“I spoke with her at length during our journey,” Darcy replied. “She understands the necessity of secrecy and has promised to speak of it to no one. In London, I have managed to contain the matter, though only because my servants are loyal.”
He then asked, “Aunt Helen, is there anything in which I may be of service?”
“Your uncle no longer manages the estate; it is Phillip’s responsibility.”
“I shall meet with the steward tomorrow. Is Uncle Henry present? Out of respect, ought I to invite him to join us?”
“He is here,” she answered, “though he remains in his bedchamber with a severe attack of the gout. When Phillip regained consciousness, your uncle celebrated with more enthusiasm than prudence and has suffered for it since.”
Darcy chuckled. “I am sorry to hear it. One would suppose that, after so many such attacks, he might have learned moderation.”
Lady Helen looked resigned. “At his age, he is resolved to take pleasure where he may, and he maintains that he will never give up his port.”
The Darcys remained at Haddon Hall for a month before Fitzwilliam was summoned into Kent by his aunt, Lady Catherine, who required his assistance in arranging for the repair of the stables.
Though Georgiana had enjoyed the society of the Stanhope sisters, she chose to accompany Fitzwilliam into Kent. He had informed her that two of Elizabeth Bennet’s sisters resided at Hunsford Parsonage and had told her that, if she traveled south with him, she might be permitted to call upon them.
“I will go with you,” she said. “I should very much like to make their acquaintance.”
What Darcy did not disclose was that her presence would afford him a proper excuse to limit his time in Lady Catherine’s overbearing society.
Chapter 28: Letters
Elizabeth rose.
“Pray do not stand, Mrs. Birks. I congratulate you on the birth of your son. It gladdens me to see that you are doing well.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for the blankets and the infant gowns, and pray thank Miss Jane for the stew she sent. It was most thoughtful.”
“I shall tell her. I will let myself out, Mrs. Birks. My best wishes to you, ma’am.”
It was a hot day in early June, and the black dress she wore made the heat feel even more intense. She longed for a glass of water. This was her third visit, and the heat of the day had left her more fatigued than she wished to admit.
She chose to walk into Meryton by way of the opposite side of the lane, so as to avoid speaking with the militia officers who lounged in groups of two and three outside the tavern. Since Lydia’s unfortunate connection with Lieutenant Wickham, she and Jane had formed a decided aversion to them.
Upon entering the post office, she handed her letters to the clerk.
“Good day, Miss Lizzy. I have your mail.”
He placed three letters into her hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Blackmore.”
Elizabeth examined the letters and noted one from her Aunt Maddie and another from Georgiana. The third was addressed to her and Jane from Mary.
“Two letters from London, at five pence each, and six pence for the letter from Westerham, Miss Lizzy.”
She settled the account with the clerk, then stepped outside and crossed the lane to a small square of green, where she seated herself upon a bench beneath the shade of an old oak. There she broke the seal of Georgiana’s letter and began to read.
May 26, 1811
Dear Lizzy,
We departed for Hadden Hall as soon as my brother settled Mr. W’s travel arrangements and remained there for a month. I greatly enjoyed the visit, as my aunt entertained the Stanhope sisters and Lady Harrington. They are clever young women, and I enjoyed each day I spent in their company. Fitzwilliam was then called into Kent to transact some business for my aunt, Lady Catherine. You may imagine my delight when I encountered your sister taking tea with my aunt and my cousin Anne. Her husband had just concluded the review of his sermon with Aunt Catherine, and we all sat together and made one another’s acquaintance.
The following day, my brother took me walking in the grove, and we met your sister Catherine. She and Mrs. Collins were passing in a gig to pay a parish visit. They stopped, and Mrs. Collins introduced us. We were invited to the parsonage for tea the next day, and we took my cousin Anne along.
I enjoyed the visit very much, for Catherine is lively and I was greatly entertained by her anecdotes of life in Meryton. She reminds me of you, Lizzy, and I should like to know her better. My aunt continues to believe that mybrother will make a match with Cousin Anne, yet I do not perceive it. Anne is extremely reticent, and I believe my brother intimidates her by his very presence. I do not think she cares to be in the company of men. I told Fitzwilliam that it would be unwise for him to marry her, for two reticent persons would soon have nothing to say to one another and would live very separate lives. He laughed and assured me he has no intention of marrying my cousin.
