“Better than ever. Even if we do not succeed in changing society’s opinion of me. I believe I can now stop fretting so much, growing concerned that everything I do or say will be twisted into something dreadful. Within our small circle of family and friends, we are safe from scorn, and those are the people who truly matter.”
Darcy replied with an ardent kiss.
Chapter 30 Run with the Hare and Hunt with the Hounds
Lady Catherine’s barouche drew away from Darcy House with the formidable lady, Mary, and two stout footmen for protection. Lady Catherine’s voice could still be heard issuing useful instructions to the sullen young lady.
“Do you think she will manage?” Elizabeth asked, obviously referring to the older lady.
“Of that I have no doubt.”
Lord Sydney walked by with his pug and tipped his hat. The Darcys gave him a startled bow and curtsey. They were so used to being slighted that the simple civil gesture was a novelty.
“He must have read the newspaper this morning,” Darcy mused.
“What do the rags say now?” Elizabeth muttered without anticipation.
“They are agog with the news of the Darcy carriage’s arrival at Kew Palace and who the elderly lady dismounting with Mrs Darcy was. They have no idea, of course.”
“I read something else in the morning gazette. It appears that Mrs Bean is bankrupt, and I fear for my uncle’s business. She owed him a vast sum.”
“I have it on good authority that his debts were paid. Shall we order the carriage for Hurst House? I am certain you crave the company of Jane, and I shall not mind the exuberance of Bingley post bridal trip.”
She allowed him to change the subject. The lack of subtlety made her suspicious that he had covered the debts. How else was he to know? It was obvious that he worked tirelessly for his family and dependants without expecting gratitude or anything else in return.
“A splendid idea. May we please walk? I need to divest myself of this restless energy.”
Darcy replied by offering his arm, and Elizabeth accepted it. If she drew closer than proper, she cared not. Her need to stay bodily near to him could not be quashed. He could not mind because he lay a comforting hand upon hers, and thus, awkwardly entangled, they arrived at their destination and knocked.
The butler admitted them and took their cards.
“I would like to see Mr and Mrs Bingley,” Darcy informed the butler in measured tones followed by a look that implied that they were not here to see anyone else.
“Certainly, sir.”
It was not to be. They were led into the morning parlour where Miss Bingley entertained a group of tittering ladies. The hostess did not look pleased, which did not surprise Elizabeth. She had not even visited Georgiana since the rumours took flight. It seemed like she was going to give them the cut direct but eventually thought the better of it. Grudgingly, they were introduced to the assembled ladies, who all wore differing degrees of disapproval on their faces.
“I heard you were trying to ingratiate yourself at Kew Palace yesterday. We can all imagine how that went, but we are curious about the lady who accompanied you.”
It was the woman introduced as Lady Amelia who had spoken, her voice sounding vaguely familiar. Darcy shifted beside her. He was standing very close, obviously ill at ease. Interesting…
“I was escorting Lady Louise of Reimarus, who was one of Queen Charlotte’s original ladies in waiting. She travelled with the then Princess Charlotte from Holstein in 1761.” Elizabeth paused to allow the ladies to comprehend the significant information. “She is my grandmother,” she added indifferently. “The rumours about my low connections are so grossly erroneous I wonder at anyone believing such nonsense.”
That tidbit made the ladies uneasy, but Elizabeth held Miss Bingley’s eyes.
“I have never heard of the House of Reimarus,” Lady Amelia tittered.
“No, I would not suppose you have. The Count of Reimarus is known at court and in political circles,” Elizabeth added, strongly implying that these were subjects the vexing lady would know nothing about. Upon hearing her voice the second time, Elizabeth had recognised one of the more vocal ladies at the Matlocks’ ball. She could not like a woman who had taken an instant dislike to her, even before they had been introduced. Darcy was of the same mind because he was scowling at Lady Amelia.
A light pressure on her husband’s arm brought his attention back to her, and his expression softened when she smiled at him. At that moment, Mr and Mrs Bingley arrived with a tinge of red on their faces.
“How good of you to call,” Jane said. “Is Mary not with you?”
“No. She has left for Rosings.” At Jane’s quizzical look she found it best to explain further. “Lady Catherine has given up on reforming Mr Collins and was in need of a new project.” Jane looked even more bewildered by this news. “The material point is that we have a vacant guest room if you two want to return to Darcy House.”
“Oh yes, very much so,” Jane hastened to respond. Then she blushed at making it so obvious that she was desirous to leave the Hurst residence.
“Excellent. I am certain Miss Bingley can arrange for your raiment to be sent, and you may walk back with us.”
