Chapter 9 #2
Lady Catherine observed this exchange with evident displeasure.
“I see she has worked her influence on you already. Very well. Since you are determined in this folly, I must speak plainly. There will be consequences, Nephew. My influence extends beyond Kent, as you well know. Doors that have always been open to the master of Pemberley may close. Business associates may reconsider their relationships. Political connections that your father cultivated for decades may cool toward the son who has allied himself with a family of no consequence.”
“Are you threatening me, Aunt?”
“I am stating facts. Facts which, as head of this family, you should have considered before allowing yourself to be trapped into this unsuitable match.”
“Facts which matter far less to me than you imagine. I have never courted society’s approval for its own sake, nor have I leveraged Pemberley’s position for personal advantage.”
The implied criticism was not lost on Lady Catherine. Her use of her position was legendary. Her expression hardened further.
“You disappoint me, Darcy. Your father would be mortified to see how little you value the family name he entrusted to your care.”
It was a calculated blow, aimed at what she knew to be his most vulnerable point. Darcy felt it land before his rational mind could deflect it. Elizabeth, however, intervened.
“With respect, Lady Catherine, a man who raised a son of such integrity and sense of responsibility could only be proud of the man he has become. Mr. Darcy honors his family name through his character, not through his choice of connections alone.”
Lady Catherine turned her displeasure on Elizabeth. “You presume to speak of a man you never met, to his sister? Your impertinence confirms everything I have heard about your character.”
“I speak of my husband, whom I know. And I address the aunt who is determined to wound him through misapplied references to his father’s expectations.”
Darcy placed his free hand over their still-joined ones, a gesture of appreciation for her defense.
“My father valued honor above all else, Aunt Catherine. He would expect me to stand by the vows I made before God, regardless of how those vows came to be spoken. In that, at least, I believe I fulfill his expectations.”
The arrival of tea prevented Lady Catherine’s immediate response, giving all parties a moment to compose themselves. As the footman arranged the service and withdrew, Georgiana appeared at the door, her expression betraying both anxiety and determination.
“Aunt Catherine, welcome to Pemberley.”
“Georgiana, come kiss your aunt. At least one member of this household remembers proper family feeling.”
Darcy watched with concealed concern as his sister approached Lady Catherine. Georgiana had always been intimidated by their aunt’s forceful manner, and he feared this confrontation might overwhelm her recently growing confidence.
To his surprise and gratification, Georgiana performed the expected greeting with composure before taking a seat beside Elizabeth rather than across from her. The alignment did not escape Lady Catherine’s notice.
“I see your new sister has already worked her influence on you as well. I had hoped your education under proper guidance would have rendered you less susceptible to such artful manipulation.”
Georgiana paled but did not waver. “Elizabeth has been everything kind and thoughtful since her arrival. Pemberley feels more like a home with her here.”
The statement was delivered without Georgiana’s usual hesitation, though his sister had always struggled to assert herself with their aunt. That she would do so now, in defense of Elizabeth, spoke of the attachment that had formed between the two women.
“Home. A concept this young woman can hardly understand, given the difference between her previous circumstances and her current position. One wonders how long the novelty will satisfy her before she begins to find country life dull compared to the excitements of society.”
“On the contrary, I have always preferred country living to town.” Elizabeth poured tea with steady hands. “London has its attractions, but there is a peace in these hills that refreshes the spirit in a way no city entertainments can match.”
“Pretty sentiment. Though I note you have now experienced London society as Mrs. Darcy, with all the advantages that position confers. A taste that might become addictive to one not born to such privilege.”
Darcy accepted the cup Elizabeth handed him, noting the tension around her eyes despite her composed expression.
“Mrs. Darcy adapted to London society with ease, though she expressed genuine pleasure at returning to Pemberley. Not everyone finds constant social engagement fulfilling, Aunt Catherine.”
“Some find it necessary, however. When establishing a new marriage in the eyes of the world. Which reminds me of another matter I wished to address.” She set aside her barely touched tea and fixed Elizabeth with a stern gaze.
