11. Chapter 11 Dark Days at RosingsPark
Thursday, 4 June (Three Weeks Earlier)
Rosings Park
Darcy
I entered my aunt’s darkened sitting room. A narrow opening in the curtains provided sufficient light to make out her hunched form.
Lady Catherine roused, lifting her head. “Darcy, you came.”
I knelt before her and took her hand. “I arrived thirty minutes ago. When I went to see Anne, she was asleep. Mrs. Jenkinson sat with her.”
“It is rare for her to awaken these days.” Her grip on my hand tightened. “I hope you have abandoned this mad notion of finding your lost brother.”
“No. In fact, I have found him. He stays at my house.” I related a summary of Mr. Notley’s report, my meeting with Miles, and what had transpired since then.
“You are a stubborn young man. But for Lady Matlock to have gone to such trouble…well, I hope neither of you will regret your generosity towards the man.”
“Lady Matlock will be here tomorrow, so you may obtain her opinion of him then. I have no doubt you will approve of Miles once you meet him.”
“We shall see. My sister-in-law Mrs. Finch arrived yesterday with her eldest daughter, Miss Rebecca Finch. I ought to spend time with them, but I do not have the energy.”
“No one will blame you for seeking solitude.” I had been introduced to the rotund and gregarious Mrs. Finch years ago, but I had never met her daughter.
I accompanied Lady Catherine to Anne’s chambers. After a couple of hours passed without Anne rousing from her slumber, my aunt bade me to receive her guests and indicated she would be downstairs in time for dinner. Thus, I dressed for the evening meal and went to the drawing-room. The verbose Mrs. Finch greeted me and introduced me to her daughter, a timid, attractive blonde lady with a ruddy complexion. Miss Finch murmured a reply to my greeting, then retreated into taciturnity. Thereafter, Mrs. Finch referred to her daughter from time to time, but Miss Finch did not so much as glance in my direction. Perhaps she felt unwell.
Dinner proved to be a sombre affair but would have been worse without Mrs. Finch’s presence; she covered for Lady Catherine’s uncharacteristic lethargy, stepping in as an impromptu host when necessary.
I sat beside Miss Finch and made two attempts at polite conversation with her during the meal. In each instance, she avoided my gaze, shifted away from me, and provided terse replies, so I ceded the effort.
After dinner, we removed to the music room, where Miss Finch played the pianoforte. My mind conjured up a memory of Elizabeth’s most recent musical performance. I had not been apart from her a full day, yet I already longed to see her again. Did she miss me even half as much as I missed her?
Friday, 5 June
Darcy
I had spent several hours with Lady Catherine in Anne’s sickroom when a maid entered to notify my aunt of Lady Matlock’s arrival.
Lady Catherine rested her hand on my wrist. “I should prefer to remain here. Would you mind going down to welcome her?”
“No, not at all.”
I encountered Lady Matlock in the entryway. We exchanged greetings, and she directed me into the adjacent morning room.
“Now we may speak in private.” She settled on the sofa. “How is Anne?”
I sat beside her. “She is very weak and sleeps most of the time. Last night, she acknowledged my presence by taking my hand for a moment. When Lady Catherine and I sat with her this morning, though, she gave no sign of being aware of us.”
My aunt’s mouth twisted as she adopted a grave expression. “Oh dear, that does not bode well.”
“No, I am afraid not.”
“And how is Lady Catherine faring?”
“She has been spending most of her time with Anne. Although she came downstairs for dinner last night, she has been reluctant to leave Anne’s side today.”
“She must fear missing Anne’s few remaining lucid moments.”
“Yes, precisely.”
“That is understandable.”
“I trust your party went as expected yesterday.” In my eagerness for any mention of Elizabeth, I moved closer to my aunt.
“Even better, I should say.” Her lips curved in a smug style. “Mr. Miles’s success in town is all but assured. In general, people are more forgiving of a gentleman for any perceived disadvantages than they are of a lady. Nevertheless, Miss Bennet is personable and likeable, and those qualities will work in her favour.”
“She has plenty of admirable attributes.”
“Yes, she is also intelligent and well read. Nevertheless, when your marriage is announced, she will become an object of envy. Your peers will seek reasons, even flimsy ones, to criticise her. In order to thwart this tendency, I advised Miss Bennet and Mr. Miles to make appearances in public together over the next few days. With this in mind, do not be alarmed if you see speculation of a romance between them printed in the papers.”
