Chapter 17
Aloud commotion in the entryway startled Elizabeth as she sat peacefully near the fire and embroidered a baby blanket.
Before she discovered the source of the noise, an older woman shoved her way past a footman and scowled as she perused the drawing room until their eyes met.
The lady poked her cane towards her and snarled, “You, I presume, are Elizabeth Bennet—the conniving snake who stole my daughter’s betrothed.
You will leave here at once and crawl back into whatever hole you slithered out of. ”
Who was this rude, condescending woman? Why did she think she had the right to barge into her home, and what was she ranting about?
Elizabeth took a deep breath, stood, and calmly responded.
“Madam, I am Elizabeth Darcy. May I know to whom I am speaking?” The woman who stood before her was dressed in thick layers of black silk and lace, and on her head sat a large black bonnet adorned with enormous black feathers.
Was she in mourning? In any case, she had no right to speak to her that way.
I should have used my face cream today—this ill-mannered woman was bound to mention my birthmark.
“You claim to have no idea whose noble personage has demeaned herself to enter this shack? You will show me the deference due to a person of my rank. How dare you wear my dear sister’s jewels!
You are a disgrace to her name! I should rip them from your miserable neck!
” The older woman moved towards her. Her sister’s jewels? Was this Fitzwilliam’s aunt?
“That is quite enough, madam!” Fitzwilliam’s pronouncement boomed from behind her, and the old woman stopped at the sound. “She is my wife and if you take another step towards her, I shall have the footmen pick you up and carry you from our home.”
Elizabeth had held her breath and cringed when the harridan spoke, but now that Fitzwilliam was here, she exhaled, her relief palpable.
“Why are you here, Lady Catherine? Where is Anne?”
“Now you pretend to care about the woman to whom you have been betrothed since you were in your cradles—it was the dearest wish of your beloved mother that our children marry. I told you in my letter that I would have this sham of a marriage annulled, and I meant it.”
Elizabeth covered her mouth as she gasped and tension enveloped her body.
Could Lady Catherine possibly have their marriage dissolved?
She and Fitzwilliam had been married in church, and everything was done according to the law.
She wished to believe the older woman was only blustering, yet Elizabeth was afraid for herself and her unborn child.
What would happen to her and her baby if this old crone had her way?
Lady Catherine’s nostrils flared as she addressed Fitzwilliam.
“I have already written to the archbishop to see what can be done. My request is respected by the highest authorities—we must maintain the high standards of our family! That fool Collins was correct when he told me her face bears the mark of the devil. She must have used her evil powers to lure you into a marriage you would never have considered if you were in your right mind. Darcy, you are such a fool—just because this. . .this seductress was kind to you after the fire was no reason to marry her. I see she has already fallen with child, but it is of no significance—these situations are easily dealt with. A sufficient monetary settlement is all it takes.” Lady Catherine made a dismissive sweeping motion in the air.
This was unacceptable, but what could she do? Her ladyship was a powerful woman.
“Stop! That is enough of your nonsense.” Her husband spoke through gritted teeth.
He must have lost his patience with his aunt.
“My father told me that my mother’s dying wish was for her children to find happiness in their lives, and that is what I have done.
For the last time, Anne and I were never betrothed, and I was released from my agreement to wed Lady Beatrice more than a year ago.
The only person I have asked to marry me is now my wife.
Your ridiculous notion that Anne and I wed is only in your imagination.
” Fitzwilliam moved to stand beside Elizabeth.
“As for your remarks regarding my wife’s beautiful face, it is all rubbish, and you will never speak of it again.
Elizabeth and I are married. We shall remain married, and you can to nothing about the situation.
Again, I ask, where is Anne? Did you leave her alone at Rosings?
” What a speech! His fervour reminded her that she was blessed to have a husband who supported her and showed concern about his cousin as well.
“She is in the carriage.”
“What? You left her outside on a cold, windy day so you could enter my home, insult my wife, and spew your venom?” Fitzwilliam marched out of the room and moments later returned with a frail, ashen-faced woman in his arms. “Anne, I am going to set you down on the chaise near the fire,” he spoke quietly.
“You will get better—Elizabeth and I shall see to it.”
