Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 9
May 1
"Happy birthday, Anne," Richard kissed her cheek. "Georgiana and I decided you deserved a decadent breakfast with champagne and presents before we travel to town." He set a present near his seat before he filled his plate from the sideboard dishes.
"Happy birthday," Georgiana toasted Anne with champagne. She gave Anne a flat square package.
Anne opened the package to find a large, ornately scrolled silver hair ornament, set with sapphires. "It's lovely!"
"The hair ornament belonged to our Grandmother Fitzwilliam. I asked William if we could give it to you for this momentous birthday. William could not be here today, and he apologizes. He and Bingley will return to Netherfield when they complete their London business. He is advising Bingley about spring planting and upkeep at the Netherfield farms. They will return to London on May fifth and tenth with their betrothed ladies for wedding shopping."
Richard slid a small white satin bag to Anne after he took his seat.
Anne found a sapphire and gold bracelet in the white satin bag. "I think it is lovely." She exhibited the bracelet to Richard and Georgiana. "I definitely need a sapphire evening gown to show off this piece."
'You're lovely, since you cast off those ugly clothes and twenty shawls. I must find a way to thank Mary Collins for her efforts to make you well.' "I acquired the bracelet on the continent. The daughter of an older couple sold some pieces so she could transport her parents to Brussels and then to England." Richard raised his glass to toast Anne. "Now, eat your breakfast because we have carriages to load, and need to be in London by mid-afternoon. I promised Mother I would bring you to Matlock House for dinner tonight. Lady Catherine's French chef will create three kinds of ices to celebrate your birthday."
"I appreciate your parents' support. I just wish Robert and Augusta were more understanding." Anne would not allow disappointment to mar her outlook. Her future began today.
"I know Father worries for his sister, not because you aren't capable of running Rosings. Sir Lewis' detailed plans facilitate your possession of all the de Bourgh properties, holdings and funds. Darcy's recommendations to ease the transition and increase the living will help you. Robert recommends a second for overseeing Lady Catherine's jointure funds and living situation."
"Of course, he means I need a man to provide a seasoned, rational response to situations which might arise." Anne's voice was neither sarcastic nor mirthful. "Who does he have in mind? Himself?"
"Me," Fitzwilliam explained. "After this injury, Father and Mother requested I apply for a position in the War Office. If there isn't a position for me at the War Office, they will pay my Colonel Commandant commission. I would be posted to a garrison in England where I train soldiers."
"If you are posted to London, I have no problem accepting you as a second. If you are posted anywhere in England, perhaps I should ask Uncle Reginald. I would ask Robert, but I worry Augusta will set her sights on my London townhome. I do not wish to exit London on Monday and return on Friday to find Robert and Augusta lounging in the de Bourgh House drawing room. Am I allowed to delay my decision until you settle your future plans?" Anne sipped her champagne.
'I believe we all have plans and tasks to complete," Georgiana observed her cousins fondly.
~X~
"I have a surprise for you." Richard handed Anne a London newspaper which announced the betrothal of Mr. Charles Bingley, Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire and Bingley House, London to Miss Jane Bennet, Longbourn, Hertfordshire. The announcement named Bingley's deceased parents, Arthur and Margaret Bingley of Scarborough and London. The next paragraph announced the betrothal of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire and Darcy House, London to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Longbourn, Hertfordshire. The announcement named Darcy's deceased parents, George and Lady Anne Darcy of Derbyshire and London. The announcement announced Jane and Elizabeth's parents were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet, Longbourn, Hertfordshire. The announcement included the June thirtieth wedding date.
Anne read the announcements and laughed. "The matchmaking mamas from the ton are officially in mourning."
"Mayhap they are…but I would bet you a new bonnet they are plotting how to be introduced to Elizabeth. I think there will be a menagerie of marriage-minded mamas calling at the Matlock House in hopes of meeting Elizabeth. Especially if they learn Darcy and Elizabeth will stay at the Matlock House while shopping for the wedding." Richard chuckled.
"Another excellent reason to keep the knocker down while I am at the de Bourgh House in London." Anne's voice might tease… her intentions were sincere.
~X~
While Mrs. Bennet proposed ideas for the upcoming wedding and wedding breakfast, Jane and Lizzy rejected most of her extravagant or ridiculous suggestions. "But you must have a most elegant wedding and wedding breakfast," argued Mrs. Bennet. "No other young lady in Hertfordshire will marry five or ten thousand a year! Your wedding and wedding breakfast should be copied by the other young ladies!"
"Mama, we are constrained by time and by society. Lady Catherine is ill." Lizzy sipped her morning coffee. "Darcy and I prefer a simple, quiet ceremony. We do not require an extravagant wedding breakfast. An extravagant celebration might make the Fitzwilliam family question our sensibilities."
"Happiness and felicity in marriage are not defined by a grand wedding and wedding breakfast. Nor is marital happiness and felicity guaranteed by a country estate and one's position in society," Jane agreed with Lizzy.
Lydia opined, "I would live quite comfortably with a husband who had a large per annum living and a townhouse in London and a country estate. Such parties and balls…and I would visit the modiste weekly for gowns of the first stare."
"My marriage expectations, unlike Lydia's, do not require funds, fashion nor a fine house. I will have a husband who loves me, respects me, and has learned conversation to share." Lizzy declared.
"I don't care if my future husband reads or not," Lydia tossed her hair. "However, he must like to dance! I don't envy you, Lizzy. You will have to teach Mr. Darcy to like dancing!"
Monday, May 3
"Sir, as I explained to Miss de Bourgh, there is a precedent for cases such as this. I have never had a patient who survived longer than three months after an apoplectic fit. While Lady Catherine may have been strong before, she will require help to do everything – sit, bathe, change clothes, eat, move about, etc. I do not foresee a change in her strong mind or attitude, but her body will weaken and fail. I'm sorry. Excellent care may delay the weakening. She cannot be allowed to linger in bed all day. She needs dedicated servants who continue to exercise her limbs, instead of allowing them to waste away. In my experience, a weakening of the eating muscles or weakening of the breathing muscles hastens the inevitable. I gave Miss de Bourgh a list of ladies to interview for nurse and caretaker positions." Dr. Alton gave his card to the Earl of Matlock and departed.
"I will send expresses to these ladies this afternoon, asking them to come for an interview on Wednesday. Dr. Alton recommended only hiring those ladies who can move into the de Bourgh House by Friday and begin working on Saturday," Anne explained. "Until then, we will make do with the current staff at the de Bourgh House." Anne doubted the family would support all her plans. She was grateful she didn't require permission from anyone to do as she pleased.
