Chapter 23 #3
"Indeed, he seems a changed man, Aunt Eleanor," said Elizabeth earnestly.
Even so, neither Marcus nor Eleanor felt entirely satisfied. They were not convinced that Mr Darcy's apology was enough to erase the hurt caused by both him and his aunt, Lady Catherine. Nor were they certain of his true intentions towards their daughter.
“Let us hope this change in his behaviour is a lasting one. Ever since I first met Mr Darcy, I have thought him a gentleman with far too high an opinion of himself,” Eleanor said.
“For his own sake, I hope he understands that you are now a member of my family,” Marcus added firmly.
“Well, let us leave unpleasant matters behind us. Elizabeth, Marcus and I have something we should like to discuss with you.”
Marcus and Eleanor began sharing their plans for the future, and Elizabeth listened with growing fascination. For reasons she could not entirely explain, she found it easy to confide her hopes and sorrows to them. She trusted them just as completely as she trusted Jane.
The following morning, the Sinclairs and their nieces were enjoying breakfast together while making plans for the remaining days before returning to Hertfordshire for Jane's wedding.
Fortunately, Marcus had been granted several days' leave, which he intended to devote entirely to his wife, his daughter, and his two nieces.
Unfortunately, the peaceful atmosphere of the house was shattered when Mrs Bennet and Lydia arrived without warning shortly after breakfast.
After greeting everyone, Lydia looked around the room with satisfaction.
“You have such a large and elegant house, Aunt Eleanor. Mama and I have decided that we shall stay here while we are in London. And you must buy me as many clothes as you bought for my sisters. Only I want beautiful, elegant gowns, so I shall choose them myself,” Lydia declared, casting a contemptuous glance at Mary and Kitty.
“My Lydia is right, Eleanor. I have far too much to do for Jane's wedding. I want you to look after Lydia. She is such a sweet girl,” Mrs Bennet said, convinced that every one of her daughter's demands was perfectly reasonable and in no need of even minor chastisement.
Elizabeth and Mary were mortified by their mother and sister's behaviour. Even Kitty recognised how inappropriate Lydia was being and felt ashamed to remember that, not long before, she herself had behaved in much the same way.
Finally Mary could stand it no longer. “You do realise, Lydia, that it is unlady-like to be so very demanding.”
“How could wanting fine dresses not be ladylike?” Lydia replied.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting fine clothing, but it is rather presumptuous to suggest that those are things to which you are entitled simply because you are a young woman of a father with some means,” explained Mary with some exasperation.
Mary knew that Lydia was incapable of understanding her point. Still, she was glad to make that point aloud anyway, if nothing for Eleanor’s benefit to show that she, at least, was making progress and that Eleanor’s etiquette lessons were having the desired effect.
Seeing how uncomfortable Elizabeth had become, Eleanor decided to steer the conversation in another direction.
“Fanny, Lydia, welcome to my home. First of all, let me introduce you to my husband. Marcus, my dear, I imagine you remember Fanny Bennet, my brother's wife. And this is their youngest daughter, Lydia. Fanny, Lydia, this is my husband, General Marcus Sinclair.”
The moment Fanny realised who Marcus was, she flushed deeply and became so flustered that she could scarcely speak. This was Elizabeth's father.
Lydia, however, remained entirely focused on her own wishes.
“Aunt, when are we going shopping?”
“I am sorry, Lydia, but I already have other plans. When I invited you to stay with us, you chose to remain with your parents. I am afraid I have very little time to spare this week.”
Eleanor was more convinced than ever that Lydia resembled her brother: selfish, vain, and incapable of thinking of anyone but herself.
“That is not fair!” Lydia cried, almost shouting.
She was about to continue protesting when Marcus intervened.
“Miss Lydia, allow me to remind you that this is not your home. My wife has already explained that she has other engagements this week. If, at some future time, you should come to stay with us, I shall expect you to make no demands and to conduct yourself with proper courtesy. You will treat both my wife and your sisters with the respect they deserve.”
Marcus spoke with such quiet authority that Lydia found herself unable to answer. His imposing height, together with his military bearing, was more than enough to silence her.
