27. Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Lizzy stepped back, shaking her head.

Anne huddled on the floor, sobbing into her hands. Her semi-hysterical wails were more fitting for a funeral than for complaining over a bruised shin or not getting her way

Even Lydia has never thrown a tantrum like this. "I cannot leave if you do not get off my trunk. I need to pack." Lizzy tapped her foot rapidly, the carpet muffling the sound.

"Help me up," Anne whimpered miserably, turning her face up toward Lizzy.

"Put your hands on the trunk and push yourself up." Lizzy crossed her arms and dug her nails into her palms. She leaned back against the polished bedpost.

"You are horrible and cruel. I could fall down the stairs and break my neck, and you would do nothing but laugh." Anne beat the floor with her fist.

Lizzy squeezed her temples, screwing her eyes shut. "You are childish and selfish, demanding help for what you can accomplish on your own. I will not encourage it. Laziness is not a desirable trait in a gentlewoman."

Anne wailed again and covered her face with her hands, sobbing.

Lizzy rolled her eyes, feeling her patience come to its end. She grabbed the bedpost for balance and stepped over Anne on her way out of the room. Just outside the doorway, she paused and leaned back against the wall, covering her eyes with her hands. What was I thinking when I agreed to this? Aunt Gardiner's youngest child is better behaved than this. She opened her eyes and gasped to see Lady Catherine peering into her face.

"That was harsh." Lady Catherine met her eyes, unblinking. She tapped her fan against her palm, the blades rattling their displeasure. "How could you just walk away from her like that?"

"She is perfectly capable of getting herself up." Lizzy glanced back over her shoulder toward the sunlight pouring form the open doorway. "To help her is to feed the illusion that she cannot do things for herself. That would have killed my father, and I will not do that to her." She shook her head and folded her arms across her chest. "As soon as she decides to get up off my trunk, I shall go pack."

Lady Catherine snorted. "No, you agreed to stay a full two months, and I shall hold you to your word." She snapped her fan open and fluttered it close to her face, then gathered it closed again.

"But, your Ladyship—" Lizzy's eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

She laid her hand over Lizzy's arm. Lizzy followed her gaze back toward her room where Anne continued to sob and beat the carpet.

"She cannot go on like this.A lady does not conduct herself thusly. If she is to manage Rosings, she cannot do so by throwing tantrums and abusing those sent to assist her. Few are as gracious as you." She swallowed hard to cover a sigh. "I have not the strength to curb her myself, but clearly she needs a strong hand like yours."

Anne's bitter sobs filled the hallway. Lizzy cringed at the increase in volume and pitch.

Lady Catherine mopped her face with her handkerchief and crumpled it into her fist. "I will have Anne's maid keep watch on her to see she does not hurt herself, but I will instruct her not interfere. If you wish, you may use my personal library while she is intruding upon your private rooms."

"Thank you, madam. Perhaps that is best." Lizzy curtsied and walked down the hall alone. As she turned to go down the stairs, she saw Lady Catherine, her head bowed and pressed against the door jam, watching Anne. A tear trickled down the great lady's weathered cheek,

Lizzy had completed her notes on two additional books by the time tea was served. Lady Catherine joined her, but said so little Lizzy feared she was taking ill. Parish business called her away soon after, and Lizzy returned to her studies. I should use stale bread to clean wallpaper…who knew? She reached across the table for another book. Where did I see that bit on vinegar? We always have it on hand and I know it could be put to better uses…

A sudden noise made her jump. She looked up to see Anne in the doorway, blowing her nose, face still bearing the telltale signs of weeping.

"Miss Bennet," Anne sniffled, her head bowed as though to watch herself wring her hands.

Lizzy closed her book sharply and set it aside with a firm thump on the table. "Yes, Miss de Bourgh?"

"I…I am not accustomed to saying these things." Anne entered the room with small mincing steps. "I am sorry. My display was unmannerly and unseemly. I said some dreadful things to you, and I hope you will forgive me for them."

Lizzy stood. "How have you come to this conclusion? Was it the revelation of much contemplation or did you have assistance in coming to this new understanding?"

Anne pulled back, her jaw dropping. She closed her mouth and licked her lips. "Mrs. Jenkins came to me. A servant told her of my distress, I suppose. My companion did not hesitate to come to my assistance." Anne's lips pushed forward in a pout.