May 4
"Must you go to Netherfield today? I wanted to call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long today and visit with Sister Phillips. Everyone knows about your engagements from the London paper, but I need to extoll the advantages of your unions…such pin money, gowns, jewels and carriages. I knew how it would be…all the marriageable young ladies and their mothers envy both of you for stealing away the richest single young men to visit Hertfordshire in a decade." Mrs. Bennet's voice pitched higher with her excitement.
"Mama, everyone who attended church on Sunday heard your raptures over our engagements. Thank you for stepping outside St. Albans before you bragged about our future positions." Lizzy commented. "I doubt there is a single person in Hertfordshire who is not aware of our engagements. Mr. Bingley requested Jane and I tour Netherfield today. Since he has no hostess at this time, Jane can only visit when Mr. Bingley is out of town. He left notice with Mrs. Nichols regarding Jane's visit. They will determine where to house family and friends at Netherfield for the birthday ball and for the wedding. Bingley's aunt, Mrs. Stafford. and Darcy's aunt, Lady Matlock, offered to hostess when they arrive. Jane and I must provide answers regarding rooms, staff, stables, etc."
"Oh la!" Mrs. Bennet denounced Jane and Lizzy's plan. "There are important engagement calls to make to family and friends in Meryton. There are dinners, card parties and dances to organize."
"No, Mama," Jane demurred. "I promised Mr. Bingley to keep our diary light, because neither he nor I want to be exhausted by events before the birthday ball and before the wedding. We will be busy when we go to London. When we return, I have much to do at Netherfield with Mr. Bingley. We will interview and hire staff, beside rearranging or redecorating rooms. I can't amuse myself before the wedding and then return to put things in order. Mr. Bingley does not want that and neither do I."
"Why are both of you marrying rich men if we aren't allowed to bask in the envy of our neighbors? You are marrying together and standing up for one another…which means I can only arrange one wedding and one wedding breakfast. I must be allowed to share the news and plans with the neighbors!" Mrs. Bennet argued. "If we do not visit the neighbors and share the good news of your impending wedding, people will gossip and suspect something is amiss!"
"Papa," Lizzy pleaded. "People fled after church Sunday to get away from the constant exclamations over our engagements. They barely paused to open umbrellas and avoid the rain!"
"We would make fewer calls if we're shopping in London," Mrs. Bennet attempted another argument. "We need to leave tomorrow. There is so much to plan and purchase. With 200 debutantes this Season, there may be a shortage on the best materials, laces and accessories. We will require time to visit the best warehouses, view their offerings and make decisions. Once your wedding trousseau is settled, we must arrange a wardrobe for you and your sisters for Little Season. I must view your future homes in town and advise you in paints, paper, drapery and décor. Neither of you know how to decorate a home. We must visit equipage warehouses so you know what you want for a carriage of your own. We should visit Tattersalls so you cand find matched horses for your equipage." Mrs. Bennet had visions of redecorating London homes with an endless budget and endless accolades from the ton.
"Excuse me…why are we arranging a wardrobe for our sisters for Little Season which is six months away? Papa, congratulations on saving an entire year of Longbourn's living to provide Kitty and Lydia a Little Season in London, especially if you provide funds for Lydia to tour Brighton!" Lizzy exaggerated her compliment to Papa.
"Don't be tiresome Lizzy! If you will not host us at Darcy House for Little Season, I'm sure Bingley and Jane will do their duty to launch their sisters in society. Bingley is more amiable…his friends are more likely to be willing to attend social functions. Although, Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, could throw your sisters into the paths of wealthy men through his connection to the Earl of Matlock, and military men through his service to the crown!"
"Mrs. Bennet, our future sons and I agreed to limit the requisite dinners and parties before the wedding. I will penalize your pin money every time you mention Bingley's or Darcy's living, Jane's or Lizzy's anticipated pin money, fine gowns or jewels, anticipated fine carriages or how you will help them redecorate their new homes. Additionally, Jane and Lizzy do not want their own equipage and matched horses. I will penalize your pin money every time you announce Jane's and Lizzy's marriages will throw their sisters into the paths of wealthy men. If you cannot conduct yourself with the dignity which being the Mistress of Longbourn should have given you, then you will not be allowed in polite society until you can. I have grown weary of your endless ridiculous conversations with your sister and the other gossips of Meryton." Mr. Bennet announced, Furious dissention between the women in his family ruined his enjoyment of a fine breakfast.
"I am confident once we are in London and you realize what needs to be done…you will move the wedding date back to September or to Little Season! There would be time for you to be married from St. George's, with an engagement or wedding ball at the Matlock House!" Mrs. Bennet's excitement caused excessive handkerchief flapping.
"No, Mama. Lady Catherine's precarious health demands we do not postpone the wedding. We depart for London on the fifth and tenth and stay for a fortnight. Waiting to go to London allows us time to determine invitations for pre-wedding dinners, wedding guests, and wedding breakfast guests. Waiting allows time for Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to reveal our wedding trip plans before we shop. Waiting allows Mr. Bingley and me to create a list of what is needed at Netherfield. We want to be organized in our shopping. We will visit the necessary warehouses, modistes, cobblers and milliners in a fortnight. We do not intend to make extra trips to London." Jane barely looked up from the lists of things before her.
"When Jane and Lizzy know what they want and need for wedding clothes and trousseau, I will settle funds on them. Jane and Lizzy are standing up for each other and accompanying each other on their wedding tour. Since everyone received new dresses and accessories in March, I am purchasing one dress and accessories for Kitty and Lydia and two for you for wedding events. Mr. Gardiner and I will visit his tailor and order new wedding clothes for me." Mr. Bennet applied himself to breakfast. "I will not purchase wardrobes for Little Season for you, Lydia or Kitty! After the wedding…we will discuss Little Season."
Lydia paused…her hot chocolate halfway to her lips. ONE DRESS? She stared at Mama, wondering if she would stand for this nonsense.
"Bingley will host the wedding breakfast since his ballroom will hold 200. I discussed the wedding breakfast funds with Bingley and Darcy. Mrs. Bennet will spend and make decisions about my portion of the funds. Jane will determine Bingley's portion. Lizzy will determine Darcy's portion. Bingley and Darcy are hosting a birthday ball for Jane and Lizzy on Saturday night before the wedding. Lady Matlock, Lady Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy are arranging the ball." Mr. Bennet continued to eat his breakfast.
Mrs. Bennet crushed her handkerchief in her hand and blotted the tears which threatened to spill. "This is not to be borne! I did not arrange Mary's wedding or wedding breakfast! Now you announce I must share decisions about the wedding and wedding breakfast? I will not arrange the birthday ball? I have been considered the finest hostess in Hertfordshire until Miss Caroline Bingley came to Netherfield." Mrs. Bennet burst into tears and fled the table.
