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Chapter 20
Posted on Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Darcy had a good idea where his wife had fled. It was their favorite retreat, the place where he had asked her to marry him, the place where they had shared their first kiss, and the place where they had finally declared their love to each other.
Both Anne and Darcy struggled to keep their passions in check. Two months before, they had discovered how much they desired each other. Being satisfied with a mere kiss was becoming more and more difficult.
Wanting to be alone, they agreed to go for a walk. As always, their footsteps led them to their favorite glen. So many precious memories were associated with the spot that they went there by silent agreement. Once assured of their privacy, they were in each other’s arms.
“I have missed you so!” Anne whispered as her lover trailed kisses down her neck.
“No more than I have you.” His lips had reached the fabric of her bodice. He wished to explore lower but knew it was dangerous. Instead he reversed his course and eventually came to repossess her lips. Their mouths did battle for several minutes until Darcy realized he must stop them. He knew she could feel his ‘reaction’ against her stomach.
He ended their kiss and pulled her more tightly against him. Disguise was useless now, so instead he would relish the feel of her body against his.
“Forgive me,” he pleaded.
“For what? For giving me as much pleasure as you took? We marry in a month.” Then she added in a whisper, “I do not know how I can wait either.” Her response pleased him beyond measure. She struggled as much with her desire for him as he did with his desire for her.
Darcy looked down at her and she lifted her chin to look at him.
“Would you allow me to tell you how much I have come to love you, my dearest Anne?”
Anne’s face was radiant, full to overflowing with extreme joy. “Oh Fitzwilliam, only if you allow me to return the sentiment. I love none but you – fully, completely and passionately.”
Far from restraining their ardor, their declarations only increased it. Suddenly their hands were exploring places they had never been given freedom to explore before. They came to be lying next to each other and Darcy was beginning to reach down to lift Anne’s skirts when rationality returned. He found himself apologizing again. Anne would not let him shoulder the blame alone, but it was sobering enough that they realized the danger they were in and stopped before they went too far.Darcy had just returned to Kent prior to the wedding. Since the engagement, he had been to Town and to Pemberley to prepare to take Anne as his bride. The changes he had deemed necessary to welcome Anne as the new mistress of his possessions were now complete. The legal documents pertaining to the match were signed. All that was left to do was to wait until the month before the wedding had passed.
Darcy also remembered how they had returned to their glen after they had married. They gloried in reliving their encounter and enjoyed seeing it to its natural end as a husband and wife could.
He slowly ambled toward the sanctuary. Darcy knew his wife needed time to consider all she had learned over the course of the past four days. Until today, they held out a slim hope that this was all a gross misunderstanding, but Lady Catherine's admission of her daughter’s unknown parentage had shattered the last encumbrance to the acceptance of Anne’s true birthright. To this point, she had managed to remain calm, but in the face of Lady Catherine’s confession, Anne had finally lost her composure. He wondered what was going through her heart and mind.
Sure enough, Darcy found his wife exactly where he expected. She sat on a bench he had placed there on their last visit. Anne must have heard him approaching because she looked at him when he appeared.
“I knew I would find you here in our refuge.”
Anne bit her lip and turned her head to look away from him. Darcy was afraid she might react that way. He strode over and sat next to her on their bench.
“Please, dearest, do not turn from me now.”
Anne stood up and walked a few paces away. She still would not face her husband and her arms hugged her body.
“I should not have come here. I thought in this place I might find peace. Instead I feel like an interloper and an impostor.”
Darcy moved behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Anne…”
She whirled away, “Please, please do not touch me. It only makes it more difficult for me, especially here where there are so many memories.
"I… I have come to a decision. I will not challenge it if you wish to annul our marriage. I fully understand if you wish to repudiate Elizabeth as your lawful heir. I plan to ask Mr. and Mrs. Bennet if I may seek refuge with them as their daughter…”
“Stop it, Anne.”
“Elizabeth, Elizabeth Bennet!” Anne cried.
Darcy had had enough. Before Anne could react, he had his arm around her and pulled her sobbing body to his. His words tumbled out. “No. You are Anne Darcy. I thought we had already discussed this. You may have been born Elizabeth Bennet but you were christened and raised as Anne de Bourgh. I took you as my wife, and until death do us part, you will remain Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Darcy ceased speaking for a moment and relaxed his grip on Anne. She did not try to escape his embrace. When he began again, his tone was much gentler. “I know why you are reacting this way, but I am not going to allow you to doubt me. I love you, Anne; I have for a long time. You may not be my cousin by birth, but you are my wife by covenant and it will remain that way. I will allow nothing else.”
He kissed her then, a possessive kiss leaving her in no doubt of his intentions. At first Anne tried to break away but he would not allow it. Before long she was kissing him back with equal desperation. Soon they were in a frenzied renewal of their vows.
Within minutes it was over and they were shocked at the spontaneity and intensity of their encounter. It was what they had most needed to reassure each other that they would remain faithful to their love.
After righting themselves, Darcy and Anne made their way back to the house. Upon entering, they were told both the Bennets and Lady Catherine had retired to their rooms.
“We should go to our rooms as well before we see Mrs. Stuart,” Anne suggested.
“No, I think it is better that she sees you as you are.”
“My clothing is in disarray, not to mention my hair, and I desperately need to wash my face. Anyone who sees me will know I have been crying.”
“Which is why I think we should go and confront Stuart now. She knows the truth about your adoption. She’s fiercely loyal to you and the signs of your distress may induce her to say more than she would otherwise.”
Anne really did not want to face her devoted servant as she was, but she acquiesced to her husband’s wishes.
Maggie Stuart was shocked when the Darcys arrived. They always sent word well in advance when they returned to Rosings. This time, however, no one had any warning that they were coming. Maggie was delighted to catch a glimpse of the baby before she was whisked upstairs to her newly decorated nursery. Only then did Maggie take a look at the people who had accompanied her master and mistress. She could barely keep her jaw from dropping when she saw the unknown girl. The shock was that the girl, while a stranger, was recognizable. Suddenly Maggie knew these people must be Miss Anne’s true family. Somehow they had stumbled onto each other. This day had become the day of reckoning.
Quickly schooling her features, Maggie did as she was instructed and saw the two young girls to their room. From there, she made her way to the library, leaving directives that she was awaiting the Darcys and was not to be disturbed unless necessary until she had seen her employers.
In the solitude of the library, with books as her only witnesses, Maggie had to decide what she would do. She had no doubt that Lady Catherine would adhere to the story that the entire plot was Sir Lewis’ idea. They had spent years perfecting the tale; Maggie knew it as well as Lady Catherine. Thus she could corroborate Lady Catherine’s story or she could reveal the truth. Either way, Anne would be unhappy with her mother.
However, if she did stick to her bargain with Lady Catherine, Anne would eventually direct her anger towards her father and the relationship with her mother would be spared. She would also be saving her own position in the household. Maggie could still very well be turned out for her role in the deception, but if she supported Lady Catherine’s position, she would stand a good chance of remaining Rosing’s housekeeper.
Despite the motive of self-preservation, Maggie was nearly ready to confess. The years of bearing such a great secret had taken their toll, and the opportunity to purge her conscience was a powerful temptation. But just as powerful was the fervent protectiveness she felt for her “Little Anne.” Maggie Stuart was resolved to say only what she believed was best for Anne de Bourgh Darcy to hear.
Her mind was made up when the Darcys finally appeared in the library. Their housekeeper stood in deference to their position of authority. Maggie saw that Anne had been crying and that they both appeared bedraggled. How much had her dear girl endured? They sat; she remained on her feet, hands held behind her back.
“Mrs. Stuart, in the unlikelihood that you have not yet guessed why we are here, I must inform you of the substance of our interview with Lady Catherine.
