Chapter 14 - Weddings and Deceptions
AN:so it looks like we are all agreed; Lady Catherine is no lady. Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
"You will be my son in law, nephew," Lady Catherine glared at the back of the man striding away. "I only have to find the correct inducement."
The older lady fell into a chair, wracked with indecision and fury. She needed time to think upon what to do with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Of course, she could demand the young chit be sent away in disgrace. That, however, would alienate Mrs. Collins as the bond between friends obviously strengthened with this visit. Even being of low birth and with non-existent connections, Charlotte Collins proved to be an excellent choice of wife for her sycophant preacher as she saved Lady Catherine from any concern for her tenants. No, Lady Catherine could not openly attack and risk the subtle ire of her minister's wife. Indeed, she would have to be indirect, if she wished to avoid the wrath of her nephew.
While the lady ruminated on the problem, Miss de Bourgh took matters into her own hands. She dismissed Mrs. Jenkinson immediately on quitting the drawing room. What she needed to do had to be done without witnesses. Lying in wait for her cousin, Anne ensured the servants did not see her hiding behind a curtained wall covering the entrance to her mother's throne room.
"Cousin," Anne almost silently approached the very angry man striding down the hall. He intended retiring to his room and she intended he would escort her to hers so they might have a few moments alone. "I find myself in need of aid to climb the stairs. Some nights, they seem insurmountable. Tonight, is one of those times."
Holding in the sigh, Darcy offered his arm and his cousin leant heavily on his strength which only served to demonstrate her fragility. "Anne," he started only to be silenced by her look demanding he wait until they could not possibly be overheard. Well aware of his cousin's limited ability to thwart her mother, he played along.
"I would enjoy a turnabout the gardens in the morning cousin, say sunrise or just after," Anne suggested as Darcy prepared to leave her.
"Will it not be too cold?" concern laced his face. For Anne to request such, what she needed to say had to be of the direst circumstance. Darcy knew of his sister's openness in her letters to Anne, especially forming a tender toward Miss Bennet. Does my cousin expect an offer?He wondered. After years of hearing her mother insist upon an engagement, surely even Anne does not believe such lies.
"It is the only time we may be completely alone," Anne answered in a whisper. Waiting for Darcy's reaction, she adding in a louder tone, "I am aware you take great pleasure in taking a turnabout the park early in the morning. Indeed, I believe Miss Bennet is often out of doors at the same time. She enjoys walking and has spoken of her rambles both here and in Hertfordshire with such affection, I only wish I had the fortitude to join her."
"Anne," Darcy sounded aggrieved, for he did not know to what her conversation tended. If she could see into his heart, Anne would realise Darcy had every intention of joining Miss Bennet on those walks as often as she would allow, so her opinion of him might improve on better acquaintance.
"We will stay to the gardens," she offered with a smile, "and in sight of the house for propriety sake."
"Until tomorrow," Darcy bowed and watched the frail young woman enter her chamber.
Pivoting, he wondered what Anne had to say that could not be said this evening. Could she truly have brought into her mother's ideas of marriage and removal to Pemberley? Fitzwilliam sincerely hopped not. Never had he given her the slightest hope of a future as mistress of his estate. Not once in Georgiana's letters from Anne had she hinted of any partiality towards anyone. Yet he continued to believe Anne and Richard would make a suitable match, even though neither spoke of any deeper feelings. Darcy did not sleep well that night, contemplating what his young cousin would propose. She did not leave him in doubt long.
"As you know, Cousin, I turned one and twenty last month. As such I do not need my mother's approval to marry," she stated, hanging on his arm as they toured the conservatory. Warmer than strolling in the open, they had so far not spoken a word. In the silence, Anne felt the tension radiating off Darcy in waves.
"Should you wish it," Fitzwilliam stated, "you may take hold of your fortune without entering the marriage state. Sir Lewis left you well provided for."
"That," Anne stopped, forcing the man at her side to stand immobile and glare at her, "does not suit my purpose at all. Look at me Darcy," she implored softly. "Cousin, let me reassure you, I have no designs on you even if my mother wishes it."
Letting out a breath he did not realise he realise he held. "Then who? Let me speak plainly…"
Cutting him off in a rare display of temper, Anne demanded he listen. "No, it is you who must listen to me. Do you think me completely unfeeling? Your attentions to Miss Bennet withstanding, you and I have not been formed for each other as my Mother is wont (yes I do read your reviews and attempt to correct future mistakes!) to say. You need a stout woman able to bear many children and fill the halls of Pemberley. Georgiana is all the family you have left and you must expand or all may be lost. I will most probably die in the delivery of my heir. Therefore, I must choose a man able to provide me with a child, raise my child and care for Rosings so our child will eventually inherit. He must also be able to control my mother's excess of spending. Should the child die with me, that man will take everything. So, my choice of husband is critical to the future of Rosings, is it not?"
