Page 23 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

Lord Matlock rested his elbow upon the chair. “Even as a lad, you demonstrated superior judgment to most men of my acquaintance. I cannot imagine you would err in a decision of this significance. Very well, my boy, you have my support.”

Thank the stars. The tension in my back dissipated.

“And my wife will do her part as well.” He fixed upon Lady Matlock with an intent look.

My aunt, though, wore a deepening frown. “I wish you would reconsider, Darcy. If you were to make an advantageous match, you would confer a benefit to Georgiana and your future children. My goodness, think of your parents. Do you suppose they would agree with your plan to wed an unknown, penniless country lady?”

“With all due respect, I have contemplated the possible negative ramifications of my choice, and they do not sway me. If my parents still lived, their objections would be apt to mirror yours. In the end, though, they would not deny me a love match with a gentleman’s daughter.”

Her attitude shrank. “Well, it is plain to see you are determined to have your way. You may be assured I shall do what is best for the family.”

“Thank you, Aunt, Uncle.” The pressure in my chest abated, yet the most troubling subject remained to be addressed. “Lady Catherine has made a disturbing allegation.” I recounted her declaration and threat.

Richard groaned. “This fiction from Lady Catherine is too fantastic to be true. She must be desperate to have you as a son-in-law to concoct such a preposterous tale.”

“She must be mad!” Lord Matlock shifted towards his wife. “A scandal like this would be disastrous for the entire family.”

“Yes, and your sister is not ignorant of the danger.” Lady Matlock tapped the arm of her chair. “I am certain she would never make this story public.”

“The foolish woman!” Lord Matlock slapped a hand on his thigh. “I agree with Richard. She invented this atrocious lie.”

“Perhaps, but I must determine the truth. If I have a brother, I cannot disregard that fact.”

Richard’s fingers brushed over his chin. “If the tale is true, how will you proceed?”

“If my brother exists and he is the first born, he must receive his birthright.”

“Good Lord!” My uncle rubbed his forehead. “It would be a damnable shame if you gave up Pemberley. I advise you against pursuing this Pandora’s box. What if your brother is an unprincipled man? This could be disastrous—not just for you and Georgiana but for everyone dependent upon Pemberley’s success.”

“Nevertheless, I must find out if my brother exists.”

My uncle rose to his feet. “In that case, we ought to determine whether there is any validity to the yarn as soon as possible. Shall we pay my sister a call?”

I stood. “Yes.”

de Bourgh House, London

Darcy

I waited with Lord and Lady Matlock in the opulent drawing-room: a visual onslaught of gaudy furnishings in shades of gold, black, and red. Richard had declined to accompany us, citing his need to return to the barracks.

After a few minutes, Lady Catherine lumbered in. She bore little resemblance to the fierce woman who had confrontedme yesterday. Her tall form had a hunched appearance, and a heavy application of face powder failed to mask the swollen areas surrounding her red-rimmed eyes. I strode to her. “Lady Catherine, what ails you?”

“Nothing, I am not ill.” Her gaze progressed to include Lord and Lady Matlock. “There is no use in concealment any longer. Anne is dying. She has brain cancer, and the doctors believe she has less than two months to live.”

Anne is dying?I kneaded my fingers against my sternum. “Aunt, I am…so sorry.”

“Thank you, Darcy.” She sounded faint, almost unrecognisable. I took her hand and gave it a squeeze, then moved aside as my uncle and Lady Matlock came forwards.

Lord Matlock held his sister’s shoulders. “Catherine, this is dreadful news.”

“This is so awful and unexpected.” Lady Matlock wrung her hands.

“Are you certain there is no mistake?” My uncle glanced at me. “Darcy’s doctor has a fine reputation. We must get a second opinion.”

“Three of the finest physicians in town have examined her, and they are in agreement.” With a shudder, Lady Catherine turned to me. “Anne had stated in the past she did not want to marry you, but I assumed she had spoken to preserve her pride—since you had never proposed to her. When she received this diagnosis, I fixed upon the notion that as your wife she may find happiness in her final weeks. But I was mistaken. She stated in no uncertain terms today she has never wanted to marry anyone. I am very sorry, Darcy. Neither you nor Miss Bennet deserved my interference and vitriol.”

“I understand and forgive you.”

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