Chapter 4
Elizabeth bore Lady Cassandra’s scrutiny a few moments rather uncomfortably. She was about to break the annoying silence when her ladyship finally spoke.
“Miss Bennet, I have been told you are a bright woman. You are also sincere, as I have observed myself. As it is likely we shall see each other quite often in the future, I think we should clarify a few things. May I speak plainly?”
“Of course! I very much prefer openness and sincerity. However, I must confess that your ladyship’s tone is a little frightening.”
“I surely hope not. I dare say you are not easily frightened; not even being alone in the room with an angry gentleman would seem to deter you.”
Elizabeth frowned. The confirmation that Lady Cassandra was aware of the dreadful circumstances of Darcy’s proposal made her tremble with mortification and rage toward him for not keeping private such a delicate affair.
“It appears that your ladyship has already heard many things about me.”
As though she had guessed the nature of Elizabeth’s thoughts, Lady Cassandra continued.
“Do not be too upset with Darcy. Under normal circumstances, he never would have told me about that unfortunate event. However, he was not quite himself by the time I returned, and Georgiana was even more affected by his state, so you may understand that I could find no peace until I discovered the reason behind his distress.”
“Under normal circumstances…he was not quite himself…” The words echoed in her head so clearly that she could barely hear or understand anything else.
Had he been so deeply moved by her refusal that his mood had affected even his sister?
Suddenly, the carriage became too small, and she felt she could not breathe.
“I must tell you that I have known the Darcys for twenty years now; they are my only remaining family. No other people are closer to my heart.”
“I see. I am sorry to have caused anyone such distress, especially Miss Darcy. She surely does not deserve to suffer.”
“No, she does not, and neither does Darcy. Do you also regret making him suffer? Or perhaps you have come to regret your refusal now that you know exactly what you have refused?”
“Lady Cassandra, I do not mean to be rude, but I am not comfortable having this conversation with you. It is too painful to share with anyone.”
“Very well then; I shall not pursue the subject further. I will only add that Georgiana is oblivious to all that happened. Everything she has been told about you is favourable, mainly from Darcy and partially from the colonel.”
Elizabeth had no answer. What else was there to say?
“Moreover,” continued Lady Cassandra, “Georgiana does not know that you are aware of what occurred at Ramsgate. As you know, it was a private matter, and so it should remain.”
“I understand, and I beg you to rest assured that their secret will be perfectly safe with me.”
“I have no doubt of that. If Darcy decided to tell you, it is certain he had complete trust in you. Ironic, is it not, for a man to trust so completely the woman who has just refused his marriage proposal and accused him of atrocious behaviour?”
Elizabeth again became livid as the accusation cut to her very soul, and her ladyship’s rudeness became difficult to bear. She had no time to answer before Lady Cassandra continued. “You must be a remarkable woman, Miss Bennet, to have earned such attention from a man like Darcy.”
“Lady Cassandra, I will confess that I have regretted my lack of understanding and the unfair accusations I heaped upon Mr Darcy. I did blame myself for speaking with such vehemence about a subject that was not my personal concern and for allowing myself to be so easily deceived by Mr Wickham. Though I know I had every reason to reject Mr Darcy’s proposal at the time—and I did know perfectly well what and whom I was refusing—I cannot help but feel sorry for all the distress I caused both Mr and Miss Darcy…
especially now, when I have come to know them better. ”
“So you are still certain you were right to refuse Darcy? Is that what you are telling me? Are you not asking yourself whether you have made the greatest mistake of your life?”
Elizabeth’s rage surpassed her patience; she took a deep breath and glanced out the window to gauge their location, hoping they reached her destination quickly.
“I presume that you are not as pleased with your refusal now.”
Lady Cassandra’s voice held sharp irony, and Elizabeth finally erupted. “May I presume that your ladyship is not displeased with my refusal?”
She noticed with no little satisfaction that her words had the desired effect; Lady Cassandra’s expression changed instantly, and she frowned.
“You think I am pleased that you refused Darcy?” Her voice was calm but determined, demanding a response. When no answer came, she continued. “Then you are not wrong, Miss Bennet; I am quite happy. If not for your refusal, I likely would not have returned so soon.”
