18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

N ext morning, Elizabeth was not quite certain what to do with herself. She had waited for a message from Riquer at the appointed time, but nothing had happened. She went to the sick room, but the Rochester Mages were there. They shooed her away when she offered to help them, saying they were quite capable of doing the Healing themselves, thank you very much.

There was no sign of Darcy anywhere. When she questioned the butler, he informed her that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley had gone riding.

So Elizabeth made her way to the breakfast room, in the hope of encountering someone there she could talk to. The only one present was Anne. Although the two of them had come to some agreement, Elizabeth approached Darcy's cousin warily.

"Good morning, Anne. I would like to thank you for participating in the Healing Circle yesterday. It was kind of you to agree to do it. I hope it was not too tiring for you."

Anne waved her hand dismissively. "I slept like a log, which is more than I usually say. And I was happy to use my magic for something useful."

She gestured to a footman to bring her some pickled herring. "Mama has decided to allow us our regular breakfast today," she said in a conspiratorial tone. "She is doing it for Uncle Matlock, of course." She took a piece of herring and chewed it. "I hope the maids were attentive this morning, Elizabeth."

"They were indeed. How did you know?"

"Because I ordered them to, and I expect my orders to be followed."

Elizabeth smiled. "Then I thank you for it."

Anne put down her fork and examined Elizabeth in a disconcerting manner. Elizabeth did not quite know what to make of it.

"I would like to apologize for what I said yesterday morning. About you stealing Darcy from me," Anne remarked. "It was very badly done of me, especially considering how worried you are about your sister. I suppose I have wanted to say those words to you since Darcy broke our engagement, and it simply poured out the moment I had an opportunity to talk to you."

She leaned across the table.

"In fact, I am glad Darcy and I did not marry. We would not have suited at all. I care for my cousin, of course. We spent a lot of time together when we were children. But he requires a lot of effort, and I simply do not have the strength to deal with him."

A rueful smile brightened Miss de Bourgh's face. When animated as she was now, she resembled Darcy. She was not handsome, but she had a similar smile, and there was a family resemblance around the eyes.

"Darcy can be quite demanding," said Elizabeth, with a laugh. She thought back to his insistence that she should memorize the whole Compendium of Common Spells .

"Exactly. I have seen how you deal with him, and I can see you can stand your own. I did not expect you would be in love with Darcy. I thought you would be cold and ambitious, but you are none of those things."

Elizabeth blinked. "It is generous of you to say so. I hope our marriage didn't cause you pain."

"Pain?" It was Miss de Bourgh's turn to look startled. "I did not feel pain. My pride was hurt at first, but the whole thing has been long forgotten. Not by Mama, though. She will not let it go. Not ever. Anyone would think we were already married, and you kidnapped him from me on my wedding night." To Elizabeth's surprise, Anne tittered.

"You are not at all what I expected, either," said Elizabeth, frankly.

Anne's lips tilted. "I am glad I was wrong as well. Darcy has become a better person by being with you. You are good for him. We all deserve someone who can challenge us and make us into a better person." She threw down her napkin. "Would you like me to show you the garden? The roses are still blooming."

Elizabeth was beginning to get used to Anne's blunt ways.

"I would love to," she said.

They were not long in the garden when a footman came looking for them.

"Mrs. Darcy, I was sent by the Healers to tell you your sister has woken up."

The Healers insisted that only her immediate family could see Miss Bennet. Elizabeth went in first, with Darcy.

"Dear Jane," she said, touching her sister lightly on the head. There was no sign of fever. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired," whispered Jane.

"That's only to be expected," said Darcy. "You have been through an ordeal."

Elizabeth stared at her sister, taking in the sight of her, scarcely believing that Jane was awake and talking to them. Her face had lost its sickly pallor, and there was color in her cheeks. Elizabeth wanted to jump for joy.

She looked at Darcy, who beamed at her and then her sister.

Mr. Bennet came forward and kissed Jane on the brow. "The Healers tell me you are doing well, Jane," he said. "I am pleased to hear it." Despite his light words, Elizabeth could see he was struggling to hold back his emotions. Her eyes prickled, and she gave his shoulder a squeeze.

"Are you in any pain?" asked Darcy.

"A little," Jane admitted.

It was clearly a strain for her to talk to them. "I think we had better let you recover," said Elizabeth. "We will be back later."

Jane's gaze turned towards the door. Elizabeth recognized the longing in her gaze. "Mr. Bingley has been at your side day and night. There has been some trouble about it. Be nice to him, Jane. He loves you very dearly. Would you like me to send him in? I should warn you, though, Darcy's aunt may cry compromise."

"Send him in," said Jane.

Bingley must have been listening outside the door, because at Jane's words, he stepped in.

Then the two of them had eyes only for each other, their eyes glistening with love.

Now that Jane was recovering, Elizabeth could take time for herself, especially knowing the Healers were doing everything they could to make sure of Jane's speedy recovery. She grasped the opportunity to go on a stroll with Darcy in the garden, where he entertained her by pointing out some of his childhood haunts.

