Page 33 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
Darcy gave a short laugh that lacked humour. “More than you might think. In fact, I need Lady Catherine’s aid in another matter—one of some delicacy. The matter that we discussed the other evening.”
Elizabeth’s brow raised, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “To break the entailment?”
Darcy nodded stiffly. “Yes. Should I succeed, it will provide the stability and protection your family requires.”
“But if it causes you more hardship, perhaps now is not the time.”
“It is precisely the time. While your father’s health is stable, I do know that your mother continues to worry and I believe it will alleviate her concerns to know that whatever the future may bring, Longbourn shall remain with the Bennets. He caught the expression on Elizabeth’s face and quickly added, “It is no trouble. It is part of our agreement, after all.”
“I understand,” Elizabeth said with quiet sincerity. “Though I assure you, if it proves too great a burden, my family can explore other avenues.”
“Nonsense.” Darcy’s voice held a firm finality. “It is a task I am entirely capable of handling, and I shall see to it directly.”He bowed his head, preparing to leave. “I will bid you good day, Elizabeth. There are matters I must address.”
He turned and strode towards the manor, his long strides carrying him purposefully. Yet, beneath his polished exterior, frustration churned. Even in absence, Lady Catherine’s shadow loomed over his life, meddling in his plans. The realisation only sharpened his resolve to face the matter and deal with her interference once and for all.
***
Darcy entered his chambers with an uncharacteristic heaviness in his step, his jaw set in a firm line. Though his resolve was steadfast, an inner tumult churned in his chest. Lady Catherine. Of all people, why did it have to be her he needed to convince? He moved to the writing desk near the window and stared out briefly.
Seated, he uncapped his ink bottle and set quill to paper. His first words came swiftly, his displeasure lending force to the movement of the quill.
Pemberley
29thJuly 1812
Dearest Lady Catherine,
It is with the deepest respect that I take up my pen to address you after a regrettable gap in our correspondence. First, allow me to extend my apologies for the hasty nature of my recent marriage. I fear that circumstances at the time necessitated swift action, preventing a thorough explanation to you, my esteemed aunt, to whom I owe so much.
Darcy stopped, staring at the neatly inscribed words. Respect. Esteemed. How false they rang in his own ears! His fingers tightened slightly around the quill, and he stood abruptly, pacing the room to steady himself. He reminded himself of his aim, this was not for Lady Catherine—it was for Elizabeth and her family. Their security mattered above all.
Seated once more, he continued.
Had we the opportunity to speak more openly before the matter was resolved, I would have informed you of what has long been true. My affections for Miss Elizabeth Bennet grew naturally, and in such depth that I was compelled by both love and duty to act decisively. Though I understand your hopes rested on a union between myself and your daughter, my dear cousin Anne, I trust you will recognise that such a connection was never desired by either party.
Darcy sat back, running a hand through his hair. He sighed sharply, the sound low and controlled, before leaning forward again to focus on the point that most concerned him.
Nevertheless, I do not write to rekindle quarrels of the past but instead to address an urgent and practical matter. Dear aunt, you have always acted in the best interests of our family. Indeed, your tireless advocacy for family unity and respectability has benefited us all. It is in that spirit I now humbly seek your assistance to correct a matter that threatens those very virtues.
The entailment tied to Longbourn has placed Mrs Bennet’s family in an uncertain position. With the death of Mr Bennet looming a possible reality, I cannot, in good conscience, allow his widow and daughters to be turned out of their home, nor do I think it would reflect well on our broader connectionsif such a tragedy were left unresolved. This circumstance touches not only on their stability but, as Mrs Bennet’s family is connected to the Darcys through me, on ours as well.
Darcy paused to ensure he maintained his tone, politely imploring but leaving no room for denial of responsibility.
To mitigate this risk, I believe it is in the shared best interests of our families—Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Bennet alike—to seek a resolution by breaking the entailment. Mr Collins will no doubt resist this action, but I am certain he will defer to your guidance on the matter. It is my hope, then, that you will kindly exert your influence on him to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Surely you will agree that such a path best preserves our family’s reputation and standing.
Darcy ended the letter with customary but measured pleasantries.
Yours with utmost regard,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
He read over his work, ensuring no hint of derision, no raw emotion, bled through his composed script. Yet within him, a fire simmered, a resentment that only swelled as he saw his aunt’s face in his mind, imagining her indignation at his marriage and her indignation to be asked for assistance.
Standing abruptly, he folded the letter, sealing it with wax before handing it to a footman. “Have this posted immediately.”
As the footman departed, Darcy sank into an armchair, one hand over his face. He had done what needed to be done. But the bitter taste of it lingered. Once more, Lady Catherine loomed over his affairs, her reach as insufferable as ever.
“She will not win,” he muttered under his breath. Then, thinking of Elizabeth—her confidence, her wit, her unwavering kindness to even the most vexing of her relations—his jaw relaxed.
