Chapter 11
“Anne! What is this dreadful news I have heard about my nephew?”
Lady Anne startled at her sister’s entrance. “Really, Catty, when will you learn to enter homes like the rest of polite society?”
The sisters embraced with matching smiles.
Their smiles were where their similarities ended.
Whilst Lady Anne was a tall, willowy blonde, her sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was built on a broader scale and her hair was a light brunette colour.
Her looks could be called handsome, rather than pretty.
Growing up together might have been difficult, perhaps even challenging, if it were not for their deep sisterly affection.
Searching the entrance area, Lady Anne exclaimed, “Catherine, where is my niece? Surely you did not come without her?”
“Anne has gone up to rest, but I would appreciate a cup of tea.”
Once tea was ordered, the two women sat together on a sofa. Lady Catherine repeated, “What is this gossip I am hearing about Fitzwilliam?”
“What have you heard?”
“You may be aware of Lady Metcalf’s presence in Town? She wrote to me saying he prowls the ballrooms, glowering and insulting the ladies.”
Lady Anne sighed. “’Tis true, I witnessed it myself. But we addressed the issue. I believe he has improved some.”
Her sister gave her a sly look, “You could always agree to my suggestion–”
Lady Anne held up her hand to stop Lady Catherine from finishing her sentence.
“I am not having this discussion with you again. We will not force them into an arrangement if they do not love each other. My husband and I have informed you of this several times. Fitzwilliam was very clear about his feelings. He is fond of your daughter,” she pinned her sister with a firm look and continued, “but he does not feel more than that. This topic is closed, Catty.”
Lady Catherine bristled, “Do not call me that, Annie.”
“Very well, Catherine, but you will behave yourself.” At a sharp nod from her sister, Lady Anne asked, “Now, what has brought you to town, other than gossip about my son?”
“Anne is stronger and desires to attend some events. She and I both feel, with sufficient rest between the late evenings, she should be able to endure what remains of the season.”
“That is wonderful! Will you shop for dresses? I can recommend the best place for fabrics.”
“Yes, indeed. Anne needs evening and ball gowns made up in the most current fashions.”
“Morning and walking gowns too, I think.”
Lady Catherine sighed. “It would have been such a good match, allowing us to keep Rosings in the Fitzwilliam family.”
Lady Anne huffed out a breath in exasperation and took her sister’s hand in both of hers to garner her absolute attention.
“You will cease and desist. I shall see Fitzwilliam happy in his marriage, not browbeaten into an unsuitable situation. If you cannot control yourself, you are welcome to stay with our brother. They are much more involved with the Season, as Rosamund attends many of the events.”
Lady Catherine harrumphed and pulled her hands free; choosing not to speak of it again.
Both Darcy men entered the sitting room and bowed as they greeted Lady Anne and Lady Catherine.
Mr Darcy tried to hide his surprise at finding his sister by marriage holding court over tea. “Catherine. Did we know you were coming?” he looked to his wife. She shook her head minutely.
“Do I need a grand invitation to visit my only sister?” Lady Catherine bristled.
“Of course not, Catherine.” Lady Anne rested a calming hand on her sister’s arm. “Your rooms are always ready for you and Anne.”
“Fitzwilliam,” Lady Catherine fixed her gaze on her nephew. “You will join us at supper, of course.”
“I have other plans tonight, Aunt.”
“You will cancel them.”
“I will not.”
“Really, nephew, your cousin is here and you must spend time with her.”
Darcy looked at his mother with raised brows. “It seems I shall not find peace in my own home any time soon. Pray excuse me.” He bowed and turned on his heel to walk stiffly out of the room.
“You see, Anne? Your son needs a wife to take him in hand.”
“Enough, Catty! His father and I–his parents–are dealing with it. It has nothing to do with you, and you will leave him be.” Lady Anne stared her sister down, the older woman attempting to sit taller, clenching the handle of her cane.
Finally, Lady Catherine turned away with a sniff and raised her chin. “I believe I shall rest until dinner.”
“Very well. Let me know if Anne will join us or if she would prefer a tray in her rooms.”
Lady Catherine stood and before exiting the room, turned to Mr Darcy and asked, “Are you still befriending tradesmen?”
Sporting a large grin, he declared, “I am indeed.” She harrumphed again and stalked out.
Lady Anne and her husband shared an expressive look.
“This should prove to be entertaining,” he muttered.
~ / ~
After days of shopping and fittings, Anne finally had a new wardrobe. They had waited for the first dresses to be ready before attending any evening affairs.