"But my favorite place was my aunt's hothouse, where – naturally – I was forbidden from setting foot."

"What could be so very interesting in a hothouse?" she said, laughing as she remembered how he had surprised her with dinner in the hothouse in Netherfield.

He smirked. "It was not what you are thinking, Mrs. Darcy," he replied. "We were children, and to us it was another world. It was full of hiding places amongst the exotic plants. Anne and I used to chase each other and hide under the giant leaves."

"Did you ever get into trouble?"

"Not once, believe it or not. Somehow, my aunt never suspected us. Or maybe she could not imagine that we could possibly disobey her."

As they approached the house, the voice of Lady Catherine could be clearly heard.

"That is completely unacceptable. How dare you defile the sanctity of Rosings Park?"

Darcy speeded up his pace. "Oh, no. Now what?"

They found Bingley leaning against the wall in a most nonchalant manner.

"This – friend of yours," said Lady Catherine, "is invited to leave immediately! We cannot have these goings-on under my roof!"

Elizabeth glanced to the side and spotted Mrs. Jenkinson there, looking very self-righteous. It was not hard to deduce what had happened. Clearly Bingley had been caught alone with Jane.

Anne, who was also present, gave a little giggle. "Well, at least things are more lively now."

Lady Catherine sent her a scathing look. "There is nothing funny about a young lady being compromised."

"No, there is not," said Mr. Bingley. "I take full responsibility, and I will make amends immediately. I intend to marry Miss Bennet as soon as I can."

Lady Catherine ignored him. "Anne, go to your room. I will not have you exposed to such improper behavior."

"Mama, I am twenty-eight years old. Do you think it is the first time I see a gentleman and a lady kissing?"

"Nonsense. I have done everything I can to shield you from such things." Lady Catherine turned to Mr. Bingley. "You are corrupting my daughter."

"Mama, Mr. Bingley is not corrupting me—" said Anne.

"—Do you see what you have done?" said Lady Catherine, speaking over Anne. "Before you came, my daughter would never have dared to defy me in this manner."

"We have done nothing wrong," said Bingley, calmly. "Miss Bennet and I are engaged."

Elizabeth let out a squeak. "That is wonderful news!"

Mr. Bingley was beaming. "I am the happiest man in the world."

"Then go and be engaged somewhere else!" And with that concluding statement, she walked out of the room, dragging Anne along with her. As they left the room, Colonel Fitzwilliam came in. He mouthed something to Anne, and she gave a secret little nod.

Meanwhile, Darcy stepped forward and offered his best wishes. "Have you spoken to Mr. Bennet yet?"

Mr. Bingley's joy dimmed. "Not yet." He looked at Elizabeth anxiously. "Do you think he will object?"

"You need not worry. I do not think Papa will deny Jane her happiness after everything she has gone through."

Bingley, reassured, hurried off to find Mr. Bennet.

Elizabeth thought about what she had witnessed. "Is there anything between your cousin Richard and Anne?"

Darcy looked surprised. "Not as far as I know. At least, Richard has not confided in me. Why do you ask?"

"I have noticed them exchanging glances. And something just passed between them."

"Well, if that is the case, then I hope they can work it out. My aunt will not be pleased to marry Anne to someone with neither a title nor money."

Later, when Richard invited Darcy to the billiards room for a game, Darcy resolved to question his cousin.

"Our cousin Anne seems changed since I last saw her. I hope she is not too disappointed that we did not marry. How do you find her these days?"

Richard pounced on the opportunity to discuss Anne. "Anne has the patience of a saint. I do not know how she puts up with Lady Catherine. It must be awful, being trapped here, unable to go anywhere else."

Darcy nodded sagely, thinking of what Elizabeth had said. "It is a pity she could not marry me. I would have taken her away from here."

Richard turned red. He started to say something, then checked himself.

It was enough of an affirmation of guilt for Darcy to smile to himself. "Too bad you are not inclined to do so yourself."

Richard sent him such a probing look that Darcy burst out laughing. "Come on, admit it, Richard. There is something going on between you."

"You have caught me red-handed," said Richard, looking abashed. "What gave it away? I thought I was being very discreet."

Darcy admitted, with some embarrassment, that it was Elizabeth who had noticed.

Richard gave a sigh of relief. "Good. I was afraid for a moment that if a slow-top like you had discovered us, Lady Catherine might also be suspicious. I am not surprised Elizabeth picked up on it, however. She notices things."

"I object strongly to being called a slow-top," said Darcy.

"Well, not in everything. But you must admit, Cousin, emotions are not your forte." He laughed. "Before you start getting angry and defending yourself, I want to show you something. It has been burning a hole into my coat pocket for days. I would like to share it with you in the strictest confidence. Wait here a minute."

Darcy waited, intrigued. He could not imagine what his cousin Richard could possibly have to show him.

