Page 29 of Roses from Pemberley
“Really, Aunt,” said Darcy, “I do not need any assistance. Though I am thankful for your…consideration.”
Darcy felt relieved that Lady Catherine was no longer against his attachment to Elizabeth. But it also made him more uncomfortable, for he could no longer use her as an excuse to stay at Rosings when everyone else went to the parsonage.
“So, shall you come with us or not?” persisted Lady Catherine.
“Do you mind if I decide in the morning?”
“Why? So you may have the whole night to think about it?”
“Yes…perhaps…”
“Very well. You may tell me tomorrow if you wish to come. But I highly suggest you do!”
Darcy smiled. “I shall take that into consideration.”
Lady Catherine sipped her tea while Darcy took another sip of his port.
“Besides which,” Lady Catherine continued a little while later, “I can see now that Anne does not love you and never did. And I would not wish for my daughter to be in a loveless marriage.”
“Thank you, Mother,” murmured Anne.
Lady Catherine nodded musingly. Then she suddenly turned to Anne and asked, “You are in love with Richard, are you not?”
Darcy nearly choked on his drink at Lady Catherine’s sudden change of topic. Thankfully he was no longer the object of it. He saw that everyone was looking at Anne, particularly Mrs. Jenkinson who sat beside her with a faint smile. He had actually never seen Mrs. Jenkinson smile so much before.
But Anne remained silent and now looked at her hands.
“Do not worry,” continued Lady Catherine, “for I did not actually expect an answer.”
“ButIwould like an answer,” said Richard, not taking his eyes off Anne.
Anne, however, continued to look down, her hands tightening around her handkerchief.
It was then that Mrs. Jenkinson intervened. “Would it not be unseemly, Colonel, for a woman to declare her love before the object of it has declaredhis?” She looked reprovingly at Richard, who had the good sense to blush.
“Yes, you are absolutely right, Mrs. Jenkinson,” agreed Lady Catherine. She then turned her attention to Richard and added, “So tell me, Nephew,doyou have any interest in my daughter?”
Darcy smiled, glad once more not to be the centre of attention, and also glad that it was now Richard.
Richard pulled on the upper edge of his cravat and said without expression, “Yes, I am interested.”
Anne smiled and Lady Catherine leaned back in her chair. She looked like one who had accomplished great things that day. And Darcy thought to himself that she had.
“Very well,” she said complacently. “You may proceed with your courtship.”
“Thank you, Aunt Catherine,” said Richard.
“Yes, thank you, Mother,” said Anne.
The conversation continued but Anne and Richard kept taking glances at one another.
Eventually, Lady Catherine stood and announced, “I believe I have done enough for today and shall retire.”
“Goodnight, Aunt,” said Darcy.
She gave him a long look with furrowed brows, then sailed out of the room without another word. Mrs. Jenkinson and Dr. Stephens followed soon afterwards.
“Well, my friend,” said Bingley, as Richard took the opportunity to sit closer to Anne and engage her in conversation, “you seem to be the only one not making progress with your courtship.”