"While in Hertfordshire, we came to suspect that the circumstances of my wife’s birth were not as we were led to believe. In fact, we came to the conclusion, after some startling evidence came to light, that the people who have arrived at Rosings with us today are Anne’s true family. When confronted with this evidence, Lady Catherine confirmed that she did not give birth to Anne herself and that Anne was secretly brought to Rosings to become her daughter. Furthermore, she told us that you knew Anne was not her real daughter and that you helped conceal this fact for months before Anne was born.”
“That is true, sir.”
“Then I would like to know all that you know. Now.”
Maggie nodded her head and looked at Anne; she knew then she would go to the grave with Lady Catherine’s secret.
“I was Lady Catherine’s maid then, as you know. She came to me and told me that Sir Lewis had asked her to claim another’s child as their own. Lady Catherine believed the baby to be a relation of Sir Lewis, and an illegitimate child. However, she needed my help to pass the infant off as her own. I knew that this sort of thing happened and was willing to assist her. I made sure that all signs of her not being with child were hidden. When the baby was born, I helped bring it, you, Mrs. Darcy, into the house. Sir Lewis was gone across the sea at the time, so it was fairly easy to hide the truth from everyone.”
“Who else knew?”
“The midwife knew, of course. She helped make it look as though a birth had occurred. And there was one other maid who was participated. She was sweet on a footman and he helped a bit, too. The wet-nurse knew; she was the one who brought the child to Rosings.”
“Do you know what became of them? Are they still in service to Rosings?”
“No, sir. The midwife was from London, but I did hear that she had died about five years ago. After Miss Anne was weaned, the wet-nurse, Sally Robinson was her name, was given a generous dowry and she married her beau from Essex. He was the father of her baby, the one who made it so that she was forced to become a wet-nurse in the first place. I heard they were very happy, but that she died in childbirth, unfortunately.”
“What of the other maid?”
“Sarah Simmons was a chambermaid. She married the manservant, Bobby Weeks. They asked for and were given passage to America, as well as a nice sum to get them started in their new country. I received word about a year after they left that they had arrived and were intending to go west into the wilderness, but I have not heard from them since.”
“Everyone who knew is gone?”
“No, not everyone. Lady Catherine needed the assistance of a seamstress. I could sew some of her clothes, but not enough. I knew of a young lady who wanted her own shop, but lacked the money to establish herself. Lady Catherine’s generous patronage allowed it to happen. You still shop at Mrs. Langley’s, Mrs. Darcy.”
Anne gasped. “She has known all this time?”
“Yes, ma’am. Though she would never tell a soul. You are not the first child brought up in the Quality to have been born on the wrong side of the blanket. Mrs. Langley told me, back during your first season, that there are others, but she would not say who, of course. She is a very discreet woman.”
“Can you think of anything else?”
“Only that Lady Catherine was relieved once your father came home and you were christened in the Hunsford church. She thought he might change his mind, but he did not.”
“Neither of them said where Anne came from?”
“No sir, I assumed what my mistress told me about Miss Anne being the product of some illicit union to be true.”
“You never thought she might have been a foundling?”
“I had no reason to doubt the word of Lady Catherine, sir.”
“What if I told you that Mrs. Darcy was not illegitimate, that she was cruelly removed from her real family and brought here?”
Maggie gasped. She had never truly known where the midwife got Anne from, but she had always assumed she was actually a foundling. “I had no idea, Mr. Darcy! I swear to you, Mrs. Darcy, I never knew you were anything other than a girl who had the great misfortune to be born to the wrong parents, but the greater fortune to be reared by the right ones. Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine never thought of you as anything other than their own offspring. Your father loved you, your mother loves you still.”
Anne finally broke into tears. “But she lied to me! All these years have been a lie.”
“No, ma’am, they have not! You have a lot to learn about love if you think it matters to your parents, or to me, that you were adopted.”
Maggie took a deep breath and kneeled before her mistress. “I have loved you, protected you, cared for you all the more because I feared for you should you ever find out. No, you were not born a de Bourgh, but you became one. You are the pride and joy of your mother, your family and even this household. I have kept your secret for so long and I was prepared to keep it for as long as I lived. I will continue to do so, if you ask, even if you throw me out this very day.”
She felt a man’s hand on her shoulder and looked up through her tears at Mr. Darcy.
“Thank you, Stuart. You may go now.”
“Go?”
“To your quarters. You must rest a while so you may resume your duties. I am afraid things may be chaotic for a few days and we will need your wise guidance of the household at this time.”
“I am not being dismissed?”
“Only to rest. We will discuss your continued employment later, once the emotions of the day have had a chance to calm down.”
Maggie rose and then dropped a deep curtsey. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy.” With one last, long look, Maggie left her for her room, still housekeeper of Rosings Park.
Anne Darcy was exhausted. It had been an emotional day. Combine that with a poor night’s sleep and a half-day in a carriage, and she wanted nothing more than to retire early. She had no desire to see her “mother,” but her other mother and father, and two of her sisters were her guests. After an hour’s rest, she appeared in the drawing room. All the Bennets were there. Darcy had preceded her downstairs.
When she entered the room, her husband smiled and came to escort her to an empty sofa. Aware that much needed to be said, but could not be as long as Anne Bennet was a part of their company, Anne Darcy asked the two girls about their wandering through the garden.
“At first, everything was fine and manicured, not at all like our gardens at Longbourn. I told Kitty it must take a small army of men to keep everything looking so perfect. But then we passed into a more wild area. I liked the contrast.”
“My sister,” Kitty explained, “likes to ramble about the countryside exploring all woods and glades and clearings in the vicinity.”
“When I was younger, my… Lady Catherine and I disagreed on the styles of the gardens. She wanted more controlled and orderly plots while I preferred a more naturalistic approach. You saw the compromise.”
“Your grounds here are beautiful. I should be thankful to live in such a grand place.” Anne Darcy thanked the girl and they talked at length about the history of the house and the surrounding park. Anne offered to take them all on a tour the next day. Such an offer provided many topics to discuss until Anne Bennet was sent to bed.
“Now that we have the freedom to discuss what has occurred today, I must ask if Miss Catherine has been informed of the events of this afternoon?”
When he was told that she had been, Darcy addressed her directly. “Miss Catherine, I must ask you to not share anything you hear now without your father’s permission.”
She agreed and Darcy recounted what his housekeeper had told him.
“What happens now, Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Bennet asked.
Darcy was sitting next to Anne holding her hand. He looked to her for direction. She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.
“I had planned to send an express to my uncle, the Earl of Perryton, tonight. He is currently residing at Alton House in Town and should be able to come to Rosings tomorrow. He should be able to help us formulate a plan of action.”
“He is far enough removed to be objective, yet he is an interested party. I believe your choice to be sound. But until then, what about my daughter Anne? Should she be told?”
“She should be told something. Tomorrow Anne has promised a tour of the house and she will see the portrait in the music room. Unless you plan to skip that room, or remove the painting, she must be told something.”
Darcy understood that there was an underlying issue that needed to be addressed. “Excuse us,” he said, and led Anne to the window.
“Anne, I need to know. Are you resolved to claim these people as your parents and family?”
She sighed. “They must be, I can think of no other explanation.”
“Then you must acknowledge it to them, at least.”
“This is so hard, Fitzwilliam. They are total strangers.”
“I know, but we must start somewhere. Will you claim them now?”
“Yes, since you believe it necessary.”
“I am sorry.”
“Come, let us be done with it.”
Anne walked over to stand before the older couple. They rose to meet her.
“My husband has suggested, and I have agreed, that it is time to embrace what we all know must be true. I believe that I am your daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, who was taken from you when I was but a few days old. I ask that you accept me as your daughter and welcome me into your family.”
