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Chapter 23
Posted on , 2 April 2008
The next two weeks passed in relative peace and quiet despite the continual influx of dinner invitations. No major upsets and no surprises greeted the Bennets or Fitzwilliams who were still staying with them. For that reason they felt they gained a modicum of peace.
Like Longbourn, Netherfield entered its own peaceful time. In particular, Mr. Darcy relaxed after a few days without having to extricatate himself from Miss Bingley’s attentions1. He found his stay quiet enjoyable when Miss Bingley did not accost him everywhere he went in the house or on the grounds. However, this change in the lady’s behavior did cause some concern and consternation in one gentleman. Mr. Bingley noticed his sister’s more subdued manner and questioned her on it. After receiving nothing to illuminate the cause of the change and seeing that his sister did not appear at all upset, he let the matter drop deciding that whatever caused Caroline to change must be for the best and that she would confide in him in her own time.
During this time, either the Bingleys, Darcys and Hursts came to call at Longbourn or the Bennets and Fitzwilliams visited Netherfield. Thus, the two groups were constantly in each other’s company. This caused an immeasurable amount of chagrin on the part of the people of Meryton as it hindered their ability to learn any more about Richard Bennet and their abilities to match him off to their daughters and nieces.
About half-way into the third week, the Bennets and Fitzwilliams were enjoying one afternoon totally without engagements including those with the inhabitants of Netherfield. The girls were outside in the garden, the gentlemen had gone riding and Mrs. Bennet and Lady Fitzwilliam enjoyed long conversations on their children over tea. It was during this time that a knock at the outer door disrupted their peace and quiet conversation causing them to share an exasperated look over dealing with yet more callers. However, both were surprised when Hill brought in an express and handed it to Mrs. Bennet.
“What is this? Oh, I hope Lydia has not misbehaved and they are asking for us to come and fetch her.” She pursed her lips as she looked at the express and turned it over to look at the address and frowned in confusion. “This is not from Lydia or her school. It is from some solicitor’s office in London.”
Lady Fitzwilliam set down her cup and leaned over to look at the address frowning as some suspicions crossed her mind. “Do you recognize them or know if your husband has ever had any business with them?”
Mrs. Bennet blushed, “No, I do not recognize it and I would not know if my husband deals with them or not. I am sorry to say I have not paid much attention to any business involving the estate or anything on that order in a long time.”
Lady Fitzwilliam reached out a hand and put it on her arm, “Do not be sorry. Many women do not involve themselves at all.”
“Maybe not, but before Richard’s birth, I always involved myself and the fact that I spent so much of my time worrying over mere fripperies instead upsets me2. I am most disappointed in myself.”
“Well, do not fret over it, for you can involve yourself more in the future. Now, do you want to read it, or do you wish to wait for Mr. Bennet.”
“I will wait for my husband. It is addressed to him, but I doubt he will hide the contents from me if it is serious.” Thus, she placed it on the side table next to her and attempted to continue the enjoyable atmosphere of earlier but failed due to a niggling concern that continued to wriggle its way into her mind and she felt something was wrong.
The ladies did not have to wait long as they heard the gentlemen’s approach. After discarding their hats and outer coats, they entered the drawing room looking rather dusty and with smiles on their faces. Richard walked over and kissed each lady on the cheek.
“Pardon me if I am a little rushed but I would like to see my sisters. We met Darcy and Bingley on the way and they asked me to pass on Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst’s invitation to tea tomorrow to them if you do not mind.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled a little at this and nodded waving him off. With a great deal of exuberance, Richard brushed passed his father and the Earl as he left. Mr. Bennet grinned.
“Well, we see you are all well We have only stopped for a moment for as you see we have to go clean up a little before joining you as we hope you will let us.”
As much as Fanny wished to oblige them with a smile as she had her son, she could not. “Mr. Bennet, before you go up, please take a look at this letter which arrived a short while ago.”
Noting the serious tone to her voice, Mr. Bennet took the letter, immediately noting the name, “A solicitor in London. I have not heard of them. I wonder what they could want.”
Immediately, the Earl traded a look with his wife and seeing the same concern on her face, he asked for the address and upon hearing it, he tightened his jaw and moved to stare out the window.
“You recognize the address?” Mr. Bennet enquired.
“Indeed. It is my sister’s solicitor.”
“Lady Catherine’s? But why would they be contacting us?” Mrs. Bennet asked with a frown.
Turning to face the room again, the Earl took a deep breath before replying. “My sister has made her displeasure at this turn of events very well known. She said she would act, but I could not believe there was anything she could do. However, seeing this letter addressed to you, gives me a feeling of foreboding. I fear she may have found a way to contest this.”
“But what reason would she have to contest this? Why would she want prevent Richard returning to his own family?”
“Because she feels position and society are everything3. She thinks admitting that Richard belongs to an untitled country gentleman and his wife is degrading and will cause a scandal. I admit that some talk exists over this situation, but, thankfully, our closest friends are accepting this change, even if some have a little difficulty in comprehending the sudden change. But I digress. My sister feels that the position of a younger son of an Earl is better than that of a country gentleman. She does not consider much else.”
Mr. Bennet remained silent for a moment, “Will you all follow me into the Library.” It was not a question.
He promptly walked into his library heading directly for his chair.
Sitting down at his desk, he did not wait for the others and he opened the envelope and read the contents. After finishing the letter, he set it down and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“What is it?”
He looked up and faced his wife’s concerned face, “Lady Catherine contests the validity of this discovery in behalf of Mr. Collins, heir presumptive via entailment4. It states a possible motive on our part citing the long time rift between the families and certain other more recent incidents namely Elizabeth’s refusal and my refusal to force the match4&5. It desires proof of Richard’s being a Bennet, of the actual switch itself.”
“In other words, it says we are trying to cheat Mr. Collins out of his inheritance.”
