Chapter 11 #3
“Miss Bennet is a gentlewoman, and though not of the Ton, it is to her credit. She is lively, to be sure, but she has strong convictions and stands by them. As you are aware, her uncle is Mr Gardiner. He is a successful man with gentlemanly manners.” She eyed Lady Catherine and smirked, “It was his warehouse we visited to find the excellent selection of fabrics for Anne’s wardrobe. ”
Lady Catherine sniffed, “Tradesman,” but this was said with less disdain than expected. “She sounds peculiar. I do not know that I wish my daughter to associate with such an oddity.”
“I do not know, Catty, I should think odd would suit you very well. Is that not how you were thought of when you came out? If I recall correctly, you were rather proud of the appellation.”
Lady Catherine pinched her lips, not deigning to reply.
Her eyes kept drawing back to the activity on the other sofa.
Lady Anne perceived a slight thaw in her sister’s expression and hid a smile.
“Besides, Anne was correct when she expressed a desire for friends. A young lady needs time with other ladies her age. It gives them a little freedom to explore their various interests.”
“Are you implying I smother my daughter?”
“Catherine, Anne is three and twenty, has never had a Season, and has been kept at Rosings for nearly all her life. It is a normal and healthy aspect of life for any young woman to expand her horizons by meeting new people and making friends.”
“Something your son still has difficulty with, if I were to believe the gossip?”
“His situation is a little more complicated. He had grown too proud and his attitude was reflecting poorly on himself, and our family.”
“He has a right to be proud,” Lady Catherine intoned haughtily, “He is a Darcy and a Fitzwilliam.” Her scrutiny returned to the young ladies.
“No, this was an unhealthy sort of pride. You heard of the balls and his infamous comportment.” Lady Anne disliked knowing her son was the topic of the gossip mongers. “He also publicly insulted our friends at an evening event, due to their social status.”
“Your tradesmen friends, I suppose?” Lady Catherine looked down her nose at Lady Anne.
“Good, honest, hardworking, genteel people. I have known Madeline Gardiner since she was a child in Lambton. Her father was the vicar and the son of a gentleman. My husband and I consider them the best of friends.” She exhaled audibly, “The problem now is, I believe William likes their niece.” Nodding in Elizabeth’s direction.
“I understand. You do not approve.”
“Oh, no. I heartily approve. She is perfect for him. She is lively to his seriousness and sees humour where he might take offense. Furthermore, she is not cowed by him and has no qualms about calling him out when he is being… pompous. No, unfortunately, I do not think she will have him. She is no fortune hunter, having made it clear she will only marry for respect and affection. With his current attitude, I do not think he is capable of winning her.”
“You are quite sure she was being truthful with you?” Lady Catherine’s focus honed in on their object of discussion. “She is handsome, I suppose. A bit too lively, but she seems to have raised Anne’s spirits.”
“She raises everyone’s spirits. But my son’s idea of wooing is meeting her by happenstance during her walks.”
“Anne, he may be attracted to her, but she is of lower standing. He may have no intention whatsoever of pursuing her.”
“Yet, he has not behaved in such a manner before, with any lady.”
Lady Catherine patted her sister’s hand. “A mother never ceases to worry over her children. No matter how old they get.”
Just then, Georgiana came skipping over, with Anne and Elizabeth trailing behind, “Mama, we would like to have a picnic, and I wish to invite the Gardiner children, too.”
Maids entered with tea and cakes, the Darcy gentlemen directly behind ready for refreshments.
“What is this you are planning, poppet?”
“Papa, we had ever so much fun last time. I think Anne would enjoy it.”
“A picnic, you say. Do you feel a need to feed the ducks again?” Mr Darcy teased his daughter, pulling gently on one of her curls.
Darcy had bowed his greetings but did not try to speak to Elizabeth, though his gaze did not stray far from her person.
“We fed the ducks, and we played games. The ladies sat on the blankets and the food choices were perfect for a picnic.” Georgiana bounced on her toes in excitement.
Her brother interjected, “Surely you, Anne, and Miss Bennet can have a picnic. There is no need to invite the children.”
A gasp was heard, but Darcy was hard-pressed to know who made the sound, “I only mean-”
“Fie, sir! It is children who bring the most joy to a picnic. Feeding the ducks is a great adventure, you can enjoy nearly any simple game with them, and they are not fussy about eating on a blanket. Otherwise, it may as well be a garden party, and it is hardly the same thing.”
Elizabeth’s eyes glittered at him in affront, her cheeks a flaming pink and he felt his heart plummet to his feet. They had made such progress, would he never learn to speak without giving offense?
Lady Catherine watched the scene with glee-filled eyes.