Mother, please do not think I will ever forget what happened to me those years ago, when, if it was not you,someonetried to murder Papa and me. It was bad enough that poor, faithful Jimmy Green’s life was taken that day.
I am well aware of your strictures regarding maintaining the distinctions of rank. I say this because Mother, I have many friends, from various strata of society. If you cannot accept that, then tell Papa now and he will depart and leave things as they are.
She had to fight to appear outwardly unaffected while she struggled to maintain an air of equanimity. How was this to be borne? Then Lady Catherine reread the last sentence. Shewould have to appear to be accepting of these lowborn friends until she was in a position of power, as she fully intended to be. She went back to the letter trying to keep a neutral visage.
It is my hope you are the person who has been writing to me over the years, that is a person I would be able to like.
Respectfully,
Anne
Sir Lewis saw his wife had completed reading. “Before we continue, it is my sad duty to inform you that our brother Robert Darcy passed away some weeks ago,” Sir Lewis related.
Her first instinct was to be gleeful one of the men who had removed her from Rosings Park was dead and that she needed to go to Derbyshire to make sure Pemberley was well run. Lady Catherine stopped herself before saying anything. One thing at a time. She needed to achieve her overall plan before looking elsewhere.
“That is very sad,” was all Lady Catherine commented about the death of her late sister’s husband. “Why was I not informed before now?”
“Given your reaction in trying to make for Derbyshire after Anne’s death, and had I not come now, you would not have been told.” Sir Lewis did not miss his wife’s look of outrage. “Do not delude yourself that I do not knowallwhich occurs here.” Sir Lewis paused and took a deep breath. “You may return to Rosings Park so Anne may come to know you.”
“At last I am to see my home again,” Lady Catherine enthused.
“Before that occurs, there are some things you need to know.” Lady Catherine gave a tight nod. “Here is a list, read it and then I will require you to sign at the bottom of the page so you will never be able to claim you were unaware of the expectations of yourself.” Sir Lewis handed his wife the document.
Not well pleased she was being treated like an errant child, and with no good cheer, Lady Catherine retrieved the sheet of paper from the table between them. With a sniff, she began to read. She knew she needed to hold her peace until all was read.
Terms for the return of Catherine de Bourgh to Rosings Park
You will not be the mistress of the estate. To wit, you will not reside in the mistress’s chambers.
Your lady’s maid will be released from your service, with a character.
All of your incoming letters will be read before being given to you and all of your outgoing will also be read before being posted.
If you do anything which is judged as harmful to either Sir Lewis de Bourgh or Miss Anne de Bourgh, (including trying to have secret letters posted on your behalf) the Bow Street Runners will investigate everything, including to whom you had your maid post the secret letter from the post stop in Bath.
Your allowance will remain as it is now.