“Basically.”
“How can we fight this?”
“I do not know.”
“What about the midwife’s statements? What of Richard’s resemblance of you?”
“The midwife’s admission could be discarded as her opinion and they could imply that she is in league with us. As she is related to the Collinses, if any rift exists between her and them, they could use that as a motive to fake the incident. As to Richard’s resemblance, they could explain it away as coincidence, though that might be harder to do.”
The Fitzwilliams remained silent during the exchange. Finally, the Earl who had again retreated to the window turned back to the room’s inhabitants, “There might be a possibility that I could reason with her. It is slim, but if you wish it, I could travel to Rosings and discuss it with her. It would be easiest if we could avoid any legal entanglements.”
“I would appreciate any help you can give. If you think you can reason Lady Catherine out of this action, I would be grateful.”
“I hope I can reason with her. I only pray that this works, but my sister was quite determined last we saw her in London. It is too late to leave today; I will leave at first light. The sooner this situation is resolved, the better.” Turning to his wife, “Will you be willing to wait here or do you want to join me?”
“Perhaps it might be better if it is just you who confronts her. I do not think my presence could make things any easier. We always tolerated each other, but never got along particularly well.”
“I understand. I shall go see to having everything ready for my departure in the morning.”
As he started to leave, his wife asked, “When should everyone be told?”
Before anyone else could respond, Mr. Bennet did, “I think the others should not be told until we learn the result of the Earl’s visit to Lady Catherine. They should not have to worry over this.”
The others nodded. They spent a few minutes in silence before the Earl left to give directions that his clothes should be packed and that the carriage be readied for the next morning.
Richard and his sisters came in laughing and smiling all in a cheerful mood oblivious to the tension around them. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and the Earl and Lady Fitzwilliam interacted with them as normally as possible, but were grateful that the excitement of visiting Netherfield again overshadowed the tension. Richard’s teasing Elizabeth about Darcy even brought smiles to their faces. However, Elizabeth soon grew annoyed at her elder brother’s teasing and crossed to the other side of the room. Unaware of storm brewing in his favorite sister’s mind, Richard followed and continued to pester her. Everyone else noticed her patience waning and saw the warning signs for Lizzy’s temper. If not for Kitty’s interference by turning the tables on her brother, all realized they would have been treated to the first real quarrel between brother and sister.
When informed of the Earl’s impending departure, Richard, as expected, asked if he could help and was informed it was only a matter of business that the Earl needed to attend and would not be gone long.
The next morning, the family rose early to see Lord Fitzwilliam off. Longbourn’s remaining inhabitants dispersed to pursue various activities until it came time to leave for Netherfield. As they were about to depart, Elizabeth asked to remain behind as she suffered from a headache6. As she had been looking a little peaked all morning, only Richard questioned her although he did so briefly. Concerned for her sister, Jane immediately offered to stay behind, but Elizabeth refused to allow her to do so. Thus, the rest of the groups left for a delightful tea, leaving Elizabeth to the luxury of a silent house.
At Netherfield, tea passed enjoyably as Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy were all attention and Miss Bingley made no outright derogatory remarks. It seemed to everyone that she was attempting to be sociable and pleasant although her efforts were a little awkward.
Meanwhile, Richard noted Darcy’s rather quiet and uneasy demeanor and tried to talk to him, but the only conversation he could evoke were questions about his absent sister’s health. Mary also took note of the gentleman’s disquiet.
When it came time to take their leave, Mary approached Mr. Darcy and asked if he might like to accompany them back to Longbourn and see Elizabeth for himself. She mentioned that her sister’s headache might have eased enough that she would be in the drawing room able and to receive visitors.
Pleased with the invitation, Darcy cheered up and quickly accepted. As soon as he answered, Mary turned back to the others and noted Mr. Bingley’s constant attention to Jane. Quickly realizing she had been a little rude to the others, Mary quickly extended the same to the Bingleys, Hursts and Miss Darcy. Only, Mr. Bingley accepted all the while continuing to stare at a blushing Jane.
On arrival at Longbourn, Elizabeth was indeed in the drawing room as Mary had predicted. However, it soon became clear by her cool manner of greeting that she was in little mood to entertain guests7. So, despite his disappointment at not being able to speak for any length of time with her, Darcy and Bingley left after enquiring after her health.
As the family spent the next day without any engagements, they engaged in a few peaceful activities. However, the peace did not continue throughout the entirety of the next day. Late that evening, the Fitzwilliam carriage drew up to the front of the house. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Lady Fitzwilliam hurried out to greet Lord Fitzwilliam as the others were yet unaware of the his return.
They arrived just in time to seem him exited the carriage. He looked up at them with tired eyes, and a grim countenance.
“We need to tell the others - Now.”
No one needed to say what was obvious; Lady Catherine would not be moved.
Half an hour later, everyone was in the drawing room while the Earl paced back and forth by the hearth. Although he had much to relate concerning his sister, he would wait until Mr. Bennet had informed his family of the newest source of conflict and irritation.
Mr. Bennet looked around at his family. He saw the curiousity turn to concern as his children observed the troubled expressions of their parents and the Fitzwilliams. Taking a deep breath, he started.
“Something has just occurred of a very serious nature. Apparently my cousin has been persuaded by his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh to challenge Richard’s right to inherit by questioning the validity of his even being a Bennet.”
Most of his family simply looked shocked. Jane’s hand flew to her mouth as she looked over at her brother. Kitty sat with her mouth hanging open, blinking her eyes. Mary simply closed her eyes and looked down but those priviliged to manage a glimpse of her eyes could see her fear mingled with a touch of irritation. Elizabeth stared at her brother and like Mary, a small amount of fear slipped into her eyes. The only one not feeling an ounce of shock, Richard got up and walked over to the window. He stood there staring out at nothing with his jaw clenched and his lips pursed as if he were trying desperately not to say what he obviously thought of his Aunt’s interference.
