by Lauren King
“I do like to spend time with my family.” Morgan states warmheartedly.
“I am sorry that you had to cut short your time with them today to visit me. You know I would not mind it if you spent more time with your family while they are in town, especially since they will be leaving in a couple of weeks. You can call upon me after they leave.” Jane suggests honestly.
She also wants to give Mr. Morgan this opportunity to make his decision about her. Perhaps with their time apart then he will realize that they are not meant to be and that he would rather be with that other young lady. Obviously, Jane would rather know sooner than later; therefore, this is the perfect lead into him taking time away from them.
“They will be here until the end of January, so I have plenty of time to be with them. May I call upon you Friday, Miss Bennet?”
“Are you sure, Mr. Morgan? Should you not spend more time with your family and friends? If you have other calls to make, then I would not want to be in the way of your schedule.” Jane really thinks that this will show if he faithfully wants to continue with their courtship.
“I am attending a luncheon and a dinner with my parents on Wednesday and Thursday, so may I call upon you at eleven o’clock Friday?”
“Yes, you may Mr. Morgan.” Jane smiles amiably but inside she feels...unimportant to Mr. Morgan. Is he slowly distancing himself from her?
She has never felt these emotions before – suspicion, jealously, and unrequited tender feelings. They feel awful; they destabilize her equanimity. She feels slighted he does not want to call upon her until five more days. Is he busy with other calls to other young ladies? She thought that he would have wanted to visit her more often like William did when he courted Elizabeth. William visited Elizabeth every day – he still does. However, she understands that Mr. Morgan may feel differently; not every suitor is going to want to make calls that often. Maybe she likes him more than he likes her; after all, he may like another person – not just Jane. If that is the case, then he will not be able to visit Jane every day; he would have to visit the other lady too. This thought makes Jane feel very discomfited and….and…she does not know the correct word to describe it. It definitely does not feel good to be in this position with Mr. Morgan – or with any gentleman, for that matter.
“Good evening to you then, Miss Bennet.” Morgan says with his usual smile before bending over her hand and then leaving.
Jane contains her feelings and controls her voice; he kisses the other young lady’s hand in public but only bends over hers in private. “Good evening, Mr. Morgan. I hope you have a good week.” Jane says courteously. Her patience is being tested; she does not know if she can tolerate this waiting.
That night, Jane tells Elizabeth everything that was said between her and Mr. Morgan. Elizabeth can tell that Jane is disappointed, sad, and resigned to the ending of their relationship.
“Jane, do you feel comfortable asking Mr. Morgan straightforwardly whether he is pursuing another young lady or not?”
“No, I do not think I can do that, Lizzy. Why put him on the spot and make everything feel awkward and uncomfortable? If he continues to keep quiet about the other lady, then that will mean he has chosen me, right?”
Elizabeth slightly scrunches her face to indicate that she disagrees.
“But then again, do I want to keep quiet and hope that he will choose me? We are in an official courtship, yet he would act like this with another young lady? I do not think it is right.” Jane sighs heavily.
“I agree with you. However, I think you should somehow find out for certain if he has any feelings for any other young lady. We cannot assume that he is doing wrong. On the other hand, we do not want to push aside what we saw and simply accept it when he deigns to choose you. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, I agree. I think I will hint to him that if he is unsure about us then it is a clear sign that he and I are not meant for each other. He will not have to worry that I will fuss or cause a commotion about us discontinuing our courtship. No one outside of our family knows of our courtship anyways. I will see what he says after I tell him that and then go from there. I think that sounds fair, right?”
“Yes, I think that is fair. So you will talk to him about this on Friday?”
“Yes. Do you think it odd that he only calls upon me once a week? Or am I expecting too much?”
“I think everyone is going to feel differently about this. William and I love to be around each other even if we do not talk to each other. I just like to know where he is and what he is doing. I like to be in his presence. He has told me that he feels the same way with me. Maybe you will have to express this to Mr. Morgan, too.”
“Well, we will see this Friday.” Jane states resignedly.
