Page 25 of Love Drunk for Mr Darcy

"I have known her for some time," he said quickly. "I had already given serious consideration to marrying her, and after spending a considerable amount of time in her company, I am satisfied that my decision is the correct one."

Fitzwilliam made a peculiar sound beside him. Darcy did not look round. He was aware that his description of events was generous to the point of absurdity. He had also omitted the small matter of them spending much of the previous evening in each other’s arms.

His aunt had gone very pale. "You have known this woman for some time?"

"Yes."

"And all the while you have permitted me to believe that you understood what was expected of you?"

Darcy frowned. "I have never given you reason to believe that I intended to marry Anne."

"You have never given me reason to believe otherwise!"

"I was not aware that I was required to issue regular declarations upon all the women I did not intend to marry."

Lady Catherine's anger returned with force. "Do not be impertinent with me, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Your mother and I determined upon this union when you and Anne were infants. It has been the settled wish of both families for years."

"The settled wish of two members of those families. One of whom is long gone," Darcy corrected. "Neither Anne nor I was consulted."

"Anne has always understood her duty."

At that, Anne rose. The movement was slow and considered and it drew every eye in the room. She stood beside Colonel Fitzwilliam and planted her feet firmly.

"No, Mama," she said in a mild tone. "I have always understood what you wished me to do. But I do not consider it my duty to marry Darcy."

Lady Catherine turned towards her daughter and waved a hand at her. "Anne, this does not concern you."

"I think you will find that it concerns me a great deal. My heart is engaged elsewhere." As she spoke, Anne reached for Fitzwilliam's arm and rested her hand upon his sleeve. He glanced down at it, then covered her hand with his own.

Lady Catherine stared at Anne's hand upon Fitzwilliam's arm and then at his hand covering hers. For a long moment she said nothing at all. The clock upon the mantel was again loud in the silence. "What is the meaning of this?"

Anne did not move her hand. "I should have thought that was clear, Mama. Richard and I intend to marry. I had hoped to wait until I had come into my inheritance to share this news, but with Darcy’s… situation… it seemed prudent to make our connection known."

Lady Catherine's eyes widened. "You intend to marry Richard?" She turned upon Fitzwilliam before Anne could answer, and Darcy saw his cousin brace himself. "And you have encouraged this? Knowing perfectly well what has always been intended for Anne? Knowing what is expected of her?"

"I know what you expect of her," Fitzwilliam said firmly. There was none of his usual lightness now. "I also know what Anne wants, which I think ought to count for something."

Lady Catherine drew herself up. "You are a younger son with no estate of your own and an income entirely unsuited to Anne's position. What possible right had you to involve her in this?"

"I love him," Anne said simply.

That stopped her mother for perhaps two ticks of the clock. Darcy had never heard Anne speak so plainly to her before, and judging by Lady Catherine's face, neither had she. "You do not know what you are saying you silly girl."

"I know exactly what I am saying. I have known for some time, Mama. I am not a girl, and very shortly I shall be mistress of this estate. I think I am old enough to decide whom I wish to marry."

Lady Catherine seemed to have no answer to that, but only for a moment. She turned upon Fitzwilliam instead. "And you allowed this to continue behind my back? You came into my house, accepted my hospitality and all the while you were carrying on some secret understanding with my daughter?"

Fitzwilliam's jaw tightened. "We kept it from you because we knew precisely what your reaction would be. You may be the mistress of Rosings, madam, but you are not lord and master of everyone in your orbit!"

"My reaction!" Lady Catherine's voice rose again. "You presume to criticise my reaction when within five minutes I have discovered that my daughter has formed an attachment to a man entirely unsuitable for her and my other nephew has apparently decided to marry some nameless harlot!"

"Elizabeth Bennet is not a harlot." The words were out before Darcy could prevent them.

"You are not helping," Fitzwilliam hissed. Anne gave a long sigh and rested her head against his arm.

Lady Catherine turned towards Darcy, her eyes bulging. "Elizabeth Bennet?"

Darcy could see no useful way of withdrawing the name now. "Yes."