'Oh, hang Caroline Bingley. One dress? Mama…what are you thinking?' Lydia planned to give Mama a large dose of Mary's medicinal sherry, and talk her into purchasing more clothes!
Kitty rose and rang for Hill. "Mama has taken to her bed. Lizzy and Jane have full schedules. They cannot nurse Mama. I will take care of meals and the house. Lydia will sit with Mama from after breakfast until midday meal. Then she will sit with Mama until dinner. Prepare a tea tray, with one cordial of medicinal sherry."
"I wanted to go to the modiste today," Lydia whined. "I don't know what I want for wedding clothes."
"You need to stay with your mother," Mr. Bennet finished his coffee. "I have accounts to view, correspondence to write, and directions for staff. I need to determine if the rain for the last two days has affected our tenants. I will not abide listening to your Mama weep and wail all day. Thank you Kitty, for your sensible thoughts."
"We won't forget this," Lizzy promised. "Jane and I will make sure you are rewarded for this, Kitty."
"No you will not," Kitty indignantly contradicted Lizzy. "I'm your sister; I support your marriages. I'm not a day laborer you bribe to be helpful. Let's discuss what needs to be done this week." She turned to observe Lydia and then Papa.
"Come Lydia…your Mama awaits you and I have tasks. Girls, send for the carriage to convey you to Netherfield when you are ready, Please take your time at Netherfield this morning. I will see you at midday." He escorted Lydia to the stairs before he continued down the hall to his study.
~X~
Darcy knew Mrs. Bennet worried about the future for herself and her daughters. He did not understand the worry, since Miss Mary married Mr. Collins. He viewed the Steward's House on Longbourn's main farm before departing. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet began their married lives in the house. The Steward's House would be large enough for Mrs. Bennet and any unmarried daughters. He would not provide a dower suite at Pemberley or the Darcy House for Elizabeth's mother. Mr. Bennet explained Mary's marriage settlement provided the house, two servants and excess from the main farm.
The Matlocks provided guidance for the marriage articles which included Elizabeth's settlement, her pin money, her jointure amenities, and providing for children. Darcy viewed the marriage articles signed by his parents, and then prepared the marriage articles. He would provide for the love of his life during their married life, and if he should predecease her early. He never wanted her to worry for her future, as Mrs. Bennet had.
Darcy and Bingley discussed the wedding tour. Darcy did not feel enamored of Bath like Bingley. Darcy thought vain and shallow members of the ton populated Bath. As Bingley became friends with everyone he knew, he could not agree with Darcy about Bath. Bingley thought the activities were great fun – concerts, assemblies, card parties, theatre, operas, lectures and excellent rides in the beautiful countryside. Darcy agreed with him about the activities. They discussed Brighton, but with the militia there, they would not choose Brighton. They discussed sea bathing at Scarborough, but they didn't not want Caroline to join their trip.
Darcy offered the Darcy House in Scotland but opined they should stay there at least two months, not a fortnight. The wedding tour plans were settled – Darcy House and holdings, Pemberley, then the Peak District and the Lake District.
May 4
Anne visited her bank on Tuesday with one of the de Bourgh solicitors. Richard aided in the business discussion with them. Anne learned Lady Catherine had nine separate bank accounts. Anne expected accounts for Rosings Park's legacy funds and one for operating funds. She knew there would be accounts for Lady Catherine's wedding settlement/jointure funds, Lady Catherine's personal funds, Anne's dowry and Anne's personal account. Anne did not expect a de Bourgh House operating account, a second personal account for Lady Catherine, nor a London account for Hunsford Rectory. The bank held the ledger for the second personal account. Anne's examination of the ledger explained Lady Catherine' solicitors paid Wickham's commission and settled his outstanding London debts. Anne found several hundred pounds of shopkeeper invoices and debts of honor for Wickham. The solicitor used this account to hire Bow Street Runners who investigated William Collins and Mary Bennet Collins.
Furious at Lady Catherine's actions, Anne closed the second personal account and moved the funds to the Rosings Park operating account. The bank gave her the ledger for the odd account. They suggested Anne seek the de Bourgh House ledger at the London house. Anne closed Lady Catherine's personal account, transferring the funds to the Rosings Park operating account.
The banker explained Lady Catherine never drew funds from her marriage settlement/jointure funds after the death of Sir Lewis. She left the percents to amass. The funds in her personal account came from the Rosings Park operating funds. Anne left £40,000 in Lady Catherine's jointure account – £20,000 original funds, the £10,000 bonus for Anne's birth, and £10,000 in accrued percents during six and ten years of marriage. Anne gave strict orders for the five percents from Lady Catherine's jointure funds to be placed quarterly in the de Bourgh House account. Anne placed the excess from Lady Catherine's jointure funds account in the Rosings Park legacy account, raising the level to £200,000. The five percents from the legacy account would transfer on quarter days to the Rosings Park operating account.
The banker provided balances for the remaining accounts. Anne's £30,000 dowry, amassed since her birth, created a balance of over £60,000. Anne had not spent the five percents from the account…ever. Anne left £50,000 in the five percents. She purchased a bank note for £10,000 which she planned to donate to Mary's private account, since Collins could not touch or withdraw funds. She put the miscellaneous funds in her personal account. She asked the five percents from her dowry account be moved to her personal account on quarter days.
The family solicitor suggested he contact the banks in London, Hunsford and Westerham to determine if there were other accounts of which Anne would be unaware. Anne requested he legally close all newly found accounts and move all funds into the Rosings Park operating funds. She requested he retrieve ledgers for each new account found.
Richard and the Fitzwilliam solicitor agreed they needed to find the ledger for Hunsford Rectory and determine the status of the account. The banker explained the Hunsford bank held the rectory account until Sir Lewis's death. He did not know why the account was moved. He suggested the rectory account belonged in a Hunsford bank for proper monitoring. A London banker would travel to Hunsford next Friday to assist in properly transferring the account. Anne felt, at the end of the day, she would cast up her accounts while endeavoring to straighten out the finances for Lady Catherine, Rosings Park, de Bourgh House and Hunsford Rectory.
Richard took Anne to the stationer which the Fitzwilliam family patronized. She ordered calling cards for herself at Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House. She purchased several blank everyday books, a folio of excellent paper, pencils and quills, bottles of ink, and a two and twelve new ledgers. Darcy recommended red ledgers for odd years, and green ledgers for even. She would find information quickly using that method.
