An Accident at Pemberley by Linda C. Thompson

Author:Linda C. Thompson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Darcy and Elizabeth, Pemberley, Jane Austen Fan Fiction, British Classics, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Publisher: Linda C. Thompson
Published: 2017-10-23T00:00:00+00:00

Lady Catherine Intrudes

Despite the fact that he had left London quite early, due to a series of unfortunate events it was near midnight when an express rider stood before the door of Rosings Park. The house, locked tight for the night, had slept for some time, so at the rider's knock the lowly footman on duty in the main hall opened the door. Noting that the express did not come from a family member, the young servant followed protocol, placing the envelope on the hall table for delivery with Lady Catherine's breakfast tray.

Consequently, at eight o'clock the next morning, a very startled staff heard the most shocking words issue from the mouth of their mistress. Flinging open the door to her suite, Lady Catherine began screeching for the butler, housekeeper, and both ladies’ maids to immediately attend her.

Upon presenting themselves to their mistress, each appeared to be out of breath. The first to arrive saw the great lady pacing back and forth, muttering, “I will put an end to this travesty! The marriage must take place as soon as I stop this farce of a wedding! How could my sister allow this to happen? Anne will be Mrs. Darcy as soon as I can arrange it."

Pausing in her pacing, she noted that everyone summoned appeared to be before her. Lady Catherine began barking out orders. "The carriage should be prepared straight away. Anne and I must be on the road to London within the hour. Have the maids begin packing. I expect we may be in London for at least a fortnight. Be sure to put in all of Anne's best gowns and ensure enough food and drink for the journey. We will not stop any longer than it takes to change the horses.” When her orders ceased, and everyone still stood staring at her, she shouted, "Go to it!" and everyone dispersed.

Exactly fifty-nine minutes later, the exhausted but relieved staff watched the carriage pull away from the house and down the drive. As Haskett, the butler of Rosings Park, closed the front door, he looked at those standing near and asked, "Does anyone know what happened to cause such an uproar?"

Lucy, a maid who had assisted with the packing, spoke. "When I took up her tray this morning, I delivered an express that had come during the night from one of Lady Catherine's regular correspondents. From what she muttered, I believe Mr. Darcy attended the theater with several rather beautiful young ladies."

The servants uttered a collective groan. Despite Lady Catherine's many assertions, none