Kitty finally looked around and looked up at her father with wide eyes, “She cannot take our brother away can she?”
“We simply do not know, we will do everything we can to stop her.”
Elizabeth asked, “Cannot Lady Catherine be reasoned with?”
“Unforetunately no, Lord Fitzwilliam has just returned from his attempt to reason with her and she will not be moved.”
Here the Earl finally ceased his pacing and turned toward the group, “My sister is absolutely determined to win this and she will listen to no one3. She only allowed me to stay long enough to reiterate everything she said to me in London. She will not listen. Nothing I said or did helped matters any. For the first time, Catherine has totally disregarded my thoughts on an issue. I also think there is more she is up to for she looked too much like the cat that swallowed the canary. She is up to something, of that I am certain, but I do not know what. So, I stopped briefly on my return in London and spoke to my own solicitor and he will look into this and bring the information here himself the day after tomorrow.”
“Did he say what chance we might have?”
“No, he did not say anything about it at all. But I can assure you, he will do everything he can to help us. He is not only my attorney, but he used to be Louis de Bourgh’s as well. Lady Catherine fired him after her husband’s death.”
A few smiles started to form, but they were weak. However that particular irony was not lost on them. The rest of the evening was spent discussing what was to be done, however the only thing they could do was wait until next week when the Earl’s Solicitor would arrive. Still, one thing was agreed upon, telling their neighbours at Netherfield what had happened, at least two of the gentlemen there.
References:
1) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 8, 10-11; Volume 2 Chapter 1
2) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 1 & 3
3) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 14
4) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 13
5) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 19 & 20
6) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 2 Chapter 10
7) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 2 Chapter 11
Chapter 24
Posted on Friday, 11 April 2008
Early the next morning, the Bennet sisters were finishing a quiet breakfast when they were informed of the arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Jane blushed while Kitty giggled at her eldest sister’s discomposure. Glancing discretely at Elizabeth, Mary observed the slight annoyance crossing her sister’s features but raised an eyebrow at the small blush touching her cheek.
After asking Hill to direct the gentlemen to the drawing room, the ladies stood and hurriedly moved to join them. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as Jane unconsciously patted her hair tucking in nonexistent loose strands.
As soon as they entered the drawing room, Bingley addressed them, “I apologize for calling so early, but we met your father and brother and Lord Fitzwilliam riding and they told us what has happened. We hoped to call and see how all of you were faring.”
During Bingley’s little speech of explanation, Elizabeth caught sight of Darcy rolling his eyes while struggling to suppress an amused smile. Noticing her observing him, he smiled a little more and motioned with his eyes to Bingley who conversed exclusively with Jane. Elizabeth bit her upper lip trying to restrain her own amusement.
“ . . . I am sorry you just missed our Mother and Lady Fitzwilliam, they left for a walk only a short while before your arrival.” Jane said as she blushed a little more and glanced away.
“I am sorry to have missed them.”
They stood there staring at each other for a few moments before they were interrupted by someone’s clearing their throat.
“Oh, I beg your pardon! Will you please sit down?”
Everyone chose a seat. Naturally, Bingley sat next to Jane while Darcy chose seat near Elizabeth on the opposite side of the room. Sharing a discreet look of amusement, Mary and Kitty sat in between the two groups.
While the others were occupied in their conversation or activities, Darcy turned to Elizabeth, “I am sorry my Aunt is causing this . . . difficulty for you1 . I should have realized she would try something like this. Please accept my apologies for the trouble and unrest my Aunt’s interference has caused2 .”
“Mr. Darcy, you have no need to apologize. Rather, I ought to apologize to you. I know my manner to you was very cool last we met and I am sorry for it. My only explanation for my behavior is that I had a rather severe headache earlier in the day due to a lack of sleep the previous night which put me in such a foul mood. It is no excuse, I know, and am exceedingly sorry for it.”
Smiling a little, Darcy relaxed inside at this. He had been truly concerned over what he had done to upset the lovely Elizabeth Bennet and now felt quite relieved that it was truly only a headache. “No apology is necessary. I admit I am relieved that I had not managed to inadvertently insult you again, but I fully comprehend the effects a severe headache can cause. My sister, although I am sure you will not believe me, can be quite a grouch when she has a headache.”
“You are right. It is difficult to imagine Miss Darcy as anything but sweet and gentle. Yet I must insist that you accept my apology, my behavior was very unkind in any event.”
“If you insist, then yes I accept your apology though I reiterate that it is unnecessary especially in light of the trouble my Aunt has caused. Also, I must now insist that you accept my apologies for my Aunt.”
Glancing away in an attempt to hide a smile at the way their conversation quickly escalated into a lighter repartee. Although she enjoyed this lighter part, she regretted having to become more serious again for a moment and only hoped they could regain the happier banter later in their conversation. “I also accept your apology although as you stated over mine, I also state that it is unnecessary. I am well aware you nor, as I have seen, anyone in her family is capable of restraining Lady Catherine when she sets her mind on something3 . She is a woman determined to have her own way despite the facts and desires of others. Instead let me express my regrets that you also have to endure any abuse you most likely will face by associating with us.”
“Thank you, but I would have received a tirade from my Aunt someday at any rate. It would not be the first time I was the recipient of her temper; however, as she is my Aunt, I try to respect her. It is not always easy, but I try.”
Biting her lower lip, she felt sorry for him. She could only imagine what it was like to have such an overbearing person as a relation. It must be a trial to keep a positive relationship with such a demanding woman and no doubt would result in at least a few disagreements. Elizabeth hesitated a moment before mentioning the issue she figured to be the most likely cause for contention between Rosings and Pemberley. “Might I guess it has something to do with her desire to have her favorite nephew become her son-in-law1&4? ”
Darcy looked up with a small amount of surprise which quickly turned into a wry smile, “I see Richard has informed you of that situation. Indeed, my Aunt has such desires, but I and my cousin do not wish for it.” The gentleman turned suddenly wistful and added in a quiet voice, “Actually, even if my cousin desired the match, my feelings would not permit it and furthermore I could not allow it for my sister’s sake.”
