Chapter 9 Anne
Anne
Anne revelled in the feeling of safety that Matlock House offered.
Mrs Jenkinson agreed fervently; they were surrounded by servants who were paid by the earl, not Lady Catherine, and from what they had heard, it seemed that every single servant in the household was part of the conspiracy to handle Lady Catherine delicately but with no cooperation as to giving her information or following her orders.
At long last, having sent back the footmen and coachman to Rosings with the third-best carriage, Anne felt free to tell her companion all about Darcy’s romance. As Anne knew she would, Mrs Jenkinson cheered and sighed in all the right places.
Anne had arrived before Uncle Henry and Aunt Helen left for Derbyshire, which was splendid.
“We got your note, dear,” Aunt Helen said in an explanation of their decision to delay going north. “That was very clever of you to faint on command. I am certain that you delayed your mother most effectively that way.”
Anne nodded. “But you think she means to chase after Darcy?”
Aunt Helen’s face remained calm, as always, but a slight furrow appeared on her brow. “I cannot be certain of her plans, dear, but if your mother does attempt to follow Darcy, I wonder what she means to achieve with such a move.”
Then her aunt sighed and explained further: “Apparently someone at Darcy House told her that Darcy and Elizabeth left for their bridal tour, and she was insistent on knowing what direction they were headed and what stops they planned to make. I was very proud of Georgiana; she defended Elizabeth to your mother most readily, and when pressed as to the bridal tour itinerary, Georgiana seemed to fully cooperate by saying that all she knew was that they were heading south.”
“But I assume that was not true.”
“Well, she sounded convincing in part because it was partly true; their heading was actually southwest, but nobody here said the words southwest, Cornwall, or Oakhaven.”
“Oh!” Anne said. “I have not heard the name Oakhaven for years; it is Darcy’s estate in Cornwall, is it not?”
Aunt Helen’s smile grew much wider than the question should warrant, and Anne sat up, feeling certain that she was about to receive some important news.
“Darcy has, in essence, given Richard the estate. Your cousin sold the estate to him, once he knew that Richard’s injury meant he had to sell his commission, but at such a low price it seems more like a gift.
It will not only give Richard a home of his own, it will allow him to marry Miss Garrett. Do you know about her?”
Anne nodded. “I had a letter from Richard, and he explained that he had fallen in love and would marry his nurse. I had not heard about Oakhaven.”
“The sale took place the first week in September, and Richard became engaged the day of the sale. Miss Garrett is of age and did not need her father’s approval, although she has, since then, received it. I am sorry if your cousins did not mention all of this news.”
Laughing, Anne said, “Well, Richard has always been the most infrequent correspondent, and although Darcy is very dedicated to keeping in touch, he likely felt he should not share about him gifting an estate to Richard, and about Richard’s betrothal—because both are clearly Richard’s news to share or keep quiet.
Remember, every time Richard wrote to me, Mother would always insist on reading his letters.
Darcy could afford to send letters via private messenger, and therefore bypass my mother, but Richard could not. ”
“I had not thought that through, dear,” Aunt Helen said. “I am certainly glad you and your cousins are so sharp. Your mother will not find it easy to dragoon any of you into fulfilling her every whim.
“When will Richard and Miss Garrett marry?”
“In a little over a month from now. The couple who have been leasing Oakhaven have been given notice, but Darcy is so very generous, he gave them a month complete in which to leave. The lease holders have, however, opened the doors to family visits, and Richard has already begun to travel there.”
“And Darcy and Elizabeth, too, are on their way?”
“They are. I hope that your mother does not know any of this, however. I am keeping a sharp lookout for any action she takes or rumour she starts, and I hope you will as well.
“Mrs Jenkinson is my secret weapon. She is adept at staying beneath everyone’s notice, and she brings me information. I will share with you any pertinent whispers or reports she hears.”
“Thank you, dear. We are focused on preventing harm to Darcy and Elizabeth at the moment, but we must consider your needs, too. Let me know how I can further your health or enjoyment.”
Anne smiled and said, “I am in heaven reading all the novels we had not been able to procure in Kent. And as you have already assigned me a lady’s maid and a footman to hail hackneys and carry packages for Mrs Jenkinson, we are set for now. Thank you again for your hospitality.”
The countess prided herself on never showing strong feelings, but the word hospitality in her niece’s mouth seemed to cause a breach.
Her smile wobbled into a grimace, and her eyes brightened with unshed tears.
She gripped Anne’s hand and said, “Hush, do not act the guest—not here. We are your family. We have invited you to live with us permanently more times than I can count. You have always been welcome, for as long as you wish, and you always will be.”
Regaining her equilibrium, Aunt Helen rose and said, “Ring for me whenever I can be of service, and I shall see you soon, at luncheon.”