~X~
Anne despaired. The de Bourgh House felt like an ostentatious copy of Rosings Park. Lady Catherine's style overwhelmed – velvet furniture, insipid paintings in ornate gold gilt frames, thick floral rugs covering cold floors, a lean library, expensive marble chimney pieces in the drawing room and dining room, and a grand pianoforte gathering dust in an unused music room. Before Anne returned to Rosings Park, the de Bourgh House required an inventory and enough redecoration to ease her discomfort.
Anne interviewed nurses and caretakers on Wednesday. She only hired staff who could join the de Bourgh household by Saturday, May eighth. She worked with Mrs. Shepherd to assign rooms on the third floor to Lady Catherine, Mrs. Jenkinson, Lady Catherine's maid, Adams, and the nurses and caretakers. Mrs. Shepherd and Anne put the footmen and maids to work arranging rooms. Staff stored excessive furniture and décor in second floor spare bedrooms.
Mrs. Shepherd explained Lady Catherine wanted her to patronize the fresh air market in Grosvenor Square. Mrs. Shepherd felt they paid too much for the quality of the goods available. With a smaller unmarked carriage, she could purchase goods at fresh air markets in St. James Street or Honey Lane in Cheapside. Since Anne planned to streamline the staff at Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House, she informed Mrs. Shepherd she would bring excess from Rosings forward each time she came to London. Anne sent an express to Mr. Knowles to forward a medium-sized carriage, without the de Bourgh crest, for the de Bourgh House staff to use. The express asked him to fill a small wagon with garden stuff, fruits, nuts, cheese and meats from the Rosings pantries. She asked for fresh eggs, milk and casks of cider also. Coffee, tea and wines would be purchased in London, along with household needs and shipped back to Rosings Park in the wagon.
~X~
"Do you want to take this on? Attempting to run two households?" Richard sipped his tea, and enjoyed an orange pound cake, lemon tarts and an apricot marmalade roly poly. He spent the afternoon with Anne, retrieving all paperwork and ledgers in the de Bourgh House and moving them to Lady Catherine's private study which Anne planned to use for a private study and sitting room for herself. He and Anne shook their heads at the two-foot high stack of papers and work on the library table and settled in for a read. Richard suggested Mrs. Shepherd purchase flat baskets where they would sort the paperwork by accounts and then by years. Once the paperwork was sorted down, Anne could check the ledgers.
Anne removed paperwork from Lady Catherine's suite to the study at the de Bourgh House. She found a safe in Lady Catherine's suite, with the key in the desk. She inventoried and emptied the safe. She had the footmen move the safe to her new study. Anne would put ledgers and paperwork in a trunk to take back and forth between Rosings and the de Bourgh House. She had a lot of work to do.
"I won't be running two households. I have good housekeepers who will continue as they have been. Granted, both Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House need management. They need organization. The French chef must go. Mother cannot eat the rich food he prepares. Menus need organized. I see no reason to put five and twenty dishes on the table every evening if there are only one or two guests and me. I see no reason to have an excessive number of servants at the de Bourgh House, since Mother is incapacitated and will not entertain. Needed staff can travel back and forth between Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House, like my personal maid, coachman and grooms, footmen, etc."
"So, you object to paying taxes for twelve footmen at the de Bourgh House, who do little more than wear livery and eat you out of house and home?" Richard laughed. "Twelve tall, handsome men who open and close doors, help serve, and who guard the house, protecting the possessions and silver from thieves is a little ostentatious. My parents have twelve footmen when they have large dinners and events. Otherwise, Matlock House makes do with six. Four of them travel to Matlock Estate when my parents are in residence."
"After discussion with Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, there will be changes to the menus, the rooms, and the servants. There is so much to do. As soon as the caretakers and nurses arrive, I shall change Adams' duties." Anne sipped her tea and welcomed the rest.
"You won't keep Adams as a maid for yourself?" Richard frowned.
"No, nor will I keep Mrs. Jenkinson as my companion. Both have been dependent upon Mother's good will and her funds for too long. They have a loyalty to her which I cannot supplant. I do not want them to report my activities and interests to Mother. I intend to keep Mrs. Jenkinson as Mother's companion. She will oversee the staff caring for Mother." While refreshing their tea, Anne revealed her plan to ask Kitty Bennet to become her friend and companion after the Darcy and Bingley weddings. Anne opined Kitty deserved a chance to expand her education and to see the world. Kitty deserved a chance to become a lady. Anne deserved a friend she could trust.
"Will you send the released servants to a respectable and reliable registry office?" Richard questioned.
"I intend to pension off those who should have retired long ago. I plan to pay their travel, so they may relocate near family if they desire. I intend to give character references and a year's wages to the released servants. Mrs. Shepherd recommends I pay the fees required to help the released servants find new positions." Anne referred to a handful of papers she had studied for a few days. "Mrs. Shepherd believes all released staff will find employment quickly, especially since the Season started."
"Mother sent a list of staff you should keep while only Lady Catherine remains at the de Bourgh House," Richard offered written recommendations from Lady Matlock.
Anne perused them. "I am not fond of maid-of-all-things positions. I have seen how they are treated, and I don't like it. I believe kitchen maids should light the kitchen fires and set the kettles to boil. They should help with the cooking. They should help scullery maids with cleaning kitchens and cellars. Upstairs maids should clean and dust rooms, strip and make beds, clean fireplaces and lay new fires. Laundry maids should do the laundry, the sewing and mending. Instead of a maid-of-all-things – I will hire an under housekeeper to aid Mrs. Shepherd. She will need the help once the staff to care for Mother arrives. I will need an undercook to help the cook with the increase in staff."
They discussed Anne's lists and the list from Lady Matlock. They discussed servants at Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House. They discussed Anne's thoughts about clearing Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House. Richard sent a message to his parents; he would assist Anne during the day at the de Bourgh House, returning to the Matlock House before midnight each night. He suggested Lady Catherine's suite at Matlock House be closed, with all its possessions shipped to the de Bourgh House.
Fitzwilliam and Anne discussed how Anne would entertain after she inherited Rosings. He and Anne discussed giving an annual Christmas Ball. He agreed the inhabitants and guests at Hunsford Parsonage should receive invitations, instead of being used to fill tables, as Lady Catherine felt wont to do.
Lady Catherine's Twelfth Night feast did not make her guests feel warmly welcomed. She planned to impress her guests with the abilities of her French chef, and liveried staff. Her feast, set with shining articles of plate and the best flowers and fruits from the orangery, would have been worthy of Windsor Palace. The best part of the evening was spending time with family…a message they felt Lady Catherine missed.
