Holding the stem carefully, Anne took her shears to the base and clipped the bloom free from the rest of its pretty neighbours. She carefully lay the apricot tea rose atop her already overflowing cutting basket. Anne loved the rose garden at Rosings during early summer, she had missed seeing the garden flower in all its splendour. The botanical delight of carefully orchestrated displays throughout the various themed gardens at Rosings had been one of her father's greatest achievements. Upon hearing the crunch of gravel underfoot, she turned her face towards the house and smiled upon seeing Darcy approach.
"I thought mother would appreciate some fresh blooms from the garden for her rooms. It seems such a shame that she cannot enjoy the gardens when they are looking so mighty fine."
"You are too kind Anne, I am sure your mother will be most pleased at such a thoughtful gesture."
"When do you leave?" Anne asked placing her basket on the ground.
At such a direct question, Darcy looked slightly uncomfortable. He still had misgivings over the idea of leaving Anne on her own. He had been at Rosings Park only two full days, and although his aunt kept to her rooms, and all seemed well; Darcy could not help but feel something was amiss. His aunt was very much her sharp tongued, astute self. There seemed no more lasting damage from her ordeal than a short spell of bed rest could not mend. She had spoken of a sore hip as though merely passing conversation. It was her need for Anne to remain at Rosings which she spoke of repeatedly and with fierce determination.
"Are you quite certain you do not wish me to stay, at least until the end of the week?" Darcy asked for what felt like the umpteenth time that morning. "It is no hardship if you would wish me to remain I assure you."
"Darcy as we have already discussed I shall be fine. I am most certain you should indeed leave for Pemberley this very morning. You know my feelings on the matter. In hindsight I should not have asked you to come to Rosings with me, yet how were we to know the situation was not quite so dire as it first was described? I am afraid you being here, arriving alongside myself has only seemed to add more fuel to mother's fire."
"Yes, I must admit she did seem rather pleased seeing the two of us together. But Anne surely, she cannot still think there is any hope on that front? You have told me, you previously made yourself quite clear a marriage between us would never take place."
"Yes but that does not stop mother wishing for it to be so." She stooped to pick up her basket which Darcy offered to carry for her instantly.
"I shall be fine. Remember this is my home too. She needs to realise that she cannot always have her own way. It is also about time I stood up to her. I cannot just keep avoiding her. Perhaps if we simply discuss the matter calmly, with no drama, then things will all work out fine. No more hysterics. It is about time I handle my mother, and I believe it is a job I must do, and it must be done on my own."
"I am inclined to agree with our earlier discussion. I do believe your mother has taken advantage over the situation in order to send for your immediate return."
"It pains me to think in such a cruel way," Anne replied, recalling their exchange after her first visit to see her mother upon their arrival. She had spoken to Darcy immediately regarding her concerns. "I am glad you agree and do not simply think I am being unkind. But you can see as well as I, there has been no serious repercussions from mother's fall." She hesitated a moment. "If such a thing as a fall even did occurre. Her overall manner and entire dismissal over wanting a nurse; well you do agree do you not, it is odd? I feel it has all been some clever ruse to simply bring me home. How triumphant she looked upon hearing you had returned with me also."
Darcy nodded in reply. He disliked thinking his aunt could be so devious as to fabricate such a scheme, yet the more he heard and saw of his aunt, the more he was inclined to think so.
"Well as you are certain, I shall likely take my leave before the hour is out. It is a fine day, and as I have no intention of travelling through London I should be well on the road by the this evening. Would you mind seeing that my letters are sent soon after my departure? There is a note for my steward and I have written to Charles Bingley in order to invite him and his sister's to bring Georgiana to Pemberley. I hope I can persuade them to remain until the end of the month. The London season is nearly all but over. Please feel free to join us at Pemberley if you so should wish. I know Georgiana would be exceedingly pleased to receive you. I do believe she has missed your company from Darcy House. Speaking of houses, did I tell you? Mr Bingley has been debating as to whether or not he shall buy an estate in Hertfordshire."
"Hertfordshire?" Anne asked. "Was he so taken with the place after his lease at Netherfield that he should wish to make home in the area?"
"It is that very home which has become for sale, though he still holds the lease until spring."
Anne looked at Darcy as they began to walk towards the house. "I see. And if he were to make an offer, you would likely visit him often I am sure. It is not far from Miss Elizabeth Bennet's family home, if I am not mistaken."
"No, you are quite correct in such an observation."
"Well if that be the case, I wish he purchase and soon. Perhaps you shall fair better upon longer acquaintance, the lady may still be yours yet."
"Anne do not joke upon such matters. You must understand, Miss Bennet was quite firm in her refusal of me. Though I will admit I cannot quite seem to forget her; I am not so deluded that I should make such a silly offer again."