Lizzy huffed angrily. "No one was to interfere with you."

"Mrs. Jenkins did not interfere as you call it. My maid told her you said not to help me. I may have her reassigned to the kitchen," Anne muttered bitterly.

"You will do no such thing. She was following instructions, as she should have. What did Mrs. Jenkins tell you?" Lizzy chewed her lip. If I have to fight Mrs. Jenkins too—

"She did not believe you were so very horrible to me." Anne shook her head slightly and raised her chin. "Mrs. Jenkins suggested that perhaps I am not accustomed to being with others and would benefit from learning to behave more properly with company."

Lizzy struggled to suppress the triumphant grin that threatened to burst forth. "Do you agree with her counsel?"

Anne's face flushed, and she squirmed, frowning. "I suppose I can see merit in what she says." She pressed her lips hard. "Please, do not stop being my friend." Anne's face turned down and she shuffled her feet.

Lizzy cradled her jaw in her hand and sighed. Father says he was very difficult with Mama for a long time. It is clear Lydia is being so, as well. Perhaps it is just the nature of recovering from such a loss. If that is so, I cannot hold that against her. It is not a defect in her character, just an artifact of her situation. She covered the distance between them and took Anne's hands. "All is forgiven."

Anne squealed and clapped her hands. "Oh, thank you, Miss Bennet. Thank you! I knew you would. My maid was not so sure nor was Mrs. Jenkins, but I knew you would overlook my misstep." She hugged herself with a satisfied smile. "Come, sit with me." She bounded to the settee and patted the seat beside her.

Lizzy shook her head and blinked rapidly, staring at Anne. She rolled her eyes and bit her tongue.I should have known it would not be so easy.

Anne tapped the settee beside her several times. She cocked her head and shrugged.

Muttering silently, Lizzy sat down and smoothed her skirts.

Anne rubbed her hands together and tapped her steepled fingers against her chin. "Since we are such good friends, now, I will share with you a secret. No one outside my family knows." She bounced slightly on the firm cushions.

Lizzy braced her feet hard to still the movement. "I pray, do not. Secrets are not meant to be shared. I do not wish to know." She scooted back slightly, leaning into the arm of the couch.

"I simply must tell someone. I will burst if I do not." She pumped her fists and allowed them to bounce off the back of the settee. "You do not know any of the people involved. I will not even name them if you wish."

"I do not see how that makes a difference."

"It makes all the difference. If you have not their names, it cannot be gossip, for you cannot know of whom I speak." Anne grinned and trembled with excitement.

Lizzy huffed, shaking her head. "A secret is a trust, and I am decidedly uncomfortable with the thought of breaking trust." She covered her eyes with her hand. "How can I explain to you? Even though it is the pastime of many, particularly in society—"

"I promise there will be no names! They are people you will never know anyway." She extended her hands toward Lizzy. "Without names, it is no different that a story in a novel, no? There is nothing wrong with talking about a novel, is there?"

"No, but Miss de Bourgh, this is different."

"If you do not know to whom I refer, no trust has been violated." She stamped her foot slightly.

Lizzy ground her teeth, overwhelmed by the sense she was trying to win an argument with Lydia, a notably fruitless endeavor on the best of days.

"Besides it is a story of how I helped my cousins. I do not wish you to continue to think ill of me. I want you to know that I am a good, helpful sort of person… like my mother. Please." She folded her hands and turned a hopeful expression toward Lizzy.

Lizzy quivered, biting back the first words that came to her. Instead, she drew a deep breath to steady herself. Anne's tone was so like Lydia, and despite her better judgment, she muttered, "If you must, I will listen; but do not tell me any names or I shall leave this room immediately. No clues as to who they are either. Do not leave me any clues to speculate on the identity of the players in this novel of yours." Lizzy dragged her hand down her face.

Anne slumped. "Oh, all right, but you do so take the fun out of it."

"Perhaps this is not a good idea." Lizzy shifted her weight and started to push off the couch. "You appear to a have little commitment to what is most important to me. How am I to trust you to honor my wishes?"

"Oh stop and just listen! I will be perfectly good and do just as you ask." Anne reached out awkwardly and found Lizzy's hands to pull her back. "I have two cousins. I will call them Amy and John for those are nothing like their real names. Their parents are dead, and they live on…Abbeyglen estate—not really, but for the sake of the story, they do."

