The colonel then winked at Elizabeth and excused himself, joining Mr. Bennet as he had suggested. Anne watched him go, seeming rather dispassionate, while Darcy regarded his cousin with interest. The next words to pass between the cousins caught Elizabeth completely by surprise.
“You appear to be put out with our cousin,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Sometimes he takes his jovial nature too far,” said Anne. “I pity his future wife, for she must manage a child in a man’s body.”
“Fitzwilliam is notthatbad,” reproved Darcy.
“Then,” added Mr. Darcy, considering his cousin carefully, “you are not interested in a closer relationship with Fitzwilliam.”
Anne laughed in true amusement. “What gave youthatnotion?”
“When we were traveling to Meryton not knowing the situation, your mother harping about the need to marry at once to rehabilitate your reputation, Fitzwilliam suggested he shouldmarry you instead, for several reasons I believe were good.”
“Let me guess,” replied Anne, appearing amused and exasperated at once, “his need to marry a woman with wealth and my need for a husband.”
“The second yes, but not so much the first.” Mr. Darcy appeared faintly apologetic. “You must understand, Anne, that we did not even know the identity of your paramour, though Fitzwilliam showed remarkable insight in suspecting Wickham from the start. We still do not know if any word of it might make it to the ears of society.”
“I suppose that makes sense from your point of view,” conceded Anne. “Then let me share my opinion. At present, I cannot say that I even wish to marry, and I certainly won’t let anyone browbeat me into accepting a proposal just to save my reputation. I doubt society will learn anything of it, and if they do, I cannot imagine they will know enough to make me a pariah.
“The fault is mine, and I shall bear the burden of it. Fitzwilliam may search somewhere else for a wealthy bride, for I am not interested in him in that way. If he is very good, I may even make him my heir should I not marry.”
“You do not wish to marry?” asked Mr. Darcy, regarding Anne with interest.
“I do not know,” replied Anne, shrugging her unconcern. “Though my mother exaggerates, there are some legitimate concerns about my health. Whether I marry is likely tied to my ability to find a man for whom I wish to set such considerations aside.”
“Then I shall see to your improvement, Anne,” said Elizabeth. “When I arrive at Pemberley, I shall show you the wonders of walking to improve both your stamina and your health.”
A shy smile was Anne’s response, and a heartfelt: “I believe I should like that, Elizabeth.”
“If we can convince your mother,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Mama may hold her tongue,” said Anne. “She knows I mean to make my own decisions, and while she might not accept it yet, she soon will have no choice.”
“You have my support,” said Mr. Darcy.
“And mine,” added Elizabeth.
Eyes shining with gratitude, Anne thanked them both. For a time thereafter, they continued in quiet conversation, yet nothing they said was of much significance. Such was the mark of those of true esteem for each other, a notion interesting to Elizabeth, considering how little she had cared for either of her current companions not that long ago. Soon, they noticed other conversations in the room, particularly as Lady Catherine was still pontificating to Mrs. Bennet about a particular subject.
“The woman you hire must be knowledgeable, Mrs. Bennet,” said the lady in her usually authoritative tone. “I find widows make the best companions, for they have the experience of moving in society. It is that knowledge she must impart to your daughters, so that is a quality for which you should search.”
Mrs. Bennet listened gravely, and when Lady Catherine had her say, she ventured a comment. “Is there a particular level of society that should be of special interest?”
“Most such ladies are of the same general sphere,” replied Lady Catherine. “Those of the highest levels rarely search for positions, as they claim the benefit of wealth which precludes the need for additional funds. Companions usually come from the ranks of the lower gentry whose husbands leave them with little support. They also come from those same ranks, ladies unable to attract a husband for whatever reason.
“Darcy,” said the lady, turning to him, “can you tell Mrs. Bennet where you found Mrs. Annesley?”
“It was a recommendation from Lady Susan,” said Mr. Darcy. “Lady Susan is my other aunt, the earl’s wife.”
Mrs. Bennet appeared impressed that he had invoked the name of a countess.
“I do not recall the exact connection, but I believe Mrs. Annesley had the care of a young girl, the daughter of one of Lady Susan’s friends. The girl married, and Mrs. Annesley was looking for a new position.”
“Yes, a character and professional reference from one you trust is invaluable,” said Lady Catherine. She turned back to Mrs. Bennet. “I shall write to my sister and a few of my friends and ask if they know of anyone looking for a position.”
“Thank you, your ladyship,” said Mrs. Bennet, admiration shining in her eyes. Then she hesitated and offered: “I hope such a lady will not be prohibitively expensive to employ.”
“If you will pardon my saying it,” said Lady Catherine, the frankness she so lauded apparent for all to see, “you cannot afford anyone less, considering the circles in which your daughters must someday move.”
