Page 96 of New World Tea Company
“She is the singular young woman you have mentioned in your letters since you travelled to Hertfordshire with Mr Bingley last autumn,” Georgiana explained. “How has she remained in your memory for all these many months?”
Darcy blushed and admitted, “We happened upon each other in Hunsford last month. She was visiting a friend who married at Christmas, and I was there to salvage the situation at Rosings.”
Frowning and insisting on an answer, Georgiana asked, “Did Miss Bennet come seeking you at Rosings? Young ladies pursue you relentlessly brother.”
“No!” replied Darcy. “Georgie, why would you ask such a question?”
“Brother, for the last two years, Miss Caroline Bingley has lurked in the shops hopeful of seeing us out shopping. During the season, she attended every review and ball hopeful of catching your attention. I am certain she plotted to trip over someone’s gown or feet to land in your arms to force an engagement.”
Grimacing, Darcy admitted that only explicit statements of his disinterest appeared to have registered with the woman that he would never make her an offer of marriage. He stated, “I believe her attentions have turned elsewhere this spring.”
Georgiana managed not to grin when she admitted, “I dreaded attending another birthday supper for Miss Bingley where she turned three-and-twenty again.
“Let us speak no more of Miss Bingley,” Darcy instructed his sister. “Allow me to share with you the many qualities of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
After a pleasant conversation where Georgiana decided her brother was indeed serious in his plans to pursue of this young woman, the sister asked, “And when may I meet this remarkable woman?”
“As soon as ever I receive an invitation from my friend Charles Bingley for us to visit his estate just three hours from town.”
“Is not his estate in Hertfordshire? What was the name?”
“Yes, Netherfield is in Hertfordshire. He married Miss Jane Bennet at midwinter, and their home is the estate next to the Bennet estate. Miss Elizabeth is the second of five sisters.”
Surprised by the number, Georgiana declared, “Five sisters? Why would Miss Elizabeth welcome yet another sister?”
“She is kind and intelligent, Georgie. I am certain she understands that the heart grows larger when you have more people to love.”
“Like with each baby, you have more love to share,” Georgie said with a nod. She sighed as only a teenage girl could do and asked, “May I take my music with me?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied. “There is an instrument at Netherfield that appeared in tune when Miss Bingley played. And I know Miss Elizabeth and her next sister play every day in their home.”
“Will I be forced to perform?”
“Of course not,” the man assured his shy sister. “But I imagine that Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary will both hope to perform duets with you.”
~~~
Chapter 44.Lady Catherine in London
Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived in London in the Rosing’s estate coach and four without anyone noticing. The coachman was concerned that one of the team appeared to be going lame, but the mistress would not hear of a horse delaying her arrival at Matlock House. Stepping through the front door, Lady Catherine did not rest. The woman of noble birth was determined to have her way and force her nephew to marry Anne.
The formidable woman ordered the servants into a flurry of activity. The housekeeper was surprised to hear that a suite of rooms was to be aired and cleaned immediately. Then Lady Catherine told the butler that she required writing materials. When the letter was sanded and sealed, a footman was dispatched in a rented hackney cab to the attorneys who managed legal affairs for Rosings Park. In the note, her ladyship demanded that the primary attorney–Gilbert Hastings–attend her immediately at the Fitzwilliam family home in London.
Upon receipt of the note, Gilbert Hastings was confused by the command and questioned the footman closely. His primary question was to determine if Lady Catherine expected him to travel to Kent. Another concern was if Her Ladyship was aware that her nephew had relinquished all control of the estate.
Upon learning that Lady Catherine was in the capital, the attorney inquired as to her location. Learning that the woman resided in Matlock House, Hastings realized he could not avoid the meeting. He wrote a reply and dispatched the footman back to across London affirming that he would appear at the house in the late afternoon.
The attorney’s delay until late in the day displeased Lady Catherine but she was forced to rest for a time. Unfortunately for the composure of the housekeeper and chambermaids, Lady Marie, Countess of Matlock and her daughter returned from a visit to the modiste, and the two older women had an unpleasant confrontation in the hallway outside their suites of rooms on the first floor.
When Mr Hasting appeared at Matlock House, he was surprised to meet with Lady Catherine without any other member of the family, staff, or servants present in the morning parlour.
“Lady Catherine, how may I…” Gilbert began to say as he bowed to the woman.
Recognizing the man, Lady Catherine immediately interrupted him with commands, “Hastings, you will immediately sell the two properties I brought to my marriage as part of my dowry. I believe the buildings to be warehouses in Gravesend. Sell them and provide me with fifteen thousand pounds within the next ten days.”
Hastings blinked and thought for a moment before he replied, “Your Ladyship, those two buildings are part of your daughter’s estate…”
“I am in charge of Rosings Park! You will follow my instructions, or I shall complain to the Earl of Matlock regarding your intransigence,” threatened Lady Catherine.
