AN: There was some confusion with the time-frame. So here is the run down:
Proposal: Tues 6 Oct?, according to MacKinnon and Chapman
Netherfied dinner 10/12
London: leave on 10/15 to stay the rest of the month
10/18 Matlock party: Lady Catherine arrives
10/19 – picnic
10/20 – Lady Matlock visit (we are still here)
10/22 – Opera Wedding Date: November 14th (originally they discussed the 21st)
Ch 23 – Completed Business
Mr. Banks was habitually an honest man possessing a diplomatic outlook and sensible speech that made his services invaluable to Darcy. He was not one to question his employer, but he felt compelled to voice the misgivings and concern that he had since receiving Darcy's letter outlining a very generous settlement. "Sir, I apologize for my wariness, but I must ask if you are quite certain about the figures delineated in the paperwork. You are financially capable of marrying into a family of no fortune, though I would not be doing my duty to you if I did not voice my opinion. To provide this sum and even…"
Darcy put his hand up to stop the man, "Mr. Banks, I do appreciate your opinion however, I will not be moved. Mr. Bennet has not discussed numbers with me; it is my wish to provide for my bride and her family. I do not want to hear another word against the Bennets. Now, please make the changes we discussed and bring it back to me to sign. Are you able to travel to Longbourn to secure Mr. Bennet's signature and leave a copy?"
At the solicitor's nod, Fitzwilliam Darcy happily sent the man away with only a few corrections to the documentation. He was glad that Georgiana had left earlier to spend the morning with his Aunt and Elizabeth. He had received a note from his Uncle when his solicitor arrived and it seemed he had more matters that required attention before he could visit the Gardiner's home.
Bingley was anxious to leave. He had planned to browse the shops to purchase a trinket for Jane before going to her. He popped his head into the study when he heard the entry door close on Mr. Banks. "Darcy, are you riding out with me? Perhaps you can introduce me to your jeweler?"
Darcy looked up from the papers spread out on his desk and answered, "I am afraid that my Uncle requires me, so I will have to meet you at the Gardiners later. I will be happy to introduce you to the jeweler. I expect him to call in a few days with some items to look over and you may join me in that meeting." He moved all the papers into one pile and a thought occurred to him. "Bingley, can you take a note to Miss Elizabeth? I am not certain how long my discussion with my Uncle will be."
Bingley quickly agreed and tucked the quickly written note into his coat pocket.
After Darcy said farewell to Bingley and arranged to meet at the Gardiner's home, he climbed into his carriage and made his way to the Fitzwilliam townhouse. He wasn't certain what his Uncle wanted exactly since the note delivered by Matlock's footman was vague.
Darcy,
Do finish your morning business and come to my home with all due haste.
Your Uncle Richard
Darcy considered that the only reason for urgency, that he was aware of, had to do with Lady Catherine. He had not heard of the Lady's departure. He had a short letter penned to Anne, and planned to send an express rider to Rosings later in the afternoon once he collected Elizabeth's letter. He briefly chuckled, thinking of Lady Catherine's reaction if he asked her to personally deliver the correspondence.
As the carriage came to a smart stop he spared a thought for his cousin, Geoffrey, wondering where he was, considering the supposed urgent matter. Darcy hopped up the front steps, knocked, and then was astonished to have the door opened by none other than his cousin. "Fitzwilliam, what on earth?"
"Shhh," he admonished and ushered him into the hall, stopping by the study door. "I have sent the servants away so they are not privy to the squabble."
Darcy raised his brow at his cousin's behavior, realizing that it was more likely that he was eavesdropping and did not want witnesses. He was about to ask for particulars when his Aunt's shrill voice reverberated from the closed door. Her voice was such that the floor seemed to vibrate and gooseflesh rose on the back of his neck. He stood frozen and listened shamelessly at the door with his cousin.
"Now, Catherine, you are acting rather like a spoiled child. I am sorry for Anne. She has been under your control all this time and yet, you have learned nothing from motherhood other than greed." Although the Earl's voice was raised, he sounded calm and unaffected by his sister's harangue.
Lady Catherine harrumphed loudly, "The nerve! I am above reproof and do not speak to me about my daughter. She is the soul of refinement. I do not understand your behavior. You and that wife of yours, defending the chit and refusing to stand with me, your own family!"
"She is the 'soul of refinement' as you say, considering she does not stand up to you as she ought. You do not seem to consider anyone worthy of entering this family, if your comment about my wife is an indication of your true feelings. Darcy is a part of our family, or have you forgotten? I sent him a note earlier and expect him shortly. It is not wise of you to criticize when he is not present to defend himself. He is, after all, a man full grown."
Taking his cue, Darcy gave his cousin a doubtful, unhappy look before opening the door. He gestured for the Colonel to join them and shut the door. "Thank you, Uncle. I quite agree with your assessment of myself." He joined the group, noticing Lady Catherine's shocked countenance at the interruption. "Do not mind me. Pray, continue."
