“I offer my deepest condolences, Richard.” Then, Sir Gareth took his leave and departed.
Chapter 33: Death at Rosings Park
Elizabeth and her two sisters sat beside the great bed in Lady Catherine’s darkened chamber and kept vigil with their friend.
Anne occupied the nearer side of the bed, clutching her mother’s hand between both her own while tears slipped silently down her cheeks. There was no need for Dr. Miller to inform her that death was near. Lady Catherine’s breathing was labored, and the only mercy lay in the fact that she appeared free from suffering.
Richard and Georgiana sat on either side of Anne. The day before, Richard had sent for the Earl, and the Fitzwilliams were expected to arrive that afternoon. He had also dispatched word to the cabinetmaker to prepare a coffin.
The room remained silent save for Anne’s subdued weeping and Lady Catherine’s labored breathing when Fitzwilliam entered.
Elizabeth watched him take in his aunt’s condition before he moved to the bedside and pressed a kiss upon the top of Anne’s head.
“I am sorry, Annie.”
She rose from her chair, and the cousins embraced.
“Please let me know how I may assist you.”
Anne resumed her seat beside the bed. Darcy lifted his gaze and found Elizabeth watching him. He smiled before drawing a chair beside hers and taking his place there.
They remained at Lady Catherine’s bedside until the butler entered the chamber.
“Mr. Richard, sir, the Earl has arrived. His carriage was seen approaching the lane.”
“Was Phillip with him?”
“The Viscount was not observed upon horseback, sir. He may be traveling in the carriage.”
Richard smirked.
“I doubt it, Drake. Phillip would never endure traveling with my father for so many hours in such a confined space.”
Richard pressed his wife’s hand and stood, stretching his back. “Annie, I shall go down to receive my father.”
The three Bennet sisters and Georgiana all rose and followed Richard from the chamber.
Elizabeth paused beside Anne.
“We shall grant the Earl privacy with his sister, Annie. We will wait below in the drawing room until you send for us.”
Anne pressed Elizabeth’s hand before they left her.
Elizabeth did not encounter Mr. Darcy again until they gathered in the drawing room, awaiting the summons to dinner. Richard entered with Mr. Darcy.
“Drake, neither my father nor Annie shall come down to dinner. Neither feels inclined to eat at present.”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Darcy poured drinks for himself and Richard before crossing the room to join Elizabeth.
She asked, “Mr. Darcy, is there anything my sisters and I may do?”
“No, darling, there is nothing to be done at present. My uncle sits with Annie. He loved both his sisters dearly and bears this lossheavily himself. He said he had expected the two of them to grow into a pair of old crows together. She was only a year younger than he, and they were very close throughout their childhood.”
They were summoned to dinner when Richard’s mother joined them in the drawing room.
Richard performed the introductions to the Countess of Matlock.
