Lady Catherine de Bourgh did not speak until she had regained her dignity, by which time her anger was back as well, though not as intensely as it had been.
'I will tell you why the content of these letters still angers me like nothing else, why your father's conduct was a blemish on his name even though he left no bastard children.
You know what it is like to love, Darcy, to be of one mind with someone, to feel what they feel, to want to make them happy at all cost. I loved my sister that way, I worshipped Anne and she loved me as much, we were two halves of one whole and needed no-one else in our lives. I was the elder but she grew up more quickly, and one day she told me she had fallen in love with a man and was going to marry him. He was rich, good-looking and flamboyant, and still he had an excellent reputation for being benevolent and kind.
Remember, I was the belle of my time and I had admirers numbering in the dozens, but I hadn't the least intention of accepting any of them, I just wanted to enjoy myself dancing and going out, then return to my sweet sister.
And then that sister, who had always been in my shadow, shy of attention and preferring to stay at home, also because of her sensitive constitution, blithely told me she was getting married to some dashing fellow with a nice estate and a tolerable family. There really was nothing wrong with Darcy, except he was going to take Anne away from me and leave me bereft of the person I loved most in this world.
They married, she left, and since I had nothing to keep me at home with Anne gone, I accepted the most respected of my own suitors, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose character wouldn't set the world on fire but who had a spotless reputation and a good heart.'
Darcy remembered his uncle as a kind man who had adored his daughter, but who had never shown his attachment to his wife as much as uncle Spencer
did his. Sir Lewis had probably truly loved aunt Catherine once, but Darcy now understood why that love had cooled: once he found out his love went unanswered it had probably soured his admiration for the most beautiful girl of her time. Sad, but not unthinkable.
Aunt Catherine was still explaining why she was so angry.
'And so our lives resumed, I was lonely for Anne but we wrote regularly, and though fate had put a whole country between our new homes I managed to visit quite often. We also saw each other in town. It wasn't long before I discovered that Darcy had a reputation as a womaniser and a flirt, not with his own class but with the servants. He had a taste for cheap women, and finally brought one of them in his own household by marrying her to his steward. She first entered the family as Anne's nurse and my sister trusted her, Victoria Wickham did have certain skills and took excellent care of Anne when my sister started to really suffer from her affliction and her pregnancy.
But I've always doubted her being a nurse to begin with, the way she dressed and her manners were not those of a nurse.
His letters to Victoria Wickham, the ones I had stolen by Hughes to prove to Anne she needed to leave him and come live with me, proved that even as his mistress Victoria didn't trust Darcy at all, she suspected him of having all kinds of affairs in London whilst she was waiting for him in Derbyshire, trying to please another man. But at least Darcy loved Victoria, those letters prove it. He never loved my sister at all, the sister I had let go to build her own life, but who was living a lie.
Don't we all want to give the best we have to offer to those we love?
He stole the one I loved best, and left her time and time again for others less worthy. I hated Victoria Wickham for being loved by two men when my sister wasn't loved by anyone. She was an angel, but Darcy let her die inch by inch all alone, whilst he was chasing whores and hussies, or feasting with Victoria Wickham. And he doted on little George when he had a boy of his own, taller, smarter and much more worthy of his attention. There was nothing I could do, I couldn't expose him, I couldn't convince Anne to leave him, I could only keep an eye on Victoria Wickham to stop her from taking over Anne's household, and on Darcy so he didn't make a public spectacle of himself. Maybe I should have let him, then my sister might have believed me.
She suspected him of consorting with Victoria, but somehow she didn't seem to care, especially not once she'd her little daughter to spoil. And you were such a comfort to her, Darcy, she often told me how much she admired you
and what you did for her. But she never believed me that her husband chased skirts in the backstreets of London, and in hindsight maybe it is better she never did.
