Chapter 22 #2
“Lady Catherine, leave now, or I shall not be responsible for my actions,” Darcy replied in a low voice, his fists clenched hard at his sides.
“Or better still, I shall leave you. I have nothing to say to you and do not wish to ever see you again,” he said, hurrying to the door.
It was partly open, and in the doorway stood Elizabeth and her father, both looking petrified and pale.
“Yes, leave, since you cannot bear the truth!” Lady Catherine yelled, walking after him before she noticed the two unexpected witnesses. When she did, her eyebrows lowered, her eyes and lips narrowed, and she took a step closer.
Immediately, Darcy stood beside Elizabeth to protect her, while the admiral held Lady Catherine’s arm.
She pulled it away angrily and said, “You must be the infamous Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I recognise you from my clergyman’s description.
You are just as I imagined you — an ordinary country girl, with nothing to recommend you.
God knows how you succeeded in capturing my nephew! ”
Darcy’s first instinct was to push his aunt away, but, to his amazement, Elizabeth touched his arm and took a step forwards.
“And you must be the infamous Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I also recognise you from Mr Collins’s description, and you are just as I imagined you — disrespectful, arrogant, and irritating. It is good to finally meet you, my lady,” she concluded with a wide smile.
Lady Catherine looked even more enraged, but Darcy’s fury was suddenly soothed by his pride and admiration for Elizabeth’s wit and self-control. She had told him as much, and she had proved it: he may protect her, but she was perfectly capable of dealing with any unpleasantness by herself.
“You…you nothing! How dare you? Your marriage to him will never be recognised! Do you think my brother will give you a penny? He has not said it in so many words, but he thinks the same! The whole of society will resent you, and you will bear the contempt of the world! You are worthless to everyone!”
“Enough, madam!” Darcy shouted. “She is worth everything to me,” he added, bringing Elizabeth’s hand to his lips in a gesture as romantic and tender as it was improper in public.
Elizabeth smiled. “That is all I wish to know, Fitzwilliam. As for society’s contempt, being your wife will certainly provide me with such extraordinary sources of happiness that I am sure I shall have no cause to repine.”
“Your extraordinary happiness is a goal I shall strive to accomplish,” Darcy said, his back now turned entirely to his aunt, who was breathless with rage.
“Admiral, please see Lady Catherine out this very moment, or I shall ask the servants to do so. And please let her know I shall never see nor speak to her ever again. I am ashamed to be connected to her in any way.”
“How dare you! I am your closest relative!” Lady Catherine yelled again, while the admiral dragged her out of the room.
A moment after she was gone, Darcy closed the door and took a deep breath to regain some composure.
“Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet, I cannot apologise enough for what you have seen…and heard. I do not know what I can say to beg your forgiveness…”
“There is nothing to be said on that subject, Mr Darcy. I believe a drink will do very well,” Mr Bennet said. “I am pleased to see my daughter has become proficient in taking revenge. You two seem to be of the same mind, at least in this aspect.”
“Miss Elizabeth is remarkable,” Darcy replied, with a glance at Elizabeth. “I cannot express either my admiration or my regret properly.”
“Mr Darcy, let us calm down, and please do not apologise for what is not your fault,” Elizabeth suggested, returning to the proper form of address in the presence of her father.
“You are right, of course,” Darcy replied humbly.
He was burdened by the offence Elizabeth had been forced to suffer from his aunt and devastated by the accusations thrown at his father.
His head was aching, and he could not think properly, only pray that such claims were untrue.
But how could an angry, resentful woman invent such a story in the moment?
He had had no time to look properly at the admiral, but there had been no denial from him, and this made the situation even more concerning.
While he poured some drinks with trembling hands, the admiral returned. Darcy scrutinised him and noticed a shadow of discomposure, as well as signs of embarrassment that he could not remember ever seeing before on the brave man.
“Forgive me. I do not want to intrude…or bother you. Darcy, do you want me to stay or leave?”
The admiral’s question was hesitant and fearful, and Darcy had the final proof that something truly shocking had been revealed; otherwise, the admiral would have laughed and mocked Lady Catherine.
“I would appreciate a private conference with you later, Admiral, as I feel there are significant matters that need to be urgently clarified.”
“Of course,” the admiral admitted, still with a restraint that was unlike him.
“Then I shall send you word.” Darcy dismissed the admiral politely but decidedly.
He knew he was being rude to a man who had always shown him support and affection, but the threat of a dreadful secret that the admiral might have been involved in was too much and would not allow him to pay proper attention to his betrothed.
“At present,” Darcy continued, “I would like to conclude my conversation with Mr and Miss Bennet. I invited them here to clarify some issues regarding additions to the settlement and also to make some plans for a family gathering. Unless they have changed their minds and decided to not be connected with my family, which I could well understand,” he concluded bitterly.
“That is not the case, I assure you, Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet interjected.
“I am not sure what you have added to the settlement, since Lizzy and I already declared it was too generous. As for the family gathering, after meeting your aunt, I thank God for granting me Mrs Bennet, to whom I shall deeply apologise for all my mockery.”
The admiral left the library before Mr Bennet had time to finish his statement.