Chapter 5
The following morning, The Earl of Matlock hoped the conversation with his sister would be more productive now that she had a night to contemplate her objectionable actions. The doctor who had been called had given her something to help her sleep. Her brother's expectation was that after a good nights sleep, she would be more cooperative. All of his hopes were dashed at her first words.
"Henry, you must make Darcy marry Anne!" Her voice was even more imperious and strident than usual. "She cannot marry your second son as that would be a degradation."
He tried to be patient with her, "Anne is to marry Richard as that is her wish and his desire."
"No, I will not allow this to happen!" Lady Catherine shouted, "She is to marry Darcy and Pemberley will finally be mine."
"In what world would Pemberley ever be yours!"
"It would have been mine if not for your interference last night. All my dreams would have come true with Darcy's compromise."
"Are you stark raving mad, it was not Darcy who was compromised!"Her brother's patience was at an end as he vented his feelings. "Catherine, what the hell were you thinking?" The Earl thundered at his sister as he paced back and forth across the opulent sitting room in Lady Catherine's suite. "How could you think that having Anne put in Darcy's bed was a good idea?"
"It was a brilliant idea that has been employed countless times before but Anne would not cooperate and told me she would not marry Darcy, so I proceeded as necessary to accomplish the task."
"Catherine, is that how you trapped, Sir Lewis?" Lord Matlock was incredulous, "I was away at school when you were married. I had heard rumors; however I could never imagine the talk to be true."
"It was supposed to have been George Darcy," Lady Catherine snapped, "but he and Anne fell in love and she protected him from my schemes. I had to settle for Rosings, however I never gave up my ambition. Pemberley should have been mine not Anne's. My sister was never strong enough to be the mistress Pemberley required."
Henry Fitzwilliam was aghast at his sister's revelation, "My god, Catherine what have you done?"
"It was all worth it to be mistress of my grand estate and through my daughter Anne I will have complete control of Pemberley. She is too sickly to ever defy my wishes and I would be in command of two great estates." Lady Catherine lifted her head in defiance. "I am surrounded by opulence as is my due and when Anne and Darcy are married, Pemberley will be transformed into my crowning glory with the most stunning furnishings. The gardens will be tamed with my exquisite taste and Pemberley shall rival any palace in the world."
"Darcy would never allow that to happen and if you believe any different, you have underestimated his strength of character. He is a great master and would always put the needs of his estate and tenants above any other consideration." The Earl sighed, "He would never allow the changes you have suggested and you have become delusional if you believe any differently. He knows you have bought your 'opulence' at the cost of Rosings Park." The Earl was disgusted, "Your spending habits have ruined this once grand estate and all you have to show for it is your ostentatious lifestyle which this estate cannot sustain."
"That is a scandalous falsehood as Rosings Park is flourishing under my guidance." Lady Catherine stated imperiously.
"Catherine, I have studied the ledgers and you spend twice Rosings income every month." Her brother confirmed, "If not for Darcy, you would only have a mountain of debt left to show for all of your indulgences." As he talked, he could see the haughtiness in his sister's countenance and knew she would never take responsibility for her actions and he sighed tiredly, "I have ascertained that you are beyond reasonable discourse and so you will be moved to the dower house immediately where you will be on a strict budget. Anne has taken ownership of Rosings and you will no longer have any say in the management of the estate. Anne and Richard will marry as soon as the banns have been read and together they are prepared to execute any operations required to bring Rosings back to its former prosperity."
"Anne will never marry your second son, it would be a disgrace," Lady Catherine demanded imperiously, "This is not to be borne and I shall know how to act."
"You no longer have any say in this matter and our conversation is finished." The Earl stated unequivocally, "As I explained, you shall be moved to the dower house and if necessary, we will find you a situation away from Rosings so you will not be able to interfere as I am afraid you will not be able to help yourself."
It had been a long morning, as Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Earl, had met with the majority of the staff on the estate to discuss the management of Lady Catherine. The two cousins had not been prepared for the full depth of depravity shown by their aunt to her servants. In order to maintain the loyalty of her staff, she had systematically threatened each persons situation, from losing their position to harming members of their family. It was all quite disheartening for the gentlemen. The last interview would be with Mr Collins and was expected to be the most difficult.
Prior to meeting with Mr Collins, the Earl excused himself to send a message to his wife at the inn, informing her she could complete the journey to Rosings with Georgiana the following morning.
Darcy and Richard waited for Anne in the drawing room. When she joined her cousins, she sat next to her intended. He noticed that Anne was visibly upset when she began to speak, "I have not reached a decision about Mrs. Jenkinson." Her eyes were forlorn, "She did dose me with a sleeping draught at the behest of my mother, however I did allow the event to transpire so we could complete our objectives." She looked to Richard, "In my head, I understand but in my heart, I cannot help feeling betrayed."