Your father never got the chance to lead you astray since I took care to have someone looking out for you. But he did get to his protégé and showed him his favourite side of life, Wickham taking to it as if he really was your father's son and not his steward's. But now you know, it was all a matter of a bad example. George Wickham may count himself lucky that you never gave up on him, I'd have left him to rot, he took your father's love from you and spurned his own father's. You always were too good to those who didn't deserve it. Like your father, but without the vice that made my dear sister's life a misery. If only she had never married and stayed with me, we would have been so much happier. She might still be alive today.'
Darcy was certain his aunt meant every word she said, but he supposed his mother would have begged to differ. In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if she had been glad to escape her dominant sister's influence, even if the man she'd chosen wasn't perfect, maybe she'd even known before she accepted him.
Moving back in with her sister must have been her worst nightmare, no wonder she had preferred to ignore her husband's weakness and kept her freedom. Poor Anne was living proof of what aunt Catherine's smothering love did to those depending on her.
Though sadly his father really hadn't loved his wife as Darcy didn't doubt his mother deserved, he had always looked out for her as much as he could. Not like Darcy would for Elizabeth, though. But frankly, his beloved wouldn't accept anything less, she had a lot more spunk than his mother had ever had.
Fancy trying to get a mistress installed in a household run by his dearest Elizabeth! Even in this, aunt Catherine probably bore some responsibility: ruled all her youth by her overbearing sister, Darcy's mother never had the chance to become truly independent, whereas Elizabeth had been raised by an almost negligent father, the two eldest sisters teaching themselves proper behaviour in total freedom. It had given Elizabeth an independent spirit that had no equal in Darcy's closest circles, probably the reason he had waited to fall in love until he chanced upon it elsewhere. But without Jane's natural delicacy restraining Elizabeth, giving her an excellent example, his beloved might have turned out as wild as Lydia but much, much smarter, her father's biting sarcasm probably the main influence on her character. That would have been too much even for Darcy, never mind how much he would have
admired Elizabeth for it he would not have dared approach her. No, Elizabeth might count herself as lucky to have had Jane, as Jane might be to have learned from her sister's wit and quick mind, without which she would now be totally at the mercy of her sisters-in-law.
As his mother had been to her elder sister, who besides older had also been taller, stronger, more beautiful and popular, as well as headstrong and convinced of her own superiority over everyone else, her adored sister not excepted. No, poor Anne Darcy had no chance to insist on her husband treating her with respect, she had always been expected to follow another's lead.
'Well, I'll not keep you much longer,' aunt Catherine stated, 'I've had a delightful time with Mr Fielding, he played several of my favourites from my youth just now, while you were letting the Prince of Wales talk you into spending a fortune on some new fad. Orange trees! Next you'll be hiring your own French confectioner and eat sweets all day and drink wine all evening. I cannot deny I like my cocoa in the evening, much better than the tea you serve here, it wreaks havoc on my stomach like nothing else. And your coffee is so strong, Miss Bergman tells me they drink the same brew in the back of the house. No wonder your servants are all over the house, you should really check
your staff more carefully. Miss Bergman says several of them are way above themselves, like that handsome servant you used to bring to Rosings, I suppose that's your valet? That one is easy enough to look at. But Anne's guard is positively frightening as well as impertinent and Miss Bergman has encountered him in the front of the house more than once, making her feel rather unwelcome.'
Elizabeth answered playfully, undoubtedly to give aunt Catherine her instant due.
'Actually, Simon is Mr Manners' valet now, though we still love him like one of our own. And I suppose Mr Fowler does look a bit impressive when he is doing his duty, but you may assure your Miss Bergman that as long as she doesn't look above her place in this house she is perfectly safe. Mr Fowler only has orders to guard the second floor where his mistress resides. Barring any private rooms, Miss Bergman is free to move about on the floors below that, front or back of the house. But of course that is a matter of common propriety and well-known to a trustworthy member of your staff such as herself.'