"I understand." Lizzy was glad Anne could not see the impatient frown she could not drive from her face.

"See, I am doing exactly what you asked."

For the moment.

"Amy is very young and pretty, but without her mother or even a companion to guide her. Her brother has been very lax in his care of her, so my mother said."

Naturally, for she does know everything. Lizzy rolled her eyes, a knot growing in her stomach.

"Amy did not know how to behave properly, and she was forcibly seduced by the son of…well, it does not matter who. He is not a man of fortune or connections."

"Why should that matter?" Lizzy felt her shoulders tighten and fists curl.

Anne brushed back a stray strand of hair and tossed her head. "If he had been at least a gentlemen of some means, her brother could have insisted they marry, and all would have been well."

"To be married to a man who could do such at thing is considered 'doing well'?" Lizzy pressed her knuckle to her lips, her nails digging into her palm.

"Her reputation and that of her family's would have been spared."

"But to be shackled to such—"

"It was her fault." Anne's hands flew to her hips, and she bounced slightly on the seat. "Had she behaved properly—"

"How could you know that? Were you there to observe her behavior? Did you see what he did? What do you actually know about a forcible seduction?"

"It is always the lady's fault—"

"You are quick to judge what you do not understand." Lizzy looked away, sure that Anne would be able to feel her glare. "I really do not wish to hear any more of the novel of yours. There is so much of it that you do not understand. I have no desire to listen to any more of your uninformed opinions."

"My understanding is quite appropriate. It is quite as good as yours I dare say. Mrs. Jenkins has instructed me quite thoroughly, as has my mother." Anne's nose turned up as she sniffed.

"Of course." Lizzy smiled tightly.

"You are ruining my story!" She stamped her foot hard. "Do you not want to know how I rescued them?"

"No, I really do not." Lizzy squeezed her temples, feeling sick to her stomach.

"But it gets ever so much better now. Please, just listen and I while show you how useful I was to them."

"Of course, carry on." Lizzy crossed her arms tightly, struggling to contain her mounting irritation. "Was she injured by his seduction?"

"Slightly. But that is not important."

"How interesting you find her welfare of so little significance." Lizzy's gaze traveled to the window where she saw a horse and rider pass. I wish I could trade places with him.

"She got what she had coming to her. Now stop interrupting me." Anne slapped the couch cushions. "Her brother was very upset. He would have called the man out to a duel. Of course, that is illegal, so he did not. The law offered him no satisfaction in the matter, either. If he had pressed charges, his sister and their family name would have been exposed, and that could not be borne."

"Naturally." Lizzy's tongue felt thick in her mouth and she swallowed against the dryness. She slapped the back of her neck certain some multi-legged creature had just crawled down her spine. "There is little legal protection for women in such matters. Perhaps it would be good for you to remain aware of it. You know that when you marry, your fortune will belong to your husband, and you will have to abide by whatever decisions he makes in handling it."

Anne harrumphed and pouted. "Do not lecture me when I am telling a story."

Lizzy sighed hard. "So what did her brother do?"

"He had very little choice. He wanted very much to get this man away from his sister, so he purchased the man a commission and sent him off to the army."

"Where he could damage other unsuspecting young ladies?" Lizzy's foot tapped rapidly against the leg of the settee. She dug her nails into her arm, focusing on the sharp pain to dull the impact of Anne's words.

"Miss Bennet!"

"It is true!" Lizzy sprang to her feet and paced in front of Anne. "Had your cousin no concern for the other young women who could have been preyed upon by the cad?"

"I do not know." Anne waved a dismissive hand. "I do not suppose it mattered to him. It was not his problem, and it would be the fault of the other young ladies just as it was my cousin."

"You do not find this troubling?"

"Can you not just listen to me?" Anne made a sharp noise under her breath like the air being pushed out a bellows.

"Carry on." Lizzy grumbled softly, hoping the tale might be soon finished.

Anne resettled herself and smoothed her skirts. "Amy was quite discontent after her seducer was sent away. So you see, she harbored a tendre for him, and she was at fault."

"She told you this herself?"

"No, I would not ask her such a thing nor would I have allowed her to speak it to me. Such things are not fitting for a maiden's ears."