CHAPTER 15
****************
MONDAY, JANUARY 5th
Darcy escorts Elizabeth to Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse office on Monday morning to give instructions to Mr. Lane on the layout of the accounting books. Elizabeth discusses with her Uncle about her continued audit of the previous years. If all those years’ books and paperwork are brought home, then she can continue to audit them without having to go to the warehouse. Her Uncle says that he could have Mr. Lane do the auditing so that Elizabeth could have some free time to get ready for her wedding. Elizabeth knows that he prefers for her to do the auditing, thus she tells him that she will finish as much as possible before her wedding. With such a generous offer, Mr. Gardiner will gladly bring all the books home for her to audit when she has time. He appreciates her immensely. Darcy is relieved and happy when Elizabeth tells him that she will do all the auditing from home.
Elizabeth and Jane have luncheon at Darcy House with William and Georgiana. Afterwards, they all sit in the music room to relax. Everything is comfortable and tranquil until there is a woman’s voice that can be heard loudly demanding that she sees William immediately.
Mr. Brooks comes into the music room to speak with Mr. Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is insisting that you see her, this instant. She would not wait for me to check with you. She has shown herself into your study. She said that she will not leave until you see her.”
“I will be in my study, Mr. Brooks.” Darcy says understandingly but with exasperation. He does not want to deal with his Aunt Catherine, but he has to assure that there are no more misunderstandings or illusions pertaining to him and his cousin Anne ever marrying. He knows that is the reason for her sudden visit today.
“Yes, sir.” Mr. Brooks bows before leaving.
Darcy tells Elizabeth that he needs to speak with Lady Catherine in his study. “She has come unannounced. I will see what she wants. You stay here, and I will be back as soon as I am able.”
“All right, darling.” Elizabeth smiles warmly at William as he squeezes her hand affectionately.
Just as Darcy is finished speaking with Elizabeth, the music room door is opened and Lady Catherine walks in, imperially. Obviously, Mr. Brooks did not dare to stop her. Darcy nods and Mr. Brooks knows to stand outside the door to await further instructions regarding this visitor.
“Lady Catherine, I was not made aware that you were going to visit today; I received no advanced notice of your coming. Is there anything the matter with Cousin Anne or Rosings?” Darcy asks thoughtfully because he feels sorry for his cousin to have such an overbearing and an insensitive mother.
Darcy can only guess that Lady Catherine has seen the newspaper announcement of his engagement and intended marriage to Elizabeth. She is clearly not happy with that piece of information, and there will be a confrontation today. He needs to move Lady Catherine into his study so he can set her straight again about him not ever marrying Anne. He will be unyieldingly adamant about it this time. Lady Catherine is such a burden.
Without further ado, Lady Catherine exclaims angrily, “Darcy, I will not tolerate this! How dare you ignore your Mother’s last wish?”
Darcy restrains his ire because he does not want Georgiana, Eliza
beth, and Jane to hear Lady Catherine’s ridiculous assumptions and delusions about his marriage to Anne. He has repeatedly ignored her remarks about marriage to Anne; when that did not work, he told Lady Catherine that he was not inclined to marry Anne, but she chose not to listen to and not to believe his assertions.
“Lady Catherine, please allow me to introduce my guests, and then we can speak in my study. Lady Catherine, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet – my betrothed. This is Miss Jane Bennet, my betrothed’s elder sister. Ladies, this is Lady Catherine de Bourgh – my Aunt.” Darcy states straightforwardly.
Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Jane all come closer for the introductions. The three young ladies curtsy elegantly after the introductions and greetings are relayed. There is no reciprocation on the part of Lady Catherine as she looks down her nose at the Bennet sisters. Georgiana can tell that Lady Catherine is even more displeased than normal even though Lady Catherine already looks haughty, condescending, and unwelcoming every time Georgiana has seen her in the past. She should be used to it, but she still is not. Lady Catherine frightens Georgiana; she does not think that she could ever be brave enough to stand up to her.
“How do you do, Lady Catherine?” Georgiana asks timidly and uneasily as she curtsies.