Mrs. Bennet fell upon Anne, tearfully embracing her. “I had given up hope of ever seeing you again, Elizabeth. God has been good to us at last.”
Mr. Bennet was no less moved. He placed his hand on Anne’s shoulder as his wife was loath to release her daughter. His smiled sadly, mourning all the years they had been denied, but overjoyed at the prospect of getting to know his daughter in the years to come.
There was one member of the party who had not moved. Mr. Bennet addressed his other daughter. “Catherine, come and meet your sister.”
The young woman, not yet eighteen, came to stand before Anne. “Catherine—or do you prefer to be called Kitty?”
“I should not mind if you call me either one,” she said hesitantly.
“Then I will call you Catherine, for it is my own mother’s name.” A frown momentarily crossed Anne’s face. “As hurt as I am by my mother’s – my adoptive mother’s – hiding the circumstances of my birth, I do love her. She is a great lady, the daughter of an earl, and she has been as good a mother to me as I could ever wish.
And it is a lovely name.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy.”
“None of that. We are sisters, you know. You must call me Anne. Oh dear, this might become confusing. We have another sister Anne.” It was the first time Anne had smiled that day. “I would say call me Elizabeth, but that is my daughter’s name.”
“I think Anne would be best, dear,” Darcy interjected. He caught Anne’s attention and looked towards Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Anne understood his hint.
“I would have you call me Anne as well, at least in private.”
“Thank you, dear. I am afraid I may slip and call you Elizabeth from time to time,” Mr. Bennet admitted. “But how shall you address us? I will not be offended if you choose to continue to call us Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Lady Catherine is still your mother.”
Ann was relieved by his suggestion. She did still think of Lady Catherine as her mother.
“That sounds like the best solution for the present,” Anne agreed.
Darcy then insisted he be called “Darcy” by his new family. That issue settled, they were about to discuss the situation when the door was opened and Lady Catherine was announced.
Chapter 21
Posted on Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Meanwhile, back in Hertfordshire, Miss Jane Bennet was lying feverish in a bed at Netherfield. She and Mary had been invited to dine with the Bingley party that evening.
Unbeknownst to Jane, her hostess, Miss Bingley, had discovered that Jane’s parents had accompanied the Darcys on their sudden journey to Kent. Mr. Bingley had no idea why they had left, but Mr. Darcy had assured them they would return, most likely in less than a week.
Caroline Bingley was very curious why her guests had decamped so suddenly. Since her brother knew nothing, or was not telling her what he did know, she had decided that she would invite the Bennets to dinner to see if they would reveal the mystery. There was nothing like a little bit of new gossip to get the blood flowing!
A note had been dispatched inviting Miss Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet to dine the next evening with the family – Miss Bingley did not want to make her motives too obvious – along with the promise of the use of the Bingleys’ carriage, if it was desired.
At first, Jane was going to decline. Her father had left her in charge of her siblings while he and her mother were away. But Mary had seen how much Mr. Bingley had admired her elder sister at the assembly two days previous, and she finally convinced Jane that one evening away would not constitute an abdication of her responsibilities. Mary would decline the invitation and remain at home with Lydia and their two brothers.
Unfortunately for Jane, as the dinner progressed, she began to feel quite unwell. Miss Bingley noticed her guest’s discomfort – for she had become less and less talkative – and offered Jane the opportunity to lie down. By this time, Jane was really feeling poorly and accepted the offer while she still had the strength to walk. It soon became obvious that Jane was too ill to move, and a note was dispatched to Longbourn advising them of Miss Bennet’s condition.
Mary dearly wanted to attend her sister even that very night, but knew she was needed at home. A servant was sent to Netherfield to tend to Jane and Mary made plans to visit her the next morning, at which time she hoped her sister would be sufficiently recovered to make the three mile journey back to Longbourn.
Everyone was surprised when Lady Catherine was announced. They had not expected to see her until breakfast, at the earliest. However, Lady Catherine was determined not to look guilty.
“I am sorry to have kept you waiting. I was looking for some papers that I thought you might wish to view.”
“Lady Catherine, I thought you had retired for the evening.”
“I am not that old, Darcy. I was merely looking for these papers.” He had enough grace to nearly blush.
“What are they?” Darcy recovered.
“The first,” she handed them to her son-in-law, “is a copy of my late husband’s last will. The original is with our family’s solicitors in London, of course. The second should be more familiar. It is my copy of Anne’s marriage settlements.
“Long ago I thought that if Anne ever learnt she was adopted, she might be concerned about her inheritance. Therefore I decided to have a copy of Sir Lewis’ will at Rosings.”
Anne was caught unawares. “I had not thought of Rosings…”
“After you came to us, Sir Lewis had his will rewritten. His solicitor took specific care to identify you not by birth, but by your christening.”
“Ingenious!” Mr. Bennet said in fascination.
“Darcy, you will see how the will is worded as regards to Anne.”
He finished reading and looked up. “Yes, I see that now, and there is an additional provision for any future offspring. Had there been more daughters after Anne, in order to keep the estate intact for want of a son, it would have devolved to… the eldest surviving male descendant of Sir Lewis’ brother.” Darcy looked at Lady Catherine. “Arthur de Bourgh,” he deduced aloud.
“Yes, Sir Lewis did not want to see Rosings divided or sold which it would have to have been if there were more daughters and no sons. Though had Anne died before she came into her inheritance, I would have controlled Rosings until my death, and then it would have gone to Arthur.” She looked directly at Anne when she spoke next. “I told you your father accepted you as his daughter. The will proves it.
“Darcy, you will also notice in the marriage settlements that Anne is always identified as the heiress of Rosings Park. Again, our family solicitor had specific instructions left to him when the will was made. If and when Anne ever married, the contracts would be worded thus. Anne’s dowry had been settled on her long ago.”
Anne had not allowed herself to consider the fate of Rosings before this, and she was relieved that apparently it was not an issue. However, this did not stop a bit of unease from drifting into her conscience about who should be the heir to Rosings Park.
Darcy saw her distress returning. “Darling?” he prompted.
“Anne?” Lady Catherine echoed.
“I… I have always assumed Rosings was my birthright, but it is not, is it?”
Lady Catherine answered, concern filling her voice. “It may not have been intended as such, but it is now. I am convinced your father would be pleased to know how much you love it and that it will someday be your son’s, or Elizabeth’s.”
“It is all too much right now,” Anne said in frustration. So much had happened, it was impossible for her not to be affected.
“What, if anything, has been decided?” Lady Catherine asked.
“I am to write to Lord Perryton and send it to him tonight. He is in Town, so I hope to see him tomorrow.” Darcy replied.
“I was going to suggest you ask my brother to come. Until then, please, if there is anything I can do, or you have any questions, you need only ask.” She paused to take a deep breath. “I recognize you may resent me and my husband, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, but the past cannot be changed. My concern is for my daughter… our daughter.”
“Then you acknowledge that she is our Elizabeth?” Mrs. Bennet asked. The room was still; everyone waited to hear her answer.
The great lady spoke.
“Under the circumstances, how can she not be?”
The two women nodded in an unspoken truce. Anne would be daughter to both.
In the early hours of the morning, after everyone else was asleep, Maggie Stuart quietly knocked at the servant’s entrance to Lady Catherine’s rooms. She could just hear a reply.
“Come in.”
It had been a long time since Maggie had visited her mistress’ chambers in secret – twenty years, to be exact.
“Did you ever believe the day would come, Stuart?”
Maggie shrugged her left shoulder. “I used to think about it constantly, but it has been years since I have worried about it.”
“She will never know the full truth, as long as you do not betray it.”
“I have much more to lose now than your ladyship.”
Lady Catherine nodded.
