few months. She remembered daily visits from Mr. Knowles' father, Edwin Knowles, the steward at the time. He had been patient with Mother, teaching her how things worked. As her understanding of how to run Rosings Park grew, Lady Catherine became more domineering and pensioned off servants who had been with the de Bourghs long before Lady Catherine married Sir Lewis. However, Edwin Knowles and his son Edward knew things about running Rosings Park which they could not teach or instill in Lady Catherine.
Anne reviewed the estate books and took careful notes of things she didn't understand. Anne didn't know much about estate management and household management. However, she could see the expenses to run Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House increased, but the profits from Rosings Park decreased. Profits were £10,000 a year in a good year, and £8,000 in a bad one when Sir Lewis lived. Now, Rosings earned £8,000 in a good year, and £6,000 in a bad year. Anne could pinpoint the excess – a French chef, twelve footmen at the de Bourgh House and twelve at Rosings, the laden tables. and the £800 chimney pieces. The increase in taxes did not stop Mother from purchasing crested carriages or hiring excessive footmen.
The stone mason from London knew a silly, pretentious woman when he met Lady Catherine. The white marble, with light slate grey veins, was lovely. Anne felt the rooms should have dove grey walls instead of the blood-red or wine-red color Lady Catherine adored. Anne planned to change the color of the walls and drapes in the drawing room, formal dining room and music room to coordinate with those chimney pieces. However, redecorating the de Bourgh House and Rosings Park were not as important as Anne's legal status as owner of Rosings Park, its funds and holdings.
Curiosity caused Anne to return to the ledgers and calculate how much money Mother spent on medical advice for Anne. She never met the London doctor who received £100 per year for the last decade to be at Anne's side when needed. Mother paid the local surgeon and apothecary £50 per year for the last decade. An additional £30 salary had been paid per year for each of the miscellaneous nurses when Anne fell ill. A quarter-year stay in Bath cost £500 per year. Despite the notation claiming the expenditure had been for Anne's health, she never traveled to Bath. She had not been outside Kent in a decade. Her last memory of London occurred the few months after Father died. Anne totaled the entries. 'After spending £10,000 on my health…it's amazing I did not get better nor did I die. Mary Collins healed me in three months. I am determined to give her £10,000. I'm grateful for my health. Mother…should I leave your course of treatment to the London doctor, who I never saw…or should I ask Mary Collins to suggest a course of treatment to make you better?'
Anne reached for the letter Father left with his will and the Crown Court letter.
March 1803
Rosings Park, Hunsford, Kent
My dearest daughter Anne,
I know my time on earth is coming to a close. I have not been well. However, I cannot go out of this world without telling you how much I have enjoyed being your father. I know it is not acceptable for men of my age or station to be enthralled with their children…but you have been a bright, loving star in the dark skies of my life.
Your mother frets about my passing. Alas, I cannot leave her as the manager of Rosings Park. She has no management training and has never been a good mistress to most of my tenants. She led an independent life since your birth. She is easier when in London with her friends.
Rosings Park is not entailed. You, my only child, will inherit. George Darcy and Reginald Fitzwilliam, the Sixth Earl of Matlock are the first advisors for the estate. They will oversee management of Rosings Park with your mother until you are one and twenty. Your uncles are honorable men and will keep Rosings Park prosperous. You will not inherit a bankrupt estate. Should you not live to your majority, I am leaving Rosings Park in its entirety to your cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam. Alas, I also leave dealing with Lady Catherine to him as well.
You inherit Rosings Park, without advisors, when you are five and twenty. I have several contingencies in place to secure your future. Your mother will not remarry and lose your inheritance to a second husband. She cannot arrange a marriage for you, nor force you into a marriage. I did not marry for love, nor did your mother. We had a marriage of convenience. I hope you marry for love, Anne.
I know you have not been well. I blame myself for exposing you to the rampant diseases of London. When your mother insisted we visit her in London for Twelfth Night, I should have refused. Scarlett fever followed by the measles decimated so many families. Scarlett fever weakened your heart, but the doctor feels with adequate sunshine, good healthy food and exercise, you will recover. I charge you with providing a comfortable life for your mother, but not at the expense of your own freedom and inheritance. There are legal codicils to my will to provide for your mother if she should become ill and unable to care for herself.
I leave this letter with my last will and testament in the de Bourgh family Bible. The Bible and will are your heritage. Be happy, my dearest daughter.
Your loving father,
Lewis Frederick Albert de Bourgh, Third Baronet de Bourgh
Anne wept for Father, Mother, Rosings Park…and for her pride which wanted her to be a successful mistress of her life before she shared her heart, life and properties with Richard.