Not missing his sudden quiet manner turn from thoughtful to uneasy, or the slight frown mar his forehead nor the way his eyes developed a distinctly distant look, Elizabeth started to speak to disperse this sudden melancholy when Darcy shook his head and looked back at her with a slight smile.
“Well, that all does not matter right now; you have enough to worry about. If there is anything at all I can do, please just ask.”
“Thank you, but we could not impose. After all, you have already been so kind as to Lydia.”
“That was nothing. I simply told them of where Georgiana attended and that I trusted the headmistress’ opinions. I would have done the same for anyone else.”
“Yet it still provided us with a starting point without the added stress of dealing with someone we would not or could not be completely certain we could trust. Your recommendation took much off my parents minds. Thank you.”
“You seem determined to keep thanking me. Please, I only did what I would have done for anyone asking the same thing.”
“Very well, but you are also determined not to be thanked.”
“Indeed.”
“I would think it shows a little stubbornness.” Elizabeth struggled to withhold the smile threatening her lips.
Darcy raised an eyebrow while amusement shown in his eyes, “Really? Well, it seems we share the same boat, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Is that so? I really would not call myself stubborn but rather extremely strong-minded.”
“In being correct that is.”
“Absolutely.”
No more than a few moments could pass before both grinned openly. There was no possible way they could continue this conversation seriously. They stared at each other in silence for a few moments before both had to look away. Lizzy looked toward Jane and Bingley and smiled, happy for them, and wondered when Mr. Bingley would have the opportunity to make an offer to her sister. She knew they were perfect for each other. Meanwhile, Darcy’s eyes had drifted in another direction. He noted how Miss Mary and Miss Catherine behaved differently from the previous fall. It only made him feel that regaining their brother was the best thing to have happened to them and he knew the benefits did not work only one way. Glancing at Elizabeth, he thought how he could bring up the subject without causing too much solemnity.
Finally, he looked up at her and simply started speaking, “I know what the obvious benefit your gaining a brother means, but I have also seen the happiness on your and your sister’s faces when you interact with him and Richard seems to be in his element. He is so happy to have sisters. He always wanted one.” Here Elizabeth observed the slight turning up of the corner of his mouth and the way his eyes danced with the humour of a happy memory, “In fact, I remember, when we were about seven, he actually asked his parents if he could have a sister for Christmas.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with amusement as she smiled at her brother’s childhood, but felt a little pity for the Fitzwilliam’s, “That must have been hard for the Fitzwilliam’s considering their losses.”
“Oh, it was at first, but it definitely became funny later on. You see my family was staying at my Aunt and Uncle’s townhouse that year for the holidays and the fact that Christmas was only a month away set my father off in peals of laughter. Although my Aunt and Uncle felt some pain at not having been able to provide their sons a sister, they quickly recovered. Both turned a very interesting shade of red and struggled through trying to tell my rather determined cousin that it was impossible to “get” a sister by Christmas. It was the ensuing argument that was so entertaining. Even my Aunt and Uncle found a measure of happiness despite being completely embarrassed. You see, Richard was one of those children that love to keep asking ‘why’ to every response one gives.”
Elizabeth giggled at picturing the conversation with her brother at seven years old. “I can imagine what it must have been like. In fact, I have a good idea what it must have felt like as it is partly my brother’s fault for my ill humour the other day. He kept pestering me the evening before and I was quite annoyed with him. It seems that he is proving himself to be truly a member of the family as one of my cousins does the same kind of questioning of everything to anyone she can and she is only five. If Richard was anything like her, that conversation must have been very interesting.”
At her mentioning her brother’s pestering as a cause of her ill humour, Darcy’s interest piqued. So it was not only a headache. Richard, What were you annoying your sister over? Am I going to have to remain cautious of your attempts at matchmaking? If so, I will simply have to tell Aunt Fitzwilliam. She will set you straight in no time.
After a moment’s thought on that issue, he remembered their conversation and grinned, “Oh, it was. I could see my Aunt and Uncle trying to delicately explain the situation without going into detail as to why, but the more they tried the more difficult it became. Finally, out of sheer exasperation with my father’s teasing throughout it all, they brought Richard over to him and asked him to explain if he could. Well, to put it simply, my father found himself quickly resembling my Aunt and Uncle in shade.”
“Oh, my. I will have to talk to Richard about this. I am trying to imagine how my parents might have handled it.” Her laughing continued a little longer and then she turned a little thoughtful, “Were you ever that curious or inquisitive?”
Darcy blushed and cleared his throat, “Um . . . Actually . . .erm . . .”
Elizabeth laughed, “I guess you were the same. Richard told me of the mud incident at Rosings.”
At that last statement, Darcy’s ears turned a decided shade of pink, “He did? Well, he was the one who threw the first mud ball. He got me right in the face too.” He scrunched up his face at the memory.
“And you got him right back.”
“I certainly did.”
“Only to have Lady Catherine go after the two of you.”
“Well, she never caught us for that I have been very thankful.” He struggled to remain straight-faced, but Elizabeth caught the sparkle in his eye.
“What happened?”
“You mean Richard did not tell you?”
“He finished the story with your Aunt chasing the two of you across the grounds after you attempted to sneak into Rosings.”
Darcy grinned, “Well, suffice it to say we were not the only members of the family to return to the house covered in mud.”
Elizabeth snorted when she started to laugh and her eyes immediately widened and she put a hand over her mouth to stop her from giggling more to little effect. “How did that come about?”