“I do not know if I have ever seen a woman look as much like her mother as Anne does Mrs. Bennet. They brought a portrait of the woman painted a few years before Anne was born. Have you seen it?”
“No!”
“It is truly a remarkable resemblance. I think it remains in the parlor.”
“I will look before I go to bed.” Maggie paused, not knowing what else to say. In truth, there was little left to be said.
“Hold your nerve, Maggie, and our planning will succeed.”
“Heed your own words and I have every confidence that the worst is over.”
After breakfast, the revelation Anne Darcy both welcomed and feared occurred. It had been decided that she would show Catherine and Anne Bennet the principal rooms of the house, without the presence of the other adults; they would be waiting for the three sisters in the parlor next to the music room.
Anne Darcy took her time showing her sisters the house. Slowly the conversation was directed towards matters more personal than how the rooms were furnished. Catherine was a willing ally in leading her sister to speak about growing up in the Bennet household.
“Your older sisters must love to tease you. I wish I had sisters when I was a girl. Cousins are nice, but they are not the same,” Anne laughed.
“And brothers are a bother.”
“More so than male cousins, I suppose. Then again, I married one of mine.”
“My male cousins are all younger than me, by six years at least!” Anne Bennet said.
“I am seven years younger than my husband, but it is different when the woman is the younger.” This was a very good place to segue into the desired topic. “I’m surprised that there is such a gap between Miss Bennet and Miss Mary. The rest of you are much closer in age.”
“Oh, but there was another…” Aware of what she had almost just said, Anne Bennet threw her hand over her mouth in horror.
“Another…?”
Catherine and Anne Bennet exchanged glances. Catherine answered.
“There was another child, a girl born between Jane and Mary. She was taken from us.”
“I am sorry. The death of a child is terrible.”
“No, she was taken, stolen.” Anne Bennet lowered her voice. “It is not something we talk about.” Anne Darcy nodded sympathetically. Anne Bennet then added, “But others do. I learned about it from Susan Long.”
“Susan Long? What did she say?” Catherine frowned.
“She told me that if I were naughty, I might be taken away from my family like my sister. I told her she was lying. Then Johnny Lucas said it was true. That I had a sister who was kidnapped and that she was never found. Susan said I had better be nice and not take any chances. It was awful. I ran home and cried to Jane. I knew she would tell me they were just being cruel, but she said that I really did have a sister who was no longer with our family. Then she said we never spoke of it. And I have not, have I, Kitty?”
“No, I have never heard that story from you before. You should have been told by one of us sooner.”
“I think Jane talked to Henry shortly after that.”
“Your youngest brother?” Anne Darcy asked.
“Yes, Henry is the youngest.” Anne thought a moment. “You will not tell Papa and Mama that you know, will you? Jane said they are very sad when anyone talks about our missing sister.”
“I can understand. They must have loved her very much.”
“I often wonder what she would be like,” Catherine interjected. “Would she look like one of us? Would we even recognize her?”
“I have, too,” Anne Bennet confessed. “Sometimes I imagine she is a pirate, or perhaps that she lives in a huge house like this. I hope she is alive and well, where ever she may be.”
Anne Darcy walked toward the next room before her sisters could see how moved she was. “The next room is the music room. It is one of my favorites, and there is a picture of me, Miss Anne, that was painted when I was your age. My husband has always said it is his favorite.”
Anne Bennet walked through the open door searching for the painting Mrs. Darcy had just mentioned. She saw one of a young girl, and a confused look appeared on her face. Kitty came and put her hand on her shoulder.
“But…” Anne Bennet turned to her guide, “that looks like… me!”
Anne Darcy came over and took her hand, and they walked over to the wall for a closer look. “Indeed, that is a portrait of me. I remember sitting for it not long after I turned twelve. I thought it ever so clever that it showed me in the background of the room it which it was meant to hang. And the music, Mother hated the Scarlatti, but it was a challenging piece and I was very proud to be able to play it. It also annoyed my Mother, which made it the perfect choice.” Anne tried to give the girl a reassuring smile.
“Why do you look like me—I mean, why do I look like you—in the painting? Are we related? I had never heard of you before two days ago.”
“Come, sit with me. May I call you Anne?” The girl nodded. “Anne, the reason we came to Rosings, all of us, was because of this painting,” she gestured to the subject of the discussion, “and the one of your mother that hangs in your father’s library. You see, as much as you look like me in the painting in this room, I look like your mother in the painting in that room. We came looking for answers. Do you know what we discovered?”
Young Anne shook her head no.
“We found out that I was adopted only a few days after your sister Elizabeth was kidnapped. After reviewing everything we know now, it became apparent that I am your missing sister, Elizabeth.”
“You are my sister?”
“Yes, I must be,” Anne Darcy assured her.
“You really did grow up in a great big house just like this one?”
“The very one.” Anne Bennet looked at Kitty, ready to share her joy. “You already knew!” she accused her older sister, pointing a finger at her in chastisement.
“Papa told us Monday night after the Assembly. Mama recognized her.”
“And she fainted?” Anne Darcy was a little taken aback at her youngest sister’s question. How would she have guessed that?
“Of course, she is our mother.” Catherine rolled her eyes.
“I believe I have much to learn about my family,” Anne Darcy quipped, but for the first time, she wondered just what the Bennets were really like.
A note arrived at Longbourn first thing in the morning. Actually there were two; one from Jane and one from Miss Bingley.
Jane confessed that she was still ill and did not feel up to a carriage ride home, and apologized for the inconvenience and burden this placed on Mary.
Miss Bingley’s missive again offered the use of the Bingley carriage should Miss Mary wish to visit her ailing sister.
Even more surprising was the person who brought them. During breakfast at Netherfield, Miss Bingley gave a report on Miss Bennet’s condition. It appeared to be nothing more than a cold, but the young woman would be bedridden for at least one day, and possibly more. Mr. Bingley was saddened that such a lovely creature as Miss Bennet should take ill. He directed that anything that could make Miss Bennet more comfortable during her convalescence should be done. He then suggested that Miss Bennet might be cheered by a visit from her family. Miss Bingley agreed, sensing an opportunity for more information on the mysterious absence of the Darcys and Bennets, and suggested a renewed offer of the carriage. Mr. Bingley was delighted with his sister’s thoughtfulness and decreed it would be as she wished.
It was at this point that Sir John Whitby made the very gallant gesture of offering to personally see the note Miss Bingley was preparing to Longbourn. This too sat well with Mr. Bingley, though not so well with Miss Bingley. Within the hour he was on his way on horseback to complete his commission.
Mary was about to decline the offer, even though it was obvious she longed to see Jane and ascertain the extent of her illness with her own eyes.
“Miss Mary, your sister would rest easier if she saw you, I believe. The maid that attended her last night told me Miss Bennet did not rest well.”
“I would like to go to her, but my father has left my younger sister and two brothers in Jane’s and my care. Since Jane is not here, I must remain.”
“Surely an hour or two away would do no harm. You have servants enough, and if your brothers and sister were set to their studies while you were away, they would be occupied.”
“Really, sir, I must remain home while Jane…”
She was interrupted by the hoof beats of a horse riding at a gallop to the house. The rider dismounted and approached.
“Excuse me, Miss. I have a message for Miss Jane Bennet or Miss Mary Bennet.”
“I am Miss Mary Bennet.” The young lad handed her an envelope. “Let me go inside for your…”
“Oh no, Miss Bennet. I am Mr. Darcy’s courier. I am instructed to wait for any response you might have and then return to Kent via London.”
At that pronouncement, Mary took a few steps away from both men and unsealed her letter. Sir John watched as she gasped, clearly astonished. Then she smiled and rejoined them.