Anne refused to welcome ton guests into the de Bourgh House until she rearranged and the house had been well cleaned. The first floor rooms felt stuffy and overdrawn. Anne weeded excessive furniture from the first floor rooms: drawing room, dining room, library, studies, billiard room, music room and halls. Her excessive footmen and maids were pressed into service from dawn to dusk, emptying and cleaning first floor rooms. She planned which rooms needed to be repainted or receive new wallpaper. Mr. Shepherd and several staff took opulent furniture and furnishings to second-hand furniture warehouses. Anne spent one day and excessive funds patronizing three furniture warehouses.
The rearranged drawing room felt comfortably appointed and welcoming. Sometime this summer the drawing room needed to be painted dove gray like the veins on the chimney piece. Anne planned for a darker gray rug and drapes. She considered changing the upholstery to grey damask with white or burgundy pillows and accessories. She ordered the de Bourgh ancestral pictures crated and transported to Rosings Park. She had the Fitzwilliam ancestral pictures crated and sent to the Matlock House. She kept the miniatures of all family members in a special display case in the drawing room.
Anne changed Father's study into a billiards room for men. This summer the billiards room would be painted a calming light green. She purchased a dark green rug and drapes. She planned to purchase leather furniture for the men. Anne changed the old billiard room into a small morning/dining room. With appropriately sized furniture, the room would be used when she had less than twelve guests in the house. The room needed repainted, with new upholstery, rug and drapes. The formal dining room now had comfortable furniture, changed pictures and décor. Anne needed the view the room when lit by candles to determine colors for the walls, upholstery, rug and draperies. Anne didn't plan to entertain, but the room would be serviceable when she did.
Anne acquired the second floor of the de Bourgh House for herself and guests. Anne chose Lady Anne Darcy's suite of rooms for herself. The furniture fit Anne's aesthetics completely. Anne's second floor south-facing rooms looked out onto the gardens, which were more pleasing than looking out on the streets of London. Anne's new suite of rooms was completely emptied, with carpets taken up and beaten. She liked the elegant pale blue damask upholstered furniture. The pale blue and white floral wallpaper looked well with the deep blue velvet drapes, coverlet and bed curtains. Lovely blue and white Chinese porcelains and candlesticks completed the décor. Anne removed the Pemberley picture from over the mantle, replacing the picture with an appropriately sized mirror. She exchanged the Pemberley fire screens for a pair of gold, blue and white floral fire screens from the attic. She ordered the Darcy ancestral pictures and the Pemberley things crated and delivered to the Darcy House.
Anne examined the private sitting room of Lady Anne's suite. Anne purchased a few dozen books from Hatchard's Books to grace the bookshelves located on either side of the fireplace in her sitting room. She intended to read every one of them. She added a low table before the settee positioned before the fireplace. She appreciated the small dining table for two in the sitting room. She could have a tray sent up when she felt fatigued. She had the sideboard and contents cleaned. She ordered the sherry decanter refilled with a tray and glasses for the top of the sideboard. She moved the desk away from the wall and placed it before the windows to catch sunlight. Anne requested the dressing room be rearranged and added a second armoire. Her suite of rooms pleased with the colors and rearrangement. Without oppressive furniture and furnishings, Anne found herself sleeping better at night.
Anne viewed furniture which Mother stored in the attic. Several useable Georgian mahogany pieces were retrieved to use in the first and second floor rooms. Anne fitted up four suites to hold guests. New rugs, draperies and bed linens were acquired to prepare the rooms for the ease of her guests. Rooms would be repainted in the summer. She didn't care for the coral, burgundy or emerald rooms with black ebony and gold gilt furniture. Anne eliminated excess furniture from the second floor guest suites.
Thursday, May 6
Anne held lengthy discussions with Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, her butler and housekeeper, and Mrs. Jenkinson. The de Bourgh House flaunted furnishings, food and footmen for the approval of the ton. Anne did not want that life for herself. Anne and Mrs. Shepherd discussed the household menus. Mrs. Shepherd, upon orders from Dr. Alton and recommendations by Mrs. Collins, had a list of food to prepare for Lady Catherine. What was not on the list was excessive items for tea, or food prepared by the French chef. Anne requested fresh flowers for Mother's room on Saturday, with trips to the conservatory on Tuesday and Thursday. Mrs. Shepherd knew to send a footman/guard posthaste to Lord Matlock and express to Miss Anne if there was a situation which required their presence.
Mother's French chef, Jules Chardin, interviewed with the Earl and Countess of Matlock. They were thrilled to hire him, for Lady Catherine brought him to the Matlock House in January. Anne felt his wages were excessive for the amount of days he cooked. Her aunt and uncle offered to loan Jules Chardin for special events or dinners over the next year. Anne would pay his wages for the days she needed his culinary efforts.
"I require you to create a copy of the catalogue for the de Bourgh House," Anne informed Mrs. Shepherd. "Ship the trunks and contents of the attics to Rosings. I will change the décor of the house as I have time. I would like an updated catalogue of the rooms and contents of the de Bourgh House by the first of July." Anne ordered the Shepherds to put the funds from sold furniture in the de Bourgh House funds to offset the expenditure to provide adequate furniture and décor for the medical staff. They would enter the sales and invoices in the household ledger.
"Yes, miss." Mrs. Shepherd waited calmly for further instructions from Anne.
"I want to apprise you of my plans. I have appointments in town. Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Miss Catherine Bennet will be guests the last two weeks of May. They will be housed in guest rooms on the second floor, near my room. Mr. Collins will visit with Mother a few times while he is here. You will not honor any directives which come through him from Mother. I will have appointments with the Fitzwilliam, Darcy and Bennet ladies. There will be dinners with the Fitzwilliams, the Darcys, Mr. Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the Bennets. I will endeavor to give you the menus as quickly as possible."
The knocker was to be removed and not hung until Miss Anne ordered so. Mr. Shepherd accepted the list of who to admit to the de Bourgh House. Lady Catherine would not receive any visitors other than family, doctors, and Mr. Collins. Mr. Shepherd would take cards but the de Bourgh House would not accept visitors. Lady Catherine would not be inopportuned by messages, expresses or letters. During her visits to London, Anne would handle all correspondence and cards which came to the de Bourgh House.
Anne explained her diary to Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Jenkinson. She explained she would not return to Rosings until the first week of June. She would attend wedding events in Hertfordshire the last week of June. July she would be at Rosings during the week and London on weekends. August she would travel to the house party at Pemberley. September through November she planned to be in Bath. She would return to Rosings and London by the beginning of December.
"Will I travel with you as your companion, miss?" Mrs. Jenkinson entreated.
"I think not," Anne replied. "I have no confidence in you as a companion." She handed Mrs. Jenkinson the letter which she wrote to Lady Catherine at the end of April.
