Sobbing into her handkerchief, Elizabeth put the letter back and closed the drawer. His letter was not vindictive, nor was it demanding as William’s aunt had been. His letter was simply inconclusive, and until he returned to Town and they spoke in person, she knew not what to think. Rising from her uncle’schair, she murmured, “If only I could go to Longbourn for a few days and see Papa. I pray Uncle will allow it.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
COMPLICATIONS
The Front Parlour
Later That Same Day
By the time her family returned to the house, Elizabeth was truly distraught. Lady Catherine’s distasteful words had played over and over again in her mind to the point that she had a megrim and was on the verge of casting up what little she had eaten during the day.
After removing their outerwear, all but Mrs. Gardiner and Jane went to their rooms. The children were sent to the nursery.
“Lizzy, what are you doing here in the parlour?” her aunt asked with concern. “My dear girl, you do not look well.” She sat next to Elizabeth, touching her forehead to see if there was some fever. “Your brow is a little warm. Is it your foot?”
“Thank you for asking, but my foot is no worse.” Her expression was grave. “Mr. Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was here while you were out.”
“Mr. Darcy’s aunt?” Jane questioned, quickly moving to Elizabeth’s other side and taking her hand. “I pray she did not bring bad news of the child. Oh, Lizzy, do tell us it is not so.”
Elizabeth could no longer hold back her tears. “Lady Catherine gave little information about Mr. Darcy’s daughter except that she is yet very ill. Her Ladyship’s purpose in coming here was to make a monetary offer on Mr. Darcy’s behalf, insisting that I release him from any obligation.”
“Oh, dear,” said Mrs. Gardiner, handing Elizabeth her handkerchief. “I had not expected that of him.”
“Neither did I,” Jane added. “He seemed so honourable.”
“I thought so too,” said Elizabeth. “His letter to Uncle certainly implied nothing of the sort.” Dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief, she continued, “In the end, Lady Catherine said that Mr. Darcy was prepared to offer me eight thousand pounds for my cooperation.”
Mrs. Gardiner and Jane both gasped with this revelation.
“Good heavens!” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed. “It is such a sum! But what did you say to her, Lizzy?”
“Her Ladyship was not pleasant in the least, and our conversation was not something I care to repeat in detail. All in all, I told her that I would only discuss the matter with Mr. Darcy in person.”
“Considering the gravity of this situation, I would heartily agree,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
“Oh, Aunt Maddie, I am so confused. In one respect I feel hurt and betrayed, and in another I cannot wait to let Mr. Darcy know what I think of his despicable offer. It is all so distressing.”
“Lizzy, let me get your uncle and apprise him of the situation. I am sure he will know what to do.”
“Thank you.” As soon as Mrs. Gardiner left, Elizabeth turned to Jane, saying, “I cannot believe this is happening to me.”
“Lizzy, there must be some mistake. In my conversations with Mr. Bingley, he spoke so highly of Mr. Darcy. Why, they have been friends for years. Even though we know Mr. Darcy isa product of theton,surely he will do what is required of him in this situation.”
“Yes, but I cannot forget what Eliza overheard him say at the ball. How can I ignore the fact that he had decided not to pursue me?”
At that moment, the Gardiners entered the parlour. “Elizabeth, what is this I hear about Mr. Darcy’s aunt calling and offering you money to cry off, and on a Sunday no less?”
“It is true, Uncle. She was here not quite an hour ago and very demanding. I refused her offer and told her that I would not consider anything unless I spoke with Mr. Darcy in person. She was not pleased and concluded by saying she would discuss the matter with you, since I am not of age. Lady Catherine is staying at Matlock House and expects you to call on her tomorrow afternoon. Uncle, Her Ladyship is not a pleasant woman.”
“So I gather.” His frown deepened. “I must say I do not care to be given an ultimatum by someone I have never met, whether it be a member of thetonor not. In this instance, however, I will comply, although I shall agree to nothing without a direct communication from Mr. Darcy. Like you, Elizabeth, I would prefer to negotiate face to face with the young man. Following my meeting with Lady Catherine, I shall make my evaluation and send an express to Mr. Darcy. Will that satisfy you, my dear?”
“Yes, Uncle. I appreciate your kindness.”
“‘Tis nothing. I will not have you being taken advantage of.”
“There is one other thing,” she said quietly, not wishing to cause her uncle more grief. “Might I please go to Longbourn to see Papa? With Mr. Darcy’s daughter so ill, it will most likely be several days before he is able to return to Town and speak with us. Frankly, I see little point in staying here if I am to be bought off. And if Mr. Darcy does change his mind and decides to marry me, I would rather have the wedding at Longbourn. It would betoo much for Papa to come to Town, and I dearly want him to be at my wedding.”
Mr. Gardiner sighed. “I understand, my dear. It would have been best if all of this had been settled the day after the ball. But as it is…. Yes, Lizzy, you may go. In fact, given the circumstances, I believe I shall arrange for all of you to return to Longbourn.”
