Chapter 27 #2
As she looked into the marchioness's proud but sorrowful eyes, Jane could not help thinking that, beneath her dignified bearing, the lady seemed to be carrying a heavy burden.
Marcus and Eleanor did not leave Jane's side for a single moment, and Mr Darcy, although remaining close to his own family, discreetly observed everything that was happening in case Jane should require his assistance again.
“Mrs Andrews de la Garza—or rather, Condesa de la Carrera, as you ought to be addressed,” Dona María said with a faint smile. “I hope that you and Mateo will visit my husband soon. Mateo, do not allow your grandfather to leave this world without seeing you.”
The marchioness curtsied and withdrew to speak with other guests, wishing to avoid giving rise to further speculation.
Matthew asked Jane to accompany him into the garden, where he told her everything about his origins.
“I have never spoken to you about my mother's parents because merely thinking of them brought back everything I suffered so many years ago. They caused my parents immeasurable pain, and that is why I have never felt any affection for them. In truth, I do not regard them as my family.”
“Matthew, perhaps this is what you need in order to bring peace to those painful memories. Instead of running away from your grandparents, perhaps you should speak with them. Listen to what they have to say, and only then make your decision.”
Jane embraced her husband and felt him gradually relax.
“Thank you, Jane, for being so understanding. My father and my sister both urged me to tell you about them, but I could not bring myself to do so. I did not want to tarnish our happiness by bringing those people into our lives. Forgive me, my love.”
Matthew held Jane in his arms, and they remained silent for several minutes. At last, he looked at her and asked,
“Would you accompany me to visit Don Pedro? If you are beside me, I believe I can face them—and anything else.”
“Of course, my love. If you need me, I shall always be by your side. But you must promise me that you will never keep secrets from me again. You must understand that you have to trust me as I trust you.”
“I know, my dear Jane,” Matthew replied, ashamed.
Jane reflected for a moment before asking, “Is it true that I am a countess?”
Matthew laughed.
“I suppose you are in Spain. Here, you are merely a solicitor's wife.”
“That suits me very well too,” Jane replied with a mischievous smile.
They both laughed and decided to return to the ballroom, intending to leave as soon as possible.
“My dear Lady Westcliff, you ought to inform the marchioness that her grandson has married a low-born woman from a vulgar family. With all her wealth and influence, she can surely do something to have the marriage annulled,” said Caroline.
Caroline was furious. She could not bear that Jane had married a handsome and wealthy man who also belonged to one of the most influential families among the European nobility. She had to do something. The humiliation was more than she could endure.
“You are right, my dear Caroline. I believe I ought to speak with the Marchioness de la Pena.”
Unfortunately, Lilian did not realise that Eleanor was approaching to speak with her.
Eleanor was shocked to hear Lady Westcliff lending her support to Caroline's malicious remarks.
“Lilian, I am deeply sorry to hear you speak of my nieces in such a manner, knowing how dearly I love them.
I truly believed we were friends. "And you, Miss Bingley," Eleanor added in a sharp enough tone to cause several people nearby to take notice, "I ask that you never address me again, or I shall be obliged to cut you directly. "
“My dear Eleanor, I believe you have misunderstood me...” Lilian began, but her husband interrupted her and insisted that she apologise to Mrs Sinclair.
“I promise you, my dear Eleanor, that I shall never allow anyone to treat you or your beloved nieces with disrespect while they are under my roof,” Lord Westcliff declared.
Then, turning to Caroline, he added, “Miss Bingley, I must ask you to leave my house, and I trust you will not return. Your presence is no longer welcome here. ”
Caroline was devastated. The entire evening had ended in disaster, and, unwilling to suffer any further humiliation, Caroline slunk from the room and quietly returned home.
However, the incident involving Mrs Sinclair and Lord Westcliff did not pass unnoticed, and Caroline soon became the subject of society's gossip and a complete social outcast. No one wished to invite either her or her sister to their homes or to any social gathering, fearing similar unpleasantness.
Lady Westcliff had lost the only sincere friendship she had ever known in London, and she regretted it deeply.
For that reason, when she noticed her son's growing affection for Mary Bennet, she did nothing to discourage it.
