Chapter 19 #4
“I am not physically ill, if that is what you mean. I believe I am just…heartsick, a condition for which I have only myself to blame. Please do not concern yourself. I have tested your patience over the past few days, and I am asking you to do so one last time. So, if you would be so very kind, please read my letter.” Mr Darcy bowed and walked away.
Unable to resist her curiosity, she sat upon a large rock beside the path and began to read.
Neither she nor Mr Darcy noticed that Lady Catherine's butler had been observing the entire scene from behind a nearby tree and that, before long, he would report everything he had witnessed to his mistress.
Elizabeth read the letter with some disbelief at first. As she continued, however, she felt increasingly ashamed and deeply regretful of both the things she had said and the manner in which she had said them.
Mr Darcy had spoken the truth about many things concerning her family, including Jane's reserved nature.
Yet it was when she reached the account of Mr Wickham's past, and what a scoundrel he had been, that genuine remorse overcame her.
Her Aunt Eleanor had warned her long ago about the sort of man he truly was.
Elizabeth could not keep back her tears as she thought of her parents, especially her father.
He had allowed his family to make fools of themselves before the whole neighbourhood, and he had neglected his daughters, squandering his money upon himself or allowing Mrs Bennet to waste it on unnecessary extravagances.
At that moment, she felt utterly alone, with no one to protect or care for her, exposed to the criticism and contempt of those around her.
She thought especially of Caroline Bingley's malicious remarks.
For the first time in a long while, she wished she did not always have to be the strong one, forced to defend herself because there had never been anyone else to do so.
She had to admit that Mr Darcy had merely pointed out some very painful truths about her own family and its behaviour.
They were truths that she had done her best to ignore because there was simply nothing to be done about them.
She realised that a good portion of her anger toward Mr Darcy derived from her being forced to confront a reality she was more comfortable ignoring.
Indeed, she had made many similar, if less explicitly pointed, observations regarding her own family in the past herself, but that was acceptable for a daughter of the family; it was not acceptable from a judgmental neighbour no matter how wealthy, how well connected, or how handsome he might be!
Lady Catherine paced impatiently in the parsonage parlour. Mr Hall had told her everything he had seen early in the morning. Her nephew, her daughter's betrothed, had delivered a letter to that woman. She had to find out what was happening, so she went to the parsonage.
"Mr Collins, go find that woman. Tell her to get here right away, that before I kick her off my property, I need to talk to her."
"Of course, Lady Catherine. I shall go immediately and drag her here if necessary," said Mr Collins nervously.
Charlotte tried to calm Lady Catherine, but she was not even listening. Just as Mr Collins was about to leave, Elizabeth entered the parlour.
"Cousin Elizabeth ..." Mr Collins tried to reprimand her but was abruptly interrupted by Lady Catherine.
"You have finally arrived, Miss Bennet. However, I think the word Miss should not be used for women of your ilk," Lady Catherine said dismissively.
Charlotte and Mr Collins were appalled by Lady Catherine's offensive and vulgar language but dared not say anything.
Elizabeth felt emotionally drained and could barely defend herself. "I am sorry, Lady Catherine, but I am leaving in an hour and do not have time to discuss any matter with you."
"Give me the letter right now if you do not want me to take it from you myself." Lady Catherine was red with fury. She did not like to be disobeyed or contradicted.
Elizabeth was on the verge of tears, but unwilling to reveal any sign of weakness, she said, "Please, allow me to leave in peace."
"Impertinent and headstrong girl," Lady Catherine replied. She strode towards Elizabeth and repeated, "Give me the letter my nephew gave you."
Summoning what little strength she had left, Elizabeth met Lady Catherine's gaze and replied as calmly as she could, "Lady Catherine, I must prepare for my journey."
Lady Catherine's patience finally gave way. She struck Elizabeth hard across the face.
"I shall teach you to respect your superiors."
When she was going to slap her again, a male voice yelled, "Let go of my... niece, and do not dare insult or put a hand on her again." Marcus could barely control himself.
Elizabeth caught sight of General Sinclair and, without a moment's thought, ran to take refuge in his arms.
He embraced her at once and softly whispered words of comfort.
"Do not be afraid, my dear girl. I am here to protect you. My sweet, precious girl... your... fa— I am here to make certain that no one shall ever dare to hurt you again."
Marcus had to make a superhuman effort not to break down as Elizabeth clung to him, finding in his embrace a sense of comfort and protection she had never known before.