My chest contracted, hampering my respiration. “Why did you make such a suggestion? The last thing I should want is for Miss Bennet or Miles to become the subject of rumours.”
She patted my forearm. “You must trust me—this method is the best way to proceed. Together, they are stronger and less apt to be denigrated. And once everyone learns Miss Bennet is your future wife, they will already have formed a favourable impression of her.”
With a hard swallow, I refrained from voicing a further protest. I could not dispute my aunt’s logic. Although I could not be easy about any man spending time with Elizabeth whilst I had no choice but to be apart from her, Lady Matlock understood the ton’s quirks far better than I did.
***
Lady Catherine did not attend dinner, so Lady Matlock presided over the evening. During the first course, Mrs. Finch lauded her daughter’s musical skills; thus, Lady Matlock expressed a desire to hear her play after the meal.
In the music room, I sat beside Lady Matlock on a settee while Miss Finch entertained us at the pianoforte.
During Miss Finch’s performance of a plaintive aria by Herr Mozart, my aunt tipped her head and viewed me. “Miss Finch is a skilled player, and she has a beautiful singing voice. Do you not agree?”
“Yes, she has a strong, pleasant sound.” But her voice is not as sweet and compelling as Elizabeth’s dulcet mezzo-soprano.
“This is her first Season. I shall attempt to become better acquainted with her whilst I am here. Perhaps she could be a marital prospect for Henry or Richard.”
With a slight smile, I reclined against the settee. Thank heavens she had no further reason to seek a match for me .
Saturday, 6 June
Darcy
Lady Matlock came towards me in the passage. “Ah, there you are, Darcy. Are you on your way upstairs?”
“Yes.”
“Could you spare me a moment of your time?”
“Of course, Aunt.” I gestured to the library. “Let us go in here.” We sat together on the sofa.
Lady Matlock smoothed the sleeves of her gown. “Last night, Lady Catherine told me she finds comfort in your presence. I am not surprised, since she has always been fond of you. For the sake of her health, perhaps you could convince her to join us downstairs more often. She would not heed my attempts to sway her.”
“I shall try.”
“For most of the morning, I conversed with Mrs. and Miss Finch. At first, Mrs. Finch did all the talking—she even answered the questions I posed to her daughter. In the course of our dialogue, she divulged the reason Miss Finch is so reserved now in opposition to her customary personality. She is troubled by an experience at Lady Ayles’s ball this past March. With a bit of coaxing on my part, Miss Finch recounted her ordeal. She had…um…danced with Lord Greymont.”
“That rake?” The baron had been fortunate to escape being called out last year after forcing a kiss upon the eldest daughter of his close friend—or rather former friend. These days, Lord Greymont had few remaining confidants. “What happened?”
“At the set’s conclusion, Lord Greymont forced Miss Finch out onto the balcony and made unwanted advances.”
“Did anyone intervene on Miss Finch’s behalf?”
“I am afraid not. Mrs. Finch had no idea of the danger he posed and had been engrossed in a conversation with a neighbour. Once Miss Finch realised the earl’s destination, she comprehended the risk—his crude speech during the dance had demonstrated his lack of honourability. She managed to break free of him, but the front of her gown tore in the process. She rushed from the ballroom, using her fichu to cover the rip in her bodice.”
“That must have been most distressing for her.”
“Very much so.” My aunt scowled. “The one fortunate aspect is that no one noticed Miss Finch’s damaged dress. She reached the ladies’ withdrawing-room, where a maid assisted her in repairing the garment, and Mrs. Finch found her soon thereafter.”
“I am glad she escaped further harm.”
“Even though the outcome could have been worse, the incident left her shaken and timid…especially in the company of gentlemen. Thus far, she has refused to attend another party or ball.”
“That is understandable.”
“Nevertheless, this is a serious problem for the lady. Whenever a gentleman pays her the slightest bit of attention, she grows too nervous and diffident to uphold her end of a conversation.”
“Yes, I have noticed her tendency to be timorous.”
“Would you be willing to help her?”
“ Me?” I took a rushed breath. “What do you imagine I could do to assist?”
