Page 43 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Lady Matlock said, “I am heartily ashamed ofmyself, husband. Let me feel the weight of my actions or, in this case, inaction. Perhaps they will allow us back into their lives, should we demonstrate unreserved support of whatever they decide.”
“Anne so hated the idea of being forced to marry Darcy that she gave our son everything for some form of protection,” the earl said.
“Because he was the one person who took her part after her father died. How are we to make up for our neglect?”
Anne heard the regret in her aunt’s voice, but it did not mean she was willing, at this time, to forgive either, so that they could know relief from their guilt. Looking up at her husband, she could see he hoped she would. And she might—one day.
“We will ask Anne and Richard what they might hope from us, Rebecca. Keep a courier who is always ready to ride to Town at Rosings in case Anne requires aid,” Lord Matlock said loud enough that Anne heard him.
“If Anne wishes, you will help them move your sister to the dower house, will you not?”
“If it is what Anne wishes, of course. And I think Miss Lucas will not quiver in the face of Catherine’s ire during the occasional visit to see her.”
“I know it seemed as if I had great courage yesterday, but ‘twas fear that guided me, my lord,” said Charlotte.
“Richard would say the same. The other magistrate is like to finish his inquiry with the runner today. Once you are in Kent, I am certain you can manage the dragon who is my sister with the same fortitude you do villains. Though I admit, at times,Catherine’s bite is more frightening than her bark. Perhaps, now that she has had time to come to terms with Darcy’s letter, she will be more accepting of Anne’s wishes.”
In the end, it was determined that the earl and the countess would escort Anne and her friend Charlotte to Rosings Park. Lord Matlock would install a courier at Rosings to make certain any missives from Anne or Charlotte would not be waylaid or tampered with. Charlotte, too, agreed to help Anne learn how to manage her estate.
Fitzwilliam spoke of his intention to take a position that would keep him on English shores. He looked at Anne when he said he had no wish to be far from Rosings Park or Georgiana.
During this discussion, Darcy and Bingley returned. They learnt of the morning’s revelations and of Anne’s marriage to Richard. Anne learned that Richard had told Darcy of their marriage over whiskey in the study shortly after Sir William had departed.
Darcy was distressed by his sister’s resentment on this day when he was the happiest he had ever known. Fitzwilliam’s explanation of the neglect and worry Anne had suffered set Darcy on his heels.
Fitzwilliam reminded all that it was the earl’s duty, as head of the family, to check on his relations and make certain all were well. The earl’s oft-heard certainty of his sister managing things as expected had become tiresome. The few times he had visited Anne were to placate his sister and avoid ascene.
Darcy’s request that Lady Matlock take the soon-to-be Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley to London was a favorable turn of conversation. The countess said it would be her every pleasure to be joined by all of the ladies of Lucas Lodge and Longbourn for this shopping adventure.
Lady Matlock applauded the plan of the men to bestow on their betrothed the same allowance they would receive oncemarried. However, Lord Matlock demanded that all bills be directed to him. Anne had to admire her aunt’s avoidance of a kerfuffle by saying she would have all the bills forwarded to her so they could besorted. She did not doubt but that Lord Matlock would have a very large stack of bills to pay.
“Charlotte, I suggest we both purchase new wardrobes. I will no longer live as a recluse in Kent. We will have masters, and we will remain as occupied as we like every day,” Anne said.
“Might I come and stay with you and Miss Lucas, Anne?” asked Georgiana.
“Once my mother accepts her place in the dower house, you will find me not wishing you ever to leave. Allow us some time to make certain she is settled. No one should suffer her vitriol.”
“When we ladies return to Meryton, perhaps our host will allow me to throw a ball the likes of which Hertfordshire has never seen,” Lady Matlock said in a voice all of the men in the room knew meant she was not to be denied.
“As you like, Your Ladyship,” said Bingley.
“If I might make another suggestion?” asked Charlotte.
“Anne, Aunt Rebecca? Take note of this expression. It is a sure sign Miss Lucas is scheming, and you do not want to be left out,” Georgiana said, laughing at her wit.
“It so happens we know two ladies who would be enthusiastic in aiding the planning of a ball. Three, actually. My mother and Mrs. Bennet will be disheartened not to be included in the London excursion but will be in ecstasy if tasked to help with the ball. And there is Mrs. Bennet’s sister to consider. The three of them will keep the men occupied with endless demands and requests for opinions and preferences.”
“I shall escort the ladies Fitzwilliam, Darcy, Bennet, and Lucas to and from Town since I am required to visit the war offices. You gentlemen enjoy planning the ball,” Fitzwilliamsaid, quite satisfied with being the first to espouse a viable reason to miss said planning.
“I am certain this will please, Jane. She feared hurting her mother’s feelings but preferred the aid of her aunt in choosing her trousseau. If it pleases Jane so that she might make her own selections and choices, I am happy to be at Mrs. Bennet’s disposal whilst you are gone,” Bingley said, toasting Charlotte with his tea.
“And now I will be the black sheep of the family if I do not do the same, though we have not yet married any of Mrs. Bennet’s daughters. I must say, you already prove to be an annoying brother-in-law,” Darcy said, scowling at Bingley.
“There, that is all decided,” Lady Matlock said, sitting back with her tea. She felt content with how things seemed to be coming about. “I shall send a letter requesting the Bennet and Lucas families join us here tomorrow night to dine so that we might discuss with them these intentions. Those of us going to Town will start the following morning.”
“Today, Ana, we will speak to the cook about beginning the white soup,” Charlotte said, gesturing to Georgiana.
For her part, Anne was happy to sit between Richard and Georgiana, listening to others’ discussions. It was ever so different than her mother’s constant opinions, demands, and expectations.