Lady Catherine regally looks down at these two sisters, especially at her nephew’s betrothed – how dare him! She disdainfully states, “I am very displeased, Georgiana. You may leave. I will speak to your brother about you being exposed to certain people not of your same standing in the first circles. You deserve only the best. I pity that your brother cannot care for you as he should. Of course, when he marries Anne as your Mother had wished for then you will always be surrounded by your equals. Your reputation and your coming out will not be adversely affected due to association with those below your station.” Lady Catherine harrumphs with disdain clearly impressed upon her frowning face before turning to Darcy again. “I demand that you take these two sisters from my sight, Darcy; I will speak to you immediately.” Lady Catherine is annoyed at the gall of this Elizabeth Bennet usurping her daughter’s rightful place as Darcy’s bride. Lady Catherine will not allow it!
Elizabeth’s eyes widen and her mouth is agape, once again.
With restraint in Darcy’s voice and demeanor, he angrily responds, “Lady Catherine, you are at Darcy House, not Rosings. I will have you removed from my sight if you continue to disparage people who you do not know anything about. I will not allow you to come here and make snide, ignorant remarks about anyone I know, especially my betrothed. I am ready to speak with you in my study, now.” Darcy moves towards the door but abruptly stops when Lady Catherine responds loudly.
“How dare you talk to me in this manner? Is this what you have become from associating with the lower class, Darcy?” Lady Catherine frowns with anger. No one has ever before talked to her like this.
“This is how I speak because of you, Lady Catherine.” Darcy replies acerbically.
Right at this moment, Mr. Brooks opens the door and Richard walks straight in with a smile on his face. As soon as Richard heard that Lady Catherine came unannounced, he knew that it was not going to be a good situation. It must have something to do with Darcy’s marriage announcement. This will not go smoothly or quietly. With the anger evident on Darcy’s face, Richard was correct in his assumption. Darcy is about to have Lady Catherine thrown out if she continues talking – maligning is more correct.
“Ahh, Lady Catherine; how are you, Aunt? This is an unexpected surprise. You never come to town in January. Is Cousin Anne well?” Richard asks as jovially as he could to displace the dour mood of all present.
“Fitzwilliam, I have no time to talk with you. Do your parents know of Darcy’s absurd engagement? What does Lord Matlock say about Darcy’s appalling decision to marry this…this…young woman? He is engaged to my daughter!” Lady Catherine turns back to Darcy and continues, “How dare you not abide by your Mother’s last wish. You and Anne have been promised to each other since you were babies. That was your Mother’s and my wish, yet you go and shame Anne and our families by aligning yourself with this…woman. Are you not aware of her family and her societal standing, Darcy? They are nothing compared to the Darcy and the de Bourgh lineages. Have you been blind by her arts and allurements? By God, Darcy, I will not allow you to blindly follow your...manly desires.”
“LADY CATHERINE!” Darcy growls.
Lady Catherine ignores Darcy and then looks sternly at Elizabeth with undisguised disgust. “Anne is a true well-bred young lady of the first circles with a prominent estate of her own. She does not have to throw herself at you or any gentleman. Are you out of your senses to offer marriage to this woman, Darcy? My Lord, has she compromised you? Is that why you have agreed to marry her? You can just pay her off. With her family as it is, she will need the money. Just pay her off, Darcy!” Lady Catherine demands vehemently and loudly.
“STOP!” Darcy clenches his teeth and his fists; he breathes deeply before he speaks because he is afraid that he might forcefully drag his Aunt out into the street if she continues in this manner. He is glad that Richard is here to help if it comes to that. His poor Elizabeth – having to hear all this ridiculousness from a preposterous, mean, old woman must be grating. “I refuse to stand here and talk to you further. You will join me in my study or else I will have my butler show you to your carriage.” Darcy states composedly but irately as he clenches his teeth.
Richard and Darcy reach Lady Catherine’s side and try to hold her arm to guide her out of the room, but she refuses to budge. Instead she continues her tirade.
“Do not dare touch me! Associating with such people has turned you two into ruffians. Treating me in this manner is inexcusable! Your Mothers would be ashamed of you both.” Lady Catherine exclaims vociferously.