“Well, Lady Catherine cannot demand all your time—I shall do my utmost to ensure she does not. I should like you to join us for tea today at two and engage Miss Finch as much as possible. I hope you will take advantage of any other opportunities that arise as well. After a day or so, once she becomes more comfortable in your presence, you may suggest she accompany you for a walk in the park. I want you to show her there are honourable gentlemen whom she need not fear. In other words, be a friend to her.”
“But as I alluded to earlier, I have already attempted to converse with Miss Finch. She grew visibly uncomfortable and gave me one-word responses.”
“Ah, but today I sang your praises to Miss Finch and assured her that you are one of the most trustworthy men of my acquaintance.”
“And you believe that will make a difference?”
“Yes, I am certain she will be more receptive the next time you talk to her.” My aunt tapped her lower lip. “I suggest you take care to moderate your voice when you address her—maintain an easy, calm tone. Engage her the way you would Georgiana or perhaps a young child.”
“Why is this necessary?”
“Lord Greymont has a deep baritone, and I should not want you to remind her of him.”
This endeavour grew more complicated by the moment. “Maybe I am not best suited for this task. It seems to me that Richard or Berkeley would be a better choice.”
“When they arrive, I intend to recruit their assistance as well, but I suspect a less loquacious gentleman such as you is ideal to be the first who approaches her.”
“I see.”
“Oh yes”—Lady Matlock beamed at me—“I have the ideal subject for you to broach with Miss Finch. I have discovered she is enamoured of botany and has extensive knowledge on the topic. She will chat with ease about the flora native to various locations around the world.”
“Very well, I shall do as you ask.”
She patted my hand. “Thank you, Darcy. This act of kindness from you will do wonders for Miss Finch’s self-confidence.”
“It is no trouble.” In truth, I could use the practice. And if my efforts proved to be successful, this accomplishment ought to earn Elizabeth’s approbation.
Saturday, 20 June
Darcy
I paused to moderate my cadence before reciting the final line of Windsor-Forest , by Alexander Pope, a particular favourite of Anne’s. “First in these fields I sung the sylvan strains.” I closed the small book and set the volume on the table.
Lady Catherine stirred, redirecting her sight from my cousin’s prone form to me. “Thank you, Darcy.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“Although we cannot be certain, I should like to think Anne heard you. The fingers on her right hand twitched soon after you began.”
“Yes, I noticed that as well.” I stood, stretching my leg muscles, which had grown inflexible from several hours of sitting. “I shall go downstairs, and you ought to accompany me. Mrs. Jenkinson can stay with Anne.”
She cocked her head. “Yes, I realise I have been neglecting my guests.”
“Do not give that a thought. Lady Matlock has presided over the meals, and no one expects you to see to their entertainment. My concern is for you—it would do you good to leave this room for a while.”
“When she awakens, I want to be here.”
“Mrs. Jenkinson will call for you the moment she does.”
She shifted back towards Anne. “No, you go on. Tell the others I shall be down…later.”
“Very well. I shall see you soon.” I went to the door.
“Darcy!”
My hand dropped from the latch, and I whirled round. “What is wrong?”
“She…she no longer breathes. I believe she is…gone.”
With a hard swallow, I went to Anne’s bedside. My cousin appeared much as she had before, her expression peaceful, but the faint rise and fall of her chest had ceased. I took her wrist and searched for a pulse to no avail. “I am so sorry, Lady Catherine. At least…um…her suffering has ended.”
My aunt nodded. “Anne stated several times she did not want to continue on in this way—if she had been given a choice, she would have left us sooner.” Her reddened eyes raised to me. “I am grateful you have stayed this long when you must have desired to be elsewhere.”
I almost uttered a protest but remained silent; it would be disingenuous to deny the truth of her statement. Instead, I rested a hand on her shoulder.
“Will you remain long enough to assist me with the arrangements and attend the funeral?”
“Yes, by all means. Shall I call for the doctor and Mr. Collins?”
“No, thank you. The doctor is already en route , and I shall summon Mr. Collins later.” She fussed with the bedclothes covering Anne, eliminating the few wrinkles in the fabric. “I have long believed, Darcy, that my sister’s best qualities live on in you.”
A stirring of moisture in my eyes impelled me to blink. “That is kind of you to say.”
