Vol 2, Chapter 1 #3
“No, I do not. I see you as nothing but a cousin, and I know full well that my body would not allow me to perform any marital duties, as bearing a child would kill me as surely as if I had been shot,” Anne stated evenly.
“Mama, I know why you want me to marry William. In a month I will be five and twenty and I will take control of my inheritance.”
“You are too frail for the rigours of running this estate,” Lady Catherine grasped at the last straw she had now that the one she had been pulling on broke.
“My body may be weak, Mama, but my mind is fully capable. You know that Uncle Reggie will support me in this!” Anne knew by using her uncle’s name her mother would say nothing further. Her uncle was the only one who could easily bend her mother to his will.
“Aunt, I know no promise was ever given by my mother, and my father also refused your entreaties for a betrothal. Please stop embarrassing yourself by claiming otherwise. Come, Gigi, let us go change before we deliver the letter.” Darcy turned and he and his sister left the drawing room, leaving a shocked Lady Catherine asking herself what had just happened to all of her well thought out plans.
“Anne, if you would like to come with me, can I have your company for a few minutes before we complete the task we were charged with? I would dearly love it as I hardly ever see you.” Georgiana went to Anne and kissed her cheek.
“Go, Gigi. I will be here for mother to explain what her options are after next month as discussed with Uncle Reggie. I will see you later.” Anne kissed Georgiana’s cheek and smiled in contentment as she walked away.
It was only after the door closed that Lady Catherine realised she had not been addressed again and they had turned to Anne rather than herself.
“Now, mother, it is time for a discussion I have long planned to have with you. You will remain quiet until I ask you questions. Do I make myself clear?” Anne stood and looked down at her mother as she closed in on her.
“Do not make this more difficult on yourself. I have had many years of difficulty and would happily consign you to the dower house should you not agree to the following terms. The first will be to cease all talk of my marrying cousin Darcy. The second…”
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The three cousins walked enthusiastically to the parsonage.
Luckily, they had missed Mr. Collins who was on his way to see his patroness.
And even better, though they would never know, he would be asked to wait until the conversation in the parlour was finished to Miss de Bourgh’s satisfaction.
It was a wonder they were able to have so much time without him, or just the amusement of Miss de Bourgh to ensure that Mrs. Collins was reprieved that day of his company and able to enjoy that of her favourite cousins instead.
“Welcome, Mr. Darcy, Colonel,” Charlotte saw Richard shake his head, “Mr. Fitzwilliam. I assume this young lady is Miss Darcy?” Charlotte smiled warmly at the young lady and indicated her guests should sit.
“Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet, may I have the pleasure of introducing my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, Mrs. Charlotte Collins and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Darcy turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth please allow me to apologise for my behaviour in Hertfordshire, especially for my slight at the assembly. I shudder to think of how I behaved and have hopefully started to become a man who my sister would be happy to claim as her brother.” Darcy did not miss the questioning look on both ladies, but he shook his head.
“A story for another time. It is also true, as you now know Miss Elizabeth, I had other concerns on my mind.” Miss Darcy coloured.
“However, none of that excuses my not behaving as a gentleman should.
Please know, not only should I never have uttered those offensive words, but I have long known that they are the opposite of the truth as I saw it soon after, and still see it.
“Regardless of your wealth and connections, I should have judged you on the strength of your character alone. Had I done so, I would have seen you are one of the better, actually are among the best people of my acquaintance. I humbly beg your forgiveness, and truly hope we can start again, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy waited as he watched Miss Elizabeth for a sign—any sign, she did not despise him.
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “How can I not forgive you, Mr. Darcy. I believe your apology sincere, and as I think we may be cousins one day, yes, I too would like it if we may begin again,” Elizabeth granted. “Is that a letter from Jane I spy in your hand?”
“It is. Miss Bennet charged me with placing it in your hand.” Darcy handed the missive over to its intended recipient.
“Open it, Lizzy, we know what it says,” Richard teased.
Elizabeth broke the seal and opened the page as fast as she was able, and quickly read the short note within. “Jane and Andrew are to be married!” she exclaimed.
“You see, your forgiving me was most timely as we are to be cousins,” Darcy quipped.
The three cousins remained a further quarter hour before they departed. Elizabeth was surprised, pleasantly so, to discover that Mr. Darcy had a dry sense of humour, and she was fast on her way to liking Miss Darcy very well.