Christmas at Pemberley

would not have accepted the lieutenant’s attentions if she’d not thought herself well satisfied. Anne is of age,Your Ladyship.”

“Meaning if I refuse, I could lose my daughter, and if I agree, I shall lose her.” Elizabeth observed the gamut of emotions displayed on the lady’s face. It was a telling moment that Darcy’s aunt showed any weakness whatsoever.

“If you permit their joining, Miss De Bourgh and the lieutenant would remain at Rosings,” Elizabeth reminded her.

As she pulled at her hands, Lady Catherine said defensively, “I wouldn’t be alone. Is that the implication, Mrs. Darcy?”

Elizabeth shot a doubtful glance toward the door. Should she ask Darcy to return? “None of us wishes to be alone, becoming tied to the earth. Being counted successful, but knowing a personal deprivation.” She released Lady Catherine’s fingertips. “It would be my choice in your situation to keep my family close — not because I was an object of pity, but because I have much knowledge to pass on to my child, leaving her secure in her future.”

“What makes you so certain, Mrs. Darcy, that if Anne aligns herself with Southland that I’ll have a care for her future?”

“Because, Your Ladyship, you honor family. You never wanted me at Pemberley because you wanted to align your branch of the family with that of your dear sister’s. You’ve returned to my husband’s house because you desire a connection to your family — to your niece and nephew.”

“Yet, neither wants me here,” Lady Catherine said unguardedly.

Elizabeth’s voice rose in her husband’s defense. “Mr. Darcy’s allegiance to family is as deep as yours, Ma’am. He’ll not turn his back on his cousin if Anne chooses Southland.”

“So, Darcy would circumvent my position if I object to Anne’s engagement?” Lady Catherine asked incredulously.

“You know Mr. Darcy’s sense of duty as well as any. Can you imagine his turning away from Miss De Bourgh?” After a few moments’ silence, Elizabeth said, “You didn’t appear earlier to have a strong disdain for Anne’s choice. Why is it that you have retreated from the possibility? With your familial deference, I cannot imagine your not wanting to experience the thrill of recognizing your own grandchildren. And what of your grand nieces and nephews? Tell me, Your Ladyship, that you have no desire to see your flesh give birth,” Elizabeth demanded.

“I never said I’ve no desire to know Anne’s children or Lindale’s or Fitzwilliam’s or those of Georgiana!”

Elizabeth took offense that Darcy’s aunt omitted knowing her children. “Then what are you saying, Your Ladyship?” Elizabeth was on her feet — no longer content to sit in subjugation to Darcy’s aunt.

“I’m saying, Mrs. Darcy, that I may not know any of these children beyond Lindale’s. I have little time: I’m dying, Madam!”

Chapter 17

Elizabeth froze in mid-step. “That’s not amusing, Your Ladyship.”

“It’s not a topic I would take lightly, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Catherine said sadly.

Elizabeth returned to the footstool and recaptured Her Ladyship’s hands. “How do you know this?”

“Doctor Lipton — in London.” Lady Catherine’s eyes misted with tears, and Elizabeth noted the defeat in the woman’s shoulders. “I’ve an enlarged area in my stomach. It’s too great for the surgeon.”

Elizabeth’s own eyes blinked back tears. “How long?”

“Six months — a year — maybe two. As the illness progresses, Lipton shall gave me laudanum, but that shall be the extent of his assistance.”

Elizabeth fished a handkerchief from her sleeve and slipped it into Lady Catherine’s trembling hand. “Are you in much pain?” She choked back her grief.

“Constant discomfort, but not pain. Not yet.”

Elizabeth’s mind raced with a thousand questions. “Does Miss De Bourgh know?” If so, it might explain Anne’s speedy acceptance of the lieutenant’s attentions — someone to protect her.

Lady Catherine discreetly dabbed at her eyes. “No. No one knows but you.”

Elizabeth couldn’t fathom such a disclosure. “Why me? Why tell me?”

“Because I must tell someone,” Lady Catherine said flatly.“And if nothing else, Mrs. Darcy, you are circumspect. You would take a secret to your grave, and that’s exactly what I expect you to do.”

“Surely, you’ll allow me to tell Fitzwilliam.”

Her Ladyship frowned. “No one, Mrs. Darcy,” she said emphatically. “I want no one’s pity. If Darcy accepts my gestures, I wish it to be because he finds a need for his aunt in his life, not because he holds regret.”

Elizabeth swallowed hard. “It’ll be as you wish,Your Ladyship.” They sat in silence for several minutes, each contemplating what had just occurred between them. “The strength of your resolve is beyond my comprehension, Ma’am,” Elizabeth said softly.

“No pity from you either, Mrs. Darcy. I shan’t tolerate your allowing me free reign just because Lipton has pronounced me ill. If you do, I’ll make your life miserable — purposely run roughshod over your household.”

“That shan’t happen, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth reassured.

The corners of Lady Catherine’s mouth turned up in approval. “Good. We’ll deal well with each other.”

“It would seem that we should make arrangements for Anne’s marriage as soon as possible. That she has been compromised plays well to the speed of Miss De Bourgh’s joining.” Elizabeth began to organize her thoughts.

“Why would I wish this so?” Lady Catherine asked suspiciously.

Elizabeth ignored the woman’s tone. “Because you want to see Anne safely in the care of an honest gentleman. And if we wait, Miss De Bourgh may have to spend a year in mourning with no one to assist her with Rosings or with personal decisions.We’ll let it be known that you don’t approve, but you’ll accept Anne’s decision. It’ll deflect emphasis from your illness. You’ll have time to transition the estate into Southland’s able hands. When you arrive in Kent, charge Mr. Collins with calling the banns. That would put the marriage a month off, which gives Viscountess Lindale time to recover before traveling from Lincolnshire.”

“What of your own confinement?” Lady Catherine asked curiously.

A bitter smile touched Elizabeth’s mouth. “I should’ve known that you would be aware of my condition.”

“We are family, Mrs. Darcy.”

“We are, Your Ladyship.” Elizabeth’s voice softened. “I’ll be well into my sixth month. The trip may take longer than expected, but Fitzwilliam and I shall attend.” Another moment of silence occurred. “Let me ring for Mr. Nathan and order some tea, as well as some toast and jam. I suppose the negotiations must begin.” Elizabeth rose to tug on the bell cord. “Mr. Darcy’s idea of Edward’s presence seems a logical solution. It’ll appear that the colonel initiated the match.” Elizabeth sat in a nearby chair. “Should I remain, Your Ladyship? If you prefer, I’ll withdraw after serving the tea.”

“You must stay, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Catherine insisted. “For but one, I’ve no secrets from you.”

Elizabeth couldn’t resist the taunt. It was her nature. “You may as well share that one also, Your Ladyship.”

Lady Catherine leveled a sympathetic gaze on Elizabeth. “I’ll tell you because it may bring you hope. Anne was my third child. The first two didn’t survive.”

“There you are,” Georgiana said as she entered the library.

Edward spun around in surprise. “I apologize, Georgie,” he said tentatively. “I was unaware that you sought