24. Chapter 24

June 21, 2014 – Time to stop torturing you. The Darcys are coming! The Darcys are coming!

Chapter 24

Two hours after lunch on Thursday, the Darcy carriage bearing Darcy, Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley and Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled into Rosings. Georgiana was near bursting, wishing to call on Elizabeth but she had to hide the source of her excitement from her brother.

"Georgiana, I have NEVER seen you excited to be at Rosings before," Colonel Fitzwilliam commented as they left the carriage.

"I am excited to see my cousin Anne." Georgiana offered in explanation. Darcy looked at her askance, wondering what she was hiding.

"It is time to face the gauntlet. As the oldest I insist you lead us in, Darcy!" the Colonel joked.

"The courageous Army Officer to the last, Fitzwilliam, you were always good at defensive strategies," retorted Darcy.

"Yes, but perhaps we should allow Georgiana to precede us. Women make affective human shields!" came the Colonel's reply.

"Both of you, stop this instant! William and I will follow you. He is correct, you are the oldest."

"Alas, I am to be fed to the lions!" the Colonel cried.

"Lioness," Darcy corrected.

The party entered Rosings laughing together. They continued in high spirits as they were led to meet their Aunt. Easter at Rosings had been a tradition for Darcy and the Colonel since Darcy's father had died. Georgiana usually stayed with the Matlocks, but after Ramsgate Darcy preferred she stay with him. The Colonel welcomed any relief from the boredom of his yearly visit. He was often left alone whilst Darcy and his Aunt reviewed estate matters. Cousin Anne was occasionally in his company, but most of the time he was left to fend for himself.

At last they were shown into the drawing room where their Aunt sat imperiously waiting for them.

"I expected you an hour ago, what delayed you?" she demanded

"Aunt Catherine! My, you are looking as well as ever," the Colonel replied.

"Fitzwilliam, I sincerely hope you were not the means of delaying Darcy and Georgiana. It will not do for a soldier in His Majesty's army to be so lax."

"Dear Aunt, Darcy would never allow me to delay him. No, we made good time coming today. I am surprised we arrived this early," the Colonel said in their defense.

"Very well. Darcy, Georgiana, it is good to welcome you to Rosings again. Anne and I have been awaiting your arrival with much anticipation."

Darcy dared not look at Anne; he was in no mood to discuss THAT at the present. "If you do not mind Aunt, I am sure Georgiana would like to refresh herself after the journey. We will rejoin you in an hour."

An hour later Darcy and Georgiana rejoined Lady Catherine in the drawing room. Lady Catherine began speaking about the additions to the parsonage.

"Mrs. Collins appears to be a suitable wife for a clergyman. From what I have been able to observe, she is not one to be wasting their income. Anne seems to enjoy her company. But Mrs. Collins seems to suit the office better than her friend."

"I beg your pardon, Aunt Catherine, but what friend?" Darcy asked.

"A Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She and Mrs. Collins' younger sister are currently visiting Hunsford. Mrs. Collin's father was also here, but he left two days ago. I am told you made their acquaintance last fall in Hertfordshire." Lady Catherine answered.

"I had the pleasure of making their acquaintance when we were guests at my friend Charles Bingley's estate in Hertfordshire." Darcy said eyeing his sister. 'So this is what you have been hiding from me, you little minx! We shall have to discuss this later.'

Colonel Fitzwilliam finally made his appearance. "I see I have been preceded by Georgiana and Darcy. Please forgive me Aunt, I decided on visiting Anne in her rooms before I came down. She was resting comfortably when I left her."

In reality Anne was more than 'resting'. For years she had perpetrated the disguise of infirmity with her mother. She found that Lady Catherine left her alone if she said she was unwell or that she needed to rest. Early on in the charade Anne recruited the doctor into her ruse. Fortunately, he was a sympathetic man who took pity on the young Anne. They had worked out a scheme by which the good doctor would know if he were being summoned for appearances sake or for real complaints. The doctor was not above accepting remuneration for these unnecessary visits, for that was his compensation for his silence and co-operation.