“I have changed my mind. I would be happy to accept the offer of a carriage to Netherfield, but I fear I cannot wait that long to see Jane. If you will agree to wait for me, I will go with you on horseback.”
Without bothering to linger around for an answer, Mary left to order her horse made ready and give the housekeeper instructions for the care of the courier, and then went upstairs to change into something appropriate for riding.
Sir John and the boy stood watching this unexpected whirlwind of activity.
“I think I should see to my horse. It looks like I will not be leaving for a few hours.”
Sir John only nodded, still a bit startled by the events and by the changes in Miss Mary.
Only one other woman had affected him in such a way. It had happened the first time he had met Miss de Bourgh. He had not planned on attending Almack’s that night, but he had. When he saw her, he could not stop staring. Anne de Bourgh had the most beguiling eyes he had ever seen. He arranged an introduction and was lost. She unsettled him and made him feel invulnerable at the same time. However, she was not meant for him; yet he was thankful that he had almost loved her. It gave him hope that he would meet the woman who was his destiny.
Mary Bennet was the first woman who had captured his imagination since Anne de Bourgh. They had only met once, and then only for one dance. What power did this young lady, born to some insignificant landowner, in an out of the way corner of Hertfordshire of all places, have over him? She could not be called beautiful, though that did not mean she was unlovely. She was no Miss Bingley, fashionable, accomplished, wealthy, but Mary Bennet had other qualities the Miss Bingleys of the world would never have. She was not self-conscious and Sir John found it endearing. It was obvious that she had read too many moralistic writings – she quoted Fordyce four times no less! – but that only served to reinforce that she was a woman of the highest moral character. The right man could mold such a personality into a woman of virtue, an excellent wife, whose value was immeasurable. He could respect and esteem such a spouse…
Sir John shook his head and grinned. How on earth had he gone from arguing with a young woman on the wisdom of visiting her ailing sister to thinking what an excellent wife she could be? That a wealthy, single young man’s fascination could so rapidly turn from admiration to matrimony was something Sir John had no time to dwell on; the subject of his reverie had returned. To Netherfield they must go.
Chapter 22
Posted on Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Mary Bennet burst through the door into the chamber where Jane lay ill, surprising Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and the maid sitting in the corner.
“Miss Mary! What a surprise. I had not thought our carriage had left yet.”
“I could not wait and rode over instead.”
“By yourself?”
“I have lived in the neighborhood all my life, Miss Bingley. As it happens, Sir John was gracious enough to accompany me.”
“Of course. I should have realized he would, after delivering my note. Well then, we shall leave you to your sister. Louisa and I have taken it upon ourselves to see that she is well entertained while she is recovering at Netherfield.”
“Thank you for looking after my sister, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst. It is a great relief to me.”
After the ladies of the house left, Mary sent the servant on an errand. The sisters needed to be completely alone.
Mary sat on the bed and felt Jane’s forehead. The fever remained.
“I hope your hosts have not tired you.”
“I appreciate their willingness to attend me.”
“Always seeing the best in everyone. Enough of them – Jane, I received a letter from Papa. Would you like me to read it aloud?”
Jane smiled and said she would. She leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes as Mary began to read.
Our fervent prayers have finally been answered. Lady Catherine de Bourgh confirmed that her daughter Anne was secretly adopted. All evidence points to the conclusion that Anne deBourgh Darcy is, in fact, our missing daughter!
It remains unclear how she came to the de Bourghs. Further investigation will be necessary to uncover that mystery. Lady Catherine claims that her late husband made all the arrangements. I do not know if she is completely innocent of the crime of Elizabeth’s abduction. I do know that your sister, who was thought lost forever, is found.
We are to remain at Rosings for a few days at least. Everyone has questions and there are other members of Elizabeth’s adoptive family to consult. As much as I would like to announce the news, it is best that it remain a secret for the time being. Tell no one else until you have directions from me. Anne must be told, but Lydia, William and Henry can wait until I can do it myself.
Your father.My dear Jane and Mary,
Mary put down the paper and grabbed Jane’s hand.
“After all this time. Can you believe it?”
Jane had never stopped smiling, though her face showed her fatigue. “No, but it must be true. You saw Mrs. Darcy, she looks so much like Mama. I hope we shall see her again soon. I would wish to know her.”
“As do I, but Papa said we must keep this to ourselves. I wish I could stay and talk with you about it, but I cannot remain much longer. I would not have come had Papa’s letter not arrived when Sir John came to Longbourn with the offer of a carriage.”
“Sir John came to Longbourn?”
“Yes, to deliver Miss Bingley’s offer of her carriage. But once I received Papa’s note, I knew I had to come see you immediately. I took Nellie and rode here with Sir John.”
“It was kind of him to escort you.”
“He was returning with or without me.”
“The point is that he waited for Nellie to be saddled and for you to change into your riding clothes.”
Mary shrugged. “He is a gentleman. Your Mr. Bingley would have done the same, I dare say.”
“Mary, he is not my Mr. Bingley.”
“Stay a week in this house and he very well might be.” Jane blushed, and Mary could see that her beloved older sister would not be unhappy with the prospect. They spoke for a few more minutes until the maid returned.
“I must return home now. If any more news arrives, I shall personally see that you have it. Until then, rest, dear. We will miss you at Longbourn.”
Jane nodded and closed her eyes, exhausted by the visit. Mary stood, leaned over, and kissed Jane on the cheek. Satisfied that her sister was well looked after, Mary returned to Longbourn, accompanied by a dogged Sir John, who would not take no for an answer when she declined his initial offer of an escort.
“I still cannot believe Sir Lewis would do such a thing!” Harold Fitzwilliam, Earl of Perryton and most importantly, Lady Catherine’s brother, opined. He had arrived that afternoon in response to Darcy’s entreaty that he come to Rosings on “a most urgent matter of family business” as quickly possible. He was introduced to the Bennets and told of the discovery. He too had asked Lady Catherine many questions, but she held firmly to the story she had related the previous day.
“He was a honorable man to whom the family owes a great deal.” Lord Perryton was referring, of course, to Sir Lewis' willingness to marry Catherine Fitzwilliam for such a small dowry at the time that the earldom was in serious financial straits. “This does not sound like him at all!”
“I agree, Harold, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this since yesterday. Perhaps he had nothing to do with the kidnapping of Anne,” Lady Catherine countered.
“I cannot see how he would not know.”
“Maybe the kidnapping was unrelated? He could have thought Anne was a foundling.”
“That seems unlikely,” Mr. Bennet said. “Why else would Elizabeth have been stolen?”
“Maybe it was a crime of opportunity?” Lady Catherine added.
“I think what Lady Catherine is trying to imply is that maybe someone took Anne with the intent of asking for a ransom,” Darcy explained.
“Yes, Darcy – exactly! And then they changed their minds and left her someplace rather than risk returning her. Or maybe the person was unbalanced and did not know what he was doing.”
“That seems so incredible, Catherine.” Lord Perryton was skeptical.
“Is it any more incredible than Sir Lewis having a baby kidnapped to raise as his own? I am only trying to consider different scenarios that would explain what happened without vilifying my late husband!”
“Calm down, sister. It is obvious that you are upset about what happened to Anne. I do grant you that there may be other plausible explanations for these events. Sir Lewis could be innocent, but the fact remains that someone did kidnap Anne as a newborn and that she ended up as your daughter under what are very suspicious circumstances. It would have helped matters if you would have told us Anne was adopted a long time ago.”
“What, and have you treat her differently?”
“We would have loved and accepted her the same.”
“No, you cannot say that you would. Sir Lewis was right in insisting that she be protected from whispers and innuendo. I still say we should continue to do so.”
“May I speak, since it is me we are discussing?” Anne Darcy was tired of being spoken of as if she were not there.