“Richard and I high tailed it for the stream where we had had the mud fight and quickly climbed the large tree by the bank. Our Aunt came by shouting and looking for us and yelling at us, basically announcing her disapproval so that anyone in the surrounding area could hear her. Well, we remained silent until she passed and then climbed down and returned to the house where we cleaned up. We were already returning to the main drawing room when our Aunt entered the main foyer covered in mud. We ducked for cover hoping she would not see us as we watched her muster as much dignity as she could and ascend the stairs towards her room announcing to the maids her order for a hot bath and clean clothes. The incident gave the residents at Rosings a couple days of relative peace.”
“I can imagine. You two seemed to be a rather mischievous pair.”
“Well, Richard and I were the closest in age as he was only a month older than I so whenever the family was together we were inseparable.”
“Could you tell me more about my brother?”
Darcy smiled, “Of course, what would you like to know?”
They spent the next half hour discussing her brother’s childhood providing Elizabeth with some much needed stories to use to tease her brother. Eventually, the gentlemen were forced to express their farewells for the time being as both had some business to finish at Netherfield.
After their departure, the Bennet and Fitzwilliam families spent a rather subdued evening as they anticipated the arrival of the Earl’s solicitor the next day. This period of waiting and uncertainty left them feeling as if they were on tenterhooks.
References:
1) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 14
2) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 16
3) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 2 Chapter 7-8; Volume 3 Chapter 14 & 16
4) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 16; Volume 2 Chapter 7
Chapter 25
Posted on Monday, 14 April 2008
The next day, the entire family greeted Mr. Gray, Lord Fitzwilliam’s solicitor. Shortly after introductions, he addressed the issue Lady Catherine had raised. As Mr. Bennet and Lord Fitzwilliam explained the details, he listened intently. Toward the end, his expression turned thoughtful.
When the gentlemen finished relating all they knew, Mr. Gray sat back and opened his mouth to make his recommendations. However, before he could utter two syllables, a knock at the front door interrupted him. Everyone looked at each other wondering who could be calling especially as no one was expected. Even as they wondered, the answer became altogether clear as they heard the voice of the unexpected caller. Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she identified the intruder and turned to see her brother scowl. At the same time, Edmund Fitzwilliam closed his eyes briefly and let out a deep sigh of frustration, “It seems you are all to meet my sister, Catherine1 .”
Almost as if by speaking her name, he had summoned her, Lady Catherine swooped into the drawing room passing a rather distressed servant who had been given the order that the family were not at home to visitors. A cowering and pale Mr. Collins followed behind his patroness looking more nervous than anyone had ever seen him. Elizabeth noted immediately that he avoided eye contact with everyone and instead kept his gaze restricted to the floor.
Time for observation quickly passed, as Lady Catherine surveyed the room with contempt, “So this is the family that dares to steal my nephew.” She continued to look around the room with unveiled distaste until her eyes fell upon Elizabeth upon whom she bestowed a glare that had hitherto not been aimed at any member of the Bennet family. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I should have known you would be up to something like this. I thought your ambitions lay in another direction although you would never have received any offer from my nephew Darcy1 .”
Richard’s snort earned him a hard look from his former Aunt who promptly returned her attention to Elizabeth, “Though it seems that since then you thought of this ridiculous story about Richard Fitzwilliam being your brother so that your estate would not be entailed to the cousin you had the audacity to refuse2 .”
During this time, Elizabeth’s emotions ranged from shock to fury. When Lady Catherine finally stopped long enough to allow a reply, Elizabeth struggled to maintain an even voice, “Lady Catherine, I had not any intentions of pursuing Mr. Darcy at Rosings. You are quite mistaken in presuming so and in your accusation that I somehow fabricated the whole matter of Richard being my brother and managed to make everyone including Lord Fitzwilliam believe me. By your reckoning, I must be quite the mastermind. However, that is not so. I assure you that I did not fabricate anything and in fact did not know about this until I had returned home from Kent which I might add was after Richard’s own departure. Nevertheless, I am very pleased to have him as my brother and would not change anything for the world.”
“Why you uncaring, disrespectful . . .”
Mr. Bennet stood and faced Lady Catherine, interrupting her tirade, “That is enough! I do not care if you do bear a title, Lady Catherine, but you will not speak to my daughters that way especially not in my own house. We have done nothing to deserve that even if you continue to delude yourself as to the reality of Richard’s birth. That, however, is something completely beyond our or your ability to change, you have to resign yourself to the truth and you are the only one capable of that. Now, please tell me what your business is here, but if that was only to insult my family, please leave.”
Before she could reply, Richard approached angrily, “I agree. You have no right to come here and insult my family just because you do not like the fact that I am not really a Fitzwilliam.”
“I have no right do I? As your Aunt, I have every right! 7”
“You are no longer my Aunt. I am a Bennet now, as I have been since my birth although I was raised with a most loving family that I will not sever my connections with, at least in part.” Although he hardly raised his voice, his tone and meaning were crystal clear – he would not be swayed nor would he back down on this issue.
“So you are a Bennet now are you? You declare yourself a member of this family? Well then, let me make myself perfectly clear. As you are no longer related to us, you should not bear any form of guardianship to my niece, Georgiana3. You should not even have contact with her. I will ensure that you have no contact with anyone else. I will not see her name dragged into this mess because of you and this family.”
Here the lady’s brother addressed her angrily, “How does the guardianship of my niece concern you? You are only her Aunt. George Darcy arranged for Richard and Fitzwilliam to care for her every need3 . In fact, even if you could remove Richard from co-guardianship, Darcy would remain her guardian and would never allow you to interfere with his sister.”
“What makes you think Darcy will have a choice? Be advised, dear brother that if my nephew refuses to listen to reason and continues to associate with this family, I will ensure that he too loses guardianship of his sister. None of you will be allowed to see her and she will be raised and introduced to society as she ought to be. I will ensure she makes a proper match as befitting her station rather than letting her have her way the way all of you do.”