The rest of the family was aware of Anne's true health. The Earl and his wife tacitly approved of the arrangement by sending Colonel Fitzwilliam and then, most recently, Lady Helena to divert her boredom. Lady Matlock and Anne had corresponded for several years. Fortunately Lady Catherine allowed this without interference. Lord and Lady Matlock were the only correspondents of her daughter whose letters Lady Catherine dared not read. There was only one person in her life Lady Catherine still feared, and that was her brother.

"What plans do you have for tomorrow?" Lady Catherine asked.

Darcy replied, "I believe we will make a call at the parsonage in the morning. Perhaps Anne would wish to accompany us?"

"That is a wonderful idea, Fitzwilliam! Let us ask her at dinner." Georgiana cried.

Eventually it was time to gather for dinner. Mrs. Annesley joined Georgiana, Darcy and the Colonel in the dining room where Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson were waiting for them. Lady Catherine made her grand entrance minutes later.

With her appearance, they were at last able to begin the meal. Georgiana made a concerted effort to converse with her female cousin during the meal. Anne did not discourage such efforts and the two spoke amiably. Richard was taken aback by the outgoing manner of Anne. She rarely had said so much at one time. He began to be jealous of Georgiana's ability to draw Anne out in the presence of her mother. Lady Catherine was pleased as well; Georgiana would make Anne a fine sister.

Once dinner was over, the men decided to forgo the separation of the sexes and they retired to the Blue room. Anne and Georgiana quickly found seats separate from the others, while Darcy and the Colonel were forced to play court to their Aunt. The two ladies' companions sat a little apart from the rest of the company.

"Have you met Miss Bennet, Anne?"

"Yes I have, she is as delightful as Aunt Helen described."

"Did Aunt tell you about Miss Bennet's stay with me in town this winter?"

"Yes she did, but my mother still is ignorant of it, and of your meeting at Pemberley." Anne answered.

"Aunt Helen is a valuable correspondent. I was very glad you suggested passing along more detailed notes to you in her letters. At least that way you have some privacy."

Anne sighed. She was growing tired of playing someone she was not. She wished to live out in the world, not sheltered away in Kent.

"I think I would go mad without Aunt Helen. She is the only one who can tell me what is truly happening in our family."

Georgiana decided it was time to bring up a tricky subject. "Anne, how would you feel if my brother admired another woman?"

"Very relieved, Georgiana! William knows I have no desire to wed him. If he found a woman to marry I should be happy for him."

Relieved, Georgiana went on. "I believe he has found such a woman, Anne. Tell me, do you think he would suit Miss Bennet?"

The very idea delighted Anne greatly. "I think it would be marvelous. On the few occasions we have met she impressed me very much. Incidentally, I think even my mother likes her, though she would never admit as much."

"Then I shall have to enlist you in my cause. As much as I am sure Fitzwilliam admires Elizabeth I believe he is struggling with his conscience and ideas about duty."

"The famous Darcy pride!" Anne interjected.

"Yes. Only I do not think our family is an issue. I would love to have Elizabeth as my own sister. Aunt Helen and Uncle Hugh are fond of her and I am sure our other cousins will be enchanted when they meet her. You like her and so does your mother. Now as to Aunt Catherine's reaction if they ever did attach themselves, I cannot judge but I doubt she would take it well."

"Because she wants Darcy to marry me," Anne added as a matter of fact.

"But you do not wish to wed him. Is there anyone else for you then, Anne?" Georgiana probed.

Anne blushed but sadly admitted, "No, there is not. Though I am of age I do not know many eligible men. Mama has kept me secluded for much of my life, reserving me for your brother. But we long ago agreed that was not the path either of us wanted."

"Returning to the subject of my brother and Elizabeth, do you have any ideas?"

"Let me think on this, Georgiana. I am certain between the two of us we can come up with ways to throw them together. Do you know if Miss Bennet returns any of his regard?"

"Elizabeth has been very guarded with her feelings, Anne, but I believe she is not indifferent to Fitzwilliam."