'If only dear Anne could be certain that guard is as dependable as my Miss
Bergman. I don't understand at all why my daughter would need that kind of protection under your roof, Darcy, but I suppose you'll say that is her business and Mr Manners'. I know when my advice is not wanted, though poor Anne may yet come to regret ignoring me. Miss Bergman says there are things going on on the second floor that will not stand up to scrutiny, and that Lord Chester is at the core of them.'
'I suppose Miss Bergman didn't like him catching her snooping, Lady Catherine. You know who Lord Chester is, and if you haven't told Miss Bergman, yet, I suggest you do so immediately. No-one in this house can afford to offend the heir to the throne, with however much familiarity and distinction he treats them.'
Darcy could see his aunt thinking, so Mrs Darcy knew what Prince George was about with other men's wives, but he could not read his aunt's reaction to this realisation. Maybe she hoped Elizabeth would fall for the prince and prove aunt Catherine right. She did however merely change the subject.
'Well, I've done my duty to you, Darcy, and now I'm going back to the drawing-room to see whether there is some more music to be enjoyed, or maybe some other diversion. I liked that card game your sister taught us, Mrs Darcy, though she practically forced her choice of game on your cousin and myself. And maybe your father will deign to gift us with his presence for an hour or an hour-and-half, people my age like to talk some sense now and then, with someone our own age. It's been rather lonely at Rosings recently, I suppose I'll have to find myself a companion of some sort, with Anne married and Mr Collins busy with his wife and child. Miss Bergman tells me Mrs Collins is often out and about these days, apparently she has friends in the village. I do wonder that Mr Collins puts up with it, watching the child when his wife enjoys herself with who knows what.
Which reminds me, Darcy, with your sister married I suppose you have let her lady companion go? She seemed very genteel, maybe she would be interested to live at Rosings with me?'
'Mrs Annesley is still in my employ, aunt Catherine, as housekeeper in my town house. She is certainly excellent company, but she is also a valued member of my staff, my household couldn't function properly without her services. And I am very certain she has a family in London depending on her.
Why don't you ask Miss Bergman to keep you company as well as tend to your personal needs? You seem to like her a great deal.'
'Miss Bergman in my drawing-room? Impossible! She's a commoner!
Though she is very well-mannered and genteel her parents were nobodies, even worse than your father's steward, I think they were farmers.'
'Mr Fielding's parents are cow-herds, Lady Catherine. That doesn't make him less pleasant company, does it?'
Had Elizabeth finally worn aunt Catherine down? She didn't even fly into a rage, or denounce her niece's talented husband. She merely sighed deeply.
'I read that in the paper but I just couldn't believe it. Is it indeed true? Did you allow your sister to marry a cow-herd's son? Never mind answering that, Darcy, I remember Spencer telling me now, he seemed inordinately pleased.
What is the world coming to? I suppose I shall have to think about it. There is no denying that Miss Bergman's company would be very agreeable to me, but I cannot have the people talking. You've given me much to think about, I do need company and I'd prefer to have someone I know and like. And trust. But now I'm going to find Mr Bennet and ask him how he can bear the world changing so much.'
Was this a good thing or really, really bad? Tending towards the latter, Darcy felt sorry for Fowler, who might have to face Lady Catherine de Bourgh trying to access the second floor. Not because he'd have trouble standing up to a lady of some influence, but because that would keep him away from Anne. Hopefully, Mr Bennet would soon rebuff aunt Catherine by being at his most offensive, they had what they wanted from her, she could go home now, and Darcy didn't particularly care in what mood.
Chapter 30
It was over! Against all expectations, Wickham was proven not to be Fitzwilliam's relation by blood, such a relief! And tomorrow Prince George would leave, Lady Catherine hopefully to follow soon after. With dear Jane to arrive a few days later, and uncle and aunt Gardiner, they would be amongst those they loved most once more. But first there was the rest of the day and the whole evening to survive with their badly matched set of house guests, and the task started with Lydia. Sending for the seamstress immediately would keep her pleasantly occupied and away from Prince George at the very least. And during dinner papa would have to make the sacrifice of guarding his youngest daughter from making a spectacle of
herself and her family. It was the least he could do, with what he was expecting them to keep from her mother.