"Pity, Anne replied." She stopped walking and faced Darcy. "Do you honestly believe that all hope is lost? Darcy do not be such a proud fool that you would allow the one woman whom you desire to so easily slip away. Why are men so caught up in their own actions that they cannot see nor understand the feelings and thoughts of the very woman whom they say they cannot forget?"
"Of who are you referring?" Darcy asked rather sternly. He respected Anne greatly but even she had no business to discuss his failed romantic endeavours. "Do not chastise me Anne when it is the action of another whom clouds your judgement."
"That is not fair and you know it."
Upon seeing the look on Anne's face, Darcy felt most apologetic. It seemed he could never quite trust his temper to say the right thing. Neither wonder Elizabeth had been so repungnant to his proposal.
"I apologise, I should not, it is not my place to comment." He looked at his cousin. At the ball he had watched Anne and Lord Colville on the dance floor. So easy and engrossed entirely in the company of the other. He had also observed Richard as he watched them together. The expression on his face had made Darcy uneasy. Although he loved Richard as a brother, he could not help but feel he was not the right man for Anne.
Ever since Richard had told Darcy of his intentions it had sat with him most uncomfortably. He did not know why. Surely, he should be happy at such plan? However, something about his declaration just felt off. Something in his cousin had changed. Be it his time spent in the army; Darcy could not tell. His cousin was not quite the jolly, carefree man whom he had once known. Was Anne aware of such a change?
"Anne I must ask; you told me once you never had any intention of marrying anyone. Do you still believe such a statement to be the case?"
"I once believed it to be so, now I am unsure. Why do you ask?"
"No reason in particular," he replied slowly. "I simply recall you said you refused to marry without love. A bold statement which I hope you shall remain firm and follow through."
She laughed, but the sound was hollow. "I am not against the concept of marriage. It is true I only ever wished to marry for love. Mother's insistence on our union only made me more determined.
You are no fool Darcy; I know you must suspect how I feel about Lord Colville. If he were to ask for my hand, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be his wife."
"And have you told the gentleman this?" She shook her head in response. "Anne it is clear to half of London that the man is quite besotted with you."
"Yet we have no understanding, he has not offered me anything nor told me outright that he cares for me in anyway other than friendship. I have heard nothing from him since I left London. I was a fool once in love Darcy, I shall not allow myself to be so used again."
"You refer to Richard?"
"What do you know of Richard," she asked alarmed. "Darcy, I beg you, please do not say anything more on that matter. It is in the past and it is where I wish it to always remain."
She stood starring up at him, her eyes wide but such with a panicked expression, Darcy felt he should not continue such a topic of conversation a moment longer.
"I shall directly say goodbye to Auth Catherine and be ready to leave within the hour."
He bowed curtly and turned, walking towards the house. As Anne watched him leave, she could not help but look up at the window on the second floor. She was certain they were being watched.
It was nearly seven that evening before Anne was sent word that her mother wished her daughter to join her in her chambers for dinner. She had tried to call upon mother after Darcy's departure but had been informed her Ladyship was resting. She had arranged the freshly cut flowers and left then with Mary. She had then spent the rest of the afternoon racing along the woodland's paths in her little buggy. Her favourite dapple-grey pony was not quite so thrilling as Amirah, but she loved the horse all the same.
Knocking on the door, she waited a moment until Mary let her into her mother's parlour. Instantly she saw the vase she had arranged her flowers in earlier upon her mother's desk. It was empty, the fresh blooms nowhere to be seen.
Her mother was no longer in her bed. Presently she sat on the chaise lounge, propped up on numerous pillows, her skirts falling in a mass of silk to the floor.
"So you have finally decided to show your face."
"Mother what do you mean, I came to you as soon as you called for me. I wished to visit with you earlier but was told you were resting. How glad I am to see you out of bed and looking in such fine spirits."
Her mother twisted her mouth in a most unpleasant expression. Anne felt the familiar tightening in her chest and worry in her stomach. Her mother was clearly not in fine spirits.
"Such a disappointment you are Anne. Once again you send Darcy on his merry way. Must I remind you of your duty to this family."
"Mother please no more of this, the matter is closed."
"I had thought you going with him to London would be the most excellent of plans. Why else do you think I allowed for you to leave this house after such a vulgar display of your character. Mark my words girl he will not wait for you forever."
"Mother I.."
Her mother raised her hand, she was not done yet.
"And to think I was worried that your idiotic refusal was due to you still being love struck over Colonel Fitzwilliam. I must admit you had me almost worried the way you barged in here, entirely uninvited. Demanding that I, I of all people, explain my actions. I simply corrected the mess in which you had allowed yourself to be caught up. Oh, what a disappointment you are. So foolish. I was prepared then to put it down to a mere youthful indiscretion, but now, NOW, it would appear you are no better. Gallivanting around London with any gentleman who is stupid enough to show you favour. Have you no shame!"
