Page 45 of Miss Gardiner
Darcy motioned toward the letter and commanded, “Read the letter; Richard is as confused as I.”
Georgiana quickly scanned the letter for the highlights and then returned to the beginning to read it more completely. Once finished, she returned the paper to her brother and then walked to the window to gaze at the small garden beside the house. Roses were in bloom, and she knew some of the blossoms would be on the table in her private sitting room later in the day. After collecting her thoughts, the young woman turned back to her brother who still drank from his cup.
“Aunt Catherine invited Richard to Rosings Park where he is expected to interview and then select the best candidate for ‘Anne’s matrimonial happiness’. And all is to be accomplished before the end of August,” Georgianaquoted the letter.
Darcy nodded and Georgiana continued, “His letter requests your advice and help.”
Snorting, her brother replied, “My advice will be for Richard to sail for the continent and challenge Bonaparte to a personal duel rather than become ensnared within Lady Catherine’s machinations!”
“But poor Anne…how can she be the object of an auction? Lady Catherine will make her daughter the object of derision and scorn by society,” Georgiana added.
“Aunt Catherine has driven Rosings Park into bankruptcy,” William replied. “Society’s opinion is much harsher on members of the gentry driven from their manor and into life among the hedgerows. Our aunt believes that Anne’s marriage to a rich gentleman will solve her problems.”
“A rich gentlemen? What gentleman would allow Lady Catherine to dictate his life?” asked Georgiana.
Darcy glanced at Mrs Annesley who kept her attention on her meal and gave no indication of notice to the conversation at the end of the table.
“Ladies of strong opinion are able to influence their husbands, brothers and sons throughout their lives. The law favours men but in many marriages, the wife dominates her husband. Lady Catherine’s husband, Sir Louis de Bourgh, rarely spent a penny without Lady Catherine’s approval through all the years of their marriage.”
“But you have dealt with Lady Catherine…”
“In his last will and testament, Uncle Louis specified my oversight of the steward and practices implemented on the farms at Rosings. Lady Catherine cannot dismiss the steward without my approval.”
“Will you join Richard in Kent?”
Darcy frowned but reluctantly nodded. “I must…if for no other reason than to provide a second opinion to support his arguments against Lady Catherine.”
“She will abuse you terribly!” Georgiana warned. “Her last letter spoke harshly about you stealing her properties and income.”
He grinned and said, “She may rail and shout at Matlock House and in personal correspondence, but she will never speak that slander in public; else she will be dragged into a courtroom.”
“But at Rosings Park? Will she be reserved there?”
“With potential rich husbands present, she will be as meek as a kitten just finished with a saucer of cream; she would fear scaring away the men.”
Georgiana adopted a sombre expression before she asked, “How long will you be gone?”
“A month. Richard’s letter stated he would be at Rosings for the whole of August,” he replied.
“I shall miss you,” Georgiana said. “May Mrs Annesley and I have permission to go to the shops each week you are gone?”
“You may go the book seller each week but only to the mercantile once…”
“Please?” she asked meekly.
But Mr Darcy remained firm and continued, “Only two visits to the mercantile, but you may visit the book sellers each week. And you may visit the museums and the tea shops on the other weeks.”
Smiling, Georgiana smiled and leaned close to kiss William’s cheek. “When do you leave?”
“This morning. Richard left yesterday to prepare the battlefield. I must arrive quickly to support his flanking attack…”
Scrunching up her mouth, Georgiana fussed, “You read too many of Richard’s letters from the battlefield!”
“Will you write to me, Georgie?” teased William.
“Of course!” she replied. “And I shall repeat the best parts in my letters to Miss Elizabeth.”
Now Darcy frowned and asked, “When you write to Miss Elizabeth, be circumspect in your description of my mission. She may be offended by Lady Catherine’s mercenary attitude.”
