“What I wish or not matters little as there is nothing to be shared at this moment.”
“But…now you truly worry me! Your uncle and I believed that subject was only one of your aunt’s wrong presumptions. We assumed the subject was closed.”
“The kind of relationship Lady Catherine claimed was a mistaken presumption,” Darcy responded. “However, that does not end the subject of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, whom I would be happy to talk about at any time.”
“She is the sister of the young lady whom Bingley will marry, is she not? I heard Bingley’s future wife is a flawless beauty.”
“Miss Jane Bennet is indeed beautiful, and she is kind and gentle. Bingley is a fortunate man,” Darcy replied.
“And Catherine said her youngest sister eloped with that George Wickham boy?”
“She did.”
“So,if I followed your words carefully, one sister is married to Wickham, and the other one will marry Bingley? I hope you realise, Darcy, how much below you these people are and how far from your circle,” Lady Matlock said coldly. “I hope your judgment is not affected and that you consider all the circumstances thoroughly before you decide on any actions. You cannot afford to be impulsive and careless, and I believe you should discuss the matter with your uncle too, even today.”
The warning was clear, as well as the disapproval in the lady’s voice. Her opposition had already been aroused, not as violent as Lady Catherine’s but powerful enough to not be neglected.
“I have considered all the circumstances — I always do, both when I manage my business or in my personal life. I shall gladly talk to you or my uncle on any subject you wish. However, I hope you remember that, if I am capable of making decisions to improve the income for everyone in the family, if you trust me with your fortune, I deserve to be trusted with what I believe to be the good fortune of my life.”
“I do trust you, Brother,” Georgiana said with a timid smile.
“So do I, Cousin,” Anne said. “Utterly and completely.”
“You may always count on my support, Darcy,” the colonel added, causing his mother to frown again.
“Perhaps we should postpone the ride, after all,” Lady Matlock said coldly. “It seems there are important matters that you should discuss with your uncle, and I believe I should be present.”
“As you wish, dear Aunt,” Anne surprisingly replied. “If you do not mind, I would like to go still, if Georgiana and Geoffrey wish to join me.”
“I certainly do,” the colonel replied, and Georgiana nodded too. They left soon after, while Darcy remained with Lady Matlock until the earl returned, already angry after the confrontation with his sister.
