Darcy woke to the sound of his phone going off. He looked out and saw a text from Elizabeth, "Good morning," he read what she wrote.
He stretched and yawned, "You are up early," he wrote her back still trying to clear the fog of sleep that lingered.
"Yes, well I didn't want my sister to change her mind about our shopping plans," she typed in. "I know you are busy, but do you think we will get to see each other this evening?"
Darcy felt bad that he couldn't drive out and see Elizabeth the night before. "I hope so. Richard has a stack of files he needs us to get through that are waiting on my desk," he wrote.
Elizabeth was disappointed. "I understand," she wrote to him. "I feel like we are a million miles apart right now instead of the few short miles it actually is from Meryton to London."
"You could come to London and stay with Georgiana and me at the house if you like," he suggested.
Elizabeth smiled, "I think that would be more temptation than I could manage Mr. Darcy," she teased him.
Darcy loved her teasing, even over the phone through text she had a way of enticing him. "On second thought, if I'm to keep my promise, then I think I better come there to see you, where we have your father's watchful eye keeping us accountable."
Elizabeth loved flirting with him. "Although," she typed in. "even with his watchful eye there is nothing stopping us from taking a walk in the gardens after dinner, looking up at the stars and sharing a kiss..." she wrote.
Darcy couldn't resist the temptation of spending more time with her. "I will be there this evening for dinner, please let your mother know," he wrote, then sent, "I love you."
Elizabeth smiled to herself as she put her phone away. She knew that with the right motivation she would be able to get Will to leave his office and come see her. Now she just had to make sure she had the right incentive for her sister Mary to get the makeover they wanted for her.
Darcy put his phone back down on his nightstand and was just about to head into the shower when it went off again. He was going to ignore it, but at the last-minute decided not to in case Elizabeth remembered something more she wanted to tell him. Just as he picked up the phone, Richard called, "Darcy we need to talk."
"Well good morning to you too," Darcy told him.
"I'm afraid this is serious," Richard told him.
"What's wrong?" he asked concerned.
"I just got a call from an old friend who works for that gossip magazine, 'Rumors and Secrets.' She told me that Aunt Catherine is considering giving them an interview," he told him. "A story that could prove to be embarrassing to Elizabeth."
"She won't say anything to the press, she wouldn't stoop down to using them to get her way," Darcy said.
"Darcy, she reached out to them. She told them that the wedding is in October. She suggested that there may be a need to 'rush' to the altar. My friend wanted to give me notice ahead of time, that if Aunt Catherine is willing to go on the record with these allegations, then her editor is willing to run the story."
Darcy was angry, "How did Aunt Catherine know we decided to marry in October?" he demanded to know. "We only decided on that date yesterday."
Richard shook his head, "I have no idea," he responded.
"It doesn't matter. There is no truth in her accusations. Elizabeth and I haven't even been intimate," he admitted.
"Darcy, you know there doesn't have to be truth in these kinds of stories for it to sell. People will believe it just because they have a quote from Lady Catherine de Bourgh," Richard told him. "I just think you and Elizabeth should be prepared to make a statement. I know Aunt Catherine has always been controlling of other people, but the extent she's going to, to try and get her way is surprising to even me."
"Richard, I will be in later," he told him trying to control the anger he was now struggling with.
Richard knew what he was planning. "Darcy, do you really think it wise to go and see her while you are upset?"
"I just want to make it very clear what is at stake for her if she goes ahead with these lies about Elizabeth. I want her to understand that she's going down a road we will never come back from," he told him. "Listen, in case I can't get her to change her mind can you run interference for me with your father. Please let him know that there is no truth to her accusations, and once he meets Elizabeth, he will know why I'm marrying her."
"Sure, I will talk to him later this morning let him know what is happening," he told him. "You know Darcy we could always just buy the newspaper and kill the story altogether," he joked.
Darcy thought about it, "You know that may not be such a bad idea," he told him. "Maybe we should consider that," he said before hanging up the phone.
"Darcy, I was kidding," Richard said as the line went dead. "I was kidding," he mumbled to himself. He let out a small sigh and then called his father to go over all the current drama that his Aunt Catherine was attempting to cause.