"Anne," Fitzwilliam touched her hand in a comforting manner, "Darcy and I will support you in whatever course you choose regarding Mrs. Jenkinson." His eyes found hers, "I know she cares about you and did not want to follow Aunt Catherine's demands, however she felt it was in your best interest to leave Rosings and the only way she knew to make that happen was for you to marry Darcy and be removed from your mother's influence."
When the Earl of Matlock joined the others in the drawing room, he stated, "After the meeting with Collins. I will need to write the Bishop of his amoral behavior."
"No, I do not agree." Anne spoke with conviction,"I want my wishes to be followed in regards to Mr. Collins." Anne was insistent, "I understand that he has done wrong, however I am of the opinion that we shall be able to rehabilitate him with the help of Mrs Collins who is a sensible woman and I truly believe with the removal of my mothers influence, we shall be able to guide him on the correct path."
Darcy nodded his head, "I agree with your assessment and believe that Mrs Collins would be in accordance with this action."
Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Earl reluctantly agreed however the Colonel amended, "I reserve the right to frighten the toady little sycophant as it is my belief that fear is a great motivator for change."
His father laughed, "Richard has the right of it."
Anne smiled, "I will accept those conditions."
The butler entered the room, "Mr Collins has arrived and has been shown to the library as requested."
"Anne, do you wish to join us for this interview?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked in deference.
"Yes, I believe my presence will be necessary." Anne responded thoughtfully as she rose to her feet and led the men to the library.
Collins was pacing the room and smiled at Anne obsequiously, "Miss DeBourgh, it is a pleasure as always." He bowed awkwardly.
"Please let us have a seat." Anne gestured toward the table.
Once they were all seated at the table, the Earl of Matlock started without preamble, "Lady Catherine has been removed to the dower house after her behavior last evening and following subsequent conversations this morning. Miss DeBourgh is now Mistress of Rosings and your allegiance will be to her."
Darcy noticed Mr Collins seemed uneasy, "We should like an explanation as to your behavior last night under Lady Catherine's guidance."
"Miss DeBourgh, as your mother has always stated, you are the jewel of the county." Mr Collins' voice was full of practiced subservience. "Lady Catherine was correct in her assertion that during Mr Darcy's visit to Rosings, your marriage to that gentleman needed to be solidified with the blessing of the church."
"Did you not wonder why, if that were the goal, it would not have proceeded in the normal manner?" Anne asked of the supercilious parson.
"Her Ladyship assured me it was the wish of your mother and his that the two of you were to be joined in holy matrimony."
"Did my mother show you any signed betrothal contract or marriage articles?" Anne persisted.
"Well… no." Collins stuttered, "She stated the betrothal was of a peculiar nature."
"There is no betrothal contract or marriage articles as none were ever signed," Darcy interjected, "Sir Lewis DeBourgh and my father refused to to commit their children to a formal betrothal."
Mr Collins opened his mouth to object, however Darcy stopped him, "Yet you were willing to call the banns without any confirmation from the party's involved. I was very explicit with my aunt that if the banns were to be read, I would declare an impediment to the marriage."
"I was only following the directives of my patroness." Collins whined pathetically. "You cannot find fault in my actions."
"I find fault in all of your actions." Colonel Fitzwilliam's anger was palpable as he asked, "What was your part in the attempted compromise of Miss DeBourgh and Mr Darcy?"
"Lady Catherine explained that Mr Darcy was going to compromise Miss DeBourgh and we needed to be there as witnesses to the compromise."
"Did my aunt offer an explanation as how she came to be in possession of this knowledge?" Darcy inquired.
"She did not and I did not request the information." Mr Collins defended, "I merely followed her Ladyship's instructions.
Anne spoke softly, "Did my mother tell you, I had been incapacitated and placed in my cousins room to manufacture a compromise?"
Mr Collins' face became red and blotchy, "She mentioned something in that regard, however your duty to your mother was to marry Mr Darcy."
"Mr. Collins, you are a man of God, how could you have participated in this deplorable conduct?" The Earl of Matlock was outraged.
"You knew of my mother's false claim, yet you still supported her allegation of compromise." Anne cried emotionally, "You are the moral leader in our community, how could you condone such an unholy alliance." Anne's face was furious, "We would be within our rights to notify the bishop of your actions and remove the living."
Mr Collins' eyes grew wide under her wrath, "I was merely following orders." He cowered under the scrutiny of the family.
Anne spoke quietly but firmly, "You are on notice of the subsequent sanctions if you again fail to fulfill your duty to your parishioners." Her lips were pressed into a grim line, "My mother will no longer be your guide as to what is proper, you shall follow where I lead. Do you understand, Mr Collins?"
"Yes, I understand." The quaking parson responded.
"Your wife is a good sensible moral woman and I expect you to follow her excellent example of selfless devotion to the needs of the parish." Anne stated.
