Chapter 1.3 #5
“And now she seems to be friendly with James. I hope you understand my worry and my insistence on talking to you. We cannot afford to show weakness and tolerance towards such behaviour. I cannot impose upon your private life or upon your preferences, but I shall do everything to protect my wife—and my niece Georgiana.”
Darcy remained silent. He would not normally allow anyone to speak to him in such a tone, but he admitted that the earl’s anger was not without justification.
“Uncle, my preferences would never go in the direction of harming my family. As for Lady Stafford calling on me, I would never allow such a display of impropriety near my sister.”
The earl breathed deeply and paced the room for some time.
“What worries me is that moment of weakness that often affects men’s judgment, especially when a beautiful woman is involved.
And when the woman is Annabelle Weston, or whatever she calls herself now, no man is strong enough. I could not blame you for it.”
“I assure you that I am in no danger of allowing any weakness to affect my judgment. Any preference I might have had eight years ago has long passed. I have not spoken to her in four years, and even then you must remember how things were settled.”
“Yes, I most certainly remember…and I am certain that she remembers, too. Circumstances are completely different now—and in her favour.”
“I believe this is much ado about nothing, truly. No matter the circumstance, there is nothing to worry about in regard to myself, I assure you. I shall never allow our family to be exposed to ridicule. Besides, I plan to leave for Pemberley with Georgiana after Christmas.”
“Yes, that might be a good plan for now.” Darcy filled his glass again, and the earl continued to speak, his tone completely changed. “I hope you do not mind—I just happened to meet Dr. Taylor this morning. We had a pleasant time at the club, talking over a few drinks.”
Darcy gazed at his uncle sharply. “You just happened to meet Dr. Taylor? How astonishing.”
“Yes… And, among other things, we discussed his errand in Hertfordshire. To be honest, I was quite surprised that he spoke so highly of the young lady he treated there.”
“Uncle, I did not expect you to take James’s gossip seriously and to make inquiries about a story I already related to you. And I am displeased that Dr. Taylor spoke of it.”
“Forgive me for upsetting you. I confess my curiosity was aroused but not by James’s report. As for Dr. Taylor—did you request his secrecy?”
“I did not.”
“So, there is no reason to blame him. He has committed no fault. I told him that I already knew the story from you—which was true—and I only asked how he liked Hertfordshire.”
“I see… Now that your curiosity has been satisfied, may we move on from this incident?”
“Indeed we may. So—will you and Georgiana come to us for Christmas dinner?”
“Yes, we shall—as always.”
“Excellent.” After several comments about the weather, the earl left.
Darcy leant back in his armchair, his eyes closed, attempting to regain his countenance. He had a strong feeling that things were out of his power and he could do nothing to regain control.
Several hours later, Lord Matlock prepared himself for the night, watched closely by his curious wife.
He spoke of his sister Catherine’s insistence that Darcy marry Anne, and he confessed to Lady Matlock his discussion with Darcy about the delicate subject of Annabelle Weston, Lady Stafford, and sharing his worries.
“Darcy has never disappointed us before, despite his young age. I have often admired his wisdom and the strength of his character. However, I am afraid he still has a weakness about that woman. He denied it, but I sensed that he hesitated…and he avoided my gaze as if attempting to hide his true feelings, especially when I asked him about marrying Anne.”
“Do you believe him capable of marrying that woman?!”
“I do not think him to be so unwise. My fear is that she might force her presence on him in some way. I imagine she would do anything to have his child. We can do little but pray and trust his excellent judgment. Thank God, he will leave for Pemberley soon. Besides…”
“Is there anything else you wish to tell me, husband? Is there more to this?”
“No there is not…not really…It is just that…there is no real trouble, only some strange happenstance that roused my curiosity as it is so unlike Darcy…”
“Darcy? What do you mean? Surely, you cannot expect me to go to sleep in such a state! I could not possibly find rest unless I know all the details.”
With some hesitation but undone by another glass of brandy, Lord Matlock related the particulars of the story he had heard the evening before, starting with James’s report, then Darcy’s explanation, and finally, Dr. Taylor’s detailed narrative.
Lady Matlock listened in silence, her surprise and curiosity impossible to conceal.
She disapproved her husband’s indelicate interference in Darcy’s private affairs and expressed herself to be against Lord Matlock’s decision to extract more details from Dr. Taylor through a doubtful strategy.
Consequently, Lord Matlock did not dare tell her of his equally improper attempt to gather information about the Gardiners.
He might tell her when he had some results—and only if future events required it.