“Thank you, Darcy. I knew I could count on you to provide me with the care my mother has seen fit to withhold.” Her voice was quiet, but her eyes shot daggers at her mother.
Elizabeth placed more pillows under Miss de Bourgh’s head. “Miss de Bourgh, I am Elizabeth Darcy. Pray tell me what I can do to help you? You are chilled—may I cover you with a blanket?”
“I knew Darcy would marry a kind-hearted woman. Pray, call me Anne since we are cousins now.”
“If you promise to return the compliment. Now tell me what I can do for you?”
It was obvious to all that Anne’s clothes were excessively big on her. Was it to make her appear more robust or because she had recently lost a great deal of weight? An older woman, who had gone unnoticed by Elizabeth until now, stood silently in the corner—she had to be Anne’s companion.
“I would like a blanket and some hot tea. I am quite tired and should like to rest. Mrs. Jenkinson has a tonic that helps me sleep.” Elizabeth called for a maid to fetch a blanket and then sat beside Anne and took her cold hand in hers.
Lady Catherine had watched in silence while her nephew had carried her daughter into the cottage, but when Elizabeth sat next to Anne, she became agitated and twitchy.
“Take your hands off my daughter, you demon! I shall decide what my daughter needs, not you—a grasping country chit who tried to elevate your lot in life by trapping Anne’s betrothed with your arts and allurements.
Anne is of noble blood and I shall not have my child’s rightful place usurped by you or anyone else.
I shall brook no opposition on this matter.
” Her cane struck the floor. “Darcy will marry Anne!” Elizabeth put her hand to her chest and swallowed hard.
“Mother, I have told you a hundred times, I never wished to marry him, and he feels the same way about me. We love each other as cousins and nothing more.” Anne’s voice grew weaker with every word she uttered.
“Even if I desired it, I would never have the strength to be the mistress of Pemberley much less give birth to an heir. I am ill and I need my tonic.”
Lady Catherine pointed towards Elizabeth. “Darcy’s heir will be born soon enough and you need never be concerned about him imposing on you. Fitzwilliam, I demand you talk some sense to your betrothed.”
He shook his head, his lips pinched together.
He was clearly frustrated at his aunt’s thick-headed determination.
“On many occasions, Anne and I have told you how we felt about your plot—it was never going to happen! I have a wife and shall have no other. Elizabeth’s and my child will be the heir to Pemberley and I shall listen to no more of your senseless drivel! ”
Lady Catherine stuck her nose in the air. “I am the closest relative you have, and this is the respect you show for our family. Where is your honour?”
“On my honour, Elizabeth and Georgiana are my closest relatives, and I have had enough of your nonsense. We must attend to Anne.”
“You are not to touch her! Anne, we are leaving now.”
“No.”
“You are welcome to stay as long as you wish,” said Fitzwilliam. Now that was a decision Elizabeth could support.
“Anne, I said we are leaving now!”
“I am staying where I am, madam. I shall never listen to your demands again.”
Lady Catherine glared at her daughter and visibly seethed.
“You. . .you ungrateful child! I have had you treated by the best physicians in England, and you think this country nobody can help you? Very well, I wash my hands of all of you. You will never be allowed to enter Rosings again. But mark my words, Darcy—whether you marry Anne or not, I shall have this marriage dissolved!” Lady Catherine spun around and pounded her cane with her every step as she left the cottage without another word.
* * *
Darcy knelt beside his cousin. “Annie, are you warm enough?” She smiled and nodded. “After you have your medicine and some tea, I shall take you upstairs to rest. Mrs. Jenkinson can care for you there.”
Anne caressed his scarred cheek with tears in her eyes.
He was surprized he let her do it without a sense of shame about his appearance.
“I am so thankful you are well. Richard wrote to me about the fire, and I was so frightened for you. This trip was worthwhile to see you so happily married, with a baby on the way. Darcy, it fills my heart with joy.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “You are here and all will be well.” The tea tray was brought in, and Anne’s companion added a tonic to her charge’s cup. He sat on the other side of her from Elizabeth and they helped her sit up long enough to drink it.
“Are you ready?”
Anne’s eyes were soft. “Yes. I should like to rest now.”