Update ch 36
Dearest Elizabeth,
My resolve is being tested acutely. My horse is rested, and I could return to your side in a mere three hours. Yet, my place is here. Our first order of business was completed quickly. My aunt was receiving visitors when we arrived, so we sat through a few tedious calls before we could speak with her about Anne.
Every moment, I thought of you and how you would react. Their clothes, their manners, and their conversation was suspect. While I have spent many evenings observing your conversations in public, I could not guess with any certainty. I must wait until you are part of this society to hear your strictures on them. You stood up to Lady Catherine's rudeness and are no doubt still doing so with alacrity and poise. Lady Matlock and her callers would no doubt be equally diverting to you. More times than I could count I had to bite my lips to prevent my laughing openly in front of her. Lady Matlock is more of a strategist, so you may find that her character is more interesting to study. Most people do not even realize when they are being managed by her. I look forward to you meeting her.
After calling hours ended, we were able to speak with Lady Matlock. She had not seen Anne, nor had she heard of the elopement, though Lady Stanton's sister was at Lady Metcalfe's ball and suggested that I would announce my betrothal to Anne. I would have spit out my tea had I been drinking it. It would seem there are no rumors to cover regarding Anne and Warden, which shall simplify matters and pacify Lady Catherine. That is the only benefit, for with Anne not being at my aunt's home, I must search through the hotels to discover her. I do not look forward to such a task.
The colonel had planned to remain with his mother, but apparently he was not able to stomach her matchmaking schemes, and he has sought refuge here. We spoke late into the evening about our plans, until he fell asleep in my office.
He was late rising this morning, so I had a footman wake him in time to go to St. George's with Georgiana, who had also risen late. We usually attend St. George's services, but my aunt had invited me to St. Marks, and I could not refuse. I have spoken to the archbishop and have arranged for a special license on the condition that he speaks with the couple when they are found. Georgiana spoke through dinner about how much fun she had at church with our cousin. Richard really knows how to put on a show for her amusement. He had returned to his mother's home before dinner so he could not corroborate any of her tales, which sounded embellished, even for Richard.
I did not have time to visit with the Gardiners and Miss Bennet yet, however, I sent your letter to Miss Bennet and a note of my own to them as soon as I arrived home. They have already responded, and I shall call on them in the morning before riding to Hertfordshire. I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with your uncle. I am considering inviting him to Pemberley in the summer, for I remember him mentioning how fond of fishing he is. I am willing to bet little Henry will also enjoy learning to swim in a lake. Assuming we have married at that time, I hope you will enjoy hosting them.
Your letter to your father was posted upon my return to London. My plan had been to carry it with me, but I decided that it would be best if your letter arrived first to give your father time to contemplate the contents. You are his favorite child, and he is likely to be reluctant to give you up unless he knows you will be happy. I know what my manners were in Hertfordshire, thanks to you, and I hope this visit will allow me to improve your family's impression of me.
I hear Georgiana playing, so I shall leave this here for now. I will write again from Hertfordshire. The colonel is continuing the search while I attempt to please your father. I pray he finds them before I return to London. I detest the hotels and their simpering hosts.
I used to believe no one would refuse my suit. Then I met you. I now know what you would say to such arrogance and pride. After worrying about you accepting my suit these weeks at Rosings, I now worry about your father's acceptance. If I do not earn his blessing, we must wait until you reach your majority, and I am not patient enough for that. Of course, I would be if such were the only way forward. I pray for a short engagement.
Yours, etc.
Fitzwilliam
Lady Catherine folded the letter. It was worse than she thought. He actually seemed to think Elizabeth would be accepted into society when they marry. He was looking forward to her presentation. His plan was to laugh at society with her.
She huffed in annoyance. Anne was still not found, and he stopped searching. Colonel Fitzwilliam would find her instead. He would make them marry. There was no way Anne might end up with Mr. Darcy if he was not even responsible for searching for her. In her imaginings, Mr. Warden would abandon Anne by the time Darcy found her, then Darcy might be convinced to marry her to save the family's reputation if he were the first to see them. With Mr. Darcy out of the picture, their marriage seemed even more of a long shot now, but Lady Catherine intended to hold onto her wish of a marriage between Anne and Mr. Darcy for as long as possible. She thought for a moment about a marriage between Richard and Anne, but she dismissed it as undesirable.
She sealed the letter with her own signet ring and fresh wax and set it on the tray as she entered the breakfast room. Elizabeth was still out walking and would not notice the letter had already been read. It was doubtful that Elizabeth would recognize one ring stamp from another. At some point in her lessons, Lady Catherine ought to teach Elizabeth the coat of arms of the main families, but she hoped it would not be necessary.
She pulled a sheet out from her pocket and made a few notes with a small pencil she also kept on her person. As she put the note away, Elizabeth entered with a kind greeting to which Lady Catherine barely deigned to reply except to note that walking so long on an empty stomach could not be healthy.
"Oh, I never walk on an empty stomach. The kitchen brings me two or three rolls for my journey." Elizabeth smiled as she filled her plate and requested a cup of chocolate. "I must walk, or I shall need new dresses before the ball. Have the letters arrived?" She moved to the tray and picked up her letter. "Oh, how delightful!" she exclaimed as she picked up Mr. Darcy's letter. She turned to Lady Catherine to announce the arrival of his letter. "Perhaps we shall learn of your daughter's whereabouts."
Lady Catherine smirked in disappointment and muttered something about how a lady would never read her correspondence at the table, knowing Elizabeth would not listen. Elizabeth's obstinacy knew no bounds. Lady Catherine had attempted to teach her comportment, but she insisted she knew Mr. Darcy's preferences on the matter. To think a country nobody with few manners would become Mrs. Darcy! It was not to be borne. She rose from the table, suddenly realizing she had no appetite. As she walked out, she heard Elizabeth giggle at Mr. Darcy's descriptions. It was in every way horrible.
Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, another letter was being read. Mr. Bennet read through his letter three times before he set it down on his desk. He eyed it suspiciously for a few moments. With a grumble, he moved to the decanter and poured himself a drink. It was incredibly early, but the news was unexpected, and he worried for the well-being of his favorite daughter, even if she did not seem perturbed by the events described. Certain he would not hear from Mr. Darcy before noon, he pulled out a couple of carefully hidden boxes and began cleaning their contents.