Richard reappeared very quickly, and produced a piece of paper, which he handed to Darcy.

"A special license?" he said, stunned. "You are planning to marry Anne now?"

"I was planning to ride over and do it last week, before everything else happened."

"But why the special license? Were you planning to elope?"

"Of course not. Anne is twenty-eight. She does not need her mother's permission to marry. We simply intended to do it quietly, and then tell Lady Catherine after the fact."

"But surely she can have no objection to a match with you, now that I am out of the way."

Richard shrugged. "You know how Aunt Catherine is. I think she is holding out for someone titled for her daughter. You know – dangling the carrot of Anne's Trueblood heritage like a fishing rod, seeing who will bite."

"Heavens. As if there could be anyone better than you."

"I will take that as a compliment, Cousin. I am glad you approve."

"Of course I approve, but it is not up to me, is it?" He looked closely at his cousin. "You do love her, don't you? This is not about taking over the Rosings estate."

"Of course I love her, you dolt. Though I won't deny it is a good match in other ways."

"Then may I be the first to offer my good wishes?" said Darcy, for the second time in one day.

"Thank you, but it is premature. I would not wish to get ahead of myself. We will have to see if I will be able to go through with it."

To celebrate Bingley's engagement, Darcy had the pastry cook bake one of Bingley's favorite cakes and asked for it to be served in the living room after dinner, where everyone – including some of the Rochester Healers -- intended to gather, at Lady Catherine's invitation.

Now that Darcy knew about Richard and Anne's connection, he wondered how he had not noticed it before. The covert glances they exchanged over dinner, the way they sought each other out, the quick exchanges between them – it all seemed so obvious that he wondered how his aunt had not discovered them already.

"You were right," he said to Elizabeth. "There is something between my cousin Richard and Anne."

Elizabeth gave Darcy's arm a light pinch. "I was right! I am very happy for Anne. So did the colonel admit it to you?"

"Not only did he admit it," said Darcy, pleased for once to have a piece of juicy gossip to impart. "He showed me the special license he had procured to marry Anne secretly."

"It seems there is much more to your cousin Anne than meets the eye," said Elizabeth. "I hope she is able to defy Lady Catherine and marry your cousin Richard."

"I do not see why not," said Darcy.

Later, after Elizabeth had waited in vain for Riquer to connect through the mirror, she hurried to join the others in the living room. She paused at the threshold, taking in the scene. The mood was so different from two days ago. There was a sense of celebration in the air. Although Jane's recovery was still incomplete, at least she was awake, and had a strong chance of getting better.

She walked in as her father appeared to be having a discussion with Lady Catherine.

"It is the lull before the storm. We must make the best of it," said Mr. Bennet. "If only there was a good library here. But alas, not all fine houses have libraries."

"May I remind you, Mr. Bennet, that there is a library at Rosings," she said, oblivious to the slight implied in the word good. "I will show you the way." She gestured to the servants. "Bring the card tables to the library. Set up everything there." She led the way, muttering under her breath. "No library, indeed!"

Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth an amused look.

When she reached her intended destination, she flung open the door. Now Elizabeth understood the reason for Mr. Bennet's amusement. There were no more than two dozen books on a shelf in the corner. The rest of the rows of shelves were covered with knick-knacks, China dishes lovingly displayed, and porcelain figurines.

"Not many books," remarked Mr. Bennet, mildly.

"If you are interested in books ," said Lady Catherine, emphasizing the word as if he had asked for something exotic, "my late husband Sir Lewis used to possess quite a few. They were very dull, and have been consigned to the attic, but I can have them dusted and brought down if you prefer reading to a card game."

"There is no need for that, Lady Catherine," said Mr. Bennet. "I am sure I will find something to amuse me."

Lady Catherine set up two card tables and issued an invitation for a game of whist. It was not long before both tables were occupied.

Anne took a chair next to Elizabeth and watched.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam is a good card player," she remarked. "I suppose he spends a lot of time playing in the barracks."

"I'm afraid I don't know. I generally see him at Founder's Hall."

After a few minutes, Anne suggested taking a walk around the library. "Would you like to join me? Mama says it is the best way for two young ladies to show off their elegant deportment."

Elizabeth smothered a laugh at Anne's tongue-in-cheek mention of Lady Catherine. She had a wicked sense of humor.

Unsurprisingly, as soon as they began to walk. Colonel Fitzwilliam looked up from his cards and followed Anne with his gaze.

"Fitzwilliam!" said Lady Catherine, severely, rapping his fingers with her fan. "You are not paying attention. It is your turn."

The game ended very soon afterwards. Colonel Fitzwilliam threw down his cards and came over to where Elizabeth and Anne were sitting. He addressed Elizabeth, but Elizabeth could tell he was covertly looking at Anne.

"How is your sister recovering?"

"Very well indeed," she replied, coming to her feet with a smile. "Miss de Bourgh can tell you all about it. If you will excuse me, I need to go and talk to my husband."