Chapter 6
October 1805
Rosings Park’s ambience was as gloomy as expected. There was a quietness that was not present before, where the staff spoke in hushed tones and kept the candles burning low.
Mr. Darcy had left his wife and Georgiana at Darcy House in London and travelled to Kent with Lord Matlock only. Knowing that Lady Catherine would be unreasonable with Sir Lewis’ will, both gentlemen wanted to safeguard their families from the vulgar woman who was likely to spew many in invectives when the final decision was revealed.
“Oh, Lewis,” Lord Matlock sighed, “why did you not tell us earlier of your condition? Last letter you sent made me believe you had several months left.”
Sir Lewis chuckled then coughed violently. “Would you have come earlier? Perhaps my dying is the only way to have our reunions. We have had many good adventures, had we not?”
Mr. Darcy sighed as he took a seat. “We certainly have, Lewis; many wonderful adventures together. Our Grand Tour together was one for the ages and there has never been a better tour, I am certain.”
Sir Lewis smiled, “Meeting you, George, was a true blessing in my life. Because of your information, I was able to report the plot on King George’s life and I received my knighthood. Because of you, I met Henry,” he nodded at Lord Matlock, “and married my wife and had my dear Anne. My life has been full and I am satisfied.”
“I was a lad who was only confused and went to you to ask you many questions, Lewis.” Mr. Darcy replied, “No one else might have believed me but you trusted me and you had been a good friend to me.”
“I only regret that I was not a better husband to Catherine. I allowed her to have her own way too long and she has become a shrew in her old age.” Sir Lewis gasped for several breaths. “I wish for Anne to find happiness. I know she has a weak constitution and will not be on earth for very long but I will be patient to see her in heaven later. Please, Henry, George, please promise me that you will care for her. She is the only thing that matters to me now. My dear Anne has been the joy of my life and it has been good to spend my final days with her, but I worry that she will become devastated and will be most unhappy.” He paused for a minute and gasped for breath.
“I will call for Anne now.” Mr. Darcy instructed the footman and returned to sit next to his friend and patted his shoulder. “I promise, Lewis. She will be loved and be comfortable for the rest of her life. She will be treasured, Lewis.”
“Thank you, George.” Sir Lewis breathed laboriously.
Anne de Bourgh soon ran into the room and wailed, “Papa! No, papa, you cannot leave me!”
“My dear... Anne... your uncles... will... take care... of you.” He struggled for another breath. “I love you... dear... daughter. Be... good...” He spoke no more.
Anne sobbed as she grabbed her father’s chest and lay over his body.
Lord Matlock and Mr. Darcy wiped their eyes and solemnly stood next to the bed. Mrs. Jenkinson walked over to her charge and comforted her, rubbing her back gently and smoothing her hair.
Lady Catherine soon walked into her husband’s bed and sighed, “Is it over? What will become of me now? Why did he have to die before leaving me in charge?” She bemoaned.
“You never cease to amaze me with your cold heart, Catherine.” Lord Matlock roared. “Get out of my sight. I do not want you here.”
Lady Catherine huffed, “Anne! Enough now. Come with me. Mrs. Jenkinson, bring her to my rooms now. I wish to console with my daughter.” She turned and left without a look at Mr. Darcy.
“I have never seen a more heartless woman, Henry.” Mr. Darcy sighed. “She has no care for anything but for her own selfish being.”
“I know it. I thought she would be at least sad with the loss of her husband but she showed no emotions at all.” Lord Matlock shook his head. “I will call for the parson and we will begin preparations for the funeral.”
Mr. Darcy nodded in agreement and instructed the footmen with his orders, then began to compose a letter to his wife while awaiting the parson’s arrival.
~*~
“Anne,” Lady Catherine sighed, “you must cease your crying now. I have to share with you several things that your father had wished for you to know after his passing.”
Anne, who had been crying endlessly sat up straighter and wiped her face. “Yes, mama. I am trying.”
“Mrs. Jenkinson, I need you to go Hunsford to bring the parson here. I pay close attention to the needs of this household and I know my brothers are far too stupid to see to the details. We will need to have my husband's body prepared and dressed in his best clothes and the black ribbons hung.” Lady Catherine instructed. “You must go and find my housekeeper as well, since I had sent her on an errand before realising that Lewis would decide to die on me now.”
“But ma’am, why not send a footman or a maidservant? I should be here to comfort Miss Anne.” Mrs. Jenkinson argued.
“BECAUSE I...” Lady Catherine softened her tone, “I am grieving for the loss of my dear husband and I know you are most capable. I do not trust anyone else to follow my instructions to ensure all is followed. Please, do this for me in my time of need. My daughter and I need privacy to mourn.”
Mrs. Jenkinson softened at the humility of the lady of the manor. Lady Catherine had never spoken so kindly before and after a kiss on Miss Anne’s temple, she headed out of doors to do as requested.
“Anne,” Lady Catherine began, “I have packed a small bag for you and we must depart now.