Lord Matlock was a little amused at Darcy's timing and correctly assumed that the two cousins had been listening into the conversation. "Nice of you to make an appearance. As you can see, your Aunt is here and wishes to state her opinions. Catherine, is there anything you would like to say before you take your leave? I imagine that Kent is faring poorly without your direction."
Lady Catherine sneered before replying, "There is much that needs be said. What do you intend to do about Anne, Darcy?"
The question took Darcy by surprise. "I do not have the pleasure of understanding you. What is it you mean?"
The Colonel could not contain his interjection, "Perhaps you ought to parade Anne around town with you, eh Darcy? What do you say about an auction, Aunt? You could marry her off to the highest bidder."
Lord Matlock scowled at his son's brass manners while Lady Catherine shrieked in outrage, "I never!"
But the Colonel ignored them both and continued, stroking his chin in thought. "Of course, she is of age. I suppose she could handle the business herself and ship you off to the dowager house to hold court there." Lord Matlock rolled his eyes and braced himself for his sister's explosion.
"Richard! Did you never teach your son how to behave in company? I will not be spoken to in that manner, Fitzwilliam! The very idea! It is not done. Anne is full grown, but she is unable to make such decisions. She…"
Darcy raised his hands, "She is not capable of making decisions because she has been sheltered for too long and never had the opportunity to choose anything. I doubt you let her choose what to wear each day or the books to entertain herself with. How is she ever to run her own home without someone continually telling her what her opinion is?" Lady Catherine opened her mouth to answer indignantly before Darcy continued. "It was a rhetorical question. Do not worry about Anne. I have already sent a letter to her today extending an invitation to stay with Georgiana at Pemberley." Of course, he had not yet sent it, but did not want her to intercept the correspondence.
"With Georgiana?" Lady Catherine huffed, "I suppose Anne's companionship will do the girl some good."
"It is Anne who will do well with Georgiana's company, and also with the guidance of Elizabeth. They have agreed to have her. If it is possible, I will introduce her to some eligible gentlemen."
Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes questioning Darcy's judgment and Elizabeth's influence. It was Lord Matlock who answered. "That is wonderful. Do you suppose Anne will agree?"
Darcy looked directly at his Aunt, "It was her idea."
This seemed to please Lord Matlock and his son. However, Lady Catherine took a step back as if she was slapped and abruptly sat in a conveniently located chair. "How could she? Anne is abandoning me to stay with you and Miss Bennet?"
There was no pleasing Lady Catherine. Darcy had known that since childhood, yet he was still exasperated. "Anne will do nothing of the sort. She will visit my wife, my sister, and myself; and hopefully gain the confidence she needs to plan her life."
Lord Matlock took a seat by his sister. She looked so defeated that he took her hand, "Catherine, you must move on and stop controlling the girl. You cannot protect her from disappointment. Let go of your resentment from the past, it matters naught now. Anne will have Rosings; give her leave to become its Mistress while you can assist with household matters and guide her."
Lady Catherine squared her shoulders to return to her regal self. "What do you know of resentment, Richard? Did someone you love marry someone else in your own family? Were you compromised before marriage? Did you ever question the parentage of your children? I doubt very much that you ever had to live with such disappointment."
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were silent with uncertain astonishment. Darcy's thoughts were troubling and incomplete. Did she just admit to being in love with my father? She was compromised? Uncle De Bourgh was not Anne's father? What happened? She has always been unhappy…
The room was still and quiet waiting for Lady Catherine to collect her thoughts and speak. She did not. Lady Catherine took a breath stood and left the room to the bewildered gentlemen. Lord Matlock had long suspected that something traumatic had occurred to affect her temperament, but never truly knew the reason for her bitterness.
When they at last stirred from their respective contemplations, Lord Matlock offered the gentlemen some port and light conversation. They speculated over whether Lady Catherine would move past her former dissatisfaction and if she was presently on the road toward Kent. They hoped so.
P&P
Bingley was pleased with the Spanish lace fan he purchased for his bride. His plan was to offer the gift before their outing to the theater. He was so excited, he feared that if Jane so much as asked how he spent the morning, he would tell her all and spoil her surprise. He found himself whistling as he jumped from his horse at the house on Gracechuch Street around tea time.
Elizabeth was surprised that Bingley had not come with his friend—and amazed at how keenly she felt his absence, missing his presence. Before she had a chance to ask after Mr. Darcy, Bingley offered her a note and crossed the room to be closer to Jane. Elizabeth was slightly perplexed as she wandered closer to the window to read her note in relative privacy.
Dearest Elizabeth,
Do not be alarmed by my absence. I am sincerely vexed to be away from your smile longer than I had originally planned.
I remain yours,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
She smiled at the sentiment and looked up to see the object of her musings alighting from his carriage. He took one step toward the front steps, stopped and looked up at her in the window. Though they were separated by the glass, their locked gaze felt intimate to them both. He offered her a small smile and continued to the front entrance where he was admitted and met by his betrothed.
