Chapter 10 #2
“You will not be surprised to know that Catherine told us a great deal about you, and I shall not lie. It did…shock and concern the earl and me. Our coming to Hertfordshire was the decision of a moment, and largely at her insistence. It was only later that I began to wonder how much was exaggeration and what you were actually like. Forgive me if this sounds too harsh, but if my husband and I are going to continue arguing against my nephew marrying you, I would like to know that I have reasons for it, ones I have decided myself and not because someone whose opinion I do not trust has said I should. This situation is too serious, the consequences too important, not to be more careful than I have been thus far.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and forced her features to remain impassive; she was taken aback but thought it impolite to show it.
Even more, she was not sure she wanted the countess to understand what she was feeling.
“That is generous of your ladyship. It is true that Lady Catherine did not much like what I told her of myself and my family when I was in Kent, and…”
“Pray, continue, my dear,” Lady Romsley said when Elizabeth pressed her lips together.
After a brief debate, she said, “I suspect Mr Collins of telling her whatever news of my family he receives and embellishing our flaws, perhaps mine especially.”
“Because…” Her brow arched.
“I rejected his offer of marriage, knowing I would never be happy with him, and, as a consequence, he would likely be unhappy too. He was deeply insulted. As my father’s heir, I suspect he assumed he could take his pick of me and my sisters.
I know it would have been a prudent match, but it was impossible.
” She believed the vignette would demonstrate something of her character, which is why she had shared such a personal memory.
The countess made a noise of interest and slowly nodded, keeping her gaze on Elizabeth. “Catherine says you have no fortune and your mother’s connexions are in trade. I do not recall my nephew saying otherwise.”
“She was correct. My father has no living relatives apart from Mr Collins, my mother’s sister is married to a solicitor in Meryton, and her brother is a businessman with warehouses in Cheapside.”
Her companion sighed. “I would be happier if your family circumstances were better. I cannot deny such things are important in our society. You must realise that, whether you—or I—agree with it or not. My nephew’s mother was the daughter of an earl and brought a substantial fortune to her marriage.
We were not wrong to suppose his wife would have a similar background. ”
“How unfortunate he did not fall in love with such a lady,” Elizabeth said, regretting the words immediately. Her cheeks burned, and she lowered her chin, chastising herself.
Lady Romsley touched her hand, and her voice was calm and comforting. “Darcy has insisted that he knows what he is about. He told us that his feelings are of long duration and that you are everything perfect.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “The first two are true, especially the second, but as for my supposed perfection, that was far more generous than I deserve. Your nephew knows full well that I am not.”
Lady Romsley also laughed. “It is just as well. I have never met a man or woman who believed their spouse was perfect before marriage who managed to still be happy afterwards. Eventually, the shine wears off, and usually very quickly. Amongst his protestations that you are caring and intelligent and diligent and well-mannered, and I know not what else, Darcy also said this or that—I cannot recall exactly what—that left me believing he not only is in love with you, and I do believe he is, but that he simply enjoys being in your company. I find great reassurance in that. The strongest unions are ones where the couple are friends as well as lovers. You are a very pretty young woman, all the more when you blush, and you have such lovely eyes. No doubt, that is what first drew his attention, but there is much more to you. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?”
They spoke for some time. It did not take long for Elizabeth to ease, and she was as open with the countess as possible, sensing her approval and affection for Mr Darcy.
They spoke briefly of Lydia’s marriage to Mr Wickham, her companion seemingly relieved to know the couple were living in Newcastle, no one in the neighbourhood was gossiping about the unfortunate beginning to their marriage, and that Elizabeth had no interest in spending time with them.
Possibly, Lady Romsley would cease to object to her nephew’s interest in Elizabeth.
If she can convince the earl to do likewise, I could coax my father into giving his consent.
Then, all would be as it was supposed to be!
Eventually, they returned to the drawing room. Jane and Mr Bingley had come inside, and the party enjoyed tea and a light repast. Mr Bingley invited Lady Romsley to stay at Netherfield Park that night.
“You might prefer it to returning to town this afternoon,” he said.
“That is generous of you,” she replied. “However, I must decline. My husband would worry. If I leave now, I might just make it to town before it grows full dark.” Addressing Elizabeth, she added, “I look forward to seeing you again soon, my dear.” To Mrs Bennet, she said, “You have a charming daughter. Indeed, you have been blessed with many.”
Mrs Bennet thanked her, evidently flustered, and peered at Elizabeth, no doubt confused and curious by the day’s happenings.
The countess turned to Jane and said, “Miss Bennet, I am afraid I have not had a chance to offer you my congratulations on your betrothal. I do hope you will call on me when you are in town.”
Jane blushed. “Thank you, your ladyship. That is very kind of you.”
Lady Romsley smiled broadly, taking in Jane, Mr Bingley, and Elizabeth.
“I would say it is also practical of me. I anticipate another happy event will occur soon, and it will ensure we meet often in town. My nephew and Mr Bingley are such good friends.” She chuckled and rolled her eyes, which made her look much less imposing.
“Mr Hurst is also some sort of cousin to me, twice or thrice removed, but I always seem to forget that. Well, I must be off. Mrs Bennet, thank you very much for your hospitality. Please tell your husband I am sorry not to have seen him too.” She curtseyed and nodded politely to everyone, reserving a final smile for Elizabeth; she also patted her cheek.
There was a long silence after she was gone. Elizabeth watched the door, but she heard someone shuffling their feet—Mr Bingley, she thought—and the antique long case clock keeping time.
At length, Mrs Bennet said, “Lizzy, what has happened?”
On the brink of tears she could not explain, Elizabeth hastily excused herself and ran from the room.