Page 24 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Please extend an apology on my behalf to Miss Bennet as well.”

“Yes, I shall do so.”

Lady Catherine nodded. “No one can deny she is well below our social sphere,butif you are set upon having her, I suppose you could have done worse.”

I bit the inside of my mouth, tempering my response. “She is the best possible match for me.”

“Spoken like a fool in love.” Lady Catherine elevated her posture and directed a bony finger at me. “Mark my words, a strong-willed woman such as she will make you a contentious wife.”

“I have no doubt of that.”

My uncle took Lady Catherine’s hand. “You and Anne ought to come and stay with us.”

“No, thank you. Anne has accepted her fate and wants…um…to spend her last days at her beloved estate. We leave for Rosings tomorrow. You and your family are welcome to join us there.”

Lord Matlock shifted towards Lady Matlock. “I am obligated to remain in town for at least the next two weeks, but I believe my wife may be able to go sooner.”

She touched his arm. “Yes, I also have engagements I must keep, but I shall go to Rosings as often as possible. And I am certain Richard and Henry will do the same.”

Lady Catherine raised her sight to me. “Darcy, despite everything, I hope you will come and stay for a while too.”

“Yes, of course.” A lump formed in my throat; any time I spent in Kent meant a separation from Elizabeth. “I am obligated to attend my friend’s wedding next week and shall go to Rosings soon afterwards.”

Lady Matlock cleared her throat. May we see Anne now?”

“I am afraid not. She has taken a draught and is asleep. You could come back this evening, perhaps at eight. I expect she will be awake then.”

Lord and Lady Matlock voiced their agreement. I promised to return tonight with Georgiana. We all took seats, and my uncle addressed Lady Catherine. “Did you fabricate the tale of Darcy having a brother?”

“No. Nevertheless, I regret ever having mentioned the matter.” She turned to me. “I pray you will forget I ever disclosed this information.”

“That is not possible.”

“What do you mean? There is nothing to be done. Perhaps if this information had come to light fifteen or twenty years ago, steps could have been taken then. But it is far too late now. No good could come from digging in the past.”

“I must speak to your housekeeper. If she sounds the least bit credible and can provide specifics, I intend to determine whether or not her story is true.”

My aunt’s features contorted. “Darcy, you must not pursue this quagmire—it would be foolhardy and could lead to your ruin!”

“You cannot expect me to overlook the possibility I might have a brother.”

“You can and you must! You are too intelligent to disregard the possible dangers of this action.”

“I am aware of the risks.”

“Are you resolved to go forward with this?”

“Yes.”

Lady Catherine sighed. “Very well.” With laboured movements, she rang for Mrs. Pike.

A round-faced, stout woman entered the room and approached Lady Catherine. “Yes, madam?”

“You will remember my brother, Lord Matlock, and his wife, Lady Matlock.” Lady Catherine gestured to me. “This is my nephew, Mr. Darcy. He wishes to ask you a few questions.”

The colour drained from Mrs. Pike’s complexion as she faced me. “I do not understand, sir. Why would you wish to speak tome?”

I drew closer and stopped within a few feet of the housekeeper. “Mrs. Pike, you told my aunt that you attended my birth. You said I have a brother. Did you speak the truth?”

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