Lady Catherine must have left the room quietly for suddenly Fitzwilliam took her in his arms and lifted her high, kissed her full on the lips and crushed her against his chest.
'I'm free, my love!' he said with a feeling voice, 'I was so afraid to have to let that miserable loser back into my life! I cannot stand the way he looks at you, and then my jealousy makes me feel undeserving of your love. Well, you know better than anyone what it made me become. But now I can forget about him, I won't even mind him being in my village for a few days. We'll just be nice to your sister, give her a few decent dresses, and then they will both be off to Kent. Do you want me to ring for Mrs Annesley now? I really wonder what problem she is facing with her work, she finished that last piece without any mishap.'
'I suppose this one may be more difficult, this is not a mere copy of a work she has seen countless times, this is a unique portrait of someone you and Georgiana knew well. She probably doesn't want to make a mistake and only find out when the piece is finished. If you don't mind I'd like to see to Lydia before we do anything else, I'm thinking of having the seamstress over for measurements as soon as possible, Lydia will love the attention and we can spend all the time we need with Mrs Annesley without worrying about my sister.'
'By all means, my dearest Elizabeth, I understand why you'd want to do that, and she will be so happy with a few new dresses. But my love, I do think your sister knows how to behave before someone truly important. I don't think there is that much danger of her exposing herself. Not more than Mr Collins, or aunt Catherine. And at least your sister is always in an excellent humour.'
Well, that was certainly true, but still Elizabeth preferred to keep an eye on Lydia, and avoid her being with Prince George without someone to check her exuberance and informality.
'Shall we meet Mrs Annesley in the dining room in half an hour then?'
And fortunately, before half an hour had passed, Elizabeth was in the dining room, having left Lydia in her own guestroom with Georgiana, waiting for the seamstress with her measuring tape, sketches of dresses and fabric samples. Georgiana having taken Lydia in hand in Elizabeth's absence was such a relief, she would take care that whatever Lydia ordered would be
proper for an officer's wife. And Lydia herself
had asked for Fanny to be there as well to give advice, which was of course to be expected, Lydia had always been fond of Fanny and at home her maid was her only company: she wasn't as stuck on rank as she had once been. Elizabeth did not doubt that the three young women would have an excellent time together, talking about fashion and married life.
Fitzwilliam and Mrs Annesley came in together, her beloved carrying a very large frame, the artist still looking radiant but much less apprehensive.
Apparently, Fitzwilliam had already talked to her, let her know he and Elizabeth blamed papa for whatever was going on between them. Elizabeth wanted to be angry at her father but it was hard, imagine living with her mother and Mary day in, day out. It was enough to drive a saint mad, let alone papa.
After an informal greeting, Mrs Annesley busied herself setting up her work to be admired, and Elizabeth had a little time to tell Fitzwilliam about her errand.
'Lydia is in excellent hands, your sister offered her assistance and Lydia asked for Fanny to be there as well.'
That caused her to wonder whether Lydia had her own maid along, Mrs Reynolds hadn't mentioned her, nor had Lydia herself. Maybe Mrs Annesley knew, she had undoubtedly been in the common-room for at least one meal.
'Mrs Annesley, have you by any chance seen my younger sister's maid among the staff, a young girl called Abbey? Shy girl, dark hair, no uniform but probably a worn dress?'
Mrs Annesley looked up and offered, 'I didn't see a girl like that at the table and I think I would have noticed a girl not in a uniform, it's difficult to not be a housekeeper all of a sudden, keeping an eye on the staff has become a habit these days.'
'Thank you, I suppose I'll have to ask my sister why she didn't bring her maid.
That girl was the only company Lydia had most of the day, and a great help arranging her little household. Lydia will need her in Kent, she cannot run a household by herself. But it can wait, for now I suppose Lydia is very happy, choosing new dresses. I'm very excited to see what you've done so far, Mrs Annesley.'
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