“Of course, Anne,” said Lady Catherine
“Thank you. First, let me say that this has been a very trying and confusing time for me. To learn that I am not who I thought I was….” Anne looked at her birth parents. "I have a family I never knew I had and I need to understand why I was taken from them. We must, for all our sakes, continue to search out the truth. I also have a family whom I have known all my life and they should be told right away. Arthur, Andrew, and Martin – they all should be informed before gossip reaches them, especially Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, you are my flesh and blood and yet I do not know you. I should very much like to change that. Fitzwilliam and I agree that we must return to Hertfordshire shortly.”
“Before you do anything rash, you need to decide how you want Society to learn of the new connection. You look like a Bennet, Anne. People will notice. Are you prepared to be acknowledged as their long lost daughter?” Her uncle did not attempt to hide his concern.
“I already have.”
“By those in this room. I mean by your peers. Think carefully before you reply. You have no idea how this revelation will be taken, or how the ton will accept it. Frankly, I am jaded enough to believe that you will be the talk of Town, and not in a flattering manner. You will be pitied, mocked and even ridiculed. Come now, you know I am not too far from the truth.”
Anne knew he was right, but she was not willing to hurt the family with whom she had just been reunited.
“The resemblance is too strong to deny any familial connection.”
“Yes, but must the connection be as a daughter? Could you not just say you are cousins through Mrs. Bennet?”
“That is not exactly the truth.”
“It acknowledges a relationship without going into detail. If you return to Hertfordshire, people will wonder if you say nothing at all. Who knows how close to the truth they will come before you are ready to say anything more?”
Anne looked at her husband for help. Darcy obliged immediately.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, would you be comfortable with calling Anne your cousin for the time being, until all the important issues are resolved?”
“Why must we wait? I have been waiting twenty years!” Mrs. Bennet cried. Mr. Bennet placed his hand on his wife’s knee and spoke gently.
“And what is a few days more, Harriet?” He turned to Darcy. “Your suggestion is a good one, but if Eliz… Mrs. Darcy spends very much time in Hertfordshire, the connection will come out. People will see she is the right age to be our missing daughter and the resemblance is uncanny. As my Anne grows older, it will be even more evident.”
“We need to return for a few weeks at least. I promised Bingley we would be back,” Darcy explained. “Afterwards we might all come to Rosings, or perhaps Pemberley would offer more privacy to become better acquainted.”
The general consensus was that Rosings was a better choice. Its location near London and within a day’s journey of Longbourn was in its favor.
“What shall you do next?” the earl asked.
“My cousin Arthur needs to be informed,” Anne answered.
“Will you ask him to come here, or go to him?”
“Helena will soon enter her confinement, and I doubt Arthur would leave her now, nor should we ask him. One of us must go to him.”
“I will go,” volunteered Darcy.
“Thank you, but I would like to be there as well.” Anne’s jaw was set, a sure sign to her husband that she was not to be gainsaid.
“Should you not wait until the question of the disposition of the estate is resolved?” Lord Perryton suggested.
Lady Catherine addressed her brother. “I told you, Harold, there is no question. Anne inherited Rosings legally according to the terms of Sir Lewis’ will.”
“Nevertheless, we need to confirm that as soon as possible. Anne’s inheritance is my main concern.”
“Not Mrs. Darcy?” Mr. Bennet inquired.
“Of course, I meant the material ramifications,” the earl explained. “I shudder to think of the mess all this could cause if Sir Lewis did not properly foresee the difficulties that might result from his scheme!”
Before anyone could respond, the butler, Gibbons, entered the room.
“I am sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Collins has come for his appointment with Lady Catherine. I have shown him into her ladyship’s study, but he has been waiting nearly an hour and grows restless.”
Lady Catherine rolled her eyes. “I forgot about my clergyman.”
“You have an appointment with him?” Darcy was surprised; then again, he was not. Lady Catherine rather enjoyed advising her new parson.
“It is a longstanding weekly meeting.”
“Weekly? Whatever for?”
“Parish business and a few other minor subject on which he wishes for my opinion.” She gave Darcy a dismissive wave of her hand and then addressed the butler. “Please give Mr. Collins my apologies; I will not be able to meet with him this week.”
“Very good, milady.”
“I still would like to know if your parson is my cousin,” Mr. Bennet interjected once the servant had left to send Mr. Collins on his way.
“Having met Mr. Collins, it would be a cruel irony if he were.” Darcy rolled his eyes. “The man has no sense.”
“That sounds like my cousin’s father. Maybe it is his son.”
Mr. Bennet cornered Darcy after it was determined that Darcy and Anne would travel to Surrey the next day to meet with Arthur de Bourgh.
“We will be leaving for Hertfordshire in the morning as well,” he informed his host.
“You are welcome to stay at Rosings until we return,” Darcy offered.
“Thank you for your generosity, but I should return to Longbourn. The rest of my children need to be told and we must prepare for your return.”
“That is perfectly understandable.”
“That is not all, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Bennet hesitated, choosing his words with care. “Until this morning, my wife has been… unusually subdued. That is not her nature. She is a rather… exuberant woman. She cares deeply for the welfare of all her children. She would not think of allowing Henry to go into the Army or the Navy; they are too dangerous for her son. Harriet has decided he will become a clergyman. Henry is not keen on the idea, but he is still young.
“Pardon me, I digress. My wife will, no doubt, soon return to her normal ways and exult in the great fortune of her long-lost daughter. Sure to follow will be hints that you and Mrs. Darcy throw her sisters into the paths of wealthy men. As I said, she means well, but…”
“But you do not want her to embarrass Anne in front of our family?”
“Let us just say that Mrs. Darcy may need time to grow accustomed to Mrs. Bennet’s nerves.”
“Her nerves?”
“Sir, if you had birthed five girls in succession with an estate entailed, worried that you would be cast in the hedgerows if you did not produce a son, you would be justified in becoming slightly concerned for your future. Even the eventual birth of an heir might not be enough to cure such insecurities.”
Mr. Bennet clapped Darcy on his shoulder. “It is a good thing you and your wife are not easily intimidated. You have yet to experience some of Hertfordshire’s country manners, or my wife’s hospitality.”
Mr. Bennet left Darcy alone to ponder his words, and to prepare for their departure.
Lord Perryton sat by the fireplace in his chambers, nursing a brandy. He too would leave in the morning. He carried a letter from Darcy authorizing him to view all the pertinent papers held by the de Bourgh and Darcy solicitors.
The earl was exhausted, but his mind would not allow him to rest. He had listened as everything was recounted for him by Anne, Darcy and his sister Catherine. Afterwards he had interviewed the housekeeper. The story Lady Catherine told was convincing, and seemed to be corroborated by Mrs. Stuart.
Yet Harold Fitzwilliam was unconvinced that he had been told the full truth. The whole scheme seemed so unlike the Lewis de Bourgh he remembered. It seemed more like something his sister might try to pull off for only God knew what reason!
He considered Anne; she certainly appeared to want to believe her mother, though he wondered how she would reconcile her feelings toward her father if she accepted her mother’s account of what had happened.
He did not feel right accusing his sister of lying, not at this point. No, he would return to Town and start investigating the situation. Mrs. Stuart had provided him with the names and last known addresses for everyone Stuart knew involved. He recognized the modiste; his wife was one of her patrons. The woman had a reputation for exquisite gowns and fine workmanship, as well as complete discretion on private matters. As for the others on his list, he would have to confirm whether they still lived, and if they did, he would need to contact them. Lord Perryton sighed; twenty years was a long time ago and plenty of time to obfuscate the truth.
Darcy found his wife in the nursery, watching their daughter sleep. He came up behind Anne and placed his arms around her; she relaxed into his embrace.
“She looks so peaceful, as if unaware of the storm brewing about her,” Anne remarked.