“There are rumors circulating in certain circles, young woman, about the circumstances of your marriage. Rumors that suggest impropriety beyond the hasty nature of the union itself.”
“Rumors are rarely worth the breath used to repeat them,” said Elizabeth.
“They become worth addressing when they threaten family reputation. A letter from Caroline Bingley to my particular friend Lady Metcalf suggests that your character before marriage was not as circumspect as one might wish for the future mistress of Pemberley.”
The cruelty of this attack, delivered in front of Georgiana, ignited Darcy’s temper beyond containment. He set down his cup with a sharp sound that made his sister start.
“That is enough. Miss Bingley’s jealousy is well-known to everyone acquainted with her. Any rumors she has chosen to spread reflect her character, not Mrs. Darcy’s.”
“You cannot dismiss the matter so easily. The letter mentions inappropriate behavior during your brief acquaintance in Hertfordshire, suggesting that the accident of the storm was less accidental than reported.”
“I said, enough.” Darcy rose, his height and stern countenance causing even his formidable aunt to blink.
“You have been welcomed into my home, Lady Catherine, despite the disrespect you have shown in your previous correspondence. I have extended every courtesy due to both your position and our family connection. But I will not—I cannot—permit continued insult to my wife based on malicious gossip and your own disappointed expectations.”
The silence that followed was absolute. Lady Catherine was shocked, while Georgiana watched with wide eyes, her teacup forgotten in her hands. Elizabeth alone remained composed, though the high color in her cheeks betrayed her emotional response to his defense.
“I see I have wasted my journey. You are determined in your course, regardless of its consequences for the family.”
“I am determined in my marriage. A distinction you are unwilling to acknowledge.”
His aunt rose with rigid dignity. “Very well. I shall retire to refresh myself after my journey. We will resume this discussion when cooler heads prevail.”
“There is nothing further to discuss regarding my marriage. You are welcome to remain at Pemberley as long as your other business in the area requires.”
The suggestion that her visit should not be prolonged was not lost on Lady Catherine. Her lips tightened, but she nodded stiffly before sweeping from the room.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Darcy turned to Elizabeth with concern. “Forgive me. I had no idea she would arrive unannounced or that she would be so explicit in her disapproval.”
“There is nothing to forgive. Lady Catherine expressed what many have undoubtedly thought about our marriage.”
“Her behavior was inexcusable, and her repetition of Caroline Bingley’s insinuations unpardonable.”
“Is it true?” Georgiana asked hesitantly. “About Miss Bingley spreading rumors?”
Darcy exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, reluctant to expose his sister to the uglier aspects of society’s machinations yet unwilling to lie to her. “It appears she may have written some unkind observations to various acquaintances. Likely born of disappointment.”
Understanding crossed Georgiana’s face. “Because she wished to marry you herself. She has always been attentive whenever you were present.”
“Your brother remained admirably oblivious to her efforts,” Elizabeth said, a hint of her usual liveliness returning.
He looked at Elizabeth. “Not oblivious. Uninterested.”
This small exchange visibly relaxed Georgiana. “What will you do about Aunt Catherine?”
“Nothing at present. She will either reconcile herself to the reality of my marriage or she will not. In either case, her approval is not essential to our happiness at Pemberley.”
The words were addressed to Georgiana but intended for Elizabeth, whose gaze met his with growing warmth. “Family harmony is always preferable when it can be achieved without compromise of principle.”
“Now, Georgiana, perhaps you would be good enough to check whether appropriate accommodations have been arranged for our guest? I believe Mrs. Darcy and I should have a private word before luncheon.”
His sister rose obediently, though not without a knowing glance between them that suggested she was not deceived by the transparent excuse for privacy. When the door closed behind her, Darcy moved immediately to Elizabeth’s side, taking both her hands in his.
“Are you well? My aunt’s attack was unconscionable.”
“I am quite well, though Lady Catherine is exactly as formidable as I imagined from your descriptions. Her disapproval was expected, if somewhat more directly expressed than I had thought.”
“She has always considered frankness a virtue, though in this case, it borders on viciousness. The reference to Caroline Bingley’s letter was calculated to wound.”