Chapter 24. Lady Catherine’s Direction
At table the following morning, Mr Darcy was passed a note by Livingston, the butler for Rosings.
“Have you received a business letter already this morning?” Charles Bingley asked as he rose to refresh his coffee.
Unfolding the paper, Darcy read the line quickly and explained, “My aunt wishes to speak to me immediately upon rising from breaking my fast.”
“Shall I tell the steward to delay our meeting?” Bingley asked.
Darcy shook his head. “My aunt will not keep me long this morning.”
Quickly finishing his meal, Darcy hurried above stairs, greeting Georgiana as she came below stairs. “Good morning sister! How was your sleep?”
“Very good brother!” Georgiana replied. “I expect Elizabeth has already been out for a walk this morning. Did you think to join her?”
Darcy stopped on the stairs and looked closely at his sister. “I did not know Miss Elizabeth would walk early...”
“Yes, she and Miss Bennet explained that they walk early each morning to wake their appetites before breaking their fast and then continuing to set the parsonage to rights. I believe Elizabeth said they walk the circuit around the flower garden to the French garden just after sunrise each morning.”
“Are you intending to accompany Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth on their walks Georgiana?”
The young lady shook her head vehemently. “I am not a great walker! I intend to spend my time hiding from Aunt Catherine when I am not practicing the pianoforte.”
Darcy nodded and continued to his aunt’s chambers while his sister escaped into the dining room. Admitted to Lady Catherine’s bedchamber, Darcy found his aunt breaking her fast in her bed. She took a drink from her teacup and eyed him critically.
“Darcy, I have been thinking about the guests in attendance at Rosings this Easter.”
“Guests, aunt?” Darcy asked. “Mr Bingley is my only guest, and he is assisting me with the annual survey–Colonel Fitzwilliam has been called to duty in Spain.”
Lady Catherine waved away the news of the war. “I have not paid attention to the French since they beheaded their queen and king. They deserve their ignominious future without a noble class to lead them to greatness.”
“Yes, Lady Catherine.”
“But I want to discuss the ladies in residence at the parsonage,” she continued, watching him closely but Darcy had no reaction to his aunt’s comment. “I am certain that the Miss Bennets are not suitable companions for Georgiana.”
“I disagree and my opinion is the one that matters in regard to my sister.”
Lady Catherine frowned and prepared to argue before Darcy continued. “How can I help you this morning aunt? I am to meet with the steward this morning and begin reviewing your accounts–though I am certain you have overspent your income again.”
Angry to be reminded she was no longer as rich as she had once been Lady Catherine waved Darcy to a chair.
Once he was seated, she delivered her commands.
“If you are insistent on this Miss Elizabeth being in Georgiana’s company, you must be their escort and make certain your sister is not polluted by this association.
I insist that Mr Bingley not be in company with your cousin Anne.
You will inform Mr Collins that he is to be Anne’s escort each day and Miss Bennet will be escorted by Mr Bingley–she’s engaged so it is safe for her to converse with the man in trade. ”
Darcy patiently waited while Lady Catherine discussed all items she wanted addressed with the steward until she again waved her hand at him in dismissal.
Once he was removed from Lady Catherine’s presence, Mr Darcy had a very pleasant smile on his face–at direction of his hostess, he would keep company with Miss Elizabeth each day of their visit to Rosings Park.
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