Richard glared at her angrily, “You may be angry with me all you want, but you have no right to take Georgiana away from her brother. There was a reason my uncle assigned her to our guardianship rather than yours. He did not want her to live with an overbearing and controlling Aunt!”
“How dare you!”
“No, how dare you!”
Finally, Mr. Bennet stepped in, “Enough. I will not tolerate any more of this. As I said earlier Lady Catherine, if you have other business, dispense with it now. If not, leave.”
“Oh, I have business here, or at least Mr. Collins does. Do you not, Mr. Collins?” She turned to the quavering man maliciously and he bobbed his head in quick assent as his eyes widened in fear. All his cousins noted his shaking hands, the sweat beading on his brow, and deep pallor. He looked positively ill and like he would pass out at any moment. For a moment, the Bennets felt a small degree of pity for the man.
“I . . . I have come . . . come to say . . . how despicable it is to . . . create such a falsehood . . . just to disinherit . . . a cousin. I have resolved . . . to fight this . . . this . . . this . . .”
“Sham, Mr. Collins, Sham!” Lady Catherine hissed.
“Sham. You . . . will find yourselves . . . one day . . . without any friends . . . when . . . when . . . Mr. Bennet . . . passes on. 2” As soon as he finished his stuttered speech he immediately retreated back to the door behind Lady Catherine, looking terrified.
“So you see, your cousin also believes this to be false and will fight this and will win, I will see to that.” Glancing over at Richard, she added, “And be sure, nephew, you will no longer associate with or have any right in decisions regarding my niece. You will be forthwith totally cut off from my family.” With that, she turned quickly and marched out of the room followed by Mr. Collins.
Silence pervaded the room afterwards as everyone got over their mutual shock. Richard, however, moved over to the window and glared out of it as his thoughts and worries ran through his mind.
“Well, that was interesting.” Lady Fitzwilliam shook her head at her sister-in-laws antics.
“It is awful. How can our cousin capitulate to that person? Why did he not come to us and just discuss it if he did not believe it?” Kitty cried.
“Maybe because my sister tends to get her own way and I somehow think your cousin is not capable of standing up to her.”
“That is all too true, the last time he was here it was Lady Catherine this and Lady Catherine that4.”
Here Jane could no longer endure the look on her sister’s face and whispered quietly to her, “Are you all right Lizzy? I hope her comments have not truly disturbed you.”
Lizzy looked over to her sister and her frown relaxed and she replaced it with a slight smile, “I am fine, Jane. Lady Catherine’s presumptions mean little to me, and to be honest our cousin did not surprise me either; although, I must admit they made me quite angry. I must say I agree with Kitty though. How could Mr. Collins do this? What reason could he have for involving Lady Catherine in our family’s business?”
“Well, she was our brother’s Aunt for all his life and is our cousin’s patroness4 .”
Sighing, Elizabeth tiredly nodded her head. “You are correct Jane, I am sorry. I simply cannot understand why Charlotte did not write me to warn me about this, unless this visit happened only at the last possible minute.”
“That is wholly possible. Maybe Lady Catherine decided to make the journey on a whim and gave our cousin only a moment’s notice?” Jane paused biting her lower lip, “While I dislike thinking this possibility, it might also be that Lady Catherine did not want Charlotte aware of her plans knowing that as your friend she corresponds with you and would thus inform you of her impending arrival5 .”
“That is also true. It would be just like Lady Catherine to do something of that nature. Still, that thought gives me no rest. I still worry how this whole situation will end and now I must consider Charlotte. How difficult this must be for her! With Richard’s return to the family, her husband no longer will receive Longbourn and with it her ability to be mistress of an estate and now she must balance her friendship with me with her duty to her husband and his patroness2,4-5.”
“I am sure she is doing well. We have always known her to be sensible5 and able to make adjustments where necessary. Besides, if it truly becomes unbearable at Hunsford, she can remove to Lucas Lodge. I am sure Sir William would be kind enough to fetch his daughter if the need arises.”
“I am sure he would help his daughter, but that brings an interesting question, where are our cousin and Lady Catherine to stay? I would not be surprised if they decided to invite themselves to Lucas Lodge without informing any of them of their intentions.”
“I do not think they would be that unkind, Lizzy.”
“But I do. Only look at Lady Catherine’s sudden visit here. It is totally within her character to simply do as she pleases without any consideration for others1.”
At this point, both fell silent and returned their attention to the rest of the room. Elizabeth observed the reactions of the others in the room. Kitty was near tears and Mary sat next to her with her arm around her comforting her. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam were in conference presumably discussing Lady Catherine. Upon seeing her brother staring out the window with a grim countenance, Elizabeth stood and walked over to him.
“Brother, are you all right?”
Looking at her, he attempted a weak smile for her sake, “I will be fine. It is just painful to witness her insulting my family especially you and know that she will take out her anger on Darcy and Georgiana too. I worry for them. I have no doubt that she is on her way to Netherfield as we speak. Georgiana is too sweet and kind a girl to be forced into Lady Catherine’s care.”
“Surely, she cannot carry out her threat.”
“I wish I could be sure, but I just do not know. My uncle arranged for Darcy and I to share guardianship of Georgiana3 . It was done that way so that we could share the responsibility and that in the unlikely event that Darcy or I would meet with an untimely death, our Aunt could not take over her guardianship. I simply do not know if any provisions were made for a situation like this nor do I know to what degree my Aunt has legal sway. I know usually my cousin and I would not have a problem, but with this new revelation of my true family combined with my Aunt’s connections, I fear she may actually be able to do something.” And I know that she will carry out her threat if at all possible. 1
“If your uncle did make some kind of provision, could you not obtain a copy or something?”
