Flustered by Lady Catherine’s rudeness, Elizabeth responded curtly, “I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet and have threatened no one, Your Ladyship. My uncle is not expected for another hour or two. Will you not be seated?”
Looking about the room and taking note of its modest furnishings and décor, Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed as she studied Elizabeth and took a seat on the sofa. “This is a rather small parlour. I suppose it is the best one can expect, living in this part of Town. Be seated, Miss Bennet. I have come on the behalf of my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy? Is he well?” Elizabeth asked with concern. “Pray, do not tell me something tragic has happened to his daughter.”
“You may save your concern, Miss Bennet. The child is as well as can be expected, no thanks to my nephew who refused to allow her to be bled and is now reaping the consequences of his negligence. If she dies, the fault will lay on his shoulders, not mine.”
Elizabeth nearly gasped with the thought. “Are you saying she has not improved?” she questioned with alarm.
“Perhaps I did not make myself clear. My granddaughter’s health is none of your concern. I am here to discuss the travesty which your family has perpetrated on mine. Though I find it hard to believe, my nephew tells me you were as much a victim as he was at the charity ball. Knowing this, I wonder thatyou have not already quit this detestable society in which you reside.”
Elizabeth could not believe how offensive William’s aunt was. She had done nothing to deserve such vitriol. Why, her own mother would never speak so meanly, despite her failings. How dare this woman come into her uncle’s home and insult her in such a manner.
“Your Ladyship, that may be your opinion, but it is not mine. As you stated, I, too, was a victim and I have done nothing wrong. Moreover, I have no intention of quitting this society. My uncle and aunt are respected people in the community. In fact, several of your peers think quite highly of Mr. Gardiner’s abilities and have not hesitated to invest in many of his lucrative ventures.”
“That may be, but in the case of my family, the association is unacceptable, and you fool yourself if you think you will ever be accepted by any of us. You, Miss Bennet, will be censured, slighted, and despised by everyone who is connected with my nephew.”
Elizabeth stiffened, her ire rising. “Your Ladyship, you have said that you are here representing Mr. Darcy’s concerns; perhaps you should state your business so that we may end this unpleasant interview.”
“Yes, do let us get to the point. Miss Bennet, I have come here this afternoon to make you an offer on behalf of my nephew. Mr. Darcy is prepared to give you a substantial sum of money if you would simply walk away from this situation and have no further contact with our family.”
“Money?!” Elizabeth said with indignation. “You would dare to offer me money?! If Mr. Darcy is so eager to be rid of me, then let him come and negotiate for himself. If either of you think I can so easily be bought, the two of you are mistaken.”
Lady Catherine suddenly rose from her chair and pounded her walking stick on the hard floor with a loud thud. “You mean to tell me, young lady, that you would not accept five thousand pounds to satisfy your misfortune? For that is what he is prepared to offer you.” Her expression was filled with venom. “Now what have you to say?”
“Only this: I agree, five thousand pounds is a substantial amount; however, I am not interested, and I find the offer coming from you instead of him demeaning.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed again as she continued to stare at Elizabeth. With each passing second, she became more irritated. Continuing to tap her walking stick in agitation she said, “I see that you drive a hard bargain. With his daughter ill, it is impossible for my nephew to negotiate in person. If the amount is what is troubling you, I have been authorised to increase the portion to eight thousand pounds. Now what have you to say? Surely that sum would satisfy. I understand your father is on his death bed, and with your estate being entailed, you could easily provide for your family after his demise should you decide not to keep the entire amount to entice some other eligible man.”
Hearing Lady Catherine refer to her family in this manner further angered Elizabeth. Struggling not to lose her temper, she replied, “Your Ladyship, you had best save your breath, as my decision is firm. I am refusing your offer, and without speaking to Mr. Darcy in person, I shall never yield.”
“Obstinate, headstrong girl! So, I see you are determined to have him.”
“Your Ladyship, thus far I have made no such claim. At present, I am determined to act in a way which will constitute my own happiness without regard to you or any person who would dare humiliate me in such a manner.” Reaching for the servant’s bell on the side table, Elizabeth rang it with vigourand rose from her chair. “I believe we are finished and shall ask Daniels to alert your footman for I have nothing more to say.”
“Miss Bennet! Not so fast. Do you pay no regard to the wishes of my nephew’s relations or his friends? I will have you know that the Fitzwilliam family is a powerful family in society, and that your ambitions to become the next mistress of my nephew’s estates and mother to my granddaughter will never be fulfilled!”
“That may be, but until I have spoken with Mr. Darcy, your threats are futile.”
When Daniels appeared at the door Elizabeth stated, “Daniels, please escort Lady Catherine to her carriage.”
“Yes, Miss, right away.”
“Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine said with indignation. “It is my understanding that you are not yet of age, which is why I came here with the intention of speaking to your uncle. While I was considerate enough to consult your wishes, it appears I will have to conclude my business with Mr. Gardiner after all. Inform your uncle that I shall expect him tomorrow afternoon at Matlock House, where I am currently residing with my brother, the earl. As for you, young lady, know that I am seriously displeased and will take no leave of you.” With that, Daniels escorted Lady Catherine from the house and to her carriage.
Trembling, Elizabeth watched while the vehicle pulled away from the house and out into the lane.How could William send that despicable woman to do his bidding? His letter to Uncle gave no indication that he intended to cry off. I know he was married to her daughter, but could that woman truly hold such influence over him? I thought the man I knew was self-assured and not easily swayed by the opinions of others.“His letter; I must find his letter and read it again.”
Normally Elizabeth would never go into her uncle’s study without his permission, but it was imperative she find William’s letter. Struggling to move as quickly as she could with the aidof her cane, she painstakingly made her way to Mr. Gardiner’s study. The room was much smaller than her father’s, for her uncle was not the great reader that Mr. Bennet was. While he did enjoy a good book, much of his time was devoted to his business, and it was not uncommon to find legers piled high on top of his desk for that purpose.
The room was fairly dark, for it only had one small window. Sitting in his large chair, Elizabeth quickly lit a candle, then proceeded to look through several drawers until she found William’s letter. Touching the fine script, she let out a little sob. How could he make an offer to buy her off? It was so unlike him. During the time she had known William, he had come to show her great respect and caring. He was a man of honour.
Reading through his letter, Elizabeth could find no indication that William would not return and do what was required. His daughter’s health necessitated that he stay in Kent, and rightfully so.
… I must leave at once to attend her. I shall keep you informed of her progress by mail and at my earliest opportunity will endeavour to return so that we may address our business in person. Please extend my apologies to Miss Elizabeth.
Yours sincerely,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