“I am never kind—well, almost never.” Lady Catherine’s fingers fluttered towards me. “Go on downstairs and notify the others. I should like a few minutes alone with Anne.”
“Yes, of course.” I found Lady Matlock, Mrs. Finch, and Miss Finch in the drawing-room and related the sad news. I left them with the intent to get changed, but a commotion in the entryway drew my notice.
Berkeley strode towards me. “Good day, Darcy.”
“Welcome, Berkeley. I need a moment of your time.” I pointed to the billiards room. “Let us go in here.”
“As you wish.” He followed me in, shutting the door behind him. Wrinkles spread from his eyes. “You look weary and even more dour than usual, Cousin.”
“Anne took her last breath not half an hour ago.”
“Oh no!” He pressed his fist to his mouth. “I ought to have come sooner. It is a damned shame. Anne should have had another thirty years at least. It does not seem fair.”
“No, it does not.” I patted Berkeley’s upper arm. “Well, I need to change, so I shall—”
“Wait, please.” Berkeley ambled towards a pair of chairs near the mantel and sat in one. “I have another matter to discuss.”
“Very well.” I took the other chair.
Berkeley stretched out his legs. “Have you heard from Miles of late?”
“I received a letter from him on Tuesday.”
“And did he disclose anything notable or unusual?” Berkeley leaned upon one elbow.
“No. What did you expect me to say?”
“Humour me, please. What do you recall from his last letter?”
“Miles has been busy with several new clients who have commissioned paintings. He took Miss Bennet to Hyde Park, and they encountered Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Miles blames Miss Bingley for the preposterous blather in the rags.” I gave him an intent look. “Maybe you are unaware of Lady Matlock’s instruction to Miles and Miss Bennet.”
“Actually, Mother and I discussed her plan, and I agreed with her reasoning.”
I shook my head. “Well, I am not pleased with the scheme. According to Miles, several people suspected a romantic connexion between Miss Bennet and him even before the fabrication appeared in the papers—they have denied it, yet the gossip persists.”
“Indeed, it does. There is a bet at White’s that they will be wed before the end of the autumn.”
My teeth gritted together, producing a mild ache. “The truth will come out soon enough.”
“Yes, that is true.” Berkeley cleared his throat. “Darcy, I hope you will forgive me for what I am about to say, but my mother’s machinations may have wrought an unexpected consequence.”
“What do you mean?”
“I suspect Miss Bennet and Miles may have moved beyond friendship.”
My every muscle stilled. No, he is wrong—or he is lying with the hope of separating me from Elizabeth! I glowered at him. “How dare you malign Miss Bennet’s character? What is the basis for this accusation—innuendo from one of your crude friends?”
“No, nothing of the sort.” He raised his palm. “And do not mistake me—I mean no disrespect to Miss Bennet or to Miles for that matter. They followed my mother’s advice, after all, and none of us can control whom we love. It could be said the forced proximity is to blame.”
I kneaded the back of my neck. No doubt Berkeley wanted to believe this twaddle and had convinced himself of its verity. “What is the basis for your suspicion?”
Berkeley plucked a piece of lint from his coat sleeve. “Yesterday afternoon, I went to your house with the intent of asking whether your sister or cousin had a letter for you that I could bring today. When I entered your street, I observed Miss Bennet pass by in her uncle’s carriage. At the entryway, I commented to Slade that Georgiana must have been delighted to receive her friend. He informed me that Georgiana had the headache and had not met with Miss Bennet.”
“That does not mean anything.”
“There is more.” His trunk shifted upright. “I spoke to Miles in the sitting room that serves as his workshop. I related my conversation with Slade, adding that it was a shame Miss Bennet had come all this way for no reason. He hummed and hawed before finally admitting he had received Miss Bennet. I asked whether she had anything of note to impart, and he demurred, declaring they discussed generalities. But you ought to have seen him—he appeared to be quite ill at ease. I have seldom observed a more convincing manifestation of a guilty conscience.”
I almost uttered another protest, but Berkeley lifted a finger to signal he had not finished.
“When I took my leave, I called your coachman over to me. I asked him what time Miss Bennet had arrived at the house. She had been there for three hours .”
