Chapter 4
Darcy's messenger arrived while he and Colonel Fitzwilliam were breaking their fast, with a response from the Earl. He perused the contents to find that his uncle would be journeying for Kent that morning along with his aunt, Georgiana and her companion, Mrs. Annesley.
The cousins arranged to walk out so they would have privacy for the necessary conversation about Lady Catherine. As they walked along the lane, Darcy spoke to his cousin about everything.
Fitzwilliam was thoughtful as he reacted to the theories Darcy imparted as to the suspicions he and Elizabeth had contemplated, "I absolutely concur as I had the same notion that Lady Catherine will be scheming to force her own ambition to it's inevitable conclusion. She will try to wed Anne to you as she has always intended." He informed his cousin, "Once we had confirmation of my fathers arrival today, I personally sent a message to him at the last coaching inn, requesting their party remain at that location until we know the timing of Lady Catherine's ploy." The colonel explained, "Anne and I spoke of the possibility of her mother staging a compromise with Darcy. We would both loathe that outcome. She and I are of a mind to wed, although there is no romantic love between us, we feel marriage would suit us very well."
Darcy smiled when he noticed Elizabeth as she strolled down the lane toward the two cousins on one of her early morning rambles. With a greeting and a bow, he informed her of their discussion.
Colonel Fitzwilliam speculated, "Lady Catherine will never agree to wed Anne to a second son with naught to his name. Her desire to keep Rosings will not materialize if Anne and I wed as we would become master and mistress of Rosings."
"Cousin, we shall not allow our aunt's will to prevail. To thwart her wishes, my valet can stay in my chambers to prevent the compromise." Darcy reflected, "He has done so in the past when necessary."
Elizabeth shook her head in the negative, "Your resolution would allow you the opportunity to escape the compromise, however it would not affect a change in the situation or enable Miss De Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam to wed." Her forehead creased in thought as she pondered an equitable solution. "Colonel, you and Mr. Darcy should switch bedchambers." The two cousins looked at each other in surprise at the possible effectiveness at this simple change and nodded their agreement, "This needs to be a covert operation unbeknownst to any of the household staff or the occupants, therefore any attempt to compromise Mr. Darcy will instead compromise Colonel Fitzwilliam." She closed her eyes in thought as a complication occurred to her, "The two of you would be required to take your leave at the same time in order to facilitate the continuity of the subterfuge, otherwise the operation would be easily discovered."
"Miss Bennet, you are a brilliant strategist." Colonel Fitzwilliam complimented Elizabeth with a smile.
"I just read many books." Elizabeth replied demurely, however glared at Darcy when he laughed.
"Modesty, Miss Bennet is quite unexpected." Darcy responded with a slight lift of his eyebrows and his cheeky smile disarmed her.
"As you claim, Mr Darcy." Elizabeth dismissed his jest as she proceeded with the topic taking precedence, "It is imperative that this information stay between the three of us and trusted individuals.
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded their heads in acquiescence. The three conspirators continued to discuss the logistics of Lady Catherine's strategy as they walked the lane.
Elizabeth turned toward the Colonel, "Who will be entrusted to send the message for your father to finish his journey as the timing will need to be impeccable."
Darcy had the answer, "We should entrust this mission to my valet, Davis. His inclusion in this operation will be imperative to the success."
"I would agree." Colonel Fitzwilliam stated emphatically.
After the three had discussed all probabilities,Darcy reviewed the events they expected to transpire which should alert them to the intended compromise, "We have hopefully identified key moments which will indicate Lady Catherine's plans are in progress. We have surmised that she will invite the party from the parsonage to Rosings as witnesses, at the same time, Cousin Anne will not be able to join the party attributable to illness or such, and my valet will most likely be called away from my bedchamber where he will proceed with sending the messenger with the note for the Earl." Darcy added thoughtfully, "I expect she will act soon as we are scheduled to depart in a few days, she would not leave anything to chance."
"I shall return to Rosings and inform Anne of our counter offensive; she will be relieved to be rid of the threat to marry Darcy." Colonel Fitzwilliam informed them with a playful nudge on Darcy's arm.
When his cousin had departed, Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, "Shall I accompany you for a lovely stroll?"
"I should be honored to accept your company, Mr Darcy." Elizabeth placed her hand lightly on his arm.