Mr Collins was stunned by this pronouncement and lifted his chin defiantly, "She is my wife and mine to command. It is her duty to follow my directives."
He flinched at Anne's intimidating stare, "If that is what you believe, I shall reverse my decision and will write to the Bishop immediately.
The color drained from Collins' face as he scanned the men at the table with his useless hope one of them would defend his position. His shoulders slumped as he realized the futility of this expectation and lowered his eyes in acquiescence. "I shall follow your directives."
"Please advise Mrs Collins I shall meet with her once a week to discuss the needs of the parishioners." Anne instructed, "You are excused, Mr Collins."
Darcy almost felt sorry for the humbled man as he watched him leave the room until he remembered the man's ill treatment of his Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was beaming with pride at his intended, "I expected it would be my responsibility to scare him senseless but he never would have predicted your involvement, my dear."
The Earl agreed, "We are all very proud of you, Anne."
Darcy laughed, "I am eternally grateful, I never received your wrath."
Anne took a deep breath as her body seemed to wilt, "Excuse me gentlemen, I am in need of a rest as this difficult matter has now been resolved."
Darcy had to escape Rosings after the interview with Collins, it was great to see Anne take charge of the situation, however the day had been extremely difficult.
He walked toward the secret meadow in the forest. He understood it was too late for Elizabeth to still be there, however he needed the tranquility of the favorite place.
His surprise was transparent as he perceived his love leaning against a tree reading. "Elizabeth," He crossed the meadow in an instant of obvious happiness. "I am overjoyed by the unexpected pleasure of encountering you here at this late hour."
Elizabeth lithely rose to her feet after setting the book down next to the tree. "After Mr Collins was summoned to Rosings, I was required to keep Charlotte company in her time of anxiety," Elizabeth looked skyward, "My cousin was in a state when he returned to the parsonage and Charlotte quickly ushered him into his study. I chose that moment to extricate myself from the situation and depart for a stroll." She smiled at Darcy, "I came straight here and had not been waiting long when you arrived most fortuitously."
"Shortly after Mr Collins departed Rosings, I used the brief moment of quiet to take my leave of the house."
"How is Miss DeBourgh?" Elizabeth asked with compassion.
"She was wonderful with Mr Collins." Darcy said with a smile and gave Elizabeth the details of the interview.
"I admit, I would have never thought Miss DeBourgh capable of such actions." She laughed, "I wish I could have been there when he understood his posture of superiority over his wife was at an end. I can not be remiss in the thought that he will not inform her of this information."
"Anne will summon Mrs Collins to Rosings in the next few days so he will not be able to keep the truth from her for long." He also explained Anne's feelings of conflict about Mrs Jenkinson. "It is my hope that she will be able to leave her feelings of betrayal in the past."
"She will now marry Colonel Fitzwilliam as they wished and so will hopefully find happiness in her life."
"You are correct and as they work together to rebuild Rosings to the former glory, they will be bonded by common goals.
He held out his hand to Elizabeth and she placed her hand in his, "We have spoken enough of the drama at Rosings, now I would like to speak of more agreeable things."
"What would you consider more agreeable?" Elizabeth queried with a slight smile on her lips.
"My less gentlemanly impulse has taken control for the moment and conversation is the last thing on my mind." He pulled her slowly toward him as he dipped his head to meet hers in a slow sweet kiss.
She pressed her body more firmly against his and brought her lips to his as they drank deeply of their passion.
When they reluctantly parted, she smiled up at him with fluttering eyelashes in her best imitation of a coquette, "Is that what you had in mind."
"Yes it was and so much more." Darcy was thrilled with her enthusiastic reaction to his kisses, "However, I do believe we should refrain from such wanton behavior or lest we shall be carried away by our passions."
Elizabeth giggled, "You are correct, Mr Darcy." She emphasized her proper address of his formal name.
"We are alone, please address me informally."
"My sweet William." She murmured as she caressed the side of his face with her fingers, "I shall comply."
He sighed deeply, "You are creating havoc on my good intentions, my dear Elizabeth."
She tilted her head sideways thoughtfully, "We cannot have that."
He felt the loss acutely but tried to think coherently, "My sister, Georgiana is arriving with my Aunt Matlock tomorrow morning and I was hoping to introduce you to her."
"I shall be pleased to make Miss Darcy's acquaintance." She retrieved her book and held out her arm, "Would you like to escort me back to the parsonage?"
"It would be my pleasure." He said as he placed her hand on his arm, "How are you enjoying the book?"
"As I mentioned before Tristram Shandy is one of my favorites." The two strolled slowly toward the parsonage as they discussed in detail the books Elizabeth had borrowed from the gentleman.
As Darcy left the parsonage, he could not think of any more agreeable conversation he had ever had with anyone else. She was the only one who could help him to feel this way. He began to plan his future with her.