On the contrary, she quietly encouraged the attachment, cherishing the secret hope that Eleanor might one day recognise the sincerity of her remorse and forgive her.
Christian Campbell was delighted that he was finally able to dance with Mary. During the past few months, they had formed a lovely friendship, but he wished to know whether he might one day aspire to something more.
“In a more private corner of the ballroom Christian had led her to for some privacy, he said, "Miss Mary, I know this is neither the time nor the place, but I should like to ask your permission to call upon you tomorrow so that we may speak about our friendship. In only a few days, I must leave with my regiment for the Continent, and before I depart, I wish to know whether, when I return, perhaps... well, I shall explain myself more clearly tomorrow.”
Mary felt very nervous beneath Christian's earnest gaze.
She treasured their friendship, but she could not deny that she found herself growing more attracted to him with each passing day.
Yet she was shy and did not feel ready to begin a courtship.
Mary had seen all the turmoil that secret world of romance and courtship had caused her two older sisters.
There could be happiness, yes, but sometimes also tears, scorn, and regrets.
Romance seemed to Mary like riding a fast horse, thrilling but also dangerous.
The knowledge that Colonel Campbell would be away for several months gave her much to consider.
“I shall be expecting you tomorrow, Colonel. With my aunt's and uncle's permission, if you wish, we may correspond while you are away.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Miss Mary,” said the colonel.
Christian and Mary continued dancing together, entirely absorbed in one another and unaware of everything taking place around them. Without question, the evening had been full of unexpected events.
The ball in honour of Lord Blackwood was a great success, and the following day, every society column was talking about the Marchioness de la Pena and her English grandson.
◆◆◆
Mr Roberts had been in Kent for almost twenty days and had managed to accomplish everything he had intended, except speaking with Lady Catherine, as she had refused to receive him.
He was grateful that Jacob and Martin were with him because Rosings' footmen had, on more than one occasion, attempted to use force to dissuade him from trying to speak with the mistress of the estate.
James Andrews was in Kent visiting a good friend and took the opportunity to meet with his assistant.
When Roberts told him what had been happening, James accompanied him to speak with the great lady.
At first, the butler declared that Lady Catherine would not receive them, but she finally agreed to grant them an audience when James threatened to apply to the magistrate.
“I have many important matters to attend to, so speak.”
Lady Catherine was furious at the entire situation and wished to bring it to an end as quickly as possible.
“Madam, my name is James Andrews, and I have the honour of knowing your brother, Lord Matlock, personally. Out of regard for him, I shall be brief. Mr Roberts has repeatedly attempted to inform you that you owe ten thousand pounds to Mr and Mrs Sinclair in unpaid debts and that they granted you ten days in which to settle the amount. Since you refused to receive Mr Roberts or hear what he had to say, that time has now expired, and payment is due immediately. You may summon your solicitor, and we shall present him with all the relevant documents.”
“How dare you, sir! You insolent fellow! Leave my house at once, and do not trouble me again,” Lady Catherine said.
“As you wish, madam. Roberts, I believe we should go directly to the magistrate. It is perfectly clear that the lady has no wish to negotiate.”
James had scarcely finished speaking when he noticed that his words had produced the desired effect.
“Negotiate?”
“Yes, madam.”
“In what way?”
Lady Catherine knew she owed considerable sums to many people, and her brother had already informed her that he would offer no assistance. She also knew that her nephew, Mr Darcy, would do nothing to help her.
“My secretary, Mr Roberts, is prepared to reach an arrangement with your solicitor regarding a suitable method of payment, provided that you personally apologise to Miss Elizabeth Bennet for insulting her and for the false accusations you made against her.”
“I shall never do such a thing. Now leave my house before I have you turned out.”
Lady Catherine rose and swept from the room, while the butler escorted James and Mr Roberts to the door.
“I told you, sir,” Roberts said. “It is impossible to have a civilised conversation with that lady.”
“Yes, she is both absurd and proud. But tomorrow, she shall be absurd, proud, and poor,” James Andrews replied with a laugh. “Come, let us go to the magistrate so that I may return to London tomorrow morning.”