28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28

I cannot be part of this! I simply cannot be part of this horrible scheme. What of the poor cousin who has been imposed upon? Has no consideration been offered the true victim in this scenario? Lizzy flexed her hands into fists.Somehow Miss de Bourgh. can only see her cousin as a pawn to be used in these disgusting machinations. For all that she plays helpless, Miss de Bourgh is a cunning little fox set out to steal whatever she can for herself! Or perhaps Papa is right and she is a wasp… Lizzy nearly ran headlong into Mr. Clarke in the hall outside Lady Catherine's study. "Oh!"

"Why Miss Bennet, are you all right?" he asked and caught her elbow to keep her from falling.

"Oh, excuse me, sir!" She caught herself against the wall, gasping. "I am afraid I was lost in thought and in need of fresh air."

A grizzled eyebrow raised, and he smiled. "I was just heading outside, myself. May I escort you?" He offered his arm. "Perhaps you would like to visit with my wife? Our cottage is but half a mile from here. Though she may bluster a bit, between you and me, she loves the odd bit of company dropping by."

"I am a very odd bit, I suppose." Lizzy laughed in spite of herself.

"Now do not go putting words in an old man's mouth." He grinned and patted her hand. "So you will take tea with us?"

Though she had no wish for company, Lizzy heard herself agreeing and followed Mr. Clarke out.

Crisp afternoon air cleared her mind even as it hinted winter was not far in the offing. The crunching leaves underfoot echoed the sentiment. She could not suppress a smile as she crunched a particularly large pile under her foot and kicked them aside. Her feet hurried her to an even larger pile that she attacked with relish.

Mr. Clarke looked at her and laughed.

She shrugged with an uplifted eyebrow. "So had you a pleasant meeting with Lady Catherine?"

"Yes, far more pleasant than it seems you had with Miss de Bourgh." He glanced at her, quirking an eyebrow.

"You could hear?" Her eyes grew wide and cold prickled her cheeks.

"No, Miss, just an educated guess. The expression you wear is quite familiar. I see it often on her ladyship's servants." He chuckled softly. "I visit regularly with her ladyship regarding the needs of the poor in our parish."

"I thought that Mr. Collins still performed that duty."

"He does visit the parishioners, make no mistake about that. But his visits are mostly in the service of Lady Catherine. He is her most devoted secretary, you see. He carries her messages to them. He is most attentive to her voice, and he conveys her messages most accurately." He grinned conspiratorially. "My wife and I believe she selected him for his lovely handwriting and ability to make a quick job of it. You've never seen a man who could write as quickly and neatly as he."

"Those were talents I did not know he possessed, though Ruth alluded to it. I confess, I was most surprised at hearing that her ladyship was encouraging those in her domain to learn to read. Few think it worthwhile to waste such learning on servants."

"True , how else can she make certain everyone knows of her wishes, and has the opportunity to benefit immediately from her sound advice? Sending her vicar to deliver copies of her directives is much more effective than trying to visit everyone she does wish to make the effort." He pressed his lips together, eyes twinkling.

"So the actual work of the parish falls upon you." She drew breath to say more, but reconsidered.

"That is the work of the curate, is it not?" He winked, his mustache twitching slightly. "Some say I have more of a disposition to manage the care of souls than our esteemed vicar. So perhaps it is for the best, for I would make a terrible secretary to her ladyship. My dear wife oft reminds me that if my heavenly reward were dependent upon my penmanship, I should be preparing for another reward."

Lizzy covered her mouth with her fist, trying hard not to giggle, but she could not stop herself.

"Ah, here we are." He gestured to a neat white cottage surrounded by a modest fence that also enclosed a small garden. He led her to the front door. "Woman of the house!" he called as he entered.

A stout older woman with round cheeks poked her head into the room. "You could have told a body you were bringing company." She wiped her hands on her apron and bustled over to them.

He elbowed Lizzy gently and twitched his shaggy brows. "Miss Bennet, may I present my wife, Mrs. Clarke."

"A pleasure to meet you." Lizzy said, struggling to keep a straight face as the woman curtsied.

"Likewise, madam." Her face was severe, but her deep-set eyes glowed with warmth. "Come in and make yourself to home." She led them into the large front room filled with faded furniture.A cheery fire in the fireplace drove away the chill.