“That is because she is. It is her mother who is anxious.”
“I feel like I am being tossed about in the waves,” Anne confided.
“And I am here as your anchor so you will not be lost. Darling, this is so unexpected, so… unbelievable.”
“Yet it is true… What must you think of me?”
Darcy sighed. “How many times do I have to assure you of my love and devotion? Nothing has changed except that we have gained another set of grandparents for Elizabeth.”
“Hmmm.” Anne paused a few moments before she spoke again. “We know so little about them.”
Darcy agreed. “Our uncle will return to London tomorrow and start searching for answers. I have asked him to investigate the Bennets as well. It is not that I doubt the veracity of their words, only that we should know their situation better.
“Mr. Bennet spoke with me today, alone. He tried to warn me that Mrs. Bennet can be… excitable.”
“And my own mother cannot? Mrs. Bennet seems like a nice woman, but I know we have all been guarded. Soon we shall learn their faults and they shall learn ours.”
“Faults? You are perfection itself.”
Anne softly laughed and turned in Darcy’s arms. “You, husband, are a horrible liar.”
Chapter 23
Posted on Wednesday, 11 June 2008
The Darcys left early the next morning for Surrey. Because of the presence of Elizabeth’s nurse in the carriage, Anne and Fitzwilliam were not able to converse on the subject foremost on their minds as they traveled to see Arthur and Helena de Bourgh at her family’s estate. They had sent a message ahead to warn their cousins of their unscheduled visit. Helena was expecting their first child soon. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, were also at Thigston for the birth of their first grandchild.
It was a long journey for the family; Darcy was cramped, Anne was exhausted and Elizabeth was fretful. Anne’s cousin Arthur greeted them when they finally exited the carriage.
“Anne, Darcy! We received your message that you would be arriving this afternoon! Come in, come in! Helena is anxious to see you and your daughter.”
“Please forgive the suddenness of our visit.”
“Nonsense. We are happy to see you again. Come inside and refresh yourselves and then you can tell us what has dragged you to Surrey.”
The Darcys were grateful for the genuine hospitality offered by the Simpsons and de Bourghs. All four of them were gracious despite the near rudeness of arriving practically unannounced. Anne was quick to show little Elizabeth to Mrs. Simpson and Helena. Thankfully the child wanted nothing more than to sleep through the introduction. The couples spent time reacquainting themselves. It had been over seven months since they had last seen each other. Eventually the elder couple realized their guests wished to speak with Arthur and Helena alone; they made their excuses and retired for the night, leaving the younger people to their conversation.
“Now that our parents have so generously left us alone, will you tell us why you have made this impetuous journey?”
“Impetuous?”
“Darcy, you never arrive unannounced on someone’s doorstep. I know you sent a note, but you know what I mean.”
Anne and Fitzwilliam shared a look.
“Is there something wrong?” Arthur asked.
“Yes, no. We do not know.”
“Is someone ill?”
“No, your family is well.” Darcy stood and started to pace. Anne sat with her hands in her lap, twisting a handkerchief, her eyes examining the carpet.
“Has something happened at Bingley’s?” Arthur shared a concerned look with his wife.
Darcy did not answer. Anne looked up.
“Fitzwilliam, please sit down. Your pacing is making me more anxious.” After he was seated, Anne, now composed again, continued. “I suppose it would be easier if we started at the beginning. As you know, we were invited to Hertfordshire to a house party at the estate Charles Bingley has taken. I did not wish to go, thinking Elizabeth was too young to travel, but my husband prevailed. We had just arrived when we were told of a local assembly to be held that evening in the small nearby town of Meryton. When we arrived, a most extraordinary introduction took place…” Anne and Darcy then related the entirety of their acquaintance with the Bennets and their trip to Rosings to confront Lady Catherine. At that point, Darcy had the portrait of Mrs. Bennet brought out and both Arthur and Helena were amazed.
“Good lord, Anne. That could be you!” Arthur exclaimed.
Upon further inspection, Helena noted, “The eyes are slightly different, but that should not be surprising.”
Then they were told of Anne’s portrait and young Anne Bennet.
“I do not know what to say, Anne. You are still my cousin, but then again, you were not born my cousin. Not that it matters; you are still Anne de Bourgh Darcy. I assume the issue of Rosings has already come up?”
“Yes…” Darcy said warily, having no way of discerning Arthur’s motives.
“Oh good grief, Darcy! I am not plotting how to steal Rosings from Anne. I highly doubt my uncle would not have provided for Anne after he adopted her – albeit in a rather suspicious circumstances. If he had any scruples about giving Rosings to Anne, he would have made sure the estate would go elsewhere. His will did name Anne as his heir, correct?”
“It would seem so. Lady Catherine kept a copy of it at Rosings in the event that the deception ever came to light. Our uncle, Lord Perryton, is in London investigating the matter, but it appears Anne is the legal heir, despite how she came to be a de Bourgh.”
Anne looked at her cousin. “You are not angry with me?”
“Whatever for?”
“By all rights, Rosings should have been yours.”
“Rosings was my uncle’s to do with as he pleased. There was no entail, he could have left it to whomever he saw fit.” Arthur sat next to Anne. “I reconciled myself to this a long time ago, Anne.”
“Still…”
“No, Anne. What is done is done. Helena, tell her.”
“Anne, Arthur and I have spoken about this many times. He bears no grudges over Rosings.”
Anne bowed her head in retreat. She would address the question of Rosings’ ownership with them later.
“What of your other family, the Bennets?” Arthur asked in an attempt to change the conversation.
Darcy responded. “They seem to be honest and respectable people. Mr. Bennet owns a small estate in Hertfordshire near Bingley’s residence. They have seven children, besides Anne, ranging from two and twenty to ten years of age. Anne now has five sisters and two brothers. Only one, Jane, is older than Anne. We really know very little about them.”
“But we intend to become better acquainted with them as soon as possible,” Anne added. “I have had the chance to spend some time with two of the Misses Benn…of my sisters, Anne and Catherine, on our journey and at Rosings.”
“I think my wife is excited to have brothers and sisters after being raised as an only child.”
“Then we will be happy for you,” Arthur said with obvious pleasure.
“Thank you,” Anne replied sincerely, just as obviously pleased with her cousin’s generous support.
“What is to be done now?”
“We will wait to hear what our uncle discovers. For now, we will return to Hertfordshire and if asked, will only admit that Anne is a cousin to Mrs. Bennet. I think we should remove ourselves from the neighborhood before people ask too many questions, though. It is Anne’s hope that the Bennets will join us at either Rosings or Pemberley immediately following our exodus.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea. I know I speak for Helena in telling you how happy we are to see you, under any circumstance, and that we hope you find the answers you seek. I know I appreciate that you came to speak with us in person, and as soon as you uncovered Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine’s secret.”
“We would have you hear such news from us.”
“I know, Anne. I have never had any reason to doubt you.”
The Darcys were awakened by a knock on the door. Fitzwilliam groggily threw on his dressing gown and answered the insistent rapping. It was the housekeeper.
“Pardon me for waking you, sir. Mrs. de Bourgh is asking for your wife.”
“Is there anything wrong?”
“The baby is wanting to be born, sir. My mistress was hoping Mrs. Darcy would come.”
Anne had donned her robe and come to stand next to her husband. “I will come immediately.” She squeezed her husband’s hand and gave him an apologetic smile. “Please take me to her.”
Helena was resting in between contractions when Anne arrived. Mrs. Simpson and the midwife, as well as Helena’s lady’s maid, were there as well.
“Thank you for coming, Anne,” Helena said wearily.
“Of course! You know I would do just about anything for you and your husband.”