"It is a start then. These next few weeks could be fun, Georgiana!"

"Why Anne dear," Lady Catherine interjected. "You seem to be in fine spirits this evening. I do believe your rest this afternoon was very beneficial. Do you not agree, Darcy?"

"Anne appears in good health this evening, Aunt Catherine." Darcy replied without emotion.

Anne and Georgiana continued in quiet conversation and after a short while the Colonel came to join them. Georgiana noticed the look of satisfaction this elicited on Anne's face. Georgiana could not but help recall her earlier conversation with Anne. She was not interested in marrying her brother but her gaze betrayed a look of longing when she said she had no one for her. She was correct in the assertion of not knowing many eligible men. She rarely was in company, and mostly then with family. If Georgiana did not know better she would believe there was a man of her acquaintance whom she admired. Then it came to her. Richard! Anne admired Richard! It had to be him. It was not Fitzwilliam, and cousin James was married. This left Richard. And she did appear pleased when he came over to them.

"We were just discussing Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Richard." Georgiana volunteered.

"Georgiana has spoken very highly of her, I am most anxious to meet her." The Colonel declared. Anne frowned ever so slightly.

'There it is again!' Georgiana thought. 'Anne does not at all appear pleased that Richard praised Elizabeth so warmly. Perhaps I am on the right track after all.'

The Colonel also noted Anne's displeasure and was secretly pleased. 'But why!' he asked himself unable to discern from whence his pleasure sprung.

That evening, as Georgiana retired to her room, she walked up the stairs with Anne.

"You prefer Richard do you not, Anne?" Georgiana had decided on the direct approach.

Anne was mortified.

"You need not hide it, Anne. I think I may even be able to help you," Georgiana continued.

Anne began to re-exert control of her faculties. "And if I do?"

"Then this will be a very, very interesting two weeks! Do not worry; your secret is safe with me. But I do think our trying to throw Fitzwilliam together with Elizabeth can be to your advantage. I plan on asking Richard to help me matchmake with Elizabeth and have Fitzwilliam matchmake Richard with you."

"But you said you would keep my secret?"

"Of course Anne, I fully intend to. I plan on telling him I think you and Richard would suit very well. Besides, Richard has been acting restless lately, as if he is ready to settle down. Why not with you, Anne?"

"Do you think Richard will be attracted to Elizabeth?"

"That is a worry. So, I plan a preemptive strike. I shall ask for his help BEFORE he meets Elizabeth.

"You seemed to have everything planned out, Georgiana. I would venture you know that many things may go wrong with your schemes." Anne said warningly

"Yes Anne, that is why this is so much fun! Good night, Cousin. I shall see you in the morning. Will you call at the parsonage with us?"

"I told Richard I would. At this point I do not wish to miss it for the world!"

Despite it being Good Friday, it was decided to call at the parsonage late that morning. Darcy ordered the carriage so that Anne could come. Normally they would have walked but he knew Lady Catherine would not allow Anne to do so.

When they arrived, and the introductions were complete, Colonel Fitzwilliam could not resist addressing Elizabeth.

"So this is the famous Miss Elizabeth Bennet! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have heard many things about you."

Once again Elizabeth had to laugh. "I believe you have spoken with your parents about me Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"But of course! Tell me, am I number six?" he teased.

"No! That honor belongs to your cousin Miss de Bourgh. You sir, are number seven." Elizabeth responded impertinently.

"And a lucky number it is!"

The party laughed at their playful banter. The colonel spied out his cousin Darcy's reaction. 'It is a good thing Georgiana warned me about her brother's attraction. Miss Bennet appears to be a woman who can draw a man in quite effortlessly. But Darcy appears smitten. I think it is time I write my parents.'

The Colonel decided to test his observations by engaging Elizabeth in conversation. Darcy tried to hide his annoyance but could not do so entirely. Once again he found himself struggling with his self-control in Elizabeth's presence. He thought he could overcome his attraction but he was beginning to fear the futility of his efforts. What was he going to do?