"Are you firing me as your companion?" Mrs. Jenkinson shook with fear and anger.
"I'm no longer ill. Mother is. If you desire to continue employment with me; then your task is to remain here in London, with Lady Catherine. You will follow the doctor's orders. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are tasked with running the house, servants, etc. You will ensure Mother's care and companionship. Mother is your responsibility except for Sundays." Anne explained. 'I don't believe I ever did anything to please Mother. I simply stood in her way. If I were ignorant of my true inheritance and path…she could continue to control Rosings. Elizabeth saved me from Mother's expectations. Now I need to free myself from the life of ignorance Mother planned for me until I left Rosings.'
For the first time since Mrs. Jenkinson met Anne, the young woman appeared quite pretty…petite, blonde, dark blue eyes and lush eyelashes. Anne's cheeks were not pasty white, ill yellow, or grieving grey. She looked quite healthy and well. "Understood," Mrs. Jenkinson managed to control her frown. 'I blame Lady Catherine's distress on her nephew, Darcy, and the Bennet girls. I feel honored to oversee Lady Catherine's medical staff. We will bring Lady Catherine back to full health and support her. It is a sin the way Miss Anne ignored the wishes of her mother and Aunt Anne; refusing to marry her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy. It is a sin for her to abandon her mother in her time of need. Entertaining while her mother is ill? Moving Lady Catherine, her staff and medical help to the third floor? It should not to be borne! Lady Catherine will not be ignorant of the activities in her home…because I will tell her everything.'
~X~
"I've gone to great lengths to temper the gossip of the ton," Aunt Constance informed Anne in the hour before dinner. The ladies sat in one corner of the Matlock House drawing room. Richard and Robert entertained their father in another. Georgiana joined Darcy and Bingley at the Gardiner home for dinner. They would not return until late.
"Indeed…" Anne's dark blue eyes darkened even more. "I have done nothing to provide the ton with gossip. The issue is, I came to London for Mother. Darcy and I did not have an engagement; despite Mother's claims. I am pleased for Darcy and Elizabeth. I'm certainly not perishing from a broken heart. The ton may object because I refuse to put the knocker out. I'm not accepting callers except family during this time. Mother is not well and unable to entertain. Establishing her and medical staff are an important task."
"Society becomes embarrassingly curious when a great estate is in peril," Augusta commented. "Fortunes should go to sons or to the eldest living male. Every impoverished second son will court you with hopes of getting their hands on Rosings Park and its fortune."
"Augusta, I like you exceedingly, but please save your breath to cool your porridge. Rosings Park is NOT in peril. I inherited Rosings Park; I will decide what to do with it. Neither Uncle Reginald, nor my male cousins are needed to make decisions for me." Anne sipped her before dinner claret. "Fitzwilliam and Darcy will ensure I don't encounter difficulties when taking over the reins of Rosings Park."
"I am appalled your vicar's wife is a particular friend. There are so many young women of your age and society in London. I can recommend several appropriate ladies you can engage as a companion." Augusta's voice took on the tone of Lady Catherine's just before she issued an order. "Lady Norwich's second cousin's eldest granddaughter is ready to come out in society. She would benefit…"
"Augusta…Mother demanded separation of rank…not me. Mary Bennet Collins kept me from dying of malaise and boredom. She has been my healer and my friend. She accomplished in three months what a decade of surgeons and apothecaries could not." Anne explained. "Mary is Elizabeth's sister. Elizabeth will be my cousin. Therefore, by extension, Mary will be my cousin. I have decided to ask Catherine Bennet to join me. We will do well together. We can continue lessons. I plan to enjoy Little Season in Bath with her. When the Season starts next year, we will come to London. I've never had a Season, and neither has Kitty. Perhaps I will seek admission to Almack's for us. Do you think the grand patronesses of Almack's would extend a voucher to the granddaughter of an earl who is the daughter of a baronet?"
"Please reconsider the consequences of your actions!" Augusta cried. "Consider the gossip last spring about Baronet Elliot and his family. That common woman, the daughter of a solicitor, posed as a friend and companion to Miss Elizabeth Elliot. She ran off with Walter Elliot, the next Baronet Elliot. Now she is his mistress here in London! His first wife's family was in trade! He intended to offer for Miss Anne Elliot, his cousin, but she married Captain Frederick Wentworth. Their ancestral home, Kellynch Hall, is leased to Admiral Croft and his lady who are brother and sister to Captain Frederick Wentworth. Miss Elizabeth Elliot is now on the shelf and no one will offer for her as she has no dowry! Not even Sir Elliot's cousin, the Dowager Viscountess Dalrymple, will ease his financial woes! He remains in Bath to retrench."
"As I have no husband or intended, and as Catherine Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman; I will not worry about such a situation happening to me." Anne stated. "If you believe I should not help my new cousins improve themselves…I think Mother would welcome your conversations because I do not! Mother wasted a fortune paying for excessive staff and upkeep for the de Bourgh House, which she used twice in the past decade. I plan to eliminate excess staff at both properties."
"I heard Mrs. Bennet is very eager to push her daughter, Lydia, into better society. She will attempt to use Elizabeth's connection to us, and Mrs. Collins' connection to you. If you take Catherine Bennet on as a companion…be prepared to have Mrs. Bennet and Lydia visit for extended periods of time. Don't be surprised if they invite themselves to Bath, expecting to stay at your home." Augusta advised.
"Lydia may go hang as far as I am concerned." Anne retorted. "I'm not fond of Mrs. Bennet either. You should worry less about my actions with Lydia Bennet and protect Richard from Mrs. Bennet and Lydia Bennet's machinations."
Aunt Constance gasped!
"If Lydia Bennet compromises Richard during the wedding festivities for Darcy and Elizabeth; he may be forced to wed the chit. Lydia Bennet has no dowry, education or manners which would entice a decent man to marry her." Anne counseled. "I would also watch out for Caroline Bingley. She would gladly trade her dowry for Richard so she can throw herself at Darcy every time she sees him."
"Reginald and Robert are worried about Rosings." Aunt Constance blamed Anne's attitudes on Lady Catherine sheltering her since she turned five and ten. The nouveau riche fathers, who invaded the ton during the past few years, provided good educations and excellent dowries for their daughters. Nouveau riche young ladies, like Caroline Bingley, thought they could buy entrance to any society they wanted. No titled or honorable man felt safe these days.
"I know Rosings almost equaled Pemberley when Father died. I know, under Mother's guidance, the estate earns one-fifth less than it did during his reign. Fitzwilliam and Darcy discussed this with me. Rosings Manor is too large for me and too large for a small family. Excessive staff is needed to properly clean and maintain eighty rooms. I plan to clean and refurbish the Dower House. I will move into it, with appropriate staff."