Yet they are fitting for one to speak about? Can this get any worse? Lizzy dragged her palm down her face."How then do you know her feelings on the matter?" She rubbed her ears, wondering if the pain in them was real or simply imagined.

"They were obvious by her melancholy. She betrayed herself; cannot you not see that—you who are such a keen observer does not find it apparent?"

"Not at all. Being observant does not mean that I would assume to be able to read the mind of another. People's feelings are not so easy to infer as you suppose. I would caution you to be more careful in believing you know another's heart."

"You are a most impertinent listener," Anne harrumphed loudly. "In any case, Amy and John came to Rosings to visit for a change of scenery. My other cousins… David, his wife Emily, and his younger brother…Allen…there, those names will do. They are nothing like their real names, you know."

"Yes, I know," Lizzy muttered through gritted teeth.

"David and Emily and Allen also came to visit for it was all their habit to visit near Easter time." Anne plucked at her skirts. "The first several weeks of their visit were quite entertaining. Amy was very despondent, despite the lovely stories my other cousins had to tell me of London and their other travels. Allen, you see, is a second son and an officer. He has ever so many tales of the continent."

"Of course."

"Well, another fortnight at Rosings did nothing to restore Amy's good humour, and Mama finally spoke with her maid deduced why. Can you not guess the reason?" Anne leaned in close as her voice dropped to a whisper.

"I am sure I cannot."Lizzy took a small step back. I wonder if Lady Catherine learned her interrogation techniques from her officer nephew. She is clearly well versed in extracting information.

"Oh, do try, please…"

"I am sure I do not know." Lizzy snorted. "The poor girl was probably half mad with anxiety over how her cousins would judge her misfortune." She almost hoped her exasperation carried through her voice. But Anne did not react.

"Really, Miss Bennet…"

"I do not think I want to hear any more." Lizzy inched away, but Anne caught her hand and pulled her back.

"No! No! YOU must hear me out! Mama discovered that Amy was with child!"

Lizzy gasped, "The poor girl!"

"Yes, yes, the poor, stupid girl. Had she only learnt to be a proper lady it would never have happened." Anne snorted tossing her head. "I solved the problem." The corner of her lips lifted in a smug expression.

Lizzy slid back onto the settee. "Just how did you do that?" She bit her lip, stomach roiling.

Anne rubbed her hands together. "Oh, it was such a good plan, such a very good one! Even Mama did not conceive of such a plan as I, and she knows nearly everything."

Like mother, like daughter. Lizzy cringed.

"My cousin Emily had just confided in me that she was expecting her first child, as well. In fact, they were both expecting to give birth in the same month. So what do you think I said?"

Lizzy closed her eyes, shaking her head.

"You will be so proud of me. I did not tell Amy to dispose of her child to a foundling home or to the care of some stranger. No, I have learned compassion from my mother." She hugged herself. "I told her that since no one knew that Emily was with child that they should both go to David's country estate before either became high in the belly. Both the babes could be born there, and Emily could pretend the babies were twins and none would be the wiser."

"What would happen if Emily bore a daughter and Amy a son? Would not David have issues regarding his heir not actually being his heir?"

"Well, that could have been a problem, but it did not happen that way. Two daughters were born, so it was of no matter. Fathers are never much concerned with daughter. Until a son is born I do not think he will care on way or another for how many children he has." Anne brushed hair back from her face. "Do you not think it was a good solution?"

Lizzy ran her fingertips across her lips. "It was certainly a kind and generous one. It sounds like the baby will certainly have a chance of growing up in a good situation. Your cousins, David and Emily, must be very kind people."

"Oh, they are and even more so when their family name and reputation are at stake."

"I am sure." Lizzy rolled her eyes again. "Do not speak to me of this again. Twins are a rare enough event that just that information could reveal who you are speaking of. Did you consider that?"

"No. You do not know their names—"

"No, but I do know some very intimate details about them, details which you were trusted not to share, details which could easily reveal to me who you are talking about."

"But you will not gossip and spread the story, so what mater is it?" Anne crossed her arms and bounced on her seat, pouting.

"My behavior is not the point, yours is. You have endangered the reputation of your family by sharing what you have—"

"No, I have not for you will not speak of it."

"How do you know that?" Lizzy stepped very close. She was certain Anne could feel her breath.

"Because you are not that sort of person."

"Apparently, you are though. You just said I am more trustworthy than you."