"Anne," Darcy once again started. The expression on his face, one of abject sorrow, for he understood his cousin's position only too well.
"I have lived under my Mother's oppressive domination long enough. Should I leave the management of Rosings to her much longer, there will be little left for my offspring. The Great Lady Catherine de Bourgh cares nothing for the land that supports her spending habits. At least in this, my Father taught me well." The young woman swallowed back her tears. While Lady Catherine might say a daughter is of little consequence to a father, such had not been the case in her own home. Sir Lewis had doted on his Little Anne.
"Care for the land," Darcy muttered the sentiments both his father and Sir Lewis instilled in their children, "and it will provide."
"Surely you have seen the state of the south pastures. They are constantly waterlogged in the autumn and winter," Anne let her fury play out. Softening, she continued, "I have reached the age of majority and intend to reclaim my heritage. I have waited for your company to put my plans into place. Georgiana letter in January allowed me to hope you would soon make an offer to another. With the attentions of my mother focused upon you, I have secretly been planning my own affairs. However, I need your cooperation."
Darcy suddenly saw his cousins meaning. "Tell me what you wish of me."
"As the son of a Lord, Richard can obtain a special licence. It must be done under the cover of returning to London for some business of yours," here Anne looked up to scrutinise Darcy's expression. So far it was as she'd expected. "We cannot be suspected by my mother or all will be lost. The wedding must take place the moment Richard returns from town and Lady Catherine removed to the Dower house forthwith."
"I am to inform Richard of your plans," Darcy frowned, not liking the manipulation by the woman at his side even if he understood the very grave reasons behind it.
"No. I wish you to ask if he will agree to become my husband, Master of Rosings and defender against Lady Catherine. Richard is free to accept or not as he chooses. I do not love my cousin any more than he loves me. Indeed, I do not have any great feeling for any man. How can I when my mother keeps my circle of acquaintance small and society unvaried. The Colonel is my only hope of returning Rosings to a profitable estate under management which will care for the tenants and servants. In this you have taught him well," Anne said with a slight smile. "Please tell him of all I have said to gain his agreement."
"I need to think on this plan," Darcy stated, his brow furrowed. "Give me the morning to consider any issues which may arise that you have not already considered. At present, I foresee only Richard's acceptance as being an issue. However, arrangements for your nuptials will need to be considered. Are you to request the services of Mr. Collins and can he be trusted?"
"I have that well in hand," Anne let the smile increase. "If Mr. Collins wishes to remain in his present position after my marriage, he will perform it. My mother's power over the occupants of Rosings will severely diminish when I take my rightful place as mistress. Once I am with child, I shall have to leave it to my husband."
"Richard," Darcy couldn't help admire the sickly creature at his side, "is the perfect man of your machinations. I am astounded at the breath of your plans and the way in which you must achieve them. However, Anne, you know my hatred for deceit in all its forms. I do this for you, because Georgiana has begged me to free you from Lady Catherine's influence and Richard expressed his worry. Even Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam are concerned."
Glancing at Darcy's face, a happy but circumspect grin covered Anne's features. "If it is deceit you loath, then be truthful with me. You covert the hand of Miss Bennet and this plan allows you to do so without tempting the wrath of my mother. Do not deny it, I can see it clearly on your face. She is just the woman to decrease your pride and force you to become more sociable. Indeed, I approve, as does Richard from the way you put your heads together and visit the parsonage."
"Let us return to the house," Darcy offered his arm. He had much to think on.
"May I suggest a stroll in the east grove," Anne managed a cheeky glance. "There are beauties to be seen there that will fill your eyes with wonder."
"You can observe that part of Rosing's from your window," Darcy frowned.
"I have a fair prospect, cousin, over half of my estate from my rooms," Anne replied with innocents. "That is how I know Miss Bennet considers it a favourite."
Anne's words had quite an effect on Darcy. Keeping all thoughts of Miss Elizabeth at bay, he escorted the girl to her rooms. Returning to his own chamber he dressed in a riding habit, strode to the stables and demanded his horse saddled. Avoiding the east grove, Fitzwilliam knew he would keep that kernel for another time, when his mind could be more agreeably engaged and enchanted.
"Darcy," Richard met him on the way to the breakfast parlour some hours later.
"I will need your services today," Darcy frowned. "There is something urgent I must speak about with you. Please meet me in the estate office after breaking our fast."
Watching the straight postured man stalk away, Richard couldn't account for his cousin's sudden and unexpected change in behaviour. It seemed that poker had once again been inserted and the Colonel shook his head with disappointment. By eleven that same day he had listened to Anne's proposal through Darcy. Sinking into a chair, the military man understood the reasons behind the secrecy and his cousin's reaction to it!
