I stroked Bennet’s back, glaring at her. “My son is not yet two years old. He knows the proper way to greet people but is shy in the company of strangers. For now, his most important tasks are to play and be a contented child.”
Lady Rebecca looked askance at my aunt. “Indeed, the boy is yet so young. No doubt he will learn manners in good time.”
In response, Lady Catherine grimaced at her friend before fixing upon me again. “Your parents did not indulge you this way. What do you suppose they would say if they could see you now?”
A burst of warmth rose up to sting my face. For Bennet’s sake, I should control my anger; he already shrank from Lady Catherine’s caustic tone, and his tiny fingers gripped my lapels. “As a matter of fact, my earliest memories are of my mother spending hours with me each day.”
Her hand waved in a dismissive motion. “Yes, Anne doted on you more than she ought to have, but I am certain your father did not.”
“I am confident that, were my parents alive, they would respect my decision to raise my son in the way I see fit.”Bennet twisted in my arms to spy Lady Catherine. It seemed his curiosity overcame his trepidation.
“Well, no one could deny he is a handsome child. In fact, he is the image of you at that age.” She gestured to my wife. “I suppose you should be commended, Elizabeth, for providing my nephew with a healthy heir.”
With a familiar glimmer in her eyes, Elizabeth directed a wry look at me. “I am so glad you approve.”
“Of course, you ought to have another boy child as soon as may be. A man like Darcy cannot have too many sons.”
Perhaps my wife and I ought to excuse ourselves and attend to that worthy goal at once.I beheld Elizabeth. who pressed her lips flat, a manoeuvre she often employed to keep from grinning. Did she share my thought?
Having composed herself, my wife met Lady Catherine’s gaze. “We should welcome more children, whether they be male or female.”
While Winston dressed me for dinner, the ramifications of my aunt’s surprise visit consumed me. She could not have chosen a worse time to appear. After having Graham’s unwelcome presence thrust upon me the day before, now she and her friend would remain for Elizabeth’s birthday celebration.
Lady Catherine must be one of the last people my wife would want at her birthday table. No matter—I should not permit my aunt or anyone else to ruin this for her.
Once dressed, I dismissed Winston and knocked upon the door to my wife’s chamber, entering at her call. Her abigail, Gibbs, departed the room as I entered. She had arranged Elizabeth’s hair in an artful style.
I went to my wife and pressed my lips to hers. “How did you find Mrs. Green today?”
“Despite her weak condition, we had a lovely visit.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“There is more to tell you that can wait for another time.”
“Very well.”
“Did you manage to settle the feud between the Johnsons and the Smiths?”
“For now, at least. The Johnsons’ dog had fallen into an old well, and we recovered him, uninjured. Mr. Johnson apologized to Mr. Smith.”
“That is good news.”
I took her to the sofa and retained her hand after we sat, stroking it with my thumb. “I am sorry for my aunt’s sudden appearance.”
Drawing in a deep breath, she met my gaze. “She is your aunt. You have no need to apologize.”
“Nevertheless, her stay is bound to be unpleasant.”
“She maintains that she wrote to you and told you of her plans to visit.” Elizabeth sounded unconcerned, yet she awaited my answer in an inflexible position.
“If my aunt sent me a letter, I never received it.”
She relaxed against the back of the sofa. “I thought so.”
My fingers brushed over my jaw. She could have no reason to suppose I should fail to relate tidings as momentous as an imminent visit from Lady Catherine, yet it seemed she had harboured doubt.
“I do not believe your aunt truly wants to reconcile with us—at least not with me. I wonder at her motive for bringing Lady Rebecca here. It seems she meant to throw the woman at you.”