A short time later Darcy finished in the shower and was just headed down the stairs when Rupert called out to him. "Sir you have a letter that arrived just a little while ago. I believe it may be important. It was sent certified mail and required that I sign for it."
Darcy was puzzled, "That's odd," he mumbled. "I wasn't expecting anything," he said as he went into his study and picked up the letter from his desk. All he had to do was see the return address to know it was trouble. The letter was from Wickham. He sat down at his desk and opened it.
To my dear future brother,
I have heard the good news and am so glad to be able to wish you joy on your engagement. Of course, now we really shall be brothers, just as I have always hoped for. Since we will all be one happy family I feel free to tell you while I was overjoyed by this news of your upcoming marriage to our dear Elizabeth, I was equally saddened to learn that the wedding is being held in October. Truly Darcy this slight does hurt me terribly because of course you know by marrying in October, Lydia and I will be unable to attend the ceremony. I did so want to be there to share in your joy as we welcome you into the family, but alas it cannot be. I will simply have to console myself with the knowledge that you and Elizabeth will be happy. Of course, I must ask you, is such a "rushed" wedding wise? I mean marrying so soon after the engagement is announced is bound to get some thinking and imagining all sorts of reasons why you cannot wait until a time when Elizabeth's entire family could attend? You do know how society can talk, the whispers, the rumors, the looks, it can be so painful to have doubt cast upon your character. After all, I know how important it is for you to have family and friends love and welcome Elizabeth into your circle.
Of course, when I spoke with Lady Catherine just last night she was very surprised to learn that the wedding would be so soon. Darcy, you should know that she has come under the notion that perhaps Elizabeth is in a situation that requires the two of you to marry sooner rather than later. For my part, I did my best to dissuade her from such thoughts, but she's very determined that there must be some other reason for your marrying our dear Elizabeth than that of true love. It seems she just cannot believe that you would really stoop so low as to marry someone so clearly beneath you unless you felt honor bound or trapped.
I imagine there will be so many questions as to "why" the two of you must hurry and marry. Tell me, Darcy, can you explain to Lady Catherine why you must marry your precious Lizzy now? Will you tell her why you don't want her sister Lydia and me to be there to share in the joy? I wonder will you really expose your beloved sister to the scrutiny? I think not…
In writing this, I just wanted you to know that we, of course, don't give any thought to such ugly rumors. Although if you and Elizabeth decided to wait until say June of next year, my darling Lydia and I would be overjoyed to be able to attend the occasion and celebrate with the rest of the family. I so look forward to being there…
Your brother,
George Wickham
Darcy was angry, of course, it was Wickham that set his Aunt Catherine off. He should have known that he would stir up trouble. Mrs. Bennet must have spoken to Lydia what they decided and then she told Wickham. He shook his head in frustration as he tore the letter up and went to see his aunt.
Charlotte was up early and already packing by the time Collins came into the bedroom. "So, we are agreed that you will go and stay with your parents for a time until things calm down here," he reminded her. The day before they got into a rather heated argument about Elizabeth and Darcy becoming engaged. Collins kept complaining to her about the heartache Lady Catherine was going through because of his cousin Elizabeth's behavior. Charlotte tried to be patient, but after hearing the same complaints several times, she asked to change the subject and speak of something else. Then he accused her of taking sides and not understanding how difficult this was for him. It was at that point that Charlotte became angry with him and refused to speak to him the rest of the night.
"I know we both said some things yesterday, but I do still think this is for the best," he told her.
She looked over at him as fresh anger flashed in her eyes, "William let me be clear you are the reason I'm leaving and going to stay with my mother!" she snapped at him. "Lady Catherine's behavior was to be expected. I knew she would never approve of Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy, but your constant belittling of my friend, your comments about her younger sister Lydia and comparing the two situations as if they have anything in common has hurt me deeply. I will not be returning to this house, or to you until you apologize to me," she told him.
He shook his head in frustration, "Charlotte what has gotten into you?" he demanded to know. "Over these past few weeks, you have become more and more difficult. I don't understand this change in your attitude."
