Darcy drew back and regarded her with an alarmed expression. “Why would we want to venture into a pit of vipers?”
“She is not an entire pit of vipers,” she said with amusement. “Only one; but if you do not seek her out, she will come here. I am certain of it.”
Groaning, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders once more and pressed her close. “We scarcely have a se’nnight. I do not want to get her riled.”
Elizabeth buried her head in his chest again and exhaled. “She has been riled since you married me in Anne’s stead. Leaving her to her own devices will not change matters.”
Lady Catherine had indeed been silent, but Elizabeth was proven correct when the woman presented herself at Rosings a mere three days later. Higgs, despite a scowl that betrayed his misgivings, showed the former mistress to the newly-decorated drawing room where she was guarded by a footman until the master, who was going over his ideas and plans with Bingley and Barrow, could be notified.
“What brings you to Rosings, Lady Catherine?” asked Darcy as he strode into the room. Bingley followed with Uncle Henry who had happened upon them as they were on their way to the front of the house.
Her eyes lit upon catching her first glimpse of Bingley. Darcy had given him the option to remain behind, but his friend felt there was no time like the present to put their initial meeting behind them.
“I see you still intend to pollute the shades of Rosings by allowing this tradesman to reside within its walls.” She spit out the word tradesman with such distaste he expected Bingley to frown but instead was shocked to see him tilt his head and smile.
“I do not expect I will cause too much of a stench, and I do hope we can be agreeable neighbours.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes bulged. “Me? Be friendly with you? I think not.”
Bingley chuckled and held out his arm. “Perhaps you would care to have a seat? I believe Darcy received some nice sherry from London last week, if you would care for some.”
Darcy peered over to his Uncle, who appeared to be holding back laughter, then back to Bingley. When had he become so confident with someone so domineering? He had never been so with his sisters.
With a sniff of disdain, she turned to Darcy and ignored his friend. “I see Mrs. Langton showed your wife Anne’s terrible choices in decoration. I am not surprised she was sentimental enough to use them.
“Although, I suppose your friend would not know the difference if something was dreadful or not.”
Uncle Henry took a step forward and crossed his arms over his chest. “What is it you want, Catherine?”
“I heard you had redecorated, and I hoped to procure some of my belongings.”
“Your belongings?” asked Darcy. “Every item you possess was packed and moved to the dower house.”
She released a growl and pointed to a side table. “A gilded box once sat on that table; you have no doubt put it in storage. I want it returned to me.”
He shook his head as the reason for her visit became clear. “That box had a small engraving that listed a de Bourgh ancestor. It is no more yours than it is mine.”
“It has been mine since I was mistress of this house. If you are not using it, then it should be restored to me.”
“It was returned to its rightful owner.” He gestured around the room to indicate some of the paintings and the tapestries. “As was everything that was removed from the rooms that have been renovated.”
“What?” shrieked Lady Catherine, but recomposed herself in an instant. “I never received the box. To whom did you give my belongings?”
“Mr. Preston de Bourgh came to retrieve them within a few days of our letter. I was very impressed with his prompt answer.” He smiled at his Uncle Henry’s agreement.
“He was elated our nephew contacted him.” His uncle clasped his arms behind him and rolled back and forth on the balls of his feet. “Mr. de Bourgh was deeply obliged to acquire pieces that once belonged to his parents and grandparents.”
Lady Catherine’s expression was pinched, but to his astonishment, she did not yell. “He was not heir to this estate; my husband was the heir and had the right to leave it to whom he wished. Those pieces no longer belonged to the de Bourghs.”
Darcy’s hands clenched at his sides. “They were de Bourgh history; no one is more suited to maintain the legacy. We are not part of that family, and therefore, have less appreciation for those pieces. Mr. de Bourgh was the ideal choice.
“He had already contacted a few of his brothers, and they planned to split the heirlooms between them. Mr. de Bourgh even helped us sort through the attics and took a great deal of what was stored there, as well.”
Uncle Henry glanced back and forth between Darcy and Lady Catherine. “I felt it a wonderful and caring gesture that our nephew restored their heritage to them.”
Darcy waited for the explosion. They had been throwing sparks at the kindling for a while—a rather dangerous occupation—but Lady Catherine’s livid face was rather amusing.
She opened her mouth, and he braced himself for the anticipated volume of her voice; however, the assault never came. Instead, the door opened and the ladies all filtered into the room.
“Catherine!” exclaimed the dowager. “Why do you appear as though you have been sucking on a lemon?”
His grandmother had an expectant, almost eager countenance, and he could not help but chuckle.
Elizabeth made her way beside him as she bit her lip, attempting to hold in her mirth. He took her hand, kissed it, and entwined her fingers with his.
“You should see the progress being made on the west drawing room.” Aunt Elinor situated herself in an armchair near the fireplace. “The work is coming along well. Anne’s choice of colour was an inspired one.”
The lady sniffed but refrained from making a critical remark. What was happening? Why was she so reserved?
“Lady Catherine, would you care to join us for tea?” asked Elizabeth, much to his dismay.