"What will you do with the manor house?" Augusta queried. 'A summer house in Kent would suit me just fine. Matlock Estate is too far from London, and Kent has finer prospects! Rosings is closer to Brighton than Matlock…it would be fun to summer there also! Imagine the summer house parties! We could invite dozens of friends!'
"I discussed options with Richard. Making me the legal heiress and owner of Rosings Park was foremost. Consolidation of accounts occurred next. Darcy made recommendations to increase the living at Rosings. I will implement them over the next few years. Meanwhile, Mother's jointure funds will pay for her nurses, caretakers and doctors. Her funds provide servants and living expenses, so she may remain at the de Bourgh House. Uncle Reginald has access to Mother's jointure funds and the de Bourgh House operating funds to purchase anything needed if I am not in town."
"Please reconsider abandoning your mother in London," Aunt Constance pleaded.
"I have not abandoned Mother. However, I do not intend to lose my health or Rosings to sit by her side daily. Mother is here for medical care. If you and uncle feel she will be a burden for you; you needn't worry. She has companions, nurses, and caretakers. She will have regular medical visits. I will visit her as often as I am able. Aunt Constance, a landowner must be a responsible steward of the land and living given them. A landowner must be responsible for the persons who look to him or her. I don't like what I'm learning about Mother's inattention to the tenants of Rosings and their needs. I don't like learning how Rosings lost valuable tenants to other landowners and how they were replaced with sycophants who are less diligent than the previous incumbents. I will not abandon Mother. However, Rosings' accounts, tenants and needs rank higher than my sitting and reading to Mother."
Friday, May 7
"We will marry at St. Albans, Elizabeth. However, there will be a private blessing held in the Pemberley chapel on the first Sunday we are in residence at Pemberley. Most of the Darcy weddings occur in London, with a private blessing in the Pemberley Chapel. I think the placement of the arched, stained glass windows make the chapel seem larger. The rich golds, reds and blues of the windows are reflected in the altar cloth. The stone floor is well-laid, and level for walking easily. The wide central nave is banked with eight rows of pews. Stone columns inside hold up a hewn wood ceiling and small choir loft. The chapel will hold fifty comfortably. My parents and Darcy grandparents had their weddings blessed there. I imagine Georgiana will have hers blessed there also. Darcy children are christened there."
"Pemberley Chapel sounds lovely," Lizzy sighed and leaned her head against Darcy's shoulder.
"Wait until you see Pemberley Chapel, made of grey stone…nestled in the woods…a lovely white rose garden encircling it." Darcy wound one of Lizzy's curls around his fingers.
~X~
Mr. Bennet's hands shook when he read the marriage settlement for Jane. Charles Arthur Bingley settled £20,000 pounds on Jane Frances Bennet, invested at four percent, giving her a yearly living of £800. Any family jewels in his possession were available for Jane's use. However, they remained in the Bingley family as part of the legacy for their eldest son to share with his descendants. Any personal jewelry gifts Charles gave Jane over the years would be hers to bequeath as she desired.
The marriage settlement listed endowments for second and third sons upon their birth and for each daughter. The endowments would be invested at four percent until each child's six and tenth birthday when the funds would be reinvested at five percent; yielding a per annum living for each. The endowments for daughters would become their dowry. The endowments for sons would educate them and provide funds to invest in a career in trade, law, military or the church.
The marriage settlement announced that Bingley planned to purchase an estate. Bingley would draw a new will when the purchase was completed. If Charles Bingley died early, Jane retained control of all Bingley funds and properties until his oldest son achieved maturity. Jane's marriage settlement became her jointure funds. The Bingley estate would provide a Dower House and appropriate servants for Jane until her death. Any legacies which Jane might inherit from any Bennet family member after her marriage would become her personal funds.
Upon the death of Thomas Bennet, Charles Bingley would provide £200 per annum to Frances Gardiner Bennet; payable in quarterly payments of £50. He would not provide a living situation or servants for her. The wedding articles guaranteed the per annum for Frances Bennet's life; not as a legacy for her to will to unmarried daughters. Mrs. Bennet did not have access to her funds. They would be overseen and dispersed by Edward Gardiner, London. If Frances Bennet planned to live at any Bingley property, she would forfeit her annuity from Charles Arthur Bingley.
Additionally, Bingley would provide £500 for Jane to purchase her trousseau, travel clothes and items for the wedding trip, and clothes appropriate for her first Little Season, and first Season in London. Her trousseau funds would be provided when she arrived in London on May fifth and tenth for wedding shopping.
Mr. Bennet silently passed the document to Mr. Phillips for his perusal and suggestions. If the Bingley marriage settlement caused Mr. Bennet to become quiet, he experienced greater discomfort when he read the marriage settlement for Elizabeth.
~X~
Fitzwilliam George Darcy settled £30,000 on Elizabeth Emily Bennet in the marriage articles. Her marriage settlement would be invested in the five percents, which would not be touched until she needed it for her jointure funds. Darcy provided estimates for the growth of the funds at twenty, five and twenty, and thirty years. If Elizabeth did not need her marriage settlement as jointure funds for thirty years…she would amass over £125,000. Elizabeth would use the Darcy House in London as a Dower House. The servants and upkeep needed to maintain the Darcy House, London as a Dower House for Elizabeth would be provided by the Pemberley estate. Her remaining jointure funds at her death would pass in even shares to her grandchildren. The Darcy House, London would remain part of Pemberley's holdings to be bequeathed to the eldest son.
Mr. Bennet sat quietly, in shock, for a few minutes. His eyes staring at the wall…but not seeing anything. He shook his head in wonder. He would not be prone to exclamations like Mrs. Bennet…but Elizabeth had done very well for herself, her children and grandchildren. Thomas could not ask for more. Elizabeth's pin money equaled £100 per month (£1200 a year), for her own personal use, not to support the household or family. Elizabeth's pin money would purchase anything she desired and pay wages for a personal maid, laundry maid and companion if desired. Any legacies which Elizabeth received after her marriage to Fitzwilliam George Darcy were hers to invest or spend as she deemed appropriate.
Darcy's provisions stated each son and daughter received a legacy at birth, to be invested at four percent, compounded until their sixth and tenth birthday. Upon their sixth and tenth birthday, the legacy would be reinvested at five percent, and they would have access to the per annum living of the legacy. Both sons and daughters would receive formal education paid for by funds from Pemberley. Sons would be educated at Eton and Oxford. The daughters would be educated by governesses and at a seminary for young ladies.