"I am not disposed to marry," Richard looked to Darcy with a frown. Confusion and worry enveloped his face as he explained, "I am the second son and understand the honour. I am also a Colonel in the army. I have seen my fair share of intrigues, including of the fairer sex."
"Speak plainly," Darcy felt there was something Richard held back.
"I am no innocent, cousin," he confessed easily. "I have enjoyed pleasures of the flesh."
"You believe you will scare Anne on your wedding night," Darcy asked, slightly confused.
"I believe I will not be able to give her what her heart desires," Richard corrected, his posture becoming stiff. "Good lord man," at this the Colonel stood and began to pace, "let me speak plainly. With all the women I have bedded, never has one fallen with child. I believe myself incapable of producing the heir Anne needs."
"If you do not," Darcy commented, "or if both Anne and any child die during birthing, the estate falls to you. Our cousin is aware of all the possibilities and still chooses you."
"That is not reason enough to marry," Richard turned on his cousin.
"If you hold any form of affection toward Anne," Darcy opened his thoughts on the subject and waited for his cousin's conformation. It came in the form of a harrowing look. "If you wanted to be at her side and relieve her burdens for the remainder of her life, surely that would be enough?"
Smiling sadly, Richard replied, "Rosings is to come to me in either case, should I agree to this."
"Marrying without issue is not an obstruction," Darcy summarised. "What then holds you back?"
"Anne should have the wedding of her dreams," Richard forced through his irritated lips, "not this hasty, clandestine ceremony she may come to regret."
"Do you speak of Anne's feelings," Darcy challenged, "or your own? Think back on the advice you have given me in regard to love. Is not this situation similar? Mount your horse and go to London. Our uncle, the Archbishop will grant you what you require in the quickest possible time. I will tell Lady Catherine I have sent you on a most urgent errand and you are to return in two days' time. That should give Anne sufficient opportunity to speak with Mr. Collins. Please send an express from Bromley and I will have your wedding attire and batman awaiting your arrival at the church. Nothing must stop this if we are to remove Lady Catherine as quickly and quietly as possible."
"Fine," Richard glared at his cousin, "but I want to hear that you are soon to join me in the married state."
"I have another twelve days," Darcy smirked, "to court Miss Bennet. Hopefully the last ten will be without the watchful eye of my Aunt as she will be engaged in removing to the dower house and cursing you."
So, to London Richard travelled, pushing his horse as far as Bromley at a gallop. There he hired another and payed for his steed to be well rested. He intended to return in two days' time and would need an express rider awaiting his pleasure. That done, the Colonel completed his journey and went directly to the Abby. Astounded, their relation granted the request, complicating it with one of his own. Richard Fitzwilliam was to inform his parents of his marriage and return with them to Rosings as witnesses. This was not to be considered a hasty or scandalous decision and the Fitzwilliam clan would celebrate the wedding as though expected. Appearances must be upheld. While the documentation was being readied, he stayed overnight in Matlock house. They were not as surprised by this most sudden event as their youngest son assumed.
"It is an eligible match," Lord Matlock stated with a grin as they dined. "One, I confess, I had hoped for. This nonsense of Catherine's about Darcy and Anne is ridiculous. She needs an amiable man, cautious of her health and willing to take over the management of the estate to lighten her burdens. I believe you will do well together. It pains me as much as you to see the woman treated so by her mother."
"Soon," Richard couldn't help the contented grin, "my wife will suffer no more as that will be my responsibility."
"One," Lady Susan suggested as they moved from the dining table, "you look forward to, I have no doubt. I believe Anne may just blossom, when removed from her mother's influence. Indeed, she may not be of as sickly constitution as many believe."
"I can only hope and pray that you are correct," Richard added, wondering if he could somehow make his mother's words come to pass.
The next evening, as they sat down to dinner and readied to leave for Rosing in the morning, Archbishop Fitzwilliam's carriage arrived. He travelled with a young pastor. Both men were invited to dine and stay the night when they revealed their plans.
"Mr. Wight is to marry you on the morrow," the clergyman stated. "I am to lend support to my sister on the loss of her daughter. It is both a Christian and brotherly thing to do."
"Kindness itself," Lord Matlock almost choked on his pre-dinner drink. "I am sure our sister will be most impressed that her nearest relations have come to celebrate with her."
"Catherine always had the most particular sense of humour," Archbishop Henry Fitzwilliam stated of his sister.
"I am not sure she will find this to her liking," Richard allowed, "or her amusement. But then, liking one's son-in-law is now decidedly unfashionable and you know I do not like to be out of fashion."