Page 33 of Roses from Pemberley
“Hmm,” said Lady Catherine, with a look of skepticism. “People seem to forget that we from a different generation were also…once in love.”
“So you and your husband were a love match?” asked Elizabeth abruptly.
“We were,” responded Lady Catherine as if she were agreeing to a question about the weather.
Elizabeth wondered if she would speak more about her marriage, but she changed the subject again by saying, “I wish for the same for my daughter…andmy nephews. Particularly, Darcy.”
“You wish for Mr. Darcy to have a love match?” asked Elizabeth, attempting to clarify.
“Do you find it unusual that I would?”
“I do not know,” replied Elizabeth honestly. “I only know that persons in your circles frequently consider other factors when contemplating matrimony - things such as money, connections…a title. So it is surprising that Your Ladyship would speak only of love.”
Lady Catherine smiled. “My, but you are a forthright young lady!”
“I apologise if I offend.”
“Not at all, Miss Bennet. For I find this to be a remarkably refreshing conversation. But you are correct, most persons of thetonoften think only about social standing when consideringmarriage. ButIhave never thought that such things conferred happiness. And my husband, Sir Lewis, was the same.”
“You agree with me, then?” asked Elizabeth with a grin.
“Or perhaps it isyouwho are agreeing withme,” responded Lady Catherine.
Elizabeth chuckled and gave a small nod of acquiescence. They spoke of other matters. Eventually, after about ten more minutes of conversation, Lady Catherine announced her intention to leave.
“I enjoyed talking with you today, Lady Catherine,” said Elizabeth. “Thank you for calling. And again, please thank Mr. Darcy for the lovely roses.”
“You may be certain I will. And do not be surprised if he calls within the next day or so.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I look forward to it.”
Lady Catherine took her leave and Elizabeth was left alone to ponder what had just happened. It appeared as if Lady Catherine was attempting to bring Darcy and herself together. She stared at the pale pink and yellow roses and thought of him. And then she thought,It is one thing for Lady Catherine to attempt to play matchmaker, but what of Darcy himself?
CHAPTER 16 The Call
Darcy lounged on the terrace, wondering what was happening at the parsonage. He had spent the entire morning alone and wondered for the hundredth time if he should have gone there today. Bingley was already there, of course, enjoying the company of Jane Bennet after days of rain without seeing her. Richard and Anne were driving around in the phaeton, having planned a picnic at the folly; and his aunt was visiting Elizabeth Bennet.
A part of him wished to hear how the visit went, but another part did not, afraid that Elizabeth still despised him. Perhaps she thought that the flowers he sent were too presumptuous. He paced the terrace for a while then sat down again. Afterwards he went inside and found a book he had been reading and began to read it. It was interesting at first, but soon ceased to hold his interest. He put it down.
Becoming more anxious, he stood up abruptly and began to walk towards Hunsford. But, instead of going to it, he chose his preferred lane deeper into the woods and sat once more on the fallen log he had sat on the day he proposed. He sat there and pondered his future. He knew that Lady Catherine was right. He would have to visit Elizabeth sometime…and soon. Everyoneelse had done so and it would look odd if he was the only one who did not. He decided to go the next day. Or at the very least, the day after that. It all depended on what Lady Catherine said when she returned.
He looked towards the parsonage and saw, in the distance, Lady Catherine’s carriage parked just outside the front gate. And then he noticed that it had begun to move. Darcy ran after it, waving his arms and yelling. The coachman did not appear to notice him so, not wishing to miss it, Darcy ran towards the front of it and attempted to grab the horses' reins. It stopped abruptly and Lady Catherine leaned her head out the window.
“Darcy! What is the meaning of this? We almost hit you! What, in heaven’s name, has come over you?”
He opened the door and stepped into the carriage, taking the seat opposite his aunt. “How did your visit go with Miss Elizabeth?”
“Could you not have waited till I returned to Rosings?”
Darcy looked at her in frustration. “I apologise, Aunt, but I was in the woods and I saw your carriage…”
“And what, precisely, were you doing in the woods?”
Darcy closed his eyes, unable to explain himself.
“Yes?” continued his aunt.
“I was simply out for a walk…then noticed your carriage, and wished to know about your call. But if you would prefer not to tell me, then I shall walk back to Rosings…”
