“Well. They would discover that sooner rather than later, I believe.”
“Exactly. Mr Darcy did not even tell his most beloved sister, which can only mean that he was ashamed of marrying me.”
“That sounds improbable…”
“Not at all!” Elizabeth cried and told her grandmother everything that had transpired since she entered London’s superior society as Mrs Darcy, only leaving out her latest discoveries from Lord Matlock’s and Judge Darcy’s mouths.
“It is wretched in every way. I have done everything I can. I have behaved as a lady ought and even held a ball. But it was all to no avail. How can such people be worked upon?”
“With kindness and honesty, dear Lizzy. There is great need of it in London’s society, and I dare say you will have little competition.”
Elizabeth huffed in disappointment. “I have tried my best, Grandmama. It cannot be done,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“You did not use your full arsenal, and that error we shall rectify. You know that I was one of the ladies who accompanied Queen Charlotte on her first voyage to England.”
Elizabeth nodded sagely without understanding what it signified.
“With Herman welcoming me back into the family, I shall write to the queen. Let us hope that she has not forgotten her old friend. With luck and patience, we shall gain an audience, to restore your good name and reputation. This will take weeks to accomplish, of course. In the meantime, we can ponder what to do with Lydia.”
Could it be that simple? It could appear as such when her grandmother did not know the latest development.
“I cannot be certain that even Queen Charlotte’s approval could save me.”
“Whyever not?”
“Because just before I left home, Judge Darcy advised Mr Darcy how he could divorce me, and how to rid himself of a possible child—whatever the risk of such a procedure to the mother.”
Her grandmother rose from her chair in righteous indignation.
“Outrageous! What was Mr Darcy’s reply to this barbaric insult?”
“Nothing! Mr Darcy said nothing at all. He did not defend me or gainsay the despicable judge.”
“Then how can you be certain he agreed?”
“Mr Darcy is so…so…proud.”
“Proud? Are you accusing the kettle, Mrs Pot?”
Elizabeth laughed to prove her point, even if the sound appeared forced. “His greatest fear is to be laughed at and ridiculed by theton, and his greatest wish is to be lauded and revered by them. There isnothinghe would not do to be admired as the most outstanding gentleman. His struggle for perfection is exhausting and a spectacular disaster. His failings are great indeed, like improper pride, resentfulness, an unyielding temper. His feelings are almost immovable, and he never forgives or forgets.”
Elizabeth felt wretched. The man she described was not Mr Darcy, but her anger, the provocation, and petty jealousy would not allow him to be good.
“These are heavy failings. One might wonder why you chose to marry him.”
A flash of images flew before her inner eye as she stared unseeingly at her grandmother. How devilishly handsome he was when he smirked at her mud-covered appearance at Netherfield Park, how he was never at a loss for understanding and always surprised her with his many tokens of affection.
“I love him.”
“We admire peoplebecauseof their excellent character, but we lovedespitepeople’s flaws. In hope, I suppose, of our love making our heart’s chosen one into a better man.” Lady Louise tilted her head and regarded her with an inscrutable expression.
Elizabeth found it incumbent upon herself to change the subject.
“So, will you ask Count Reimarus to write to the Lord Chamberlain and request an audience with Queen Charlotte?”
“No. I shall write directly to one of the Ladies of the Queen’s Bedchamber. Mrs Charlotte Papendiek is Keeper of the Queen’s Wardrobe and an acquaintance of mine. I hope the queen has not forgotten an old friend. If she has not, I am ready to use all the influence of the Reimarus House to forward my case. The queen is a frequent correspondent with her family, and dear Herman is a great friend of the queen’s brother.”
“Do you suppose it is a bit farfetched considering the queen’s rules against consorting with those who are riddled with scandal?”