Anne stood, her palms sweating as she looked upon her mother. Her cheeks were flushed, her shoulders back, the trill of confrontation made her eyes bright.
"What in heavens do you mean, mother please..."
"I will not be interrupted. I saw you with Darcy this morning, you all but sent him away you foolish girl. And for what? For who would be foolish enough to have you? Do you really think this Edward Colville is serious in his pursuit of you? Oh Anne, I pity you. Men do not fall in love with a woman such as you. Love is but an illusion. I shall not allow such behaviour to continue one moment longer; do you hear me? And who even is this man? Some nobody! You are banned from seeing this Colville ever again. His name shall never again be mentioned!"
Her mother sat back, panting slightly after such a venomous attack. She smiled at Anne's paling face. Good. It would not take her long to get her back in line.
"Who spoke to you of Lord Colville," Anne asked quietly, she noted her mother had not used his title and she was quite the stickler for proper address. She looked directly into her mother's cold, pale blue eyes. "What is it you believe you know of Edward?"
"Do not dare use his christen name in my house!"
"This is not your house!" Anne all but screamed. "Rosings Park is not your house mother, you are only mistress as I allow it to be so, but this is my house. Father left this house to me. I will ask you again, how do you know of Lord Colville?"
"Your father," her mother all but spat, "how dare you mention your father to me. Why you are just like him. Selfish. Uncaring. An utter disappointment. He had no thought or regard for me. Why he left me too did he not, just like you. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Both of you as foolish and selfish as the another."
"No not speak of my father in such a manner. You have no right! No right, to defame his character when you know full well it is you who is selfish; it is you who is uncaring! I will ask you one more time, how do you know of Edward Colville."
"Darcy told me of your foolish behaviour before he left. Of course, he should tell me. At least he had the good sense to be worried for you reputation when you are so damned set on being a disgrace to the family name."
"You lie," Anne replied firmly meeting her mother's gaze and determined she should not yield, not this time. "You lie mother. Darcy would say no such thing. As mistress of this house I demand you tell me what I wish to know."
Her mother starred back at her, shocked from where she sat. She felt an uneasiness. Never before had Anne quite challenged her authority to this extent. Never before had she referred to herself as mistress of Rosings Park. This was her home; she was the only mistress Rosings Park could ever desire. Without even thinking Lady Catherine glanced towards her desk. It was just a small gesture, but one Anne was quick to understand.
Moving swiftly across the room Anne moved towards the writing desk.
"I forbid you to touch my things," her mother screamed at her. "Anne get away from there. There is nothing for you there, return to me this instant."
But it was too late. Upon the desk, just as her mother had thrown it down in disgust earlier that morning, lay a letter. Instantly Anne recognised the handwriting. He had written, she smiled as she reached to lift the letter. No sooner was the paper within her hand, when a force knocked her sideways, causing her to crash hard against the wall. Her mother, letter in hand, flew across the room towards the fire. Seconds later the letter was gone, dissolved within the flames.
Anne stumbled to her feet and leaned against the wall. The pain in her ribs was acute. Had her mother really just assaulted her person? Her mother stood tall next to the fire, her back straight, her face smiling with satisfaction as the glow of the fire flickered across her features.
"You took my letter? You kept my letters from me? How dare you mother!"
"How dare I? You are my daughter. You belong to me. Do not act all high and mighty with me. I read it, I read it all. Sentimental. Disgusting. How could you be so foolish, carrying on like some wanton harlot; in front of all of London to see. Mark my words girl you will be thanking me. There is no place in this world for such foolish sentiments. Love does not make one happy. It dies and leaves you to fester in its wake. You may hate me now but you will thank me. While under my roof you shall do as I say. Now go to your room for I cannot bare to look upon you one moment longer."
Anne gripped her painful side, yet the pain was nowhere near as acute as the pain she felt due to her mothers actions.
"You are right," she said firmly. "Yet it shall not be me who leaves quietly. Look at me mother. For once I demand you to look at me. I am your daughter yet you treat me as though I was something you despised, something shameful. I shall endure such treatment no more.
You have this evening to pack what you require. You may have a carriage and I shall allow you the use of the house in Bath. You shall be gone from Rosings Park before first light. Do you understand me mother? I forbid you to stay in my house any longer. So, you see, it is I who shall no longer look upon you."
"You dare speak to me in such a manner, you insolent, vile..."
Anne held her hand up, a gesture her own mother knew only too well.
"Enough," she said firmly. "That is quite enough. I shall not be berated by you any longer. There is no one to chastise apart from you and your own conduct. You have driven me to this decision, a decision I am sad to enforce, yet do so I must. I want you gone from my house."
Anne walked to the door, one hand covering the pain in her side. As she opened the door, she paused and looked back towards her mother. Lady Catherine stood silent, her mouth slightly agape, all colour drained from her face.
"I am glad to see your hip has much improved mother. I shall send Mary in directly to help you pack."