Setting the letters aside, Darcy leant back in his chair, his mind shifting back to Elizabeth. Despite the challenges ahead, her presence brought him a sense of calm and resolve, one that he had only ever experienced when with her. Given what they were facing, he was glad to have her with him, and he looked forward to a lifetime together.
Amid these reflections, his cousin’s new husband arrived at the door to the study. Before yesterday, he had never heard of the Hargrove family, and he knew nothing about the family. Putting aside his papers, he moved to the chairs in front of the fireplace and indicated that his new cousin should sit.
“Would you care for a drink?” he asked.
“Thank you, but no. I rarely imbibe,” Mr. Hargrove responded. “Anne is with Miss Darcy and suggested I speak to you since you know far more about Rosings and its operations than either of us.”
“Yes, I have spent considerable time over the last few years managing the business of Rosings, often having to undo the damage caused by my aunt, who believed she knew better than either me or the steward. While the estate is currently thriving and the steward is capable, I have been too preoccupied with Pemberley and my other properties to provide the proper oversight it required,” Darcy began.
“Anne, for her part, is far more intelligent and perceptive than her mother ever gave her credit for. She has sound instincts about what ought to be done, but my aunt never allowed her any authority over the estate. Lady Catherine refused to letAnne make decisions or involve herself in its management, insisting on total control. To counter this, I took it upon myself to meet with Anne when I could—with Richard joining us—so she remained informed about the estate’s affairs. While her mother might have stifled her involvement, Anne has a natural understanding of how the estate should be run. I believe, given the opportunity, she could manage it with great success. I presume that you are able to provide any assistance she needs, and, of course, I will answer any questions either of you has.”
Mr. Hargrove nodded. “This was one matter Anne and I discussed in our letters. Both of our parents are controlling and unwilling to bend. My father refuses to allow me any say in the estate’s management, so I spent my time in the conservatory and stillroom. My interest in medicinal herbs seemed to irritate him further. However, I have little desire to act as many first sons do, indulging in profligate behaviour. Such activities have never interested me, which is one reason I am content not to consummate my relationship with Anne.”
“Forgive me, but are you certain this will work? What if someone challenges your marriage? I understand no one can force an annulment, and non-consummation is not grounds to invalidate a marriage, but it could still raise doubts,” Darcy asked.
“Who would know if we consummated our marriage?” Mr. Hargrove countered. “Yes, we have shared our intentions with you, but who else will speak of it? Lady Catherine will no doubt raise objections, but in truth, there is nothing she can do. Rosings was always going to be Anne’s, with or without a marriage, but our union offers her an additional layer of protection she would not have had otherwise.”
“That is true on both accounts. I cannot imagine Lady Catherine will remain silent, but legally, she has no standing. You haveboth reached your majority, there is no legal impediment to the marriage, and you are of sound mind. She may bluster, but that is all. What does Anne’s marriage settlement allow Lady Catherine?” Darcy enquired.
In response, Mr. Hargrove presented copies of the relevant contracts, including his marriage settlement with Anne. The two spent the next several hours reviewing the documents and discussing these and other related matters.
Chapter Twenty-Three
SUNDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 1811
The residents of Darcy House attended church, arriving just as the service began and discreetly taking seats near the back. Their entrance did not go unnoticed, but they managed to leave without engaging with any acquaintances. Georgiana Darcy’s presence was noted, as was the unfamiliar couple accompanying them. Yet, most of the congregation paid little attention to anyone beyond the Darcys themselves.
However, the unknown couple caught the eye of two individuals. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, attending the service with her brother and his wife, had come with her mind far from worship. It had been several weeks since she had last seen her daughter—not since the girl had defied her, disappearing from Rosings and taking the outrageous step of locking her own mother out of the estate.
Seeing her daughter beside a man, free from her control and with the Darcys, was more than Lady Catherine could bear. The realisation was like a blow—her daughter had apparently married in secret, without her knowledge or approval. The evidence was clear in her confident stance, suggesting independence. The thought of this betrayal, defying her by refusing to marry her cousin and claiming the inheritance, was intolerable.