Another contraction came and Helena was nearly doubled over. Anne held her hand and whispered encouragement to her dear friend. When the pain had passed, Helena kept a hold of Anne’s hand and pulled her closer.
“Does it get much worse than this?” she panted, trying to catch her breath.
Anne laughed. “A little, but then it will be over and you will have brought a child into this world. The memory of the pain quickly fades away the first time you hold your newborn babe. The pain will seem insignificant in comparison to the abounding joy you will experience.”
Helena de Bourgh lay back against the pillows and closed her eyes, a faint smile gracing her features once again. She gave a small nod of her head and rested until the next birthing pain.
The women continued in their vigil all night and through the dawn. Darcy had dressed after his wife had left and gone to keep Arthur and Mr. Simpson company until there was news of the child.
Finally, the sounds of a newborn child were heard. The midwife told the new mother that she had a fine, healthy son. Anne, who had earlier slipped away to change out of her nightclothes, went to find the men and bring her cousin to meet his heir.
Arthur left to see his wife and the newest member of his family as soon as Anne had finished relaying the news.
Darcy drew his wife into an embrace, kissing the top of her head.
“You look happy… and exhausted.”
Anne laughed. “I am, both. It was a long night. Come, I have a sudden urge to hold Elizabeth and then I think I will lie down for a while. Will you join me?”
Darcy could not refuse, nor did he wish to. He too longed to have his daughter safely in his arms.
After a day of rest for all parties, a very jovial group assembled for dinner. Only Helena was absent.
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were justifiably overjoyed with the birth of their grandson. Arthur could not stop grinning.
“You are starting to remind me of Bingley, de Bourgh,” Darcy said dryly.
“And I seem to recall a man I know from Derbyshire feeling just as ebullient about three months ago. Perhaps ebullient is not the correct word… delighted might be more appropriate. He is never one to effuse about anything.”
“Except for his wife and daughter.”
Arthur laughed. “Very good, Darcy! We understand each other completely.”
Darcy raised his glass in salute. “To our children.”
Once the meal began in earnest, Arthur could not resist teasing his cousin. “Anne, I was just thinking. Perhaps we should try and attach our children like your mother did with you and your cousin. The results speak for themselves.”
“Elizabeth and your son? Arthur!”
“It worked!”
“I hardly think Fitzwilliam’s and my union was the result of anything other than prudence and the happy chance we fell in love.”
“Why could it not be the same for our children? We can suggest the match and leave it up to them to secure it. I think the years of your mother’s speaking about her wish that you marry Darcy worked splendidly.” Arthur broke into a huge grin. “Oh Anne, the look on your face! I am joking, of course!
“That is not funny, Arthur,” Anne said quietly.
He saw she was in earnest. “I apologize, cousin. Of course I was not serious. I should have been more circumspect considering your errand. In my defense, I only see how happy the two of you are and how happy I am with my Helena and… well… my good sense ran away from me for a few moments.”
Anne managed to smile at his concern. “I have known you too long to doubt your sincerity, but let us move on to more important things. Have you decided on names?”
“Malcolm Andrew George de Bourgh. That is, if you and your husband will consent to being godparents?”
A less tremulous smile graced Anne’s face; both she and Darcy expressed their delight in the honor and pledged to return in a month’s time for the christening. They also confirmed their original design to leave in morning. They needed to hasten back to Hertfordshire.
The Bennets arrived at Longbourn just in time to see Mary alight from atop Nellie with the help of an extremely short gentleman Mr. Bennet was sure he had never seen before.
“Papa! Mama! You have returned.”
“So have you, it appears.”
“We did not expect you before Monday.”
“The rest of the party left Kent this morning and we thought it best to do so as well.”
Mr. Bennet looked pointedly at the unknown man.
“May I present Sir John Whitby of Slaton Manor in Surrey? Sir John, this is my father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Bennet.
“Papa, Sir John is a guest at Netherfield and has been kind enough to see me home safely from visiting Jane.”
“Heavens! Is Jane still ill?” Mr. Bennet said with some alarm. Mary’s reply to the letter had implied Jane would be home within a day.
“She is much improved, Father.”
“Indeed, sir,” concurred Sir John. “She was well enough to come downstairs for a few minutes this afternoon. Miss Bennet expressed a hope of returning home in the morning after church. Of course, Miss Bingley has offered the use of their carriage due to the uncertainty of your return.”
“Ah yes. Well, thank you for the report on my eldest daughter and escorting my second eldest home. If you will excuse us…”
“I should be returning to Netherfield,” Sir John agreed with the dismissal.
“Will you not come in for some tea?” Mrs. Bennet asked, trying her best to mask the panic in her voice.
“You have just arrived, I really should be on my way.” Sir John knew the master of the house would rather have a chance to shake off the dust of the road before being burdened with entertaining an unexpected guest.
“NO! I mean,” Mrs. Bennet continued more calmly, “we may have just arrived ourselves, but we are always ready to offer hospitality at Longbourn. I insist you stay and take tea with us whilst the servants see to our things.”
Not wishing to offend the lady of the house, Sir John acquiesced. He felt all eyes were on him. His courage rising, he stood a little taller – though it made no difference – and offered his arm to escort Miss Mary into the house.
Ensconced in the parlor, Sir John was introduced to the other members of the Bennet family. Of course he remembered Miss Kitty from the assembly, though he had not had a chance to ask her to dance before Mrs. Bennet became indisposed. Mary served him his tea, and soon Mrs. Bennet began her interrogation. She asked him about Slaton Manor and offered her condolences on the passing of his parents.
“And how long will you remain in Hertfordshire?” Mrs. Bennet inquired.
“My plans are not yet fixed, but I hope it shall be many more weeks, at least!”
“Excellent! You are always welcome here, Sir John.”
“Thank you. madam. I must take my leave of you now so you can recover from your journey. I am sure we shall meet in the morning at the church.”
“Oh yes, and my dear Jane!”
“She is anxious to return to her home.”
“Thankfully it appears that she had nothing but a trifling cold. You must extend our gratitude to your hosts for nursing her back to health.”
“It will be my pleasure.” Sir John stood. “I have lingered much too long. Good day to you all.”
“Good day, sir. Mary, will you please see Sir John out?”
Mary blushed, but did as her mother bid.
While they waited for his horse, they stood in full view of the house.
“You will be relieved to have your sister return.”
Mary smiled. “Yes, Jane was missed.” She thought of another sister who would soon return as well. A return twenty years overdue.
“I hope you and Miss Bennet will be able to call again at Netherfield, in complete health.”
“I would like that.”
“Your mother wishes for me to call again. Would you welcome my visit as well?”
“As Mama has said, you are welcome at Longbourn.” Mary refused to say more – at this time. The stable boy brought Sir John’s horse around and helped him to mount before any conversation could continue.
“Good day then, Miss Bennet.” With a tip of his hat, Sir John rode away.
Mrs. Bennet wasted no time in rhapsodizing over her guest.
“A baronet! You have done well for yourself in the days we were in Kent.”
“Mama, Sir John knew how preoccupied I have been worrying over Jane. He merely ensured that I traveled to Netherfield and back in safety yesterday and again today.”
“He is smitten with you, mark my words! He may be a little shorter than you, but what does that matter! He is a very eligible catch! And estate all his own!”
“What of Kent?”
“Kent? Kent! Your father wishes to speak with everyone after dinner. Our news can wait until then. You must tell me everything about your Sir John. Such charming manners!”
Mary sighed. Once her mother caught wind of a man being even remotely interested in one of her daughters – usually Jane – she would not rest until she knew all. In truth, Mary had little to tell, but Harriet Bennet was determined to have her daughter say it all at least four times and four different ways before dinner. After-dinner conversation was reserved for another daughter; Lydia, William and Henry would be surprised to learn which sister!