Page 56 of A Different Impression

Elizabeth felt warmth rise into her cheeks but nodded.

“I do not know what your mother may have told you before the wedding. Was William kind?”

“Very,” Elizabeth managed. After taking a steadying breath, she continued, “I was not as well prepared as I might have wished, but William was very kind. I have neither complaints nor questions. Might we leave the subject there?”

“Of course.” Aunt Susan patted her hand. “I have no daughter of my own, and since Lady Anne’s death, I have tried to act as a mother to William and Georgiana when they required one. I merely wished to assure myself that all was well.”

“It is,” Elizabeth said, smiling despite her embarrassment.

The conversation turned to Elizabeth’s new responsibilities at Darcy House and Pemberley. Aunt Susan offered to advise her on updating her chambers and proposed that they shop together once the present crisis was settled. By the time the gentlemen returned, they had made tentative plans for the expedition.

William smiled when he found them conversing so comfortably, and Elizabeth thought she understood why. He had spoken often of Aunt Susan’s importance to both him and Georgiana since his mother’s death, and she knew her aunt’s welcome meant a great deal to him. His obvious pleasure warmed her, for she had come to value Aunt Susan’s affection as well.

When Aunt Susan mentioned their plans to shop for Elizabeth’s rooms, William offered to accompany them. Elizabeth suggested that they begin at her uncle’s warehouses before visiting the more fashionable establishments, and Aunt Susan readily agreed.

“When will you announce your marriage, Darcy?” Lord Matlock asked. “I placed the engagement announcement as you requested, but how do you intend to explain the change of date?”

“In Meryton, we explained that Anne’s illness and the possibility of my being required at Rosings had caused us to advance the wedding,” William said. “I see no reason to offer a different account here. Regardless of what we say, some will expect an early babe, and there will already be sufficient conjecture about my marrying a woman previously unknown in society.”

“Then we shall quietly ensure that society understands the seriousness of Anne’s condition and your possible obligations at Rosings,” Aunt Susan replied. “That should also explain Anne’s inheritance and Catherine’s absence from society.”

Elizabeth nodded, seeing no better explanation.

William turned towards her. “Uncle and I also believe that we should travel to Rosings late next week, if you are agreeable. We must establish Anne’s control of the estate and determine what else must be done. I shall oversee matters at Rosings while Uncle deals with Lady Catherine.”

“And what will become of her?” Elizabeth asked.

“We intend to send Catherine to my estate in Ireland,” Uncle James answered. “It is sufficiently remote that she will have little society, and we shall say that she has gone there for her health. Without prosecuting her, exile is the most effective means we possess of preventing her from harming anyone else.”

Elizabeth disliked the necessity of concealing crimes so terrible, but she understood the consequences should they become public. More importantly, Lady Catherine would be separated from Anne and prevented from harming her again.

With those decisions made, Elizabeth and William needed only to meet Anne and learn what she wished for her future.

CHAPTER 24

An Unwanted Inheritance

Later that afternoon, Darcy and Elizabeth went to Matlock House to meet with Anne. Earlier, Lord Matlock had warned Darcy that Anne had not left her rooms since arriving in London. He was therefore surprised to find her seated in the drawing room, although several footmen had apparently been required to assist her downstairs.

“Thank you for coming, Darcy,” she greeted him, her face expressionless. She remained in her chair. “This is your Elizabeth?”

Anne’s eyes widened at the sight of Darcy’s smile, and some of her customary reserve appeared to soften.

“Yes, this is my Elizabeth,” he replied. He brought Elizabeth’s hand to his lips and kissed it, keeping her hand within his. “Anne, I would like to introduce you to Mrs Elizabeth Darcy, Elizabeth, my cousin, Anne.”

The two ladies acknowledged the introduction. Anne inclined her head, while Elizabeth offered her a welcoming smile.

“I am very pleased to meet you, Miss de Bourgh,” Elizabeth said.

Anne turned to Darcy. “I understand you and Uncle have decided to exile my mother to Ireland for her role in my father’s death and for slowly poisoning me.” Her voice was brittle and obviously weak.

Darcy replied with a nod. “That is what we intend. What are your thoughts on the plan?”

Anne shrugged. “It is not enough, yet it is likely the best solution. There would be a tremendous public outcry if the truth became known, and I prefer to avoid that sort of attention.”

“We all do,” Darcy agreed.

“I have named you as the heir to Rosings in my will,” Anne said abruptly. “Richard has never given any indication that he wishes to leave the army, and I believe Rosings would be more burden than gift to him. For the present, I wish you and Uncle James to act on my behalf in managing the estate, with you having the final authority. My solicitor can prepare whatever documents are necessary. I do not intend ever to return there.”