I slumped against the chair. Why would she have remained there with Miles for so long? Had she spent that entire time with him? Could they have fallen in love? I could not deny his many desirable attributes, nor their apparent compatibility. A crushing weight hindered my chest as I scrambled for reasons, even one reason, why they should not suit as a couple, but nothing came to me.
“If my conjecture is correct, it is better for you to discover this now. You can be grateful Mr. Bennet imposed a waiting period upon you and Miss Bennet.” Berkeley sat at the edge of his seat. “Think of how dreadful it would have been if you had married her and later learnt she loved Miles.”
Nothing would be worse than that.
“In all honesty, I always considered Miss Bennet to be an odd choice for you—aside from her lack of wealth and connexions. She is the sort who loves balls and parties, whereas you prefer a quiet evening at home, so either you would have spent many evenings apart or one of you would have acceded to the other’s preference against their own. She and Miles have much more in common—you must see that.”
But I love her so very much . I braced my spine. Wait—I should not make a hasty judgment based on such scant evidence. Several benign possibilities could account for Elizabeth spending a few hours at my house. “Miss Bennet may have walked in the garden or browsed the books in the library. She may have had a conversation with Mrs. Annesley, my housekeeper, or one of the servants.”
My cousin’s mouth wrested to one side. “Yes, those are conceivable explanations, but none of them account for Miles’s odd conduct.”
“He may have been cognisant that the situation could have appeared suspicious to you. That could explain his nervousness.”
“I suppose that is a possibility.” He lifted his hands in a gesture of uncertainty. “Maybe I erred in broaching the subject. I debated with myself whether to reveal my suspicion to you. In the end, I decided you had the right to know what I observed—in your place, I should want to be forewarned.”
I pursed my lips and nodded. Berkeley was mistaken—but he harboured no ill intent. I should refrain from drawing any assumptions before I spoke to Miles and Elizabeth.
Friday, 26 June
Darcy House
Darcy
“Welcome home, sir, and please accept my condolences for the loss of your cousin.” Slade took my coat and hat.
“Thank you, Slade. Where is Miles?”
“Your cousin departed this morning for Canterbury. He left a letter for you. I placed it a-top the stack in your study.”
Zounds , I could not speak to Miles today. With a nod to Slade, I strode down the hall. Regardless of Miles’s absence, I should see Elizabeth as soon as may be. God willing, I should never endure another separation of this length from her again. I entered my study and took Miles’s epistle from the salver on my desk, tearing it open.
26 June
Dear Fitzwilliam,
I apologise for not being here to welcome you back today. With your expected arrival, I took the opportunity to leave for Canterbury. I had put the trip off due to my reluctance to leave Georgiana alone. (Even though she has the amiable and capable Mrs. Annesley for company, the lady is not family.) I have personal business to address there, and I hope to resolve the matter within a few days.
Georgiana and I were saddened to receive your notification of Miss de Bourgh’s death. We decided to spend the week at the house with the knocker down as a show of respect for her premature loss of life.
I have momentous tidings to share with you, and it is a topic that must be discussed in person. I am both anxious and eager to relate this news. We have both remarked in the past how quickly our fraternal bond has formed. For my part, it feels as though I have known you for years rather than mere weeks. Consequently, your opinion and approval are vital to me. I hope you will keep this in mind and attempt to reserve judgment for what I shall tell you until I have explained the particulars.
Yours truly, MD
I folded the letter and placed it in the top drawer of my desk. What could Miles have to tell me that would make him nervous for my response? His news could not have anything to do with Elizabeth—could it?
No, of course not. Although…he had seen Elizabeth several times these past few weeks, yet he had not mentioned her in the letter. Was that not odd?
“Fitzwilliam.” My sister stood in the doorway with Mrs. Annesley behind her.
I went to greet them as they entered the study. “There you are, Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley. I intended to go and find you.”
“It is wonderful to have you back.” My sister gave me a hug, burying her face in my chest. “I missed you.”
“I missed you as well.”
“Poor Anne. It is still a shock to acknowledge she is gone.”
“Yes, it is.”
Mrs. Annesley flashed a fleeting, tight smile. “Welcome home, sir, and please accept my condolences for the loss of your cousin.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Annesley.”
Georgiana pulled back. Her brows drew together.
“Are you well?” I held her upper arms.