She slammed down her suitcase, "Nothing has gotten into me, William! I have just finally found my voice," she told him. "Now you have a choice to make. You can continue to barrage my friend with insults, gossip and speak lies about her with Lady Catherine or you can be the man I hoped you were and tell her Ladyship that since Elizabeth is family and a dear friend to me, you feel it would be improper to discuss these things with her further."
Collins let out a heavy sigh, "Charlotte you don't know what you are asking of me?" he told her. "She will fire me for being insubordinate."
"Then you can always find another job someplace else," she reminded him. "I will be at my mother's if you should change your mind and decide that you want your wife here with you or if you want to continue spending all your time agreeing with Lady Catherine."
Collins shook his head, "Charlotte please be reasonable," he pleaded with her. "When I suggested you go and visit with your mother I assumed it would give you time to realize that as Lady Catherine's lawyer I'm in a delicate position. I realize that Elizabeth is your friend, but even you must admit that they are marrying very quickly," he told her. "What is the need, why can't they step back and wait as Lady Catherine has suggested?"
Charlotte didn't want to lose her temper, "You and I knew each other for less time than Elizabeth has known Darcy, and you saw no issue with our marriage happening so quickly," she reminded him.
"That was different," he told her.
"Why was it different?" she demanded to know.
"Because..." was all he would say.
"Because why?" she demanded to know.
He shifted around uncomfortably without saying anything. Charlotte waited several minutes for him to respond but when he didn't, she picked up her case and headed for the door. "Charlotte..." he called out to her as she walked down the stairs. "Charlotte, please wait," he called again as she reached out to open the front door.
She stopped and turned to look back up at him. "William, I told you how I feel, where we go from here is entirely up to you. I will be at my parent's house waiting to hear from you," she told him as she opened the door. "I would caution you not to take too much time in deciding what you want because while I'm away, I might just change my mind about what I want!" she said before she slammed the door and left.
Collins slumped down at the top of the stairs. He took in a long deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. He had no clue as to why Charlotte was acting the way she was all of the sudden. One of the things that attracted him to her was her desire to be married and her supportive nature. He never dreamed she would be so demanding and unwilling to listen to reason. He knew she was friends with Elizabeth, but surely, she must see Lady Catherine's point of view in all of this. After all, her nephew was far more superior in standing and society than his cousin.
Darcy stood in his Aunt Catherine's lounge waiting for her to come in. He was determined to make her see reason or else. The longer she made him wait, the more agitated he became. He walked over to the window and stared off into the gardens; he was truly ashamed that his aunt was behaving as she was. This should be such a happy time in her life, she was about to become a grandmother, but she would not even see her own daughter, and now here she was attacking him. If only she would give just a little her home could once again be filled with the sound of laughter, and love.
"Well Fitzwilliam, have you come to admit you were wrong?" she demanded as she came into the room. "Have you come to your senses and realized what a mistake it is you were about to make?"
Darcy turned around and looked at his aunt. He kept his voice calm and steady, "No Aunt Catherine I have come to tell you I know about the interview you have scheduled to do with that gossip rag," he told her. "I also know that you have been talking to George Wickham and that you are planning to tell the press lies about Elizabeth and myself," he told her.
Lady Catherine stood her ground, "If I did plan to do such a thing it would be out of my affection for you and Georgiana," she defended her actions. "Besides for all I know Miss Bennet may well be pregnant, that certainly would explain the need to marry so quickly! Really the very fact that you are marrying so soon suggests that she's trying to entrap you, but you are too blind to see it."
Darcy held his temper in check, "Elizabeth is not pregnant. I'm marrying her because I love her and she's in love with me," he told her.
"You don't even know or understand what real love is," she snapped back at him. "You think you love this girl because she has taken you in with her smiles and her flattery. You have no idea the pain and heartbreak you are about to cause yourself and the damage you will do to Georgiana's future by marrying this girl!"
"Aunt Catherine I'm warning you if you go ahead with this plan; if you speak to the press and repeat these made up lies about Elizabeth and myself..." he began to say, his temper getting the better of him.