Richard stopped for a moment and for the first time since Lady Catherine’s visit, he seemed a little relieved, “Yes, that may very well be so.” Turning to Elizabeth, he took her hand and squeezed it, “Thank you, sister, thank you. That may very well help us solve at least one aspect of my Aunt’s troubles.”
Elizabeth smiled and squeezed his hand back before returning to Jane who was watching them closely and obviously wanted to talk to her.
Once Elizabeth returned to her seat and began relating her conversation with their brother to Jane, Mr. Gray interrupted their and everyone else’s conversations. The looks on each individual’s face clearly said they had forgotten his presence.
“I apologize for interrupting, but I thought you would like to hear my suggestions I had been about to make before her ladyship’s interruption.”
“Of course, please do tell us.”
“It may be possible for Lady Catherine to win, but it is equally possible she may not. The only suggestion I have is to discuss this with Mr. Collins alone without her presence, though that may prove difficult. He will most likely be more reasonable. He appears to be under a great deal of stress which I know is most likely due to Lady Catherine’s demands and pressure. Knowing what I do about Lady Catherine, it is possible she is making his life very difficult at present8. It is the best solution I can offer on that issue at the moment as his acceptance of Richard as the heir would force Lady Catherine to also desist in pressing the issue. If you can gain Mr. Collins’ acceptance, she would lose her only means to success.”
He paused as he let that information sink in. Everyone thought furiously how they could somehow persuade the gentleman and to find time to speak to him alone. However, no one seemed to think of any possible way to make it happen before Mr. Gray continued, “As I had anticipated some action regarding the issue of the guardianship of Miss Darcy on Lady Catherine’s part, I took the liberty of calling upon the Darcy’s solicitor on your behalf and asked after Mr. George Darcy’s will in order to determine any alternatives that might have been provided. Unfortunately, many of their records have been damaged when the roof leaked earlier this spring, thus it will be quite a while before they can turn over any documents at all. That is also assuming that it is one of the documents that survived. Still, they mentioned an alternative source. They said that Mr. George Darcy always took one copy of every important legal document to Pemberley and that that copy may still be there. If you find that, you can prove that someone else may be guardian to Miss Darcy other than Lady Catherine in the Colonel’s stead.”
Lord Fitzwilliam nodded thoughtfully. “I will have to tell my nephew about this immediately. He might know where the documents may be found. However, knowing George Darcy, he probably put it in a secure location where my sister could not find it. My sister had a tendency to snoop whenever she visited Pemberley, so he tried to put important documents in a secret location. He told no one except Anne where he put everything. The only problem now, is if he did that with those documents, is where is it? Well, I am just conjecturing, I will have to see if Darcy knows where they are first.”
Listening to this carefully, Richard finally stood from the seat he had taken when the solicitor had started to give his advice and started for the door, “I will go tell Darcy right now. If he knows where it is, all the better, but if he should not, then we have no time to lose. Neither he nor I wish to see Georgiana in Lady Catherine’s care.”
“Wait a minute, Richard.” Mr. Bennet quickly crossed the room and leaned in and spoke quietly to him, “Tell him, if he does not know the location, that some of your sisters would be willing to come and help look if that is acceptable. The more people looking, the better and I think it would be best to remove some from Lady Catherine’s presence.” As he said the last, he glanced back at Elizabeth. Richard understood what his father meant and nodded.
“I will tell him.” With that, he left and headed straight for Netherfield.
He arrived at Netherfield to see everyone in a commotion. Listening, he could hear the sounds of arguing and crying coming from the drawing room.
As the servant paused briefly when opening the door to announce him, he overheard Miss Bingley screeching, “How dare she come in here and start ordering me about! That woman has no manners! Accusing her nephew and niece in such a way and not considering how the servants could easily hear her as could anyone present at Netherfield6 . And telling me I have no taste! Ooh!” He heard her stomp her foot before the footman announced him.
He entered the room to see Bingley having paused his reply to his sister, but his attention was quickly drawn to Darcy and Georgiana. Seeing Darcy holding Georgiana and talking soothingly to her as she cried hard, Richard clenched his jaw in anger. He quickly buried the feeling as Georgiana looked up upon hearing his name. As soon as she saw him, she broke away from her brother and ran across the room and threw her arms around her cousin, “Oh Richard, Aunt Catherine was just here, and she was so horrible. She accused Fitzwilliam of involving himself in a plot with the Bennets when he refused to help her. She tried to make me go with her. Oh Richard, I am so afraid. She is so determined I no longer stay with my brother or have anything to do with you.” She burst into tears again while Richard held her.
“It will be all right, Georgiana. Your brother and I will take care of you. Actually, it is the reason I am here to speak to your brother about your father’s provisions for your care.”
She looked up at him with hope in her eyes, “Really truly?”
“Really truly.”
Taking his arm, she started propelling him over to her brother.
“Georgiana, I should really pay my respects to the Bingley’s first.”
Overhearing the comment from her pacing spot in front of the fireplace, Miss Bingley responded, “Oh, do not worry about it. After what your Aunt . . . or I should say your former Aunt, - you must be pleased with that change - said and did today, I would be pleased by anything you can do to counter her. Not getting her way would be the perfect way to set her down.” Miss Bingley sat down and crossed her arms and mumbled to herself, “lacking in taste . . . and nobody . . . Really!.”
Sitting back, Bingley let out a deep breath of frustration. Between dealing with his friend’s irate Aunt and his sister’s change in behavior, he felt a number of emotions not the least of which was frustration. He heartily disapproved Lady Catherine’s barging into his home and felt shocked at his sister’s furious response. He did not know what to make of it and nobody else did either.
During this little exchange, Georgiana had finished pulling Richard across the room much to the momentary amusement of her brother.
“Well, it seems your arrival has cheered my sister, thank you for coming. I am assuming my Aunt paid you a call first.”