"I was just reading your note." He took her hand and rather than bow, he simply held it tightly. Immediately after laying eyes on her, he relaxed and felt an emotion resembling freedom. The end of the interview with his Aunt had shaken him more than he realized. "Fitzwilliam, what is it?"
He grinned slightly at her ability to understand him when so few did, "It is nothing. I simply had an unpleasant meeting with my Uncle. Was your morning pleasant?"
She nodded and squeezed his fingers in return, "I am here when you want to talk about it. The morning was nice. I am glad that Georgiana came. She is playing a game with the children and should be down shortly since the little ones still take a nap. Your Aunt has filled our evenings with dinner parties, I believe. And she has also managed to effectively give me cause to pine for you."
He leaned away from her and raised his brow, silently asking for an explanation to her extraordinary confession. She laughed and stepped closer to him and their joined hands. She continued quietly, "I must admit to you that I have never needed someone else so acutely. Your Aunt Helen seems to think that we are quite the topic of conversation and that there are even bets regarding our relationship."
"I am not surprised that there is talk. I will go to the club when I can to find out about the bets you speak of." He raised his free hand to move a curl from her cheek. They were standing so close that he could smell lavender and might kiss her head if he bent down slightly. As soon as the thought entered his mind a movement behind her caught his eye, causing him to square his shoulders.
He smiled at his sister as she happily skipped from the stair. Elizabeth let go of Darcy's hand and stepped away. "Georgie, I see that you are enjoying yourself. How was your morning? Did Aunt Helen behave herself? I already understand that she has us invited to parties every evening."
Georgiana curtseyed to her brother and responded, "That is an exaggeration. She only wants you to attend a couple functions. However, I think she wants to know Elizabeth better. We are to go shopping with her on Thursday and then again before Her Grace's tea party."
He could tell that Georgiana was excited by her animated facial expressions and was very grateful that Elizabeth was willing to include her. Smiling, he offered an arm to each lady to escort them into the drawing room. "I am happy to hear that. I expect both of my favorite ladies to enjoy themselves while in town and spend as much of my money as you may," he teased.
Elizabeth hung back when Georgiana went to sit. "Fitzwilliam, I hope you do not have reason to feel that I… What you just said…" She was at a loss for words how to articulate her feelings or position on spending his money before she had a right to do so. His comment, though she realized it was only a jest, made her uneasy. Already he had ordered numerous articles of clothing and accessories, and then his Aunt had even added to that order.
Darcy frowned and said quietly, "Lizzy, I will not have you feeling guilt over something as trivial as money." He tipped her chin up so that she could see his sincerity. "I have every intention of caring for your every whim. I want to indulge you and provide you all that is in my power. It would give me great pleasure."
Elizabeth took a breath and nodded, losing herself in his eyes. When he stepped away from her with discrete caress of her arm, she smiled. "You called me Lizzy."
As if a whirlwind entered the drawing room, Mrs. Gardiner came after ordering tea. She was reading one of the invitations passed to her by Lady Matlock. Mrs. Bennet was hot on her heels reading another and carrying on a one-sided conversation, "Do you believe who is hosting? Everyone who is anyone will be there! I am so glad that we ordered new gowns. Jane shall look so breathtakingly beautiful in the gown that arrived this morning, will she not? Who do you suppose will dance with Elizabeth? She is sure to dance every set—what with Mr. Darcy's family and her new acquaintances. Oh, the gowns and jewels! Imagine the furs the ladies will wear this time of year; I have always told Mr. Bennet that I would feel positively luxurious in mink."
Georgiana was amused by Mrs. Bennet. The woman did not seem to breathe when she started. In the last couple days she had learned to tolerate Mrs. Bennet's eccentrics and had found herself on the receiving end of her mothering ways. Georgiana asked sweetly, "Mrs. Bennet, have you ever had a season?"
Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth and Jane all shot Georgiana identical looks of horror that relayed the expletive, 'you must be joking?!'
When Mrs. Bennet began regaling Georgiana, Elizabeth smiled at Fitzwilliam, gazing at him flirtatiously through her lashes. Her antics at once attracted his full attention away from his future mother.
Tea was soon served, interrupting Mrs. Bennet and causing her to forget her train of thought in favor of complimenting the spread. Elizabeth retrieved her letter for Anne, which Darcy added into his own and then passed to a servant with instructions to convey it to one of his footmen waiting by the carriage. The footman was charged with delivering it to the messenger at Darcy House, who sat in the kitchen partaking of a late lunch. The messenger quickly stuffed his mouth and went to mount his horse. He raced toward Rosings to deliver the Master's letter before Lady Catherine arrived home.
AN: Please let me know what you think. I do read all of your reviews. They drive me to continue!
What kind of bets are the gentlemen placing do you suppose? Should Miss Bingley make an appearance at the Opera? Did Lady Catherine's admission change her outlook?
