Page 26 of Grief and Grievances
“Jeremiah, I am glad for your arrival,” replied Darcy, his voice tinged with relief. “You and your sister’s presence will be most welcome in these trying times.”
Lucinda alighted from the carriage with graceful poise, her elegant features framed by cascading chestnut curls. While her gown was of the first cut of fashion, it was also a sombre blue-grey colour with minimal ornamentation, and Darcy thought she had judged perfectly the mood at Rosings and chosen her wardrobe accordingly.
“Miss de Bourgh,” said Darcy, bowing slightly as he took her gloved hand, “I must express my deepest condolences for our mutual cousin Anne. We are all truly grieved by her condition.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” responded Lucinda softly, her voice filled with genuine sorrow. “We have come to offer our support and share in the burden of what fate has laid upon our family.”
“Your presence is truly appreciated,” Darcy assured them both. “Your kindness will not go unnoticed in this time of need.”
“By you, perhaps,” Jeremiah noted in a low voice as they ascended the steps to the house. “Lady Catherine will doubtless ascribe all the wrong motives to our coming.”
Darcy winced, knowing it was true. Lady Catherine had been extremely displeased when Colonel Fitzwilliam advised her that he had written to the de Bourgh siblings inviting them to come; shouting about vultures coming to pick over the carcass. Only the Earl of Matlock’s firm intervention had silenced her.
As they entered the drawing room, Lady Catherine, with her usual air of haughtiness, greeted her nephew and niece. “Jeremiah, Lucinda, I trust your journey was comfortable?”
“Indeed, Aunt Catherine, it was tolerable,” Jeremiah answered diplomatically, casting a sidelong glance at Darcy. “We are most eager to be of any assistance we can.”
“Your presence here is not required,” Lady Catherine declared. “I have matters well in hand without your interference.”
“Forgive us, Aunt,” Jeremiah said earnestly, his voice gentle yet firm. “We are here not to interfere, but to offer our support during this trying time.”
“Indeed,” Lucinda added, her eyes downcast, “our intentions are only to be of assistance and comfort.”
“Your sentiments, though touching, do little to alleviate my concerns and responsibilities,” Lady Catherine replied icily. “If you wish to remain at Rosings, you shall abide by my rules.”
Before the conversation could continue, Charlotte Collins spoke up from where she had been quietly sitting at Lady Catherine’s side, her calm demeanour a stark contrast to the tension emanating from the de Bourghs’ exchange. “Lady Catherine, might I suggest that Mr. and Miss de Bourgh stay with us at the Parsonage? Mr. Collins and I would be honoured to accommodate them.”
Darcy couldn’t help but think how clever Charlotte was in extending the invitation. It was evident that Mr. Collins needed to ingratiate himself with the new heir of Rosings, and what better way than to offer shelter for him and his sister? Darcy admired Charlotte’s resourcefulness, even though he found her husband insufferable. However, it was apparent to all that the invitation could not be accepted; despise the duty though she must, Lady Catherine could not be remiss in her hospitality. The Earl cleared his throat and gave his sister a meaningful look, and Lady Catherine grimaced and said what was required.
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins, but Rosings is perfectly able to provide for our family,” Lady Catherine said stiffly. “Guest rooms have already been prepared for my niece and nephew.”
“If you would escort Lucinda upstairs, Mrs. Collins,” the Earl interjected. “Mr. de Bourgh, please stay a few minutes. There are some urgent matters we need to discuss.”
Charlotte curtseyed gracefully and led Lucinda from the room; Darcy half-wished he could go with them, knowing the conversation about to commence was likely to be an uncomfortable one indeed.
The scent of freshly cut roses filled the drawing room at Rosings as the Earl of Matlock settled into an armchair, his eyes betraying a weariness that was mirrored in the faces of those around him. Lady Catherine sat stiffly on the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, while Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Jeremiah stood nearby, each lost in their thoughts.
“Catherine, I believe it is time we speak openly about Anne’s future,” the Earl began, his voice gentle but firm. “The doctor has informed us that she may have no more than a few days remaining, even with the most tender care.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes filled with unshed tears, but her jaw remained resolute. “I am aware, brother,” she replied, her voice taut with emotion. “And I am prepared to do whatever may be necessary to ensure her comfort in these final moments.”
“Then let us consider what must be done after Anne is gone,” the Earl continued. “Jeremiah, as heir to Rosings, you will of course inherit the estate,” he said, addressing Jeremiah de Bourgh directly. “However, we do need to come to an agreement on Catherine’s place of residence.”
“Indeed, Uncle,” Jeremiah agreed, looking over at his aunt. “I would like to offer Lady Catherine the dower house of Rosings. It is suitable for her needs and will allow her to maintain a sense of dignity and independence.”
“Most generous, my dear nephew,” Lady Catherine replied, managing a faint smile. “But I must decline.”
Silence fell upon the room as all present considered her words. Darcy, feeling an obligation towards his aunt, found himself saying, “Aunt Catherine, if it pleases you, you are always welcome at Pemberley.”
“No thank you, Darcy,” she said, surprising him by her refusal. “I have other plans. I intend to travel.”
“Travel?” Darcy questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.
“Indeed. And I am considering asking Elizabeth Bennet to be my companion and guest on this journey,” Lady Catherine revealed, causing a jolt of surprise to run through Darcy’s chest. “She has shown herself to possess an adventurous spirit that will never be rewarded in her current situation, and I feel I owe her a debt for her care of Anne, which has clearly been done without expectation of reward. Perhaps along the way, I shall find her a suitable husband.”
Darcy’s heart clenched at the thought of Elizabeth travelling with his aunt, potentially meeting another man who could claim her affections. He struggled to maintain his composure, all the while wrestling with his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by family and society.
“Aunt Catherine, your generosity towards Miss Bennet is admirable,” Colonel Fitzwilliam interjected. “I trust that she will benefit greatly from such an experience.”