His grandmother motioned to the seat Lady Catherine always occupied when she resided at Rosings. “Have a seat, Catherine. Lizzy needs to get off of her feet, but she would never be so rude as to do so while you still stand.”
Lady Catherine opened her mouth as if to speak, but no sound came. Instead she peered around at everyone, ending with Huntley, as he strode through the door.
He flinched when he noticed her presence, averted his eyes at once, and took a seat next to his mother. “The servant you sent informed me we were having tea, Mother, yet I arrive and there is no tea, or even a cake, of which to speak. Are you having sport with me?”
The last was spoken at almost a whisper, and Darcy began to cough in order to hold back his laughter.
Grace giggled. “Sit, please, and give the servants a few moments. The refreshments will arrive to your satisfaction soon enough.”
His grandmother was still watching Lady Catherine with an unrecognisable glint in her eyes. “You may as well have tea with us before you return to the dower house.”
Why was she insisting Lady Catherine remain for tea? Her arguing was enough to ruin anyone’s appetite.
But his unspoken wish was not to be granted, and he was forced to be polite when the imperious lady gave a small huff as she seated herself in her favourite chair.
“I suppose by the time I return it will be too late for tea.”
Darcy glanced down to Elizabeth, who smiled without a hint of surprise. What did she know that he did not? They were aware of something, indeed!
Several servants entered with the tea service, and the family began to chat while they had their repast. He kept an eye on Lady Catherine, who remained haughty, but different somehow.
Bingley had seated himself to her right, and attempted to initiate a conversation. Leave it to Bingley to attempt the impossible! Darcy’s attention was then called back to Uncle Henry, who asked his plans for the holiday, and so, forgot to check back and ensure Bingley was not being drawn and quartered.
&
nbsp; Elizabeth’s wide grin in their direction was the impetus that returned his attention to Lady Catherine, who now spoke with Bingley. She appeared to be doing her usual pontificating, but he interjected his points and held his own.
Lady Catherine remained for an hour complete after tea, and rose when the clock struck. “I should return,” she announced to the room.
Elizabeth stood and motioned to a servant posted near the door. “We are pleased you could stay. I shall call for a carriage to drive you back.”
The old woman’s face appeared incredulous. “You will?”
After the remainder of the family stood and bid Lady Catherine goodbye, a smiling Elizabeth held out her arm for Lady Catherine to precede her towards the door, and Darcy sprang from his seat to follow. He did not trust his wife to a woman who had been so angry with her in the past.
The servants brought Lady Catherine’s outdoor garments as Mrs. Langton stepped forward with an ornately-carved wooden box in her arms. Elizabeth took the item and presented it to Lady Catherine.
“We found some correspondence you must have saved in a desk in the library. Mrs. Langton commented that your husband had purchased this box for you as a gift when Anne was born, so we placed anything we felt belonged to you within.”
“As you should.” Lady Catherine’s voice was imperious, but not condescending. “I will notify Mrs. Langton should I notice any of my correspondence is missing.”
Elizabeth exhibited very little reaction; she smiled and nodded.
Good Lord! He would have to increase the housekeeper’s wages should Lady Catherine become too demanding!
His wife attempted small talk as they waited for the carriage, and the elder lady gave a few curt answers. At the sound of the horses, Lady Catherine did not say goodbye or wish them well; she simply climbed inside and rode away.
“I do not understand what just happened.”
“The footman, who took the job as butler in the dower cottage, told Mrs. Langton that Lady Catherine has not had a visitor in the last fortnight. She has dressed each day and waited for someone to call, but no one has shown.”
“Do you mean to tell me she sought us out for company?”
She could not be serious! The idea that Lady Catherine would seek companionship amongst her own family was preposterous, but Elizabeth bobbed her head up and down to indicate he was correct.
“I assumed she had come to argue over something! I never would have imagined that was her purpose.”
“Which is why we joined you when Mrs. Langton informed us she had called. From what I understand, even Mr. Thacker has abandoned her to pay court to you.”
“Pay court?” He could not stand the obsequious little toad of a man, and he despised the way the parson would sidle up and agree with everything he said.
He could not help but smile when a small giggle erupted from her. “He wants you to love him. And how could you not?”
Darcy shook his head, took her hand, and drew her closer. “I should make you pay for such a remark.” Her eyes widened as he grinned.
“Servants are about, and we should join the others.”
He wrapped an arm around her back to steer her in the direction of the drawing room. “I shall have to have obtain my retribution when we retire, then.”
She stopped and pressed a finger to his chest. “No tickling, Fitzwilliam.”
He grinned, and led her through the doors of the drawing room where Bingley was seated beside Grace. Huntley was in a chair across from them, staring Bingley down over the edge of his book. Darcy released an exhausted exhale. He had managed to eject one worry from his house and in exchange, was confronted with another.
Bingley had best know what he was doing!
Chapter 24
Darcy stared unseeing at the account books he had worked to complete since his return to Sagemore. He despised the time involved to finish the work that collected while he was away, but he had enjoyed his time in London, and later at Rosings, with Elizabeth. Her performance at Rosings had been admirable, and with Bingley’s help, she would have the house prepared for him to take residence.
