Chapter 29 - A Parting of the Ways
AN: Surgery one, and very cracked tooth, is now out of the way J. Anaesthetist seen for the next one. Surgeon next week. All going to plan, Sunday 1st December is my last day at work. I'm hoping three months off to recover from bilateral knee replacements will give me the time to finish this story, then restart on Lady Elizabeth after a through working over of the current chapters. I have so many ideas, let's just hope the mind and fingers can keep up with the muse and I don't get destracted.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone following this work. I have to say, this is a relatively short chapter.
By eight the next morning, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of his own estate, was dressed in the green coat he used for making particularly difficult morning calls. An hour later, he'd broken his fast and prepared to leave Leighwood House. Georgiana, as was her wont after an evening of entertaining, did not join in her brother in his early morning repast. Unable to leave their guests to travel alone, even in his crested coach, Darcy insisted on accompanying the Bennet sisters to Gracechurch Street. By the time Darcy and Georgiana returned, the clock struck one. However, Fitzwilliam could not have been happier with the outcome of their impromptu outing.
Mr. Gardiner forced the Darcy's to stay for a very late supper so the two men could talk privately for a few moments. While the ladies were ensconced in the drawing room, Mr. Darcy laid out plans for his wedding to Elizabeth and requested the entire party remove to Pemberley for summer. Mr. Gardiner agreed to Darcy's plans, including speaking with Mr. Gillam in regard to seeing to his business while the family travelled to Derbyshire. They were to be married in London then remove as a party to Pemberley, forgoing the traditional honeymoon as duty recalled Darcy to his estate. The entirely of the cost, including the remaining Trousseau required for her new station in society would be finance by Mr. Darcy, much to Edward Gardiners displeasure. Mr. Gardiner insisted, however, on retaining the cost of the current dressed under construction, to which Mr. Darcy gave in, if not so graciously.
Smiling at the recollections from last evening as Darcy walked from his home, the gentleman crossed Berkeley Park, a small patch of green in the seemingly grey surroundings in one of London's more salubrious areas. Dallying a few minutes, the gentleman listened to the birds greet a new day and wondered how Elizbeth might address each day. Perhaps with a short stroll in this very park before breaking her fast with him, Georgiana and Miss Bennet. Darcy could not but help chuckle at the thought. Soon he would have everything he'd ever wished for. Today the sun shone just a little brighter, and his mood lifted significantly.
Continuing across the road and cautiously placing his feet to avoid the muddy horse dung, Darcy entered Mount Street. The pleasure of moments before left him as the distance to his relations townhouse approached. Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam, the Earl and Countess of Matlock lived not two hundred yards from Darcy's home on the corner of the square and that very fashionable Lane leading into it. Through the window, Darcy spied Mr. Sims readying Honeymead for the day. Knowing his Uncle James kept country hours, even in the city, the gentleman would presently be at work.
"Uncle," Darcy sounded as astonished as his countenance displayed. The butler had not time to announce a visitor when his master exited his book room off the entry hall. A finger upon his lips, The Earl signalled his nephew to attend him, quickly and quietly.
"Make haste," Lord Fitzwilliam ushered the younger man into the study and closed the door with a worried glance towards the staircase and along the hallway, "Catherine is about and raging like a bull. It seems you are not her favourite for the part you played in Anne's mutiny. Throwing her from your home on Monday last has only increased her ire. I am sure you will not wish to attract her wrath again so soon."
"Indeed not," Darcy took the seat indicated. Before long the men reclined in front an empty fire place with a cup of coffee in their hand. Sighing heavily, Fitzwilliam knew he could delay no longer. "I have come to tell you I am engaged."
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I presume?" the Earl of Matlock smiled with delight, as Darcy nodded. Pausing for his nephew to continue, James understood he needed the facts dragged from him. "I had hoped for a more illustrious bride, but," the elder Fitzwilliam held up his hand, forcing Darcy to listen, "witnessed the effect the young lady had on you while in Kent. You have spoken to her father?"
"Yes," Darcy answered with a single word.