"Miss Bennet is staying at Rosings, the special friend of Miss de Bourgh," Mr. Clark explained, carefully emphasizing the last several words.

"For goodness sake, my dear girl!" Mrs. Clark's hands flew up. "You must have the very patience of Job himself!" She clapped, then shook her head and lowered herself carefully into a worn chair. With a soft grunt, she reached for a footstool and propped up her feet, revealing her worn shoes.

"I fear you must be thinking of my eldest sister." Lizzy snickered, leaning back and settling into her chair. She stroked the threadbare chair arms with her fingertip, remembering a similar one in her father's study. "I do not believe anyone has ever used the word patient to describe me, even my dear father who thinks far more of me than he should."

Mrs. Clarke's eyes crinkled and her cheeks glowed. "'e must have his hands full with you, Miss!"

They all laughed heartily.

"I fear it is her ladyship who has her hands full right now." Lizzy pressed her lips together, but she knew her eyes betrayed her.

"My stars,that must be interesting." Mrs. Clark caught the look in Lizzy's eye. "And no, Miss, I am not asking for stories from the great house, not at all. I have no wish to clutter my head with more than I already know!"

Mr. Clarke reached awkwardly across the low table to pat his wife's foot. "My dear wife does not always see eye-to-eye with her ladyship."

Mrs. Clarke snorted. "That was kindly put." She mopped her face with the hem of her apron.

"I thought Lady Catherine was a welcome font of knowledge on all things domestic and beyond." Lizzy smiled wryly, and balanced her fist on her chin..

"A font, yes; welcome. Welcome, I am not so certain." She crossed her ankles on the stool. "Where I come from, a lass prefers to ask for advice before receiving it."

Mr. Clark tugged the hem of her skirt playfully. "That is not to say that Lady Catherine is not often quite correct, for she is…"

"One just wishes at times that she might keep her correctness to herself," Mrs. Clark finished, crossing her arms over her ample bosom. "Mind you, she is well meaning enough. But one should manage one's own house first."

Lizzy blinked several times. "So you do not approve—"

"Of Miss de Bourgh? Oh, I know I should not be saying so, but 'tis clear enough for anyone to see. Lady Catherine has done that child no good for all the coddling and protecting she's done."

"So it would seem." Lizzy sighed and looked down at her hands. "My father was blinded in a hunting accident ten years ago. My mother would not allow him to hide away, feeling sorry for himself, though he did not always appreciate it." She looked up again with a wistful smile. "At times he was rather forceful in his opposition, though now he says it was the making of him."

"Mrs. Collins has told us the same thing of your parents, Miss Bennet," Mr. Clarke said.

Lizzy's forehead wrinkled, and the corners of her mouth drooped.

Mrs. Clarke leaned forward. "You must know, she holds them in the highest esteem. Your friend is not a gossip. It is more like she is talking about family she is right proud of."

"Charlotte is a very dear friend." Lizzy nodded, the tension leaving her face. "Our family would never have survived had my mother not been so strong with Papa. My Uncle and Aunt Gardiner took a similar stance and at times were also rather confrontational with him. We are grateful to them, as well. Throughout the years, I have come to believe they were God-sent to our family."

"I sure they were. You will pardon me, Miss, if I say that the Good Lord seems more apt to send such people to your life if they are welcomed with tea rather than a tantrum." Mrs. Clarke slid her feet down to the floor and leaned her elbows on her knees. "I can guess how you have been greeted."

Lizzy swallowed back her laughter. "I am, perhaps, a poor excuse of a lady myself, but it is difficult to find patience with Miss de Bourgh at the moment."

Mrs. Clarke's face wrinkled into a scowl, and she glanced at her husband. "It is not patience that you need, missy; I would say what you need is a good stout stick."

They all laughed heartily.

The appealing image flashed through her mind, but she suppressed it quickly. "I fear my father might not approve of my learning how to wield one effectively. He already accuses me of managing far more than I should. "

"It is a shame, that." Mrs. Clark chuckled. "You are generous, trying to spread your mother's legacy here. I cannot think of a place that needs it more. Once the Great Lady is gone, it will be her daughter over this place, and many lives will be changed by that, I fear." She frowned and sniffed. "You must excuse me. I must be tending to my bread; it is baking day, ya' know. And I should be bringing us some tea." She pushed herself out of the chair and shuffled out.