Her chest tightened with the force of her anger, each breath coming in sharp, shallow bursts as she fought to maintain her composure. The rage threatened to spill over, but before shecould act, her brother, noticing her distress, leant towards her and hissed, "Catherine, control yourself! We are in a church in Mayfair—this is not the place for one of your outbursts."
His words, spoken in a low but firm tone, cut through her fury. Lady Catherine stiffened, forcing herself to regain her composure although the resentment simmered just beneath the surface. As soon as the interminable service ended, she turned to find the party but was met with disappointment when she saw them quickly moving from their pew and out the doors of the church.
Once they had arrived at Matlock House, Lady Catherine moved to begin her tirade. However, her brother cut her off before she could start. “In my office, Cathy. You have never learned to speak of these matters in private, which is why your servants were so free with their gossip.”
Lord Matlock stalked into his study, heading straight for the sideboard. Without a word, he poured himself a drink and downed it in a large gulp before refilling the glass. “Sit,” he commanded his sister sharply, not bothering to look at her.
Lady Catherine stood rigidly for a moment, her face tight with indignation, before complying. “Silas, I cannot believe the nerve of Darcy, allowing Anne and that man to stay in his house after the disgraceful way they have treated me. To parade that hussy he married at church—it is simply too much! The audacity of my daughter and nephew to defy me so openly. I will not stand for it. I will make sure they both?—”
“Enough!” Lord Matlock cut her off, turning an enraged glare towards her. His voice dropped to a venomous hiss. “You will do nothing of the sort, Cathy. Are you even aware of the trouble you have already caused? Or are you truly that blind?”
Lady Catherine’s mouth fell open, but before she could retort, her brother continued, his tone seething. “It has been nearly a month since you sent that idiotic letter to Wickham, instructing him tokidnapDarcy’s wife. Have you heard from him? Of course not. Even if the fool had succeeded, how did you expect him to deliver the woman to you, seeing as you no longer have control of Rosings? Do you not realise Wickham has likely taken whatever funds you gave him and disappeared, if he has any sense at all? And Darcy? Darcy would never let that man, or anyone else, come near his wife or sister. You, Cathy, are far too inept for the subtlety required for such a scheme.”
Before Lady Catherine could interject, her brother spoke again, his voice cold. “You need to accept reality—your daughteris married, and she has claimed her inheritance. Rosings is no longer yours, nor will it ever be again. You have no funds left at your disposal to carry out your ridiculous plans. I amsickof your endless whinging and scheming since you returned from Kent after learning what Anne had done.”
He paused, letting his words sink in before delivering his final blow. “Tomorrow, you will go to Matlock, and you will stay in the dower house there. I have business in London until Parliament is finished, and I do not have the time or patience to watch over your every move. But hear me clearly, Sister: if youdaredefy me and seek retribution, I will have you thrown out of Matlock altogether. Since Anne will not have you at Rosings, and Darcy refuses to recognise you as family, you will be completely on your own. Sir Lewis’s will left you only your dowry as jointure, and you have already squandered most of it on your foolishness. If you disobey me, you will be lefthomeless. Make no mistake—I will know if you do.”
His words hung in the air, cold and final. Lady Catherine sat stunned, her defiance momentarily silenced. Lord Matlock downed the rest of his drink as he continued to stare at her.
“Very well, Silas. I will do as you bid,” she replied, her tone brittle as she clearly attempted to hold back the words she wished to say. Even as a child, Lady Catherine had not liked being told what to do and liked it even less when it was her younger brother doing the telling. But since Matlock was the head of the family and the only one still willing to house her at present, she truly had no choice but to do as he commanded.
A servant knocked on the door, and upon hearing the call to enter, asked if the pair intended to join the mistress for the meal.
Lord Matlock addressed his sister. "No, thank you, Silas. I will request a tray in my room as I begin packing," she replied, holding her head high as she stood and left the room. Lord Matlock shook his head and followed her before making his way to the dining room.
“Did you see Darcy at church this morning?” his wife asked as he entered. “He was with Anne. She wrote to us about her marriage, but I did not recognise the young man accompanying her. Did you?”