Anne flinched and Lizzy pulled back.

"You do know how to ruin a story." Anne frowned and tossed her head. "You have not even heard the best part of it all. Because of my wonderful solution, I am now engaged to be married as well. I was so excited to tell you that and you have just spoiled all the fun in it."

Lizzy blinked several times. "I am afraid I do not follow you. How is any of this related to a proposal of marriage?"

"Mama and Cousin John and Amy's mother always intended that John and I should marry. After his parents died, John became so serious and dour. He would not even speak of our intended betrothal. But…" Anne jumped to her feet, clapping her hands, "after I rescued his sister's reputation…"

"He asked you to marry him?'

"Well, not, not exactly. Mama suggested that to show his gratitude, he ought to marry me as he was supposed to do."

"He agreed?" Lizzy scowled. "I should think that a man who would turn such a scoundrel loose on unsuspecting country towns would care little for such methods of persuasion."

"Would you stop going on and one about the seducer. Who cares about country maids? This is my story!"

Lizzy ground her teeth and quivered with the effort to control her tongue. "Have you forgotten that I live in the country with my four sisters?"

"Oh, but none of you would be so foolish as to be affected by a seducer. You are right, though. He would not make me an offer of marriage. He was quite steadfast in his insistence."

"So you wore him down with your perseverance?

"No. The story becomes every so tragic, like a novel really. You see Emily died before she could be churched, and there were two babies with no mother for them. I will spare you the details," Anne waved her hand, "but I saved them again, and I said David must marry Amy. Then all their problems would be solved. Well, except for the servants who knew too much and would be likely to talk unless they were paid off handsomely."

"For that he made you an offer?" Lizzy stomach recoiled, and she fought to swallow back the bile.

"Well, no, but he stopped insisting he would not." Anne returned to the settee and played with her skirt a little sadly.

Lizzy stepped back and perched on the arm of a large chair. Her knees felt as weak as if she had cast up her accounts. She almost wished she could so she would have an excuse to end this dreadful interview.

"I was certain he would have asked me the last time I saw him, but he insisted I move from Rosings if we married, and you know I cannot do that. But I know you will help me change his mind."

"I think not. The matter seems resolved, no? You will not live with him at his estate, and so you cannot marry. I should say you are better for it, for to be shackled to such a man…"

"No! I will marry him, and he will live here at Rosings." Anne shook her fists, her face contorting.

"How, exactly, will you accomplish this?" Do not think for a moment I will become embroiled in your schemes.

"When he last visited, I mentioned to him that servants were apt to talk. Reputations can easily be ruined that way, you know." Anne smiled a most unbecoming smile. "I have no doubt that he will reconsider, knowing how much he values his sister's reputation. Soon he will decide marriage to me and inheriting Rosings someday is not such a bad thing."

"You would want a man you forced into marriage by threatening to compromise his… your… family's reputation?" Lizzy's lips curled, and she could not look at Anne. "I cannot believe you would consider to stooping to such a thing?Does your mother know of the threats you are making?"

"I am sure she would not take umbrage at them. She is forever telling people what to do and they listen to her. Why should I not do the same?"

"I believe many of them listen because her advice is actually helpful and she knows what she is talking about. Clearly she has studied this room full of books and learned something." Lizzy threw her hands in the air.

"I know what I am talking about the same as she does. Consider this, Miss Bennet, who else will marry me? I have so few acquaintances; what other hope have I of marrying? I know what I need to do to secure a husband and I will do it."

"Do not expect me to participate in these dreadful matter how questionable your cousin's character, I will not be a part of manipulating him or anyone else." Lizzy paused to draw breath. " Have you considered how will you perform your duties as mistress—"

"That is what servants are for!" Anne stabbed her toes against the leg of the settee.

"Not everything can be done by servants." Lizzy muttered under her breath.

"I thought you would be proud of how helpful I was and excited for my betrothal." Anne wiped a stray tear from her cheek.

"You have manipulated a man of questionable character into a situation he does not want, all in order to fulfill your desire to be married? How am I to rejoice in that?"

"What exactly are you saying, Miss Bennet?"

Lizzy's heart pounded painfully in her chest. "You must excuse me, Miss de Bourgh, I feel suddenly unwell, and I need to take some air." She hurried from the room, ignoring Anne's angry huff behind her.