“I see.” Elizabeth started to play with her reticule. Surely, her distress was obvious. She hated the idea of looking weak and pitiful before this formidable creature.
“Miss Bennet, rest assured: the secret of everything that occurred between you and Darcy will be perfectly safe with me. Also, I had no intention of being rude or upsetting you; I only wanted to clarify a few things for the benefit of everyone involved. Georgiana seems to feel friendship for you, and I cannot allow her to suffer again.” Lady Cassandra’s voice lost its sharpness and became gentle and soft as she spoke of Miss Darcy.
“Georgiana has developed a strong, genuine friendship for you after only a few days. Undoubtedly, she has been influenced by her brother’s generous praise.
I have never seen her as animated with anyone outside the immediate family, and Darcy does not appear at all concerned.
In fact, he seems to encourage the growing intimacy of your acquaintance.
The power you have over the Darcys is quite amazing! ”
Several emotions overwhelmed Elizabeth completely; each of Lady Cassandra’s words felt like a knife piercing her thoughts. Her ladyship had done nothing more than voice aloud the same thoughts that had preoccupied Elizabeth since she first met Georgiana.
“Does your ladyship believe that my presence is harmful to Miss Darcy? Would your ladyship prefer that I spend less time in her company? I am asking because I believe your concerns are in Miss Darcy’s best interest.”
“I am not the one to make decisions in this matter; Darcy and the colonel are her guardians, and they seem to consider your friendship beneficial for her. I only hope you are the honest and sincere person we believe you to be and that you will not overlook the sincerity of her friendship.”
“Lady Cassandra, I know your opinion about me is not favourable. I also know you would prefer not to be in my company—
“No indeed, Miss Bennet, quite the contrary. Trust me; if I did not desire your company, you would be fully aware of that by now.”
“Thank you. Your ladyship is very kind. And speaking of kindness, please allow me to thank you for inviting us to the ball. My aunt and uncle have been delighted by the opportunity—
“And are you not delighted? You know, there will be a few handsome young gentlemen among the guests, so I dare say you will amuse yourself as well.” Lady Cassandra was talking to her as though they were long-time friends with nothing but perfect understanding between them, and the lady continued to run on about the ball until they reached the Gardiner’s house.
As a matter of courtesy, Elizabeth invited her companion in for a cup of tea. She was surprised, however, when Lady Cassandra agreed most readily to join her. In turn, Mrs Gardiner was shocked to receive the unexpected visit of such an illustrious guest.
In Mrs Gardiner’s presence, Lady Cassandra’s manners softened and warmed.
She became nothing but kindness, complimented Mrs Gardiner on her home, and even asked after Mr Gardiner.
More than half an hour passed before their guest took her leave, expressing her hope to see them again at the ball, which would occur in three days’ time.
Thus, three days later—as the maid was helping her prepare for the ball—Elizabeth still could comprehend neither the truth of Lady Cassandra’s character nor her intentions with regard to the Darcys.
∞∞∞
Caroline Bingley had rarely been so displeased.
She had returned to Town three days earlier and discovered alarming details about Lady Cassandra.
Her anger—and panic—grew with each new report about the Darcys being seen in the company of the illustrious lady.
Moreover, though she had sent around her card announcing her arrival in Grosvenor Street, she had received no invitation nor had either of the Darcys visited her.
Charles, absentminded and oblivious to the situation, admitted he had met Mr Darcy briefly but refused to offer any details except that their departure for Pemberley had not changed.
The most alarming news was the private ball Lady Cassandra would be hosting to which they had not been invited. Mrs Hurst managed to calm her younger sister, insisting it was likely that only the closest friends and relatives of her ladyship had been included in her guest list.
Yet, Caroline sensed that something horrible was about to happen, something that would destroy her future plans.
None of Miss Bingley’s acquaintances had been invited to the ball, so she held no hope for the consolation of a detailed report the following day.
Consequently, she could only wait and hope something would occur to put an end to her distress.
However, the day of the ball arrived and found Caroline shrouded in the deepest misery.
She was certain it was the most horrible day of her life and the situation could not possibly get any worse.
∞∞∞