"Yes, sir," Lydia whispered barely audibly, with a look of pure dread upon her face. She was entirely unfamiliar with the feeling of having her strong opinions being opposed so quickly and so thoroughly. It took Lydia entirely by surprise. Normally, being overbearing and headstrong worked for her.
Mrs Bennet, having finally recovered her composure, said rather sheepishly,
“In that case, Eleanor, we shall remain at my brother's house.”
Realising that Marcus would neither indulge nor tolerate her behaviour, Lydia wisely held her tongue. She, too, decided that she would much rather stay in Cheapside.
Mrs Bennet spoke with her daughters for a few minutes before deciding, after some consideration, to return to the Gardiners' house. The way Marcus and Eleanor looked at Elizabeth left her with the uneasy feeling that they knew something, and she resolved to question her brother about it.
As soon as Mrs Bennet and Lydia had departed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mary and Kitty went to their piano and drawing lessons, while Marcus and Eleanor took advantage of the quiet morning to invite Elizabeth for a walk in the nearby park.
It was a delightful morning. Eleanor found deep contentment in walking beside her husband and her daughter.
“At this very moment, I must be the envy of every man in London,” Marcus said with deep emotion as he walked with his wife on his right arm and his daughter at his left side.
Elizabeth smiled at her father's words and slipped her hand more securely through his arm.
At that moment, she felt a happiness and peace she had never known before.
Walking beside Marcus and Eleanor, she realised that she wanted nothing more.
For the first time in her life, she felt cherished, protected, and completely at home. In that moment, she needed no one else.
◆◆◆
“My son, they are following you. I believe it would be wise for you to speak to Jane. I fear they may approach her and tell her a distorted account of your origins and of how you feel about them,” Mr Andrews said.
“Father, please. We have already discussed this. I shall tell Jane everything once we are married.”
Matthew was deeply ashamed of his inability to master his irrational fear.
During the months his maternal grandparents had kept him with them, he had cried himself to sleep every night.
He had been only a little boy, frightened and alone.
Whenever he wept, his grandfather and grandmother would tell him that such behaviour was unworthy of the future Marqués de la Pena.
James Andrews did not know how to help his son.
Every time he tried to speak with him about the anxiety he experienced whenever he had to spend the night away from home, Matthew quietly avoided the subject.
James was convinced that it was somehow connected to the dreadful months he had spent in Cuba with his mother's family.
“My son, I wish you would think again. Believe me, it is a dangerous thing to begin a marriage with secrets.”
“Father, I would rather not speak of that any further. Instead, let me tell you how I intend to outwit the Marchioness. She has always believed herself far cleverer than everyone else. Well, this time I shall be the one to deceive her.”
Matthew then explained his plan in detail.
“It is an excellent plan, my son. You may count on me for anything you need.”
James decided not to press Matthew any further about telling Jane the truth. Instead, he resolved to remain watchful and support his son whenever he needed him.
◆◆◆
Georgiana was delighted to see her friends again after several days apart.
Richard had told her that his hopes of marrying Claire depended upon General Sinclair's approval, and she wished to ask Mary and Kitty to intercede on his behalf.
They were now the general's nieces, and it was plain to everyone how deeply attached he had become to them.
Mr Darcy, meanwhile, was equally eager to see Elizabeth. Although he had ostensibly accompanied his sister on a social call, he secretly hoped that fortune would grant him a few moments alone with the woman he loved.
“Good afternoon, Mr Darcy. Miss Darcy,” Marcus said courteously, though with unmistakable reserve.
“Good afternoon, General,” Mr Darcy said with a polite bow. “Allow me to offer you my sincere congratulations upon your recent marriage.”
“Thank you, Mr Darcy,” Marcus replied gravely. “You are very kind.”
“It is a pleasure to see you again, General,” Georgiana added with a warm smile.
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Darcy,” Marcus answered, his expression softening slightly.
Just then, Mary entered the drawing room.
“Georgiana, would you come with me to the music room?” she asked. “Kitty will be back soon. Mary knew that Georgiana wished to speak with her and Kitty, and she was eager to make it as easy as possible for her.
“With pleasure,” Georgiana replied. She turned towards her brother and Marcus. “If you will excuse me.”
The two gentlemen bowed, and Georgiana followed Mary from the room.
Marcus took the opportunity to speak with Mr Darcy.