The couples path led them naturally to their secret meadow where they could have privacy.
"Are we doing the right thing, letting Lady Catherine compromise her daughter and Colonel Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth voiced her concern.
"The two of them are of a mind to wed; however, they are both aware our aunt will never allow the marriage. This alteration of the compromise will save Anne and I from the specter of a marriage between the two of us." Darcy grinned at Elizabeth, "This is a very good thing as I have set my cap for an impertinent lady from the wilds of Hertfordshire who reads many books."
"Are you teasing me?"
"Yes, my dear, you have taught me well." Darcy's smile was playful.
"Mr Darcy, you shall beware as retaliation will be swift." Her grin was infectious.
"Challenge accepted," Darcy acquiesced evenly, "However, when we are by ourselves, will you please call me William as my family does." He requested earnestly.
Elizabeth gazed into his eyes, "I would be honored, I shall have my own sweet William." She leaned toward him, reached out her hand, and ran her fingers lightly down the side of his face in an affectionate caress.
He stared at her for a moment, before he closed the small distance between them as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in for a sweet gentle kiss. She felt amazing in his arms, however Darcy reluctantly lifted his mouth from hers with a deep sigh.
The feeling of loss caught Elizabeth by surprise as the gentleman's kiss left her yearning for more. Darcy read the desire in her eyes as she glanced up at him shyly, "How could a kiss cause my skin to feel so heated?"
"The amazing feel of the touch of your hand on my skin and kissing you does the same thing to me. It took every bit of self-control I possess to stop the kiss and not deepen it. When you look at me so innocently my instincts take over and I am trying desperately to remain a gentleman."
"As I am to call you William, would you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy."
"I would be pleased to call you Elizabeth." Darcy accepted, "I have begun to think of you that way in my thoughts."
"We should return to Rosings." Elizabeth stepped away from him reluctantly.
"You are correct," Darcy admitted, "Fitzwilliam and I have arrangements to complete." He offered her his arm, "Mayhap, we shall see you later, if all goes as we expect."
After Darcy walked Elizabeth to the parsonage, he returned to Rosings where he and Fitzwilliam switched rooms and Darcy wrote the message to his uncle and informed Davis of the defensive strategy to combat their aunt's potential schemes.
When he and Colonel Fitzwilliam coordinated their entry to the drawing room, neither of them were surprised to find Aunt Catherine there along with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, "Where have the two of you been?" She asked imperiously, "Darcy, sit next to Anne." Darcy chose a seat as far away from Anne as possible. "I have invited Mr. and Mrs. Collins and their guests to dine at Rosings tonight." She glanced at Darcy, "A celebration as to Anne's elevation to mistress of her own home."
Darcy's eyes met briefly with Fitzwilliam's and knew his cousin was aware of the importance of this intelligence. Their aunt's plan appeared to have been implemented exactly as they had calculated.
"Mrs. Jenkinson," Lady Catherine's booming voice broke through his contemplations, "Anne appears unwell, take her to her room and see to her needs."
Anne's companion followed instructions and helped her charge from the room.
Once tea had been served, Darcy and Fitzwilliam quit the room and made their way upstairs to dress for dinner.
When her two nephews returned to the drawing room to await the guests from the parsonage, Lady Catherine greeted them, in her normal imperious manner, "Darcy… Fitzwilliam… it is about time the two of you made an appearance, dinner is to be served presently and our guests will be here directly."
As soon as Lady Catherine spoke, the guests were announced, "Mr. and Mrs Collins, Miss Lucas and Miss Bennet."
Once her guests were seated, Lady Catherine began her soliloquy, "Darcy is quite devoted to Anne and myself, however he cannot spend as much time here at his beloved Rosings as he would like considering that Pemberley requires an over-abundance of his time." Her ladyship barely breathed, "Rosings, under my deft management, has no need of such attention and operates flawlessly. My apologies as our dear Anne, has taken ill and shall not be able to join us tonight." She glanced at her nephew, "Darcy takes such prodigious care of Anne that she wants for nothing."
Darcy took a deep breath, tilted his eyes upward and maintained strict self-control on his reactions to his aunt's deceptive statements.
"Miss De Bourgh is the finest jewel of the county." Mr. Collins praised his patronesses daughter with unrestrained adulation, "Mr. Darcy shall have an unsurpassed lady as his wife."
