Chapter 20 #2
Anne snorted. “Be grateful for that, Mrs. Darcy, for I have rarely encountered a bigger fool. I have already requested that the bishop consider removing him from his position since he was appointed by my mother who was not the rightful granter of the living. The bishop has received several complaints about him and agreed with my request to investigate the matter.”
“Ah, so that is why he is unwilling to leave Longbourn,” Elizabeth chuckled.
“My sisters tell me he is quite upset by your mother’s removal from her position as mistress and hopes to speak with you soon to convince you how mistaken you are in claiming your inheritance.
According to him, Lady Catherine is the best person to manage Rosings, as she has ‘so much experience’ in matters of estate management. ”
Darcy groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
“Yes, she has considerable experience in trying to run the estate into the ground. Each year, when I visited Rosings, I had to remind her yet again that she could not spend more than she earned, nor did she have the right to meddle in her tenants’ personal affairs.
But did she listen? Of course not. Inevitably, I am summoned back, time and time again, to untangle the same messes.
The worst part is that a single letter—to the steward or the tenant—could resolve most of these issues; yet, she wanted me to travel halfway across England to repeat advice she has ignored countless times before.
” His tone was tight, his frustration clear, as he leaned back in his chair and exhaled sharply.
“I know, Fitzwilliam,” Anne replied, a hint of weariness in her voice.
“While I did my best to manage Mother’s excesses and ridiculous demands, there was only so much I could accomplish.
At least you had the authority to prevent her from dismissing the steward, and she rarely concerned herself with anything outside the house long enough to ensure that it met her specifications. ”
“Anne, that leads to her actions over the last several years,” Darcy began.
“You know as well as I do that there was no ‘cradle betrothal’ between the two of us no matter what she claimed. However, I have only recently learned how far she has gone to force the issue.” Darcy explained to his cousin and her husband how Lady Catherine had bribed Mr. Bennet to reject his suit and then later her schemes with Wickham.
“Wickham—somewhat willingly—gave us letters your mother had written to him and explained how he came to be involved in several other matters as a messenger.
We have kept the attempted elopement secret, so when your mother mentioned it, we knew she must have played a part.
Wickham confirmed much of what we already knew, although he attempted to embellish his unwillingness in the matter.
For his compliance, my men placed him on a ship bound for Van Diemen's Land; however, with his injuries, I sincerely doubt he will survive the voyage.”
“His injuries?” Anne cried. “How was he injured?”
Darcy hesitated only a moment. “I shot him after he escaped from gaol and attempted once again to kidnap Elizabeth. The bullet went through his shoulder, and while we allowed a doctor to examine him, he was rather insensible from laudanum when we placed him on the ship. The men consulted with Richard before taking this action, and neither of us wanted to see Wickham tried publicly for fear of what he might say. Of course, he might not have survived long enough to be tried, but we did not want to take any chances.”
Mr. Hargrove patted his wife’s hand before speaking. “I do not know this Wickham chap, but it seems you have dealt with him far more fairly than he deserves. With what he holds over your families, it was probably best to get him as far from England as possible.”
“I do not know why I was so surprised,” Anne said after a moment.
“I vaguely recall Mr. Wickham visiting Rosings a time or two but thought he was just one of Mother’s servants or something of the like.
I did not know what she hired him to do, and I knew nothing of the connection to the Darcy family. ”
“The matter with him is settled as well as it can possibly be. However, we must decide what to do about your mother next, Anne. Do you know where she is staying?” Darcy asked.
“My best guess is that she is at Lord Matlock’s.
The house in town has not been opened. Since we do not know where she is, my solicitor has yet to inform her about the funds she will have available to her.
It is a reasonable amount for most people, but perhaps less than she will believe she is owed.
Regardless, she will have exactly what her marriage contract stated, but that does not include access to any of the de Bourgh properties,” Anne replied.
“Since I am waiting for Richard to arrive before I speak to his father, I will have to delay any further confrontations with your mother. I am expecting him to arrive early next week,” Darcy replied.
“We have all journeyed today, so let us seek our rest. Tomorrow we can meet again and determine what will need to be done,” Elizabeth suggested.
“Allow me to have the housekeeper show you to a suite of rooms for your use. If Darcy House is anything like Pemberley, I feel certain they will already have been prepared for you.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Darcy,” Anne replied as the foursome stood to move into the hallway.
“Oh, please, call me Elizabeth. Or Lizzy, if you prefer. We are cousins by marriage now,” she offered.
“Then thank you, Elizabeth. You must call me Anne in return. I look forward to getting to know you better, for despite our conversation tonight, my cousin has smiled more than I have ever seen him do before,” that lady replied.
* Green Sickness was likely a form of anemia, with symptoms that included general fatigue, a lack of menstruation, paleness (sometimes with a slight greenish tint), difficulty breathing, and more.
There may have been other contributing factors as well, but it is reasonable to assume that poor understanding of nutrition and a general dismissive attitude towards women’s health at the time played a significant role.
While we often attribute Anne’s condition to various causes, in this story, it is linked to a mineral deficiency in the body.
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