Bingley was another matter. It had become apparent that Bingley had decided he was more than a little interested in Grace, and before their departure, requested Uncle Henry’s permission to court her. However, since Bingley was spending Christmas at Sagemore, they would begin their courtship when he returned to London for the season.
He glanced out of the window in the direction of the river. Where would his wife be at that moment? His old business had been completed, and it would not hurt matters to delay his current business for one day. Smiling, he rose and made his way to the entrance hall where he met Mrs. Green.
“Do you happen to know where I could find Mrs. Darcy this morning?”
“The mistress insisted on walking out, sir. Her maid and I both prevailed upon her to remain within the house and walk the halls, but she would hear none of it.” She lifted a hand to point at him. “Mark my words! With all of the rain the last few days, her petticoats will be six inches deep in mud!”
He was amused by her chastisement rather than affronted, since it was well known that his housekeeper liked his wife; her outspoken behaviour in this instance was due to concern rather than spite.
“I am certain she does not intend a lengthy walk. The weather is too cold today for a long ramble.”
His housekeeper’s eyebrows lifted along with her tone. “I would not be so sure. She changed into one of those older dresses she owns—the one Hattie added the extra material to the hem. She has already been gone nigh on half an hour.”
“I hoped to spend some time with her this morning.” He motioned to a footman for his coat. “I shall hunt her down and ensure she has not overdone it.”
Mrs. Green’s eyes lit up, and her face erupted into a wide smile. “Oh! Bless you, sir! You would put my mind at ease for certain. And, when you return, I shall have a warm bath awaiting the mistress along with tea, chocolate, and some of the biscuits cook baked this morning.”
“I am certain she will be most appreciative, Mrs Green.” The housekeeper nodded and bustled for the servant’s stairs.
He shrugged on his great coat and chuckled as he headed out of the door. Mrs. Green had been ecstatic when she noticed Elizabeth’s condition, and had been very solicitous of her mistress’ needs. Her initiative had been appreciated, but after three days of rain, Elizabeth had been cooped up far too long and began to chafe at the restriction of the indoors. The showers had not been heavy so, while everything was still wet, the mud would be no hindrance to her escape from the confines of the house.
Elizabeth had almost never strayed from the island since their return unless she was visiting Page. He surveyed the property from the front of the house and did not find her, so with a brisk step, he set off for the stables.
When he entered the front doors, Johns was standing to one side, speaking with a groom, but he motioned towards the back where Page was housed.
Nodding, he made his way in that direction but slowed when he heard the soft sound of Elizabeth’s voice.
“I have missed you, boy. Yes, I have.”
Her tone was better suited to cooing to a baby rather than speaking to her sizable horse, and he had to bite his lip to refrain from laughing.
“Mrs. Green was trying to keep me indoors, but after three days of rain, I had to take a walk to come see you. Did you miss me?”
He stepped around the corner and expected to see her, but she was not in his view. Instead, he found her just inside the stall door where she scratched Page up and down his large white blaze and under his chin.
“If I had known you wanted a dog, I would have found you one small enough to fit in your lap.”
She started and placed a hand to her chest. “I do not require a dog, thank you. I am perfectly content with Page; I will have enough in my lap when the baby is born.”
He opened the stall door. “Mrs. Green is very concerned. She all bu
t shoved me out of the house to search for you.”
Elizabeth gave an unladylike growl. “She was none too happy with the idea of me out in this weather. I believe she stated it was positively glacial outside.”
“She wants nothing more than to ensure you and the babe are well.”
“I doubt the babe is aware of the weather from inside my body, and though it is a bit nippy, it is not unpleasant.”
“The barn does help with the temperature outside.”
“Of course!” she exclaimed, as she placed her hands on her hips. “I walked around the house for a quarter hour and then came to see Page before I walked a bit more. She must think I am quite insensible.”
Page nudged her back, and Elizabeth pressed a kiss to his nose before she exited the stall.
“Elizabeth, she cares for you very much.” He could not help but feel she was being unfair. “I have it on good authority she has had nothing but the highest praise for you.”
“And whose authority might that be?”
“My steward has heard it mentioned when he ventures into the village. She feels fortunate to have such a mistress.”
“She is bound to be relieved you did not wed Miss Bingley.”
He laughed and drew her forward by her hand. “I am certain she is, and I am also certain her knowledge of that lady has made her all the more appreciative of you.” His wife sighed and allowed him to draw her into his arms. “It is not in your nature to be so unforgiving. What is the matter, my love?”
She shook her head and snuggled herself a bit closer. “I just wanted to escape the house, and she and Hattie kept trying to persuade me to stay inside. I became so frustrated, so when you took up her cause, I became angry.”
“I knew why you wished to take a walk.” With a finger under her chin, he tilted her face upwards so he could see her eyes. “When I found I had time, I decided to seek you out, so we could walk together.”
An Unwavering Trust Page 37
