The journey from Kent had been brutal on Anne’s failing body. Every jolt had sent fresh waves of exhaustion through her limbs. Lady Catherine had maintained disapproving silence for much of the journey, while Mrs. Jenkinson watched Elizabeth with that same assessing gaze.
A footman opened the carriage door and offered his hand. Elizabeth took it gratefully, her legs trembling as they made contact with solid ground. The London air smelled different from Kent’s, carrying traces of coal smoke and horse traffic.
Lady Catherine descended with far more certainty, her movements brisk. She swept toward the entrance without waiting. Elizabeth moved after her slowly, Mrs. Jenkinson close behind.
The entrance hall struck Elizabeth with its restrained elegance. Where Rosings assaulted visitors with gilt and grandeur, Matlock House welcomed with wood-panelled walls and an elegant checkerboard of black and white tiles. A curved staircase rose along one wall. Fresh flowers sat in a vase, their scent mingling with beeswax polish.
A butler materialised, taking Lady Catherine’s outer garments and directing servants to deal with the trunks. Elizabeth surrendered her own cloak and bonnet with relief.
“Lady Matlock is expecting you in the drawing room,” the butler said. “If you will follow me.”
They climbed the stairs, Elizabeth gripping the banister. Each step sent fresh protests through tired muscles. Lady Catherine swept ahead while Mrs. Jenkinson remained at Elizabeth’s elbow.
The drawing room occupied the first floor’s front corner. Cream walls decorated with muted landscape paintingsprovided backdrop for furnishings upholstered in shades of gold and soft green. A fire burned in the marble fireplace, but the room’s atmosphere felt airy rather than stuffy.
Lady Matlock rose from a sofa as they entered, and Elizabeth found herself immediately struck by the difference between this woman and Lady Catherine. Where Lady Catherine’s face carried perpetual disapproval, Lady Matlock’s showed genuine warmth softened by laugh lines. She wore a gown of deep blue that suited her colouring.
“Catherine, how good to see you,” Lady Matlock said, embracing her sister-in-law. “And Anne.” She turned toward Elizabeth, her expression transforming into something that looked remarkably like delight. “My dear niece, how pleased I am that you’ve come.”
She crossed to Elizabeth and took both her hands, the gesture conveying warmth without pitying overtones. Lady Matlock’s hands were warm and firm, her grip gentle but not treating Elizabeth as though she might shatter.
“Thank you for having us, Aunt,” Elizabeth managed. “It is kind of you to accommodate us on such short notice.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Matlock said. “You are family. Our home is always open to you. Please, sit. You must be exhausted from the journey.”
Elizabeth lowered herself onto the sofa, grateful beyond measure. The cushions were soft but supportive, the angle comfortable. Lady Catherine settled into a nearby chair with visible stiffness.
A gentleman who must be Lord Matlock entered through a door at the room’s far end. He was a distinguished man in his late fifties, his hair more grey than dark but his bearing upright. His face showed the aristocratic features Elizabeth recognised from Darcy, though softened by what looked like genuine kindness.
“Catherine,” he said, nodding to his sister with reserved courtesy. “Anne.” His gaze moved to Elizabeth, and she saw assessment there but also something that might have been concern. “Welcome to our home. I hope your journey was not too taxing.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Elizabeth replied. “The journey was manageable.”
Lord Matlock’s eyebrows rose slightly at this response, as though he had expected Anne to complain. He exchanged a glance with his wife before settling into a chair.
“We are glad to have you here,” Lady Matlock said. “Though I confess the circumstances are rather unusual. Such a hasty wedding. But I suppose when two people are in love, delay seems unnecessary.”
“Indeed,” Lady Catherine said, her tone making clear that she did not share this interpretation. “My nephew has made his choice, and we are here to demonstrate family unity regardless of personal opinions.”
The statement was flat. Lord Matlock shifted in his chair, clearly uncomfortable. Lady Matlock’s expression showed disappointment but not surprise.
“Well,” Lady Matlock said, rallying with determined cheerfulness, “we shall make the best of things. Anne, my dear, I thought perhaps tomorrow, if the weather permits, you might enjoy seeing our garden.”
Elizabeth felt her heart lift a little at the kindly suggestion. “I would like that very much,” Elizabeth said, then caught herself. “If I am feeling strong enough, of course.”
Mrs. Jenkinson, who had remained near the doorway, stepped forward quickly. “Forgive me, Lady Matlock,” Mrs. Jenkinson said, “but Miss de Bourgh’s constitution is quite delicate. Extended time outdoors often overtaxes her strength. Perhapsit would be wiser to avoid activities that might compromise her health.”
The words were delivered with perfect deference, but their effect was to remind everyone of Anne’s supposed fragility. Elizabeth felt the familiar cage closing around her.
Lady Matlock’s expression shifted, her gaze moving from Mrs. Jenkinson to Elizabeth with new attention. When she spoke, her voice carried gentle firmness.
“I believe Anne knows her own strength best, Mrs. Jenkinson,” Lady Matlock said, her smile remaining warm but her eyes showing steel. “If she feels well enough to walk in the garden, then we shall walk. And if she tires, we shall return immediately. I am quite capable of monitoring my niece’s wellbeing during a simple stroll.”
The statement hung in the air with quiet authority. Elizabeth watched Mrs. Jenkinson’s face cycle through emotions before the companion inclined her head with stiff acknowledgement.
“Of course, my lady,” she said, her tone suggesting she thought no such thing. “I merely wished to ensure Miss Anne’s comfort.”
“Which is admirable,” Lady Matlock replied. “But I assure you, we will take every care. Now, you must be tired from the journey as well. Perhaps you would like to see your room and rest before dinner?”