Lizzy and Mr. Clark sat in silence for several minutes, listening to the sounds of bread being removed from an oven and enjoying the inviting scents.

"I really do feel sorry for the poor lass." Mr. Clark sighed.

"Her blindness is tragic." Lizzy glanced out the window, brushing her lips with her knuckles.

"Yes, but that is not what I was thinking. It would not be so bad if she could think beyond herself. The real tragedy is that she cannot. I hear she is to marry her cousin. I pity him and the children she will bear. A woman like that does not make a doting mother."

Lizzy's heart ached at the image, her own mother's warmth and love still very fresh on her heart. "You believe I could make a difference in all that?"

"If she is willing to change, I think it is possible. But she will not be an easy burden to bear. She is not your responsibility, either. What are you going to do?"

"It is tempting to write to my father to arrange for me to return home." Lizzy chewed her lip. "But I did tell Lady Catherine that I would stay and try to help.I just had no idea that Anne would be quite so intensely resistant."

"Intense is an interesting way to describe her." Mr. Clarke rose and helped his wife bring in the tea service.

That night Lizzy struggled to sleep, the conversation at the Clarkes' still turning over in her mind. What is my duty? Have I honored my mother's memory adequately? Have I honored my father sufficiently? Clearly Anne is no better than Lydia. She is most unready to face the world as an adult. But that is what will be expected when Lady Catherine are so many lives attached to Rosings that will suffer greatly if Miss de Bourgh takes over the estate as she is I permit that to happen? Her stomach knotted, and she struggled through the covers to sit up against the tucked her knees under her chin and pulled the blankets up over her.

I cannot imagine her married, even to a man as inconsiderate as her cousin must be. At least he thought of his sister despite the selfishness of his other decisions. It seems that Miss de Bourgh is unable—or would that be unwilling—to think of anyone but herself. Even Lydia has her moments of thoughtfulness, and she does willingly do a share of the work at home.I doubt Miss de Bourgh has ever lifted a finger in useful effort.

Am I being selfish? I do not want to deal with her. I know what I told Lady Catherine, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What is my duty? After all, I am able-bodied and capable of much. Is it not mere gratitude for me to share freely of what I have learned? I should; it is only right.

Papa no longer seems to be in need of me…my help…but clearly Miss de Bourgh needs me. I must go where I am needed. I must stay here until Miss de Bourgh is settled as Lady Catherine wishes. Perhaps by then Mr. Darcy will be back from the continent, and his family matters will be well settled.

Still uneasy, she pulled the fine bed linens around her and succumbed to sleep.

Later the next morning, a long rider approached Rosings atop an exceptionally large black stallion. Darcy paused atop a low rise and gazed over the rolling lands "Well, it seems the new steward is a competent man. This year's harvest seems to be progressing better than last. If only Aunt Catherine would put as much effort into managing her estate as she does managing the people on it." He sighed and resettled his hat.

Even with Richard's help, affairs in London had taken much longer to settle than he had hoped. He could only stay a day or two at the most if he was to make his ship at the ports ofDover. Hopefully he would be able to explain matters quickly and be on his way before Anne caused another one of her scenes. He shuddered. How could I have ever considered settling for such a selfish, childish woman?

His stomach churned as the parsonage caught his eye. With any luck I can avoid that yammering fool. I do not need another lecture form him about my duty to Anne. How am I going to convince them without Aunt Catherine finding out about Elizabeth?I cannot allow her to harass Elizabeth and her family.

He urged Surtur into motion and was soon mounting the elegant staircase leading to his aunt's front door. The butler let him in and informed him her ladyship was at home, that, in fact, she was still in her study. Moments later he was announced.

"Fitzwilliam!" she exclaimed rising to meet him. "It is not like you to appear so unexpectedly."

He removed his hat and bowed. "I am sorry to arrive without warning, but I bring news that I did not want to send in a letter and had not the time to have sent ahead."

"Come, sit." She gestured him to a seat and rang the bell.A servant appeared a moment later and she ordered tea be brought. She sat beside Darcy. "What is wrong?"

"Lord Matlock has had another apoplexy." He pulled a letter out of his coat and pressed it into her hand. "All the details are here."

She gasped, covering her mouth her fingertips. With the other hand she clutched the paper, wrinkling it in her grasp.

"The doctors believe he will not recover this time. He rallied a bit when Richard and I arrived, but the physicians do not believe it will last long."

