Page 19 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“No.”

“You are being unreasonable—no woman is worth losing your estate.”

“If this outlandish narrative of yours is accurate, and I am not my father’s heir, then I have no right to keep Pemberley.”

“I cannot believe you are this mulish!” She stood, raised her stick, and shook it at me. “Do not make a rash decision. Think of the scandal that would ensue if the details of your brother’s existence became known. This would hurt us all—Georgiana the most since she has yet to make her debut. But you can ensure this remains a secret. All you need to do is ask Miss Bennet to release you. She assured me she will do so if it is what you want. Once you have considered the consequences, I know you will decide to be rational.” She strode from the room.

The possible implications of my aunt’s revelation swirled in my head with a dizzying effect. I had to speak to that housekeeper. But a more immediate concern broke through my stormy thoughts: Lady Catherine must have subjected Elizabeth to hurtful and derogatory speech. I must see her without delay.

Gracechurch Street

Darcy

After a twenty-minute wait, I leaped from the sitting room chair at the approach of footsteps, eager for a glimpse of Elizabeth.

Mr. Gardiner strode towards me, his aspect gruff, eyes steely. “Mr. Darcy, are you aware that Lady Catherine de Bourgh called here today?”

“Yes, she came to my home as well, and I—”

“Your aunt used abusive language with my niece and insulted my wife as well.”

Damn it, Lady Catherine!“I am appalled at her behaviour and very sorry for the vexation she caused. How is Miss Elizabeth now?”

“She remains distressed.”

My lungs emptied of air. What must she think of me? “I am grieved to hear this. I came as soon as I learnt Lady Catherine had been here. May I see Miss Elizabeth?”

“First, let us speak in my study.”

“As you wish.”

We took seats in the wood-panelled room, and the frostiness in Mr. Gardiner’s expression thawed. “I took umbrage at my wife and niece being mistreated in my home, but it is unfair for me to blame you for your aunt’s actions.”

“Nevertheless, you have my apology.”

Mr. Gardiner’s fingers drummed upon the desk. “In light of the threats your aunt made, do you intend to end the engagement?”

“No. Nothing she said or did could induce me to change my mind.” I shifted forwards. “May I meet with Miss Elizabeth in private?”

“With her agreement, you may speak to her here, but I insist on remaining in the room.”

I clenched my mouth to forfend a frown. “Very well.”

When a solemn, puffy-eyed Elizabeth entered the study with her aunt, my arms ached to hold her. Nevertheless, I followed decorum to greet Mrs. Gardiner first, then stood before Elizabeth, locking my limbs at my sides. “I am dismayed at Lady Catherine’s abusive conduct.” I sent Mrs. Gardiner a glance. “I hope you will both accept my apology for her offensive remarks.”

“You are not culpable for her actions.” Elizabeth’s voice sounded foreign and weak.

“Indeed, that is true.” Mrs. Gardiner presented a fleeting smile.

“In any case, I wish I had been here to forestall her.”

“You must tell me…” Elizabeth avoided my gaze. “Do you wish to be released from our engagement?”

“No, I should never want that.” My hand inched towards her, then fell back again. Mr. Gardiner’s inimical presence deterred me from touching her; if he chose to do so, he could deny me access to Elizabeth.

Her chest heaved. “But…Lady Catherine alleged she could cause you to lose Pemberley. Did she dissemble?”

“That remains to be seen. My aunt recounted a disturbing tale this afternoon that I must share with you.”

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