Page 23 of Compromise & Consequence
“I am independently wealthy with my own connections, and I am a Darcy. As fond as I am of my mother’s family, I do not depend on them, and will not be harmed if they never mention me in conversation.”
“I am not in the habit of brooking disappointment.”
“Today is a chance for you to learn something new.”
“If you were sensible, you would not wish your betrothed to quit her own sphere.”
“She is a gentleman’s daughter.”
“True, but who is her mother? Her uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their low-brow connections.”
He briefly wondered how she could know of Elizabeth’s origins and family dynamics.
“If I do not object, they can mean nothing to you.”
Lady Catherine glared at him.
“Do not deceive yourself into a belief I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require.”
“Then, I shall have Mrs. Whittaker prepare you a room. Good day, Aunt.”
“Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already aired, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your hastily arranged engagement. How the light skirt forced you into a compromise. I know it all. What I do not understand is why you cannot just set her up in a little house and take your pleasure whenever you like. You need not marry your ladybird. Heaven and earth! − of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”
He gave a start at his exact words being echoed by his aunt.
“I am tired of this conversation, and have a business appointment to attend.”
“You have no regard, then, for the honor and credit of our family!” Her ladyship was highly incensed. “Do you not consider a connection with her will disgrace you in the eyes of everybody?”
“I have nothing further to say. You know my sentiments.”
“You refuse, then, to oblige me.” At his curt nod, she continued, “I hoped to find you reasonable, but you are stubborn, just like your father.”
She pivoted on her heel and strode through the door, her voice ringing down the hall.
“I take no leave of you, Darcy. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”
The thumps of her walking stick and vociferous displeasure soon receded, and Darcy could only wonder how she learned of his circumstance so quickly. It seemed as though news of his impending marriage had spread at least as far as Kent.
His plan to tuck Miss Elizabeth away at Pemberley was starting to unravel like a ball of yarn in the care of a frisky kitten. He must now endure her company in London. Blast Aunt Catherine and her infernal interference. If only he had disabused her of that stupid engagement years ago.
He picked up the letter written to Mrs. Reynolds and consigned it to the fire. He no longer needed to inform her of a new mistress. Instead, Elizabeth would remain at Darcy House until he knew for sure if she wereenceinte. If she carried Wickham’s bastard... he pressed his fist to the center of his chest at a sudden tightening. He could not bear the thought of her carrying another man’s child. He would cross that bridge when, or if he came to it.
Before leaving for Matlock House, he ordered all his mother’s furniture removed from the mistress chambers to the attic and replaced with whatever remained upstairs. He could not bear the presence of Miss Elizabeth to sully the cherished memory of his mother.
***
“You have everything in place?”
“I believe so. There have never been so many express posts sent to and from Longbourn as there have been this past week. Aunt Maddie promised to write to her brother with all the details.”
“And your trunks?”
“I have my one trunk ready, and Mr. Potter and his son know to follow the carriage at a safe distance and at my signal, attend the next day. There is a lovely inn at Lambton, I am told and I have given them enough funds to carry them safely through the week.”
“It seems you have all things in hand, Lizzy.”
“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”