"The viscount?" She slipped the letter into her pocket and kept her hand over it for a moment.

"Andrew is on the continent. We are not entirely certain where, hopefully in Calais. I am charged with the task of finding him. Uncle Matlock is determined to see his heir one more time before he passes."

"Lady Matlock?"

"She is as well as can be expected." He watched Lady Catherine, recognizing the look in her eyes. "I do not think your presence will be a help to her now. Richard has leave for a little while longer. He is there with her."

"Nonetheless, I will go to my brother directly." She patted her lap and shifted to stand.

He placed a hand on her arm. "No, please. I need to ask you to stay here and arrange for Georgiana's wedding with Andrew. Lady Matlock is in no condition to plan the event, and it must take place as soon as can be arranged. It would be better if it could take here, place away from town."

"I will see to the arrangements." She settled back into the couch and stroked her chin. "It would be appropriate, I think, then to plan a double wedding."

Darcy's gut clenched. He could feel a vein in his forehead throbbing. "Excuse me?"

"You and Anne may seal your understanding at this time as well."

"Aunt, I told you before," Darcy rubbed his forehead, "She has refused to live anywhere but Rosings, and I will not…"

"In a short time she will consent to live at Pemberley." She waved her hands, a conductor orchestrating her world around her.

"How do you know this?"

"I have found a young woman to assist her. I have faith that in a very short time Anne will change her mind and be willing to…"

"No." He exploded to his feet unable to control the urge to move. "Now is not the time for such a thing. Allow us to assist Georgiana and Andrew through this season. We must protect my sister and the baby. Then we can…"

"No, now is the perfect opportunity for you to seal your union. If you all marry together it will remove any suspicion upon Georgiana, you see? It is the perfect time."

"Anne is by no means ready… I do not wish…"

"You are such a thoughtful man, nephew." She stood beside him and patted his shoulder.

The door creaked open and a maid arrived with the tea service. Lady Catherine whispered a few words to her, and she left again. "I have sent for Anne's …friend…to be brought. Once you meet her, you will be as convinced as I."

"You must listen to me, Aunt Catherine; I have no intention—"

"I know you have no intention of making Anne uncomfortable; that. That is why you released her from your engagement the last time you were here. But now there is no need." She urged him to sit down again.

He hesitated, then returned to his seat. "I have no desire to marry."

"Desire has nothing at all to do with anything. It is your duty to protect the honor and reputation of the family. Marrying Anne when Georgiana and Andrew marry will accomplish just that. All the problems your sister's unfortunate behavior has caused—"

"I will not have you continuing to blame her for what happened. You do not understand—"

"It does not matter now. What is done is crux of the matter is that you and your sister will both do your duty to your family and—"

"I will not—" He stood again and glared down at Lady Catherine.

"Stop uttering such nonsense! You will do your duty to your sister and to my daughter and to the Darcy name. I am quite decided in this."

A rap at the door interrupted them. A servant opened it and ushered Lizzy in.

She took three steps and stopped. "Mr. Darcy?" Color drained from her face, and her jaw dropped.

"Eliz… Miss Bennet?" His heart throbbed so loudly in his ears that he could barely hear anything else.

"You are acquainted?" Lady Catherine stared from on to the other.

"Yes. I was lately in Hertfordshire with friends." Darcy stammered, his eyes not leaving Elizabeth.

Lady Catherine smiled distractedly. "Then you have met the renowned Mr. Bennet? Does he live up to all I have heard from Mrs. Collins?"

"You know Mrs. Collins?' Darcy asked, eyes locked on Elizabeth.

Lizzy wrung her hands. "She and I have been friends all our lives. She is the daughter of Sir William Lucas."

"I had no idea." Darcy turned to Lady Catherine. "I have met Mr. Bennet, and I am quite certain he exceeds anything you have heard about him."

"I am pleased to hear my confidence has not been misplaced. Miss Bennet is here as a friend to Anne to help her gain those accomplishments she needs before she marries."

Darcy turned white.

Elizabeth clutched the back of a nearby chair.

Anne burst into the room. "Fitzwilliam!" she exclaimed. "The servants told me you were come!"

"Miss de Bourgh?" Elizabeth whispered, swallowing hard.

"Miss Bennet, may I present my cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Has my mother told you yet? We are to be married!"