"You'll what?" she demanded to know. "I will speak to whomever I choose, and I will tell them exactly what I think of your Elizabeth Bennet. She's a fortune seeking, a status climbing girl who doesn't know her place. She's nothing compared to you and Georgiana, but you are too blinded by your hormones to see that," she told him, her voice laced with bitterness and anger. "I had such high hopes for you, and you are about to throw it all away for some low standing trash. To think how you will pollute Pemberley by bringing that girl into my sister's home..."
Darcy was no longer able to contain his anger, "Aunt Catherine be very careful of the words you choose when speaking of my future wife!" he warned her. "If you so much as say one word to the press. If you repeat any of these lies to anyone, I will never speak to you again. I will cut you out of my life; you will never be welcome at Pemberley again! If you continue in this way, I shall never come here to see you again!" he told her plainly. "If you do this we are through!"
She was taken aback. "You would cut off family, your own flesh, and blood? Would you really treat me this way? Why I have practically been like a second mother to you?" she reminded him.
He was not going allow himself to be manipulated. "I love Elizabeth; she means everything in the world to me. I will not stand here and listen as you attack, and call her names," he told her. "I will not stand by and have you attack her character in the press or seek to ruin her reputation," he told her. "You have no idea how ashamed I feel for you and this behavior you are exhibiting right now. The great Lady Catherine de Bourgh is about to give an interview to a gossip rag about family matters?" he accused her. "Have you really fallen so low that you would do such a horrible thing to your own family?"
"To save them I would!" she shouted at him. "To save you from yourself! You are not thinking clearly or else you would know that what I'm telling you is true!"
Darcy took in a long deep breath; he could see this was getting him nowhere. "Aunt Catherine you have a decision to make because regardless of what you do. Regardless of who you talk to, or tell lies to, I'm marrying Elizabeth in October," he warned her. "The only thing you will accomplish in spreading your lies is to separate yourself from your family forever," he told her before he headed for the door. "You have already alienated yourself from Anne, do you really want to make the same mistake again with Georgiana and me?"
Lady Catherine walked over and sat down on the sofa. She looked up at Darcy, "Fitzwilliam if you leave here today still determined to go ahead with your plans to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet then I shall do everything in my power to see that Georgiana is removed from your care. I will hire every attorney and drag you both through the court systems to ensure her future," she threatened in a cold and calculated voice. "I will take her from you; I promise you that!"
Darcy felt nothing but disgust for her at that moment, "You do what you have to do Aunt Catherine, but just remember that the road you are about to go down will be very difficult to ever return from," he warned her before he left Rosings Park.
Darcy got into his car and called Richard, "I want to go and see your father," he told him as soon as he answered.
Richard could tell by Darcy's voice things didn't go well. "I take it Aunt Catherine is planning to go ahead with her interview then?"
"Yes, and she's now threatening to try to take over guardianship of Georgiana," he told him.
Richard was stunned, "She can't be seriously considering that?"
"She made it very clear," Darcy told him. "I'm either to bow to her wishes and not marry Elizabeth, or she will start proceedings to get guardianship of Georgiana."
Richard felt bad for his cousin, "Darcy you know she doesn't have a legal leg to stand on when it comes to Georgiana," he reminded him. "It's an empty threat, Georgie is almost seventeen there is no way a judge would take her out of your care just because Lady Catherine does not like your choice for a wife. Besides that, she would have to prove you and I both unfit, and she has no way of doing that."
"I know that Richard," Darcy told him. "But she's just selfish enough to drag Georgiana through the whole circus anyway, and we both know there are enough money hungry lawyers out there that would take on her case."
Richard knew he was right, "Georgiana is so much stronger now than she was even six months ago. If Aunt Catherine should go ahead with this ridiculous threat, then Georgiana will have no problems telling a lawyer or a judge who she wants to remain with," he reminded him.
"I just don't want to put her through that. The press would have a field day. They wouldn't leave her alone," Darcy told him. "Listen I will talk to you more once I'm done speaking with your father," he told him. "Will you call Uncle John for me, tell him I will be there in about an hour," he told him.
"I will make the call now Darcy," he told him. "Do you want me to meet you there, you know a show of support and all that?"
"No, I want to speak with him alone. I should have from the beginning," he told him. "I will let you know how things go when I get back to the office," he told him before he hung up the phone.