“I will not tell you again, Lady Catherine! I will not listen to your spiteful, ignorant rants. You can walk into my study like a lady, or I will have you removed from my home.” Darcy glares directly and unwaveringly at Lady Catherine while he grinds out each sentence. He has never been this furious with her before. She has always been overbearing, but he pushed her attitude aside in the past because he never really listened much to her useless droning. Today is different; she is offending and vilifying his betrothed. He will not allow it!
Lady Catherine does not falter; she continues. “Even her own third cousin does not have anything good to say about her family, Darcy. Their cousin is my parson, Mr. Collins, and he has informed me of how unfitting this Bennet family is. Longbourn will be entailed away to Mr. Collins when Mr. Bennet passes, so Mr. Collins has a right to see his future home. Mr. Collins tried to extend an olive branch to this family to try to seal the breach between his father and Mr. Bennet, but Mr. Bennet refused to allow Mr. Collins to come and visit his future home. Mr. Collins dropped by one day on his way through Hertfordshire in November, and Mr. Bennet basically kicked him out; he is a man of the cloth, for goodness sakes! Mr. Bennet, being a selfish, unfeeling man, did not even allow Mr. Collins to stay the night. Mrs. Bennet had agreed for Mr. Collins to stay only because she was trying to push her third daughter onto him the entire time he was there. In the end, Mr. Collins did not stay because the household was out of control!”
“The youngest daughter was ill-mannered, angry, and ignorant. The Mother had no control over that youngest daughter, and the Father could not control his ill-mannered youngest daughter and his ridiculous wife. He has to get rid of five daughters; do you know that, Darcy? I was surprised that Mr. Bennet did not invite Mr. Collins to stay to try to strap one of his daughters to Mr. Collins. However, now, I know why Mr. Bennet did not care to have Mr. Collins come to Longbourn….so that his daughter, here…” Lady Catherine points her chin in Elizabeth’s direction and then continues, “…could attach herself to you. Did he offer both of his daughters to you for your choosing, Darcy?”
Both Elizabeth and Jane loudly gasp as they cover their gaping mouths at the outrageously atrocious comme
nts of this indecent, bitter, old harridan; her that last comment was especially abominable. Elizabeth does not care who this woman is to William; she will not tolerate anyone saying such things about her, Jane, and their Father. Unfortunately, the description of her Mother and Lydia may be correct. It sounds like this Mr. Collins came to Longbourn during the time that Lydia’s problem was discovered; indeed, a bad time for her Father. No wonder her Father did not allow Mr. Collins to stay; he did not want Mr. Collins to learn of Lydia’s shameful problem. Good God! Another problem created from Lydia’s disaster.
Before Elizabeth could say anything, she looks over at Darcy, and she sees Darcy’s eyes bulge out like never before.
Darcy is offended by the absurdity, the gall, the effrontery of Lady Catherine to exclaim her last comment. “HOW DARE YOU, LADY CATHERINE?! You will leave my home this instant on your own accord or my footmen will remove you! You are no longer welcomed to anything related to the Darcys!”
“William, I refuse to listen to anymore of this relative of yours. Georgiana does not need to be exposed to people who talk like this. She does not sound like a lady to me.” Elizabeth is holding both Jane’s and Georgiana’s hands as all three of them walk out of the music room. Elizabeth does not even acknowledge Lady Catherine when she walks out.
“How dare you talk to your betters like that, you rude, insolent girl! That just goes to show what kind of background you come from.” Lady proclaims angrily.
Elizabeth retorts critically as she walks out of the room. “With the way you talk and behave, your title of ‘Lady’ is only an empty designation.”
“You will be sorry you spoke to me like that. You will not be able to show your face in public when the Ton hears of what a low class, ill-bred fortune hunter you are.” Lady Catherine loudly asserts.
Elizabeth is already out the door as Lady Catherine made her last statement. Georgiana leads Elizabeth and Jane up to her bedroom chambers. She cannot believe her Aunt’s diatribe. She never knew that William was promised to Cousin Anne. Is he? Oh God! Georgiana really hopes that it is not true. She wants Elizabeth for a sister.
