Chapter 17 #3
“Jane married shortly before my father’s death almost two years ago.
A short time later, her husband died in an accident.
She accompanied my relatives when they visited us in the autumn, and she has been living at one of the nearby Darcy properties since October.
She met Richard here at the cottage, and over time they fell in love. ”
“It sounds so romantic!”
“Yes, they have made a love match and are so good together. You will love my sister when you meet her. She is the kindest, loveliest woman I know.”
They looked up when the door to the drawing room opened and Fitzwilliam smiled as he entered the room. “Look who I found standing at the front door.”
“Richard!” Anne broke out in happy tears.
He strode towards his cousin, knelt, took her hand in his, and kissed it. “My dear, how well you are looking! You appear to be as healthy as when we were children.”
Elizabeth brought her sister over to the chaise. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Mrs. Jane Horton. Jane, Miss Anne de Bourgh, soon to be your cousin too.”
Jane sat beside Anne and took her other hand. “I am so pleased to meet you. Richard has spoken of you so often that I feel I know you already.”
Richard stood. “Anne, I cannot imagine how I have been so lucky. Somehow, I have captured the heart of the most beautiful woman in England.”
Fitzwilliam cleared his throat. “I believe my wife holds claim to that title.”
“Let us agree that they are equally lovely—after all, they are sisters.”
Anne smiled and looked at her two cousins. “I have not felt this joyful since we were children. I am delighted my two favourite people have found such happiness.”
“How are you, Annie? Darcy told me about your mother’s visit.”
“Did you not get my letters from Kent? Every week I wrote to you about my mother denying me the medicine I needed and asked you to come to Rosings. I am better only because Elizabeth and Darcy would not give in to my mother’s demands and brought Mr. Gilroy here to treat me.”
Richard’s eyes widened and he tucked in his chin. “I never got any letters. You know I would have moved heaven and earth to help you.”
“Lady Catherine”—she spoke of her mother bitterly—“was obviously reading my mail and tearing up any correspondence of which she did not approve. That will end soon enough.”
“How do you feel now?”
“I am not yet strong enough to travel to Kent, but I have written to my solicitors, and they will inform my mother that she has no legal right to remain in my home. She must move to the Dower House immediately. I am mistress of Rosings Park and intend to do a better job of it than my mother.”
“Brava! If there is anything I can do to help you, you need only ask.”
“There is, Richard. I have not yet informed Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam, but since I have been here, your parents have invited me to stay at Oakmont Hall until I am completely well. Will you take me there? Today?”
“You know you are welcome to stay here as long as you like,” Fitzwilliam said.
“I could not have asked for more love and care than you two have shown me—you and Elizabeth have given me back my life. Bringing Mr. Gilroy here so quickly and teaching the local apothecary what medicine I needed has done wonders. But you need to prepare for your move into the manor house and for your baby. These last weeks you. . .you have provided me with more care than my own mother has ever shown me.” Tears filled her eyes and the four people who surrounded her extended their handkerchiefs.
“Do you see what I mean?” They all joined together in laughter.
“Richard, will you take me to Oakmont Hall?”
“Of course, whenever you are ready. Darcy, can you see that Jane gets back to Stockton Hall? It will shorten our journey.”
Elizabeth rose. “I shall instruct your maid to pack your trunks while we fetch Mrs. Jenkinson’s things from the inn.”
As she was on her way out of the room, Richard turned to Fitzwilliam. “I am in total awe of Elizabeth for standing up to that old crone’s wrath.”
“I grow more amazed by my wife every day.”
She could have puffed up her chest, her pride was so strong.
Rosings Park, Kent, 18 April 1813
Dear Elizabeth and Darcy,
I shall always be grateful for your many kindnesses.
Your love and care helped restore me to my current healthy state.
Lord Matlock accompanied me to Rosings, waved some documents in Lady Catherine’s face, and said that if she did not vacate, I had the legal right to have her physically removed.
I shall not relate the substance of her tirade—you can imagine the venomous names she called me and her brother.
The tyrant is now in the Dower House, and many of her most loyal servants are working for her there. I am certain she is still spying on me—collecting evidence as to why I am unfit to run Rosings.
Mr. Gilroy is a frequent visitor, and I am delighted to call him my friend.
He is a man I know I can trust. I am taking my medicine every day but having been so weak for so long prohibits me from ever living a full life.
Nonetheless, I am cheerful and stronger and know I have an excellent family to support me.
Fitzwilliam, your marrying Elizabeth saved my life. If my mother had not insisted we travel to Pemberley, I would not have received her devoted care and. . .best not dwell on the past.
Pray let me know when the new little Darcy makes an appearance. That baby is fortunate to have such kind, loving parents. I am so pleased for you both.
With much love,
Anne