“We were supposed to have guests tonight,” Darcy said, suddenly furious. It was one of the last evenings before their departure, which had already been fixed. “I myself delivered theinvitation to Mrs Collins when I saw her this morning at the Parsonage.”
“And I have since rescinded it,” replied Lady Catherine. “I believe we have dined quite enough with those at the Parsonage. We need an evening to discuss matters regarding our family, which concern us alone.”
“And what matters might those be?” Darcy asked, his irritation far from subsiding. He was deeply disappointed, for he had hoped to speak to Elizabeth, to break through the wall of trivialities that had come to surround their every conversation, and to learn more about her and about her feelings. For his own feelings were clear: he loved her. And although he had tried to find reasons to abandon the idea, to leave for London and put an end to it, he had not succeeded. That morning, he had resolved to ask for her hand, and he had needed this evening to help her understand that his admiration for her was far more than a passing inclination. Yet Lady Catherine, in her autocratic manner, had shattered that hope. His disappointment was palpable, hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.
“For instance, to give you the chance to spend more time with Anne,” his aunt replied sharply. “You are at the Parsonage or with theladiesthere all day. Anne is your betrothed—”
“Lady Catherine, I must ask you to refrain from making such proclamations,” the colonel interrupted hastily, fearing Darcy would launch into an argument that could only lead to unpleasantness.
“And I must ask you not to interfere, Richard! Are you Darcy’s secretary?”
“He is not my secretary,” Darcy said, somewhat more composed, “but he speaks the truth. We are not engaged, nor do I intend to become engaged to my cousin.”
Only then, as if realising that the conversation concerned Anne, who was present, did he turn to her with a small smile.
“Forgive me, Anne,” he said. “I do not wish to be unkind.”
“No, you are not, Cousin,” she murmured in a small yet sweet voice.
“Quiet, girl!” Lady Catherine shouted.
Darcy and the colonel looked at each other quite helplessly. They genuinely felt sorry for their cousin, who was so oppressed by her mother. Speaking in that way in their presence was even more frustrating and damaging to the poor young lady.
“You and Anne must marry,” continued Lady Catherine. “I trust you understand that such obligations must be fulfilled.”
“There is no obligation, Lady Catherine,” Darcy replied composedly, yet his face was far from reflecting the same quietness.
“But of course there is! Your mother and I decided—”
“My mother is dead and cannot confirm this decision,” Darcy continued in the same even tone. However, the exasperation was now visible on his face. “I do not wish to marry Anne, nor does she wish to marry me.”
“She is not to be asked,” the old woman fumed, waving her spoon about, sending droplets of soup onto those around her.
“You are mistaken. She should be consulted. I would never marry a woman who is thrust into my arms by her mother without her full consent and love for me.”
“Love!” Lady Catherine scoffed contemptuously. “I did not think you were a man to concern yourself with such trifles. This is about ensuring that our wealth remains within the family.”
“My fortune is more than sufficient. I have no need for a single penny more. I shall not marry Anne, and this discussion ends here.”
“Perhaps you have some other young lady in mind!” cried Lady Catherine in such a furious and severe tone that it was scarcely characteristic even for her.
“I do not believe that is any concern of yours, madam,” said Darcy with unyielding calm.
“It is my concern. It is a matter that concerns our family, upon which you might well bring shame!”
“Lady Catherine,” interjected the colonel in his turn, “let us not lose our tempers without cause. Darcy has not made any decisions regarding marriage.” Yet looking at his cousin he saw how close he was to making one. Only it was not what Lady Catherine had in mind—or did she know more than she was willing to divulge?
“We shall see about that!” Lady Catherine declared in such a menacing tone that all present turned to her, startled—even fearful.
“Please do not threaten me, Lady Catherine. I am not one of your servants,” Darcy replied coldly, then, looking affectionately at Anne he said, “You will always be welcome in our home, Anne, as our cousin.” He was confident that she would understand that it was not a casual invitation but a serious offer to escape from her mother.
Darcy was tempted to leave the table at once and go to the Parsonage to speak to Elizabeth or simply tell her he intended to ask for her hand. But he refrained, for something vicious in his aunt’s gaze made him fear she might attempt to frighten Elizabeth somehow. Yet, as he rose from the table and made his way to the library, the colonel following close behind, a smile flickered across his face, for he realised that nothing could possibly intimidate Elizabeth, and opposing Lady Catherine might, in fact, even bring her some small satisfaction.
∞∞∞
“What was that? What is this hurry?” Darcy asked, holding a generous glass of brandy. “Has she somehow sensed that I am fond of Miss Bennet?”
“Sensed?” the colonel laughed. “No great intuition was required. Since your arrival, you have circled around Miss Bennet, and your behaviour and face has betrayed your feelings more than once. Lady Catherine is not subtle, yet you have been far from concealing your own sentiments.”