“She did indeed. We were right in the middle of a discussion of the situation with Mr. Gray when she arrived. Anyway, what I wanted to tell you was that there may be a way to end her chances of even trying to take Georgiana away.”
“What is it?”
“A copy of your father’s will.”
“That should be easily obtained. I’ll contact my solicitor . . . “
“Mr. Gray already tried, but a leaking roof has damaged much of their records and they do not know when they could find it if at all. However, your father kept copies of such documents at Pemberley. Do you have any idea where that might be?”
Darcy frowned thoughtfully for a few minutes before shaking his head, “No, I never saw one there and I have looked through all the documents that my father left there. Before he became too ill, he took me through the study and showed me as much as he could. If it is there, I do not know where it might be.”
“My . . . the Earl mentioned that your father had a secret place for such documents so that Lady Catherine could not poke around through them. Do you have any idea where that might be?”
He shook his head again, “No. As I recall, my father said something about wanting to show me something else, but by then his health faded so quickly; there was no time. He never told me what it was, but it might have been that. I will have to go look, but I have no idea how long it will take me to find it or if I even will find it. I will leave tomorrow, but I fear to leave Georgiana here with Aunt Catherine near by, so I will have to take her with me. It will take more time to travel, but it is necessary. I will not leave her to the mercy of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“I fully understand, and if you do not mind having company, I suggest myself and two or three of my sisters.”
“You know I would not mind your company, but are you sure your sisters should come along now, could not you and I and Georgiana find things without the delay of more people?”
“Actually, my father requested that my sisters come along if it is acceptable. You see, Lady Catherine was rather harsh with Lizzy.”
Darcy’s eyes met Richard’s, “What did my Aunt do? Is Elizabeth all right?”
Richard smirked to himself at his cousin’s slip, “She is fine, but it might be better to provide a greater distance between the two before more sparks fly. Besides, the more people we have looking, the sooner we will find that document.”
“True. Besides Miss Elizabeth, how many of your other sisters will come?”
“Probably Jane and Kitty. Kitty was rather upset too.”
Darcy immediately caught onto the unspoken question, “You also want me to ask Bingley to come with us, right?”
“Of course, the more to help look the better?”
“You know if I did not know your reasoning, I would be inclined to agree with that statement.”
“What do you mean?”
“You have another reason for wanting him with us and it has to do with your eldest sister.”
“I cannot imagine what you mean.”
“Oh yes you can.” Darcy walked away heading toward his friend while shaking his head, at least his sister’s spirits were improved as he saw her head bouncing back and forth as she watched the repartee between her brother and cousin.
“Bingley, could I ask you a favour?”
“Certainly, just name it?”
“I need you to come to Pemberley with me. I need to find something of my father’s, but I do not know where it is. Will you come and help look for it?”
“Of course I will. You plan to leave in the morning?”
“As early as possible. Oh and we will have to stop by Longbourn before we go.”
“As much as that is agreeable to me, why when you are in such haste?”
“Richard and three of the Miss Bennets will be coming to help search.”
“Three of the Miss Bennets? Which three?”
“Miss Jane, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Catherine.”
Bingley’s face lit up at the idea of Jane coming, “That will be wonderful, it will make the trip that much more agreeable.”
At that moment Miss Bingley came back as she had been comforting her sister on the other side of the room, “What trip?”
“Darcy, his sister and I are leaving for Pemberley tomorrow to find a document of his father’s in order to silence Lady Catherine about something else. Richard and three of the Miss Bennets are coming too. Perhaps you should come as well? After all, the more people we have looking the better.”
Miss Bingley at first looked surprised and then excited by the prospect, but then her face fell, “No, I think it would be better if I stayed here.” Both gentlemen were astonished at the mischievous look that crossed her face as her lips twitched upward, “Besides, I might be able to run a little interference with Lady Catherine while you are gone. I will be perfectly ladylike, but if she shows up while I am visiting the Bennets, she can have no qualms if I change the subject of the conversation.”
“My Aunt can be rather formidable and would have no reservations about interrupting you or speaking over you.”
“Ah, that may be so, but I do not have to listen to her. Ignoring her tantrums may not be the best option, but angering her further with arguments is worse at the moment.”
“And if she calls here?” Bingley asked.
“I will not be at home to company. She cannot argue with that or even be admitted into the house under such a circumstance. Anyway, I intend to call on the Bennets everyday while you are gone. It will add to her frustration in her desire to deal strictly with them and I doubt they will be too pleased if she tried to dismiss a guest of theirs.” She finally stood and walked off with her head held high.
Bingley and Darcy shared a look of incredulity. “Was that really your sister?”
“As odd as it may sound, yes it was. I am not entirely sure what has happened, but she has changed.”
They shook their heads and returned to making plans for the trip the next day. Soon, Richard took his leave and Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana left for their rooms to make sure they were packed and ready to leave at daybreak.
The residents of Netherfield retired for the evening immediately after finishing all arrangements. One gentleman dreamed of the lovely eldest Miss Bennet while the other’s mind drifted between another Miss Bennet and his concerns over his sister. Miss Darcy, despite the brief regaining of cheer during her cousin’s visit, slept fitfully unable to rest completely until she was away from her Aunt.
Richard returned to Longbourn and related the news and proposed to his sisters that they come. As he expected, Mary immediately refused in order to be of help at home. Kitty accepted immediately. Elizabeth hesitated until Jane encouraged her a bit and they both accepted. So, like the residents at Netherfield, several residents of Longbourn slipped away to pack and retired early so as to be ready to leave early the following morning. Some slept with apprehension, others with relief and still others with a little excitement.
References:
1) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 14
2) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 7, 13 & 19; Volume 2 Chapter 6
3) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 2 Chapter 10 & 12
4) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 13-15
5) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1 Chapter 5; Volume 2 Chapter 3
6) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 16
7) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 2 Chapter 7
8) Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3 Chapter 18