Chapter 21
“You must not mind what Lady Catherine says or how she acts,” Mrs Ryde told Elizabeth once they had arrived home and were settled in the drawing room. “She has always been ridiculously arrogant and rude.”
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, but she could not find it in her to agree.
Soon, she would laugh at the woman’s behaviour, but she supposed she was still a little shocked at the abrupt ending to her time with Mr Darcy.
Lady Catherine had given her such looks—at once suspicious and dismissive.
It would help if I understood why! “Have you known her long?”
“Since we were young women, I suppose. Too long, if I am honest. I have never liked her, and she has returned the sentiment. She has always felt I did not deserve my husband. He would have done better to marry an English lady, or some such nonsense. Being Irish, I was hardly worth her notice.” She laughed and shook her head, clearly unconcerned.
Such a report did nothing to improve Elizabeth’s poor impression of Lady Catherine.
But she was Mr Darcy’s aunt, just as much as Lady Romsley or Mrs Darcy were, and she would treat her with respect.
If she were fortunate, Lady Catherine would extend her the same courtesy.
But I rather doubt she will! “Have you met Miss de Bourgh often? I did not understand what Lady Catherine meant about her daughter taking her place in society.”
“Oh, that,” Mrs Ryde said. “I do not believe I have seen Anne de Bourgh for above a decade. We happened to be in town at the same time. It was certainly not a deliberate meeting. Lady Catherine had brought her to see a doctor, if I recall, a man she could not convince to travel to Kent to examine her. That is where they live. Sir Lewis de Bourgh died many years ago, leaving his estate to his daughter. Anne’s health has always been delicate, although I do not know that anyone understands why.
It has prevented her from spending much time in society.
I suppose her mother now feels she is strong enough.
One never knows what that woman is thinking.
” Mrs Ryde sighed as though releasing irritation.
“Enough about them. Are you pleased with your gown for the ball? You will look absolutely lovely. The colour is perfect for you.” It was a rich blue with a shimmery overlay.
“I absolutely love it,” Elizabeth said eagerly.
She was just as ready to forget the displeasing end to their call as Mrs Ryde evidently was.
“I can never thank you enough for your kindness—not only for the gown, but for everything you have done for me. In case I have not said it lately, I am having a wonderful time being here with you.” While she missed her parents and sisters—and would like to meet Mr Bingley, about whom Jane wrote more in each letter—she was glad she was in town.
Mrs Ryde would never entirely replace her aunt Bennet, but Elizabeth considered her the best substitute possible.
The lady certainly treated her as a niece, and in return, she offered her the affection she would give a beloved aunt.
Between their time together in Ireland and the last weeks in London, to say nothing of past years, how could it be otherwise?
Needless to say, there were other reasons Elizabeth was glad to be in town, chiefly Mr Darcy.
What a surprise it was to find herself so desirous of his good opinion and company!
From hoping she would never see him again in June, to wanting to be with him as often as possible in November, from disliking him to…
well, the complete opposite, it had been quite a journey.
Although the de Bourghs’ arrival had ended their enjoyable interlude earlier, she trusted his relations would pose no further impediment to their growing connexion.
I have made friends with Miss Darcy when that seemed unlikely, and, if possible, I shall do the same with Miss de Bourgh.
We shall make a start to it on Thursday.
If it did not happen, if she and Miss de Bourgh—to say nothing of Lady Catherine—did no more than treat each other with politeness, it would be enough.
After all, Mr Darcy had hardly mentioned them, if he ever had.
They probably played little role in his life.
If her recently formed and dearest wish came true and his family became hers, she doubted they would see them often.
Georgiana Darcy’s birthday luncheon was delightful.
Elizabeth appreciated meeting her school friends, who, although rather different from her younger sisters, reminded her of them; it made her miss her family more than she had since coming to town.
What was most pleasing was the continued growth of her connexion to Miss Darcy.
She was a charming girl, and Elizabeth knew—and suspected she did as well—that it would please Mr Darcy to see them become closer.
The least gratifying aspect of the party, which was held at Mr Darcy’s townhouse, was Miss de Bourgh’s presence.
She said little, even when asked a direct question.
All Elizabeth learnt of her was that she and her mother had gone shopping.
No matter what the topic was or who attempted to speak to her, she had nothing to say regarding books, music, clothes, flowers, or anything else.
Recalling Mrs Ryde mentioning Miss de Bourgh’s history of ill health, Elizabeth wondered if that might excuse some of her cold, distant demeanour.
Judging by her appearance, Elizabeth suspected her constitution still was not robust; she was thin and rather frail looking.
Whether it was a sign of her character or not, she gave the impression of being a little sour, like milk that was on the point of going bad.
Still, Miss Darcy was happy and at ease, smiling and laughing, and Elizabeth was satisfied.
Between the day of his aunt and cousin’s arrival in town and dinner at Lord and Lady Romsley’s townhouse, Elizabeth had only seen Mr Darcy once, which was a disappointment.
It had been when she was with Rebecca, and he had escorted his sister to call on their aunt the day before Georgiana’s birthday luncheon.
“I wish I could stay longer,” Mr Darcy had said to her. “Unfortunately, I am needed in Grosvenor Square.” She understood he meant at Lord and Lady Romsley’s residence.
“I am sorry, if only because you sound disinclined to go,” Elizabeth had replied, wondering if he might say a pretty word about preferring to remain with her.
He had made a noise that suggested partial agreement. “Lady Catherine’s being here has…added to my duties.”
Since he was reluctant to explain, she had spoken of something else for the few minutes they had together.