“You were jealous of her. Why?” Recognizing her vehemence as jealousy, clarity came over Darcy in a moment. “You loved him? You loved my father and he did not return your affections.”
“Oh, he returned my affections,” Lady Catherine hissed, “until your mother arrived home from school. Then, I was cast aside. Your father continued to call, and Anne was sent with us as an escort on our walks, but he did not talk to me—it was always her. The morning after her coming out ball, he petitioned my father forherhand. I was humiliated! Humiliated and grateful that Sir Lewis was hanging out for a rich wife to save Rosings. My dowry did nicely and my humiliation was short-lived.
“But then, I had to listen to how happy my sister was with such a perfect child as you and how excellent a husband your father was. I prayed that there would be some calamity that befell their happiness, and because God is merciful, it did. I knew I would enact my revenge through you…”
Darcy was dumbstruck for a moment, then found his voice. “I thank you for the thoroughness of your confession as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in forgiving you had you behaved in a more penitent like manner.” He walked from the room, planning to never return.
Chapter 25
December 27, 1810
Longbourn
Mrs. Bennet moved seamlesslyfrom planning her eldest daughter’s wedding to planning another for her second daughter. Though it had not been announced and Lizzy had not even requested assistance, one could never be too prepared for an opportunity to showcase both her talents as a hostess and the fortunate circumstances of another of her daughters marrying a wealthy landowner. Lizzy wondered how long until her mother realized Mr. Hamilton had not been seen by the inhabitants of Longbourn since Jane’s wedding save one, nor had any letters arrived for her in the post.
It was on a lovely, late December day that said mother raised her head at the breakfast table to make a request of her least favorite child.
“Lizzy, today we must go into Meryton, as Mrs. Coles has received the lace I ordered for your veil. We will decide which bonnet looks best on you, then we will return home to finish planning the wedding breakfast. Although a wedding in January would not be my first choice,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “However, if it is necessary, so be it.”
Mrs. Bennet returned to her lists and Mr. Bennet raised his brows at Lizzy.
That look reminded her of their conversation one-week prior indicating she must tell her mother the courtship was no longer honored by either party…
“And may I ask, Lizzy, when this change of heart occurred?”
“Change of heart?” she had asked, attempting to avoid her father’s gaze.
“Yes. It has always been evident that you cared for Mr. Hamilton, and I am at a loss for when that ceased.”
“Papa, I can honestly say I am uncertain I ever loved him. I did always esteem his person and character but do not know if I would call it love.”
“I did not ask about love. I asked when you stopped caring for Mr. Hamilton.”
“Well, I have always cared for Mr. Hamilton and still do.”
“Then why are you unwilling to marry him?” Her father had sat calmly waiting for her reply.
“I have always felt I would only marry for love. Being in a larger expanse of society while staying with the Darcy’s helped me to see that I do not need to solely accept what I am used to. That there are other honorable men who could love me and I could love them in return. Not only would a marriage be achieved but a union of like minds and respect. Mr. Hamilton does not respect me, Papa. He told my aunt Gardiner that he wishes to change me. That I am too headstrong and opinionated.”
“You are.”
“Father!”
“You are, my girl. That is how I raised you, which is not what polite society expects. But I know you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband, unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You could hardly escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. You know what you are about…”
However, Lizzy had preferred to avoid her mother’s wrath and allowed the deception to continue. Mr. Bennet cleared his throat and looked pointedly at his daughter. “Yes, Lizzy. I think it is time you and your mother discuss wedding details. What say you?”
“I thank you, Father, but I do not believe now will be the best time. Maybe later in the day?”
“My dear girl, I am certain Mrs. Coles would appreciate your honest discourse as no proprietor wishes to lose income on unpurchased items.”
“Unpurchased items?” Mrs. Bennet guffawed, splashing her coffee in the saucer. “You have given me leave to spend as much as Jane’s wedding on Lizzy, and I mean to do it, Mr. Bennet. Someday my younger daughters will marry, Lydia and Kitty for certain, and Mary might find a suitable vicar. I will purchase the remaining yardage for decorations for them. Mrs. Coles will not be losing any finances, you can be sure.”
The clanking of Kitty’s fork on the plate caused everyone to glance her way before Mrs. Bennet once again found her target. “We must also choose ribbons for your sisters and new gloves for Lydia. She is growing so quickly, and it is likely Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Bingley will have eligible gentleman to throw in the way of my girls.”
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat again and nodded at his second child over his newspaper. Lizzy was not afraid of many things, least of all her family, but she dreaded how she would live under the same roof with her mother after she learned the truth.
“Yes, well, Mama, I regret to inform you that Mr. Hamilton will not be frequenting Longbourn any time soon.”