Georgiana and Anne both noticed Darcy's discomposure and were very pleased. Georgiana could see his pride weakening and Anne hoped she would soon be free from her mother's machinations. Darcy was lost; he just did not know it yet.

The Colonel noted Darcy's unease and decided to have pity on him. He brought Georgiana into the conversation and then excused himself to engage Mrs. Collins. She seemed a pleasant woman. He could not, for the life of him, understand why such a sensible woman would agree to marry such a foolish man. Then he recalled that she must have found herself in a similar situation as him. She needed to marry for money just as he did. But his parents had told him there was more to marriage than money. No, he could not attach himself to a fool just because she was rich.

He also noticed that Anne seemed pleased when he began speaking with Mrs. Collins, as if she did not like his playfulness with Miss Bennet. He found himself pleased with that as well, though he did not stop to ask himself why.

As the visit drew to a close, Georgiana and Elizabeth planned a walk for the next day. Anne extended an invitation from her mother for the Hunsford party to join them after Easter Services. Everyone was well pleased with the visit, with the exception of Darcy.

Elizabeth was relieved at how well her first meeting with Mr. Darcy went. The large number of people in the parlor was helpful, since others were there to demand her attention. Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared to be an agreeable man with perfect manners, just as she expected after meeting his parents. She repeated her resolve to take it one meeting at a time.

After Lunch, the Colonel excused himself to go and write some letters. He actually only had one letter to write, and that was to his parents.

Rosings, Kent

Dear Father and Mother,

We arrived just yesterday and yet I have much to relate to you. I was surprised to find that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the very woman you spoke to me of, was visiting her friend at the parsonage. Georgiana knew of this but decided to keep it from both her brother and me. His reaction to her presence was quite enlightening.

We called on Miss Bennet and the other ladies residing in the parsonage this morning. I must say that Miss Bennet is as delightful as you described. I must also say your conjectures about Darcy's heart appear to be just as correct. I have known him too long to be fooled by him. Georgiana herself warned me of his preference before we called. I must admit to a bit of mischief here, I purposefully tried to make Darcy jealous of me. It worked like a charm!

My reason for telling you this is because of the rest of the conversation I had with Georgiana about her brother. Georgiana is convinced Darcy is in love with Miss Bennet but that he does nothing to act on this because of his overdeveloped sense of Duty. I must conclude then that you have not given him the Fitzwilliam family talk. Please, his mother was a Fitzwilliam and thus he is too. Write to him. See if you can assuage his fears. Miss Bennet is a woman worthy of him. It took me only ten minutes of conversation to acknowledge that.

I eagerly await your response.

Your loving son,

Richard

The Colonel reread his letter. Satisfied with its contents he sealed it and had a servant take it to be placed with the rest of the out-going post.

While the Colonel was writing his letter, Georgiana had a chance to be alone with her brother.

"You are not angry with me, Fitzwilliam, for keeping Elizabeth's presence here a secret from you?"

"No, I am not angry but I am not entirely pleased either. I am responsible for your safety and well-being. I would like to know the important happenings in your life, Georgiana. We both know how important Miss Elizabeth has become to you."

"I suppose you are correct. I just wanted to surprise you, that's all," Georgian answered. It was time to change subjects. "Elizabeth and I are going for a walk tomorrow."

"Yes, I know," said Darcy.

"Why don't you and Richard take Anne for a drive? I am certain she would enjoy your company." Georgiana suggested.

"I will speak to Richard about it in the morning."

"It would be another chance for Richard to be with Anne."

"Georgiana Darcy! What are you up to?"

"Fitzwilliam, Anne does not wish to marry you. You do not wish to marry Anne. Richard has always said he needs to marry a woman of fortune. Anne has a fortune. And besides, I think Richard may have feelings for Anne. He just is not ready to acknowledge them yet."

"And what gives you that idea?" Darcy challenged.

"I have been watching him. There is no harm is putting them together. At worst they will get to know each other better as cousins. And if they did form an attachment, it would solve your Aunt Catherine problem."