"I have never seen such a partiality on your side in the eight seasons you have been searching for a bride, nor a woman who vexed you so thoroughly. So, I must be happy that Pemberley is to finally get a Mistress and, in time, the nursery shall be filled. I believe Miss Elizabeth is one of five sisters. Just as well Pemberley's coffers are filled and the estate is not entailed," James watched the changing expression on his nephews face as he spoke. Darcy did not like even this mild rebuke against his beloved. Unwilling to lose the opportunity to tease the overly righteous man, James continued his jesting in the same vein. "Of course, Richard told me of your foul temper this winter and the reason for it. I do not think I have laughed so hard in many a year as when he told me of your behaviour towards your betrothed whilst in Hertfordshire. I must admit to finding amusement in your situation after meeting the young woman in Kent. I think Miss Elizabeth will lead you a merry chase, Darcy!"
"I am glad to have entertained you, Uncle," Darcy could not keep the scorn from his tone. It brought a short, sharp chuckle from his relative.
"When is the announcement to be published?" he responded once the hilarity died down.
"All going well, it will appear in The Times tomorrow. It is the reason for my visit today," Darcy replied, still eyeing his uncle, "at lease, one of the reasons. I wished my family to be informed before society in general. I hope to leave this errand to you as my nearest relative."
"You may count on me to see to the details," James Fitzwilliam pursed his lips. "Your aunt will wish to meet Miss Elizabeth under less trying circumstances. If she is to have our support in society, we must come to know your betrothed."
"Georgiana is to host several teas for the immediate family and my closest friends," Darcy scowled. He did not wish to put his Elizabeth through the mill, yet to be accepted within the first circles, she would have to endure much. "I would hope for Aunt Susan's support for any other callers, which I intent to vet most judiciously. My betrothed is currently residing in London with her Aunt and Uncle until we are to be married. I believe you know Mr. Edward Gardiner by reputation." This time Lord Fitzwilliam nodded a speculative glare filling his brown eyes. "The Gardiner's are to dine at Leighwood tonight. I would like it very much if you would join us."
"Miss Elizabeth's parents," James Fitzwilliam enquired, intrigued as to why the young lady resided with her relations, in trade, no less.
"Mr. Bennet is a gentleman of a small estate called Longbourn, in Hertfordshire. As you know, I lately stayed with my friend Bingley in the neighbourhood. However, the estate is entailed upon Elizabeth's cousin who is currently the rector at Hunsford," Darcy explained.
"Should this become public knowledge," James Fitzwilliam warned, "Miss Elizabeth will be despised. A love match, with a woman of little standing or fortune, the estate entailed and relations in trade. Many will think you have gone mad, Darcy. Others will be watching for the timing the heir."
"You know I care little for society," Darcy declared, his eyes turning icy. "If I have overcome my objections to the match, I expect others will do so, in time, especially if Elizabeth's introduction to the first circles is conducted correctly. It is lucky Mrs. Bennet took ill about a month ago and recovers still. Mr. Bennet fears the excitement of planning a wedding should be left to Mrs. Gardiner so as not to hamper her recovery. The Bennet's will come to town a few days before the ceremony and travel with us as far as Longbourn."
"But not to Pemberley?" Lord Matlock asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No," Darcy answered succinctly. "Elizabeth would say, of some things, a little goes a long way. We will host them at another time."
"With your permission," Fitzwilliam acknowledged much had not been said. He needed to speak with Richard to fill in the details. However time ran short. Calculating the distance, he knew what needed to be achieved. "I will send an express to my son and his new wife. They should be in London to join us this evening, if you do not mind delaying dinning until eight o'clock."
"You wish me to host Richard and Anne at Leighwood?" Darcy enquired, his mind linking the reasons.
"I believe the Dower house will be too close to Rosings for a newly married couple if they are to have any peace or felicity. Forgive my language nephew, but Lady Catherine has been raising merry hell at Honeymead this last month. I wish for any unpleasantness to occur away from Anne's home, the place where she is now mistress. My new daughter must have time to recover her strength if she is to give Rosings an heir."
"You know Aunt Catherine has been forbidden to enter any of my homes or step foot on my property," Darcy screwed up his face in distaste.
"Yes," James Fitzwilliam smiled slyly, "it is all we have heard these last two days. Richard and Anne will only see Catherine when they wish if they are welcome to stay at Leighwood. However, with your betrothal, I believe they will be spared most of her vitriol as my sister turns her attention to other perceived slights."
"Whatever Lady Catherine has to say," Darcy stated in a determined tone, "we have set the wedding for six weeks and it will occur from Cheapside Parrish."
"Six weeks," Lord Fitzwilliam glared in askance. He chose not to make comment of the location.
