Page 86 of Compromise & Consequence
The slight twitch of the butler’s eyebrows told Darcy the man did not believe what his normally satirical master said, but he wisely just nodded and accepted the basket.
“I will have one of the maids give this a good scrubbing and have it returned within the hour.”
“No hurry, Griggs. Mr. Darcy and I have some business to discuss and do not wish to be disturbed.”
The butler gave a nod and left with the putrid basket. Bennet reached into the drawer of his desk and brought out two tumblers, then a bottle of brandy. Without asking, he poured them each a drink and swallowed all of his in one shot before pouring another. Only then did he put down the glass and stareat Darcy, fear still very much in evidence in his eyes.
“What kind of madness does your aunt suffer? How could a Christian woman wish such vile things upon an innocent lady?”
“I do not know, but I will promise you that she will not succeed.”
“We must tell Lizzy.”
“No!”
“You cannot hide this from her. She has a right to know.”
“I will tell her, after the wedding. I wish for her to have a happy day with her friend. She is safe for now because my aunt’s plans were for after we returned. I think Elizabeth is safe whilst here.”
“Where would she have gotten all those details of where Lizzy walked and at what times?”
“She must have someone watching the house.”
“No, the details were too specific and some of her phrasing too familiar.”
“’Tramping about without regard for her petticoats, which some have said is six inches deep in mud’,” Darcy quoted from the letter. “Makes me think I know the source of her information.”
“Miss Bingley.” Bennet made an accurate guess. “She has never liked Lizzy.”
“No, she saw her as a rival. Not that I ever,everthought to make her mistress of Pemberley,” he stressed at Bennet’s raised brow. “All of her dreams were naught but wishful thinking.”
“Why would she write your aunt?”
“The gossip mill in town must be working overtime and very likely she heard snippets as she prowled the parlors of chin-waggers. She may think that if she aids my aunt, she will gain atoe hold in the level of society she craves.”
“Miss Bingley expects a woman who castigates a gentleman’s daughter to lift a tradesman’s daughter into her circle of friends. I do not know who is more delusional. Lady Catherine, or Miss Bingley.”
“Be that as it may, she is very likely the source of Elizabeth’s walking habits.”
“Are you aware that because Elizabeth is of royal blood, albeit a minor royal, what your aunt has set in motion is treason?”
“That did cross my mind.”
“If this gets to the Palace, she will lose everything. The whole Fitzwilliam family will fall alongside her. The social carnage would be catastrophic.”
“My uncle, Lord Matlock, is a powerful man and enjoys a good relationship with the royal family. I believe he and his family would survive. Also, Rosings is in my cousin Anne’s name. Aunt Catherine has nothing but her funds and some family jewels. The estate would not be forfeit.”
“But your aunt’s life well could be.”
Darcy heaved a heavy sigh.
“Yes, it could. I will leave that in the hands of my uncle, the earl. I am hoping we can keep this within the family.”
“We should join the ladies. They will be wondering why we have sequestered ourselves for so long.” Bennet quickly finished his drink and then stood. “Are you able to keep this information from your wife? Can you project an image of calm and easiness, knowing what you do?”
“Although I normally abhor deceit of any kind, for Elizabeth, I will lie through my teeth and not bat an eye.”
“I believe you. Let us go.”