Darcy owned Pemberley and three smaller estates about the size and living of Netherfield Park. He owned the Darcy House in London. He owned a 200-acre farm and manor house on a river in Scotland. Upon Darcy's death, Elizabeth retained control of all Darcy property, holdings, investments and funds until her oldest son achieved maturity. The oldest Darcy son would inherit Pemberley and its funds. Younger sons inherited the smaller estates of Pembriar, Pembrook, Pemwood, and the Darcy Estate, Scotland. (Listed with description, location and evaluation in the marriage settlement.) Any estate not claimed by a son remained with the Pemberley holdings.
Without a son born to the union, the oldest daughter would inherit Pemberley on her five and twenty birthday with younger daughters inheriting the smaller estates. Again, any estates not claimed by a daughter remained with Pemberley, including the Darcy House, London.
Upon the death of Thomas Bennet, Longbourn, Hertfordshire; Darcy would provide £200 per annum to Frances Gardiner Bennet; payable in quarterly payments of £50. He would not provide a living situation or servants for her. Again, the marriage articles guaranteed the per annum for Frances Bennet's life. Again, Mrs. Bennet did not have access to her funds. Again, the funds would be overseen and dispersed by Edward Gardiner, London.
The Darcy jewels held at Pemberley (listed with description and evaluation in the marriage settlement) were available for Elizabeth to use during her lifetime. Upon her death, they became an enduring legacy for the Darcy Family through Pemberley. Personal jewelry gifts were Elizabeth's to distribute as she saw fit upon her death.
Additionally, Darcy would provide £500 for Elizabeth to purchase her trousseau, travel clothes for the wedding tour, and wardrobe for her first Little Season. Her trousseau money would be provided when she arrived in London on May fifth and tenth for wedding shopping. Her wardrobe to chaperone Georgiana Grace Darcy through her first and subsequent seasons would be provided by Pemberley.
Mr. Bennet reread Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage settlement. He glanced up at Mr. Phillips.
"I have no additions or changes to the Bingley marriage settlement." Mr. Phillips commented.
"You might, after you read this." Bennet passed the Darcy marriage settlement to Phillips. "I would prefer Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips remain unaware of the terms of Jane and Elizabeth's marriage settlements. I feel it is generous of Bingley and Darcy to provide a per annum for Franny upon my death. I do not want her haranguing Jane and Elizabeth about sharing their pin money with her or Lydia. I do not want her to know the amount of their trousseau funds either."
"We will ensure Mr. Gardiner is aware and as mute as we are." Patrick Phillips agreed.
~X~
Caroline shrieked when she read Charles' letter, sent to Aunt Cordelia. Charles offered for Jane Bennet and Darcy offered for Eliza Bennet. He included the announcement from the London paper, dated May first. The Hursts decamped after Easter for the Hurst Estate. Father Hurst insisted they spend spring time at the estate while tenants planted and conducted repair work on the tenant farms.
Aunt Cordelia suggested Caroline retire to her room and compose herself. "A lady does not scream inelegantly, Caroline! You made me spill my tea and set my nerves on edge." She motioned for a footman to clean the mess. "I will not share my correspondence from Charles if this is how you act."
"I love him! How could Darcy offer for an inconsequential country miss with no beauty, fashion, education or manners!" Caroline shrieked.
"I don't think you know what love is," Cordelia Stafford commented. "I think you were in love with Darcy's estate, his wealth, and his position in society. You might know how Mr. Darcy takes his coffee or tea, or his favorite food. However, knowledge obtained by being a good hostess is a great deal different than knowledge obtained by long talks, walks and time spent together. Unless you can relate if Darcy ever had a broken arm, or the name of his first horse, or the location of his favorite fishing spot…you certainly do not know the man. Unless you know the man…you cannot know his feelings."
Caroline apologized and stormed to her room. She abused the silk pillows on her settee until she spit the seam on one. She counted to ten and then kicked the leg of the settee, crying out in pain. She didn't dare swear aloud…but THAT HURT! She rang for her maid to help her change into her riding habit. Perhaps a long and furious ride with lots of laying on the crop would release some of the anger which threatened to burst from her. 'What in the devil is Darcy playing at? He used to laugh with me at people like Eliza Bennet. Now my idiot brother is enamored of Jane and Darcy is blinded by Eliza's fine eyes and pert opinions. I have no redress…no opinions which count. I am very ill-used indeed.'
~X~
Mother, Adams, Mrs. Jenkinson, the nurses and caregivers were housed in rooms on the third floor of the de Bourgh House. Lady Catherine's suite consisted of a sleeping room, sitting room and dressing room. Adams and Jenkinson were located in the two rooms on either side of Lady Catherine's suite. The largest guest room on the became a staff common room, seating, tables, escritoire, bookcases, etc. Staff would be housed two or three to a room, depending on size of the room, and depending on what time they worked with Lady Catherine.
Staff reported Lady Catherine was alert, but unable to speak. She was furious to be in London and not at Rosings Park. Being unable to speak her ire…she resorted to throwing things to vent her fury.
had been exceptionally busy welcoming new staff and relocating Mother. Mrs. Shepherd recommended she visit Lady Catherine. "You object to your new quarters? Anne inquired Friday morning. Anne
Lady Catherine nodded vigorously.
"Quarters on this side of the house overlook those magnificent gardens which cost excessively for their installation and upkeep. Your quarters are located near your nurses and caretakers. They are located near Adams, your maid. They are located near Mrs. Jenkinson who will remain at de Bourgh House to be your companion and supervise your medical staff. Your quarters are near the stairs for the ease of the footmen to carry you up and down the stairs. You may go to the conservatory or to your gardens. You will not commandeer other rooms in the house."
Lady Catherine could not voice her disapproval and disappointment to Anne. Her one good arm pelted the servants with cushions and porcelains. Her mind whirled with the events which brought her to this condition. 'How could Darcy and Anne ignore my desire to preserve the correct order of rank and lineage? How could Darcy waste himself on Elizabeth Bennet?' Her mind tumbled around with her thoughts which she could not express…and Anne's calm, placid face angered her. She reached for anything she could find to throw at her daughter. 'Stupid child'…she snatched a tea cup from a nurse's hands and threw it. Thankfully, Anne anticipated Mother, and moved away from the line of fire.
"I will not endure this disrespect. Clear the room of anything which she can throw," Anne ordered. "No porcelains, pillows, books, and DO NOT leave candlesticks where she can reach them. I don't want her to burn the house down by throwing a lit candle at the draperies or tapestries. If she continues to be vexatious, feel free to douse her with laudanum or a calming draught. Better insensible than insensitive. Use the servants' china for her meal trays. She just destroyed another piece of our second set of china. By her actions…she does not deserve to use better."