"I have been away from Pemberley for too long," Darcy sighed heavily as he ignored the insinuation. "The season is over and there are preparations to make for the next, as well as the harvest, sheering and breeding programs. I cannot remain in town and I wish Elizabeth with me. We will be presenting Georgiana after another season but first my wife will need to learn to navigate her way among society so she may be of use to our sister."
"You want her presented at court?" James stated, edging closer to his nephew. He more than understood the work the young woman would need to achieve for that to occur. "Now I see the reason for our support. Your plans for this country nobody are audacious."
"When you have the opportunity to meet my Elizabeth," here Darcy paused to let a small smile cover his face, "you will see she is more than capable to the task."
"Then," James gulped the remainder of his coffee, "I am glad you have chosen well. Now, I hear footsteps outside the room. I fear Catherine has uncovered your tenure in my book room."
"Write your letter to Richard, Uncle, and please do not forget the announcement for The Times," Darcy scowled. "What I have to say to Lady Catherine should not be heard by others. I am only grieved it has to occur in your home."
Watching the younger man rise, Darcy straightened his back and steeled his spine. James Fitzwilliam would never allow his nephew to see the delight in his eyes. In many ways, Darcy and Catherine were similar in nature. Stubborn, conceited, pride filled, however in essentials, Darcy would always triumph.
"I wish to speak with you," Lady Catherine shouted the moment she noticed her nephew exit the book room.
"I beg you do not inopportune me if the subject is my cousin Anne or my betrothed," Darcy glared, daring her to take this further.
"Betrothed," Catherine's face turned red, then purple and finally grew pale. Finding her way to a settee, the woman almost fell onto the luxurious chair. Furious, she could not speak a word while her mind attempted to process the reality of Darcy's statement.
"I warn you now, Aunt Catherine," Darcy's tone took on the same steal as the glare in his orbs. Using the opportunity, he said what he came to say. "Do not try to poison my emotions for Elizabeth nor hers for me. We marry for love and noting you can say will part us. I have expelled you from my homes for less." Before the ire rising in the woman could find form, Darcy's glowering expression stopped any retort. "This cut does not need to become public knowledge. However, if you so much as taint my fiancée or her family's reputation with a false word or action toward them, I will make the severing of our relationship permeant and make it well known amongst all society. You will be the one who is shunned as you come to understand the consequence and respect given to my position as Master of Pemberley. Richard will stand by me, especially if you say such vile untruths against my cousin or his wife. Let me be very clear upon one thing. Anne approached me. Anne planned her marriage to Richard for two years prior to her majority. Anne used me as the vessel for her escape from your tyrannical rein at Rosings Park and not a moment too soon. Your condescension has turned every tenant and servant against you. Even that sycophant of a rector has changed allegiance. I leave you with this thought. Do not go back to the Dower House and expect a warm welcome. The servants have had to be payed double to be removed from their current Master and Mistress. Good day to you, Madam, I do not expect we shall meet again any time soon."
With that, still hearing the spluttering behind him, Darcy exited the building. Mr. Sims smiled warmly upon opening the door. From the door jamb of his book room, James clapped his hand and allowed his cold eyes to rake over his sister.
"I could not have said it better," Lord Fitzwilliam rose to his full height of an inch below that of his nephew. "I will go further. You are not returning to Rosings Park nor will you continue to behave as you have in my house. I am the head of this family and as you have spent the entirety of your dowry, thus your upkeep is now at my pleasure. So Catherine, I will furnish you with a small cottage on Matlock land with two servants and a small strip end for the rest of your days, or you can pack your trunks and see which of your many friends will host you. I expect an answer by breakfast. Sims," he called to the butler, "when is breakfast to be called."
"I believe," he bowed, "the cook rang the bell a few minutes past. Lady Susan has entered the breakfast room."
"So Catherine, what is it to be? Shall I have Sims tell your ladies maid to pack immediately or later in the week, once I have alerted my steward to a new tenant?" James demanded of his sister.
"Very well, brother," Catherine spat, turning her back and climbing the stairs, "you have made your point. I will take a tray in my room."
"Sims," James indicated the butler.
"Very good, Sir," he responded, hurrying to the kitchen. Within an hour all the servants at both Honeymead and Leighwood knew of the familiar schism. Even well paid and loyal servants could not keep such news completely to themselves, especially as the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh deferred to them as if dirt under her sole. By dinner time, much of fashionable London would understand Lord Matlock barely tolerated his overbearing sister and soon she was to be banished to the wilds of Derbyshire.