“Yes, I am.” She glanced at Mrs. Annesley. “We should like to speak with you.”
“By all means.” I shut the study door. They took seats upon the sofa, and I sat opposite them.
“Last Friday, Miss Bennet had arranged to call here.” Georgiana’s soft tone impelled me to shift closer to her. “Mrs. Annesley had been assisting me with a new sonata, and we lost track of time. I realised I might not be prepared to greet Miss Bennet when she arrived, so I sent a message to Miles and went upstairs to get dressed.”
I crossed my arms and frowned. Her explanation differed from what Slade had told Berkeley.
“The first gown I put on had a tear, and I spilt wine on the second one. At that point, I sent for Mrs. Annesley and asked her to join Miss Bennet and Miles and let them know I should be there soon.” She turned to Mrs. Annesley, giving her a slight nod.
Mrs. Annesley adopted a stiff position, and one hand covered the other upon her lap. “I went downstairs, and when I approached the doorway of Mr. Miles’s workroom, I…I…saw them—Mr. Miles Darcy and Miss Bennet. They were…wrapped in each other’s arms.”
My heart stuttered. Elizabeth and Miles had been in an embrace .
“For several seconds, I stood frozen in shock. Then I turned round and rushed back to Miss Darcy’s room. I debated with myself whether or not to tell her what I had seen. In the end, I decided I could not keep this secret from her—or from you.”
A shiver coursed down my back. There had to be an innocuous explanation. “Perhaps Miss Bennet had been upset, and Miles sought to comfort her.”
Mrs. Annesley grimaced, shaking her head. “It pains me to say this, but there could be no mistaking the nature of their encounter. They were…kissing.”
No, Elizabeth would never betray me this way, nor would Miles. My fingers prodded my scalp.
She rose to her feet. “I am so sorry, sir. I shall leave you and Miss Darcy in privacy.” She quit the room.
The study seemed to darken, and my vision blurred. I could not lose Elizabeth—without her, my existence would be cold, dreary, colourless. Torturous images of Miles and Elizabeth filled my head, and my stomach muscles writhed.
My sister gripped my hand. “I am very sorry, Fitzwilliam. I was so upset when Mrs. Annesley told me what she witnessed that I remained in my room all day. I sent word that I had the headache. I took my dinner there as well to avoid Miles, but he grew concerned for me and called for Mr. Knight and then…”
Berkeley had been right after all—Elizabeth and Miles had fallen in love. I struggled to invent an alternate circumstance to explain their breach of propriety, but nothing else could. I had no course but to accept this. A crushing weight in my chest compelled me to take shallow breaths.
“Fitzwilliam?” Georgiana peered at me.
I raised my shoulders and attempted to compose myself. “Forgive me, I…um…did not attend you.”
“I asked what you will do?” Her blue eyes glistened. “I hope you can manage to forgive Miles. I am certain he never meant to hurt you—he is our brother after all. I know he loves you, so this must weigh heavily upon him.”
My cousin Berkeley’s words echoed back to me: “ None of us can control whom we love. It could be said the forced proximity is to blame .” I had never chosen to fall in love with Elizabeth, so how could I condemn Miles for having done the same? I gathered my sister in my arms. “Do not fret, Georgie. All will be well. As you said, Miles is our brother—nothing will change that.”
She snuffled against my lapel. “Do you promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“And… May I maintain a friendship with Miss Bennet?”
“Yes, I still hold her in the utmost respect.”
“I am relieved to hear that.”
As much as I loved Elizabeth, maybe I could not have made her happy. Nevertheless, could I bear for her to be my sister-in-law ? I swallowed. It seemed I had no choice. I should have to find contentment in the knowledge she and Miles had found happiness.
A recollection of Elizabeth’s cherished countenance from our last meeting at the Matlock house sprang to mind. She had been so beautiful, so enchanting and supportive. Did a strong attraction between her and Miles already exist by then?
Despite everything, I longed to see her. Besides, this conversation ought not to be delayed. She must be in a frightful state, anguished over how to confess the truth; I should spare her as much distress as possible. “I must go to see Miss Bennet.”
Her head snapped up. “What will you tell her?”
“I shall not stand in the way of her felicity. I shall give her the opportunity to be free of our agreement.”
She shuddered through a long exhalation. “I think that is for the best.”