Enjoying tea together in Lady Anne’s preferred sitting room a week following Lady Catherine and Anne’s arrival, Georgiana described her new friend to her cousin, Anne.
Lady Catherine spoke up, “What is this? What are you saying, child? I must have my share of the conversation.”
Lady Anne cast her eyes to the ceiling. In a warning tone she explained, “Georgiana’s friend called today when you were out. They enjoy practicing the piano together. Although, I think more laughing than playing happens during these practices.” A warm look passed between mother and daughter.
“Who is this child that she prevents you from practicing? You will never become a true proficient if you do not practice.”
“She is not a child. She is a young lady, in town for the Season. George and I are well acquainted with her aunt and uncle, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a kind and intelligent gentlewoman.”
“This is all very strange, sister. Are you sure she is not trying to impose herself on you? Or chasing after Fitzwilliam right under your noses?”
“I am sure she is not.”
“Who are her uncle and aunt?”
“They are Mr and Mrs Edward Gardiner and have just moved near the neighbourhood. We have known them for quite some time now.”
“Moved? From where?” Lady Catherine’s questions were becoming more impervious.
“They last resided on Gracechurch Street, near Cheapside.”
“Cheapside! Anne, what are you thinking?” The thump of her cane striking the floor punctuated the question.
“Currently, I am thinking it is nothing to you, and Matlock has your rooms available to be occupied at any time.” Lady Anne gazed back at her sister serenely, but the unspoken threat was very clear. She had learned long ago how to handle her sister.
With that settled, Lady Anne encouraged Georgiana to speak more about her morning. “How is Miss Bennet?”
“She is well, Mama. She mentioned the balls they would be attending in the next week or two. Did you know there is a hilltop they call Oakham Mount near her home and she has watched the sunrise from there many times?” Georgiana chattered on, barely pausing for breath.
“I hope she walks with a footman,” Lady Catherine muttered under her breath.
Georgiana looked wide-eyed at her aunt. “I do not know, but she is accompanied during her walks in Hyde Park.”
Lady Anne saw her sister’s eye twitch and decided it would be safer to change the subject.
Turning toward her niece she inquired, “Anne, aside from evening events, is there anything else you might wish to do while you are in town?”
Anne’s voice was soft and timid, “No, Aunt. However,” she shot a quick look at her mother, “I should like to meet Miss Bennet.”
Lady Anne hushed her sister with a quelling look, “Why do you wish to meet her?”
“I do not have any friends my age. Miss Bennet sounds very kind and friendly. It would be nice to speak to a woman my own age. One who will not disparage me behind my back, for being different.”
Lady Catherine bristled, “You are not different, Anne. How can you think such a thing?” She struck her cane against the floor. “You are a Fitzwilliam!”
“Mother, you and I both know Town is not a kind place. They judge one another over nothing and speak only to tear each other down. My indifferent health is common knowledge and Miss Bennet sounds like she will accept me for who I am. I very much wish to meet her.” The young woman was nearly breathless by the time she finished this speech.
Lady Anne bestowed a warm smile on her namesake. “And so you shall.”
~ / ~
The next night, Captain Fitzwilliam joined them for dinner and the discussions turned to events they could escort Anne to.
One in particular stood out. “Lord and Lady Rushworth are throwing a ball for her young cousin. The young lady has reached her majority, and she has decided to try her luck here. Apparently, there is a dearth of men up north. She recently arrived in town and they are trying to introduce her to as many gentlemen as possible. We can make a party of it, with just the young folk. Me, Rosamund, Darcy, and Anne.”
Lady Catherine groused. “I do not want to let Anne out of my sight. And how do you know so many details?”
Richard smirked. “Lady Catherine, nothing goes on in Town that Lady Matlock is not aware of.”
This produced chuckles from nearly everyone at the table.
“Be at ease, Aunt. Darcy and I will introduce Anne to our friends and, I assure you, no rogues, rakes, or scoundrels will get past our lines.” He laughed loudly at his own joke. He was the only one. Everyone else displayed their reproof for his poor attempt at humour.
“Really, Richard,” Lady Catherine’s mouth turned down severely. “And no tradesmen either.”
Mr Darcy cleared his throat. “We are not friendly with many tradesmen, but those we count among our friends are good people.”
To make up for his poorly received joke, Richard suggested, “Perhaps we should ask my mother to hold a ball for Anne. She could arrange for a small event, fifty couples at the most.”