"Hhmm"

"Please, you do not have to do anything further if you do not see any signs of attachment."

"Very well, I will watch them. If, and only if, I see signs of attachment will I go along with your little scheme." Darcy said in acquiescence.

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I AM correct about this. I just know it!" Georgiana replied triumphantly.

The next day, Elizabeth met Georgiana at Rosings for their walk. Elizabeth was relieved to find her alone. Georgiana knew it was not the time to ask her brother to accompany them, since she needed a chance to find out the heart and mind of her dearest friend. Besides, Fitzwilliam was needed to put Ann and Richard in company together.

"Do you have any place particular in mind, Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked as they prepared to leave.

"It is a lovely day, what say we walk up the hill to the Temple. I was up there on Tuesday and the view was wonderful."

"I have not been up there in ages! Yes, let us go!" Georgiana cried in assent.

"It is so good to see you again, Georgiana. I missed our time in London." Elizabeth started as they took to the path.

"I missed you too. The house felt bereft of your presence after you left." Georgiana admitted. "Do you have any more news from home?"

"I expect a letter from Jane. Mr. Bingley is due back at Netherfield any day now."

"Do you think he will seek Jane's hand?"

"I would be shocked if he did not. You have seen them together. Only fate and the fire have kept him from declaring himself before now, in my opinion."

"I am happy for them," Georgiana stately simply. "It occurs to me that such an event will lessen the tensions about the entailment of Longbourn. Perhaps you mother will relent on you now."

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh that it were possible! I am afraid that the only way Mama will be content is to see all of us married. Then again, she will probably start desiring grandchildren! No, I will not be safe from her nerves for as long as she lives!"

"Then you should find a man to marry who lives far away from Meryton, Elizabeth." Georgiana said coyly.

Elizabeth shot her a look out of the corner of her eye. She decided not to engage Georgiana on the subject she was alluding to. Did she not know how difficult this was for Elizabeth? But now was not the time, so instead she changed the subject and continued up the hill.

Once they were on top they stood for a long time to admire the view. Rosings was a rather gaudy looking building for both of their tastes, but it was an impressive sight to look down upon.

"Poor Anne, she would love the view from up here." Georgiana sighed.

"Yes, she would. It is a shame Lady Catherine does not allow her the freedom to be as she chooses." Elizabeth replied sagely.

"You know this of Anne?" said a very taken back Georgiana.

"Of course, Georgiana, it does not take a genius to know that the Anne she projects to her mother is not the same Anne she projects when not in her company. I suppose she has hidden behind the disguise of infirmity for many years now. I do not understand why though. She is so much more than she appears. What is she afraid of?"

"She has long been dominated by Lady Catherine. She found that the only way her mother would leave her alone is by feigning illness." Georgiana answered.

"But why stay, why allow herself to be subject to such behavior?"

"She fears the loss of her inheritance. She hopes that when my brother marries another, her mother will finally allow her to move about in society. She is planning a miraculous recovery!" Georgiana explained.

"I would think that she has more control over her destiny than she believes. Perhaps someday she will have the courage to find out," Elizabeth finished.

The rest of their walk was lovely. They admired all of the plants and views the walk afforded. Soon they returned to Rosings. They said their goodbyes and Elizabeth walked back to the parsonage. Darcy spied her leaving from an upstairs window. His heart ached to be near her, but he was afraid. For the first time in many years, he was afraid to follow a path he knew society would scorn.

And so we come to another of my Regency errors. This is a rather large one as it plays out further in this story. Anne deBourgh was the heiress of Rosing Park which meant that she could NOT lose her inheritance. There are a number of reasons including marriage contracts, wills, and inheritance laws and so on. Lady Catherine would not have been allowed to be Anne's guardian or the trustee of the estate because she was a woman. Yet another reason to be glad to be living in the 21st century! And in case you were wondering about Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility; that had other circumstances in play.

I know you want more Darcy and Elizabeth interactions. They are coming, I promise! There is just a lot going on in Kent.