Darcy's only consolation was Elizabeth whom he observed trying to hide her humor at Lady Catherine and her parson.
Darcy was pleased when dinner was called and the party moved to the dining room. Lady Catherine had outdone herself with a sumptuous feast in honor of her daughter, who was not in attendance.
Lady Catherine dominated the conversation during their meal continuing with her favorite topic.
As the evening came to a close and the party from the parsonage were about to take their leave, Darcy and Fitzwilliam excused themselves and quit the room.
When Colonel Fitzwilliam let himself into Darcy's room, he became aware of a lack of lighting and the absence of Darcy's valet, Davis. He had no sooner changed into his sleep attire and slid into bed when the door was abruptly yanked open.
"Darcy, how could you compromise Anne and coerce her into your bed." Lady Catherine's voice was strident, "You shall procure a special license and wed Anne before you leave Rosings."
"Mr. Darcy, as you have compromised Miss De Bourgh, as witnessed by myself and Lady Catherine," Mr. Collins claimed, "Your duty to your family is clear and you must marry as quickly as possible."
Darcy was roused by the disturbance in the hallway and heard his Uncle's booming voice, "What is the meaning of this, Catherine?"
"Henry…" Lady Catherine replied with surprise, "I am glad you are here to witness the compromise of my daughter by our nephew, Darcy."
Darcy opened the door to Colonel Fitzwilliam's bedchamber, "I beg your pardon Aunt, however I am not within that room compromising Anne."
"Darcy…how are you..?" Her ladyship sputtered in disbelief, "Why are you not in your bedchamber?"
"I am afraid you are in error, as this is my bedchamber." Darcy countered.
"Catherine, has there even been a compromise?" The Earl demanded of his sister, "You and your parson have seen fit to awaken the whole household, shouting that Darcy has compromised your daughter. Catherine, this is not to be tolerated, as he is not even in the room with Anne."
A candle was lit in the bedchambers and all of those gathered could see Colonel Fitzwilliam within and Anne in the bed with him. "Anne has been compromised, however not by Darcy as you all can plainly see." Fitzwilliam stated for the record, "I shall do my duty and marry Anne."
"NO!" Lady Catherine thundered, "Darcy shall marry Anne! He was to have been in this bedchamber."
"You are wrong, Catherine," Her brother contradicted, "It will be my son who shall marry Anne. There are more than enough witnesses to the compromise."
"NO, I WILL NOT HAVE MY DAUGHTER MARRIED TO A LOWLY SECOND SON!" Lady Catherine screeched, "THIS IS NOT TO BE BORNE! I AM LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH! I DEMAND YOU MAKE DARCY MARRY ANNE!"
The staff had gathered as the commotion ensued and Lord Matlock asked the housekeeper, "Please take my sister to her chambers and call for her physician as it appears she will need to be sedated." He turned to Mr. Collins, "Please return to the parsonage and we will speak upon the morrow."
Mr. Collins bowed as he backed toward the staircase and practically ran down the stairs to depart the house.
As soon as only his son and Darcy remained in the hall, Lord Matlock laughed, "My timing appears to have been perfect." He inquired of his son, "How is Anne? Should we have the physician tend to her as well."
His son answered, "She appears to have suffered no ill effects, however she is still drowsy. Let us take her back to her own bedchambers and have the physician examine her."
"You were correct in your assessment about Catherine setting up a compromise for Darcy." He shook his head in disgust, "It is hard to believe my sister is so lost to reason, she would do this to her family."
"What will be done with her?" Darcy inquired.
"If she poses no danger, I shall have her removed to the dower house but only after a full examination of her competency." Lord Matlock determined, "After I have seen Anne back to her chambers, I shall attend to my sister. The two of you should get some sleep."
Davis returned as Darcy made his way back to his room, "You were correct, I was summoned on a fools errand and the staff was instructed not to allow me to leave until after you were compromised, Mr. Darcy."
"The staff admitted this to you?"
"Not in so many words, Sir, however I was constrained from leaving until after the commotion was heard upstairs."
"Davis, I thank you for your help with this matter." Darcy appreciated his valets loyalty and dismissed him for the evening.
As Darcy slid into his bed, he finally was able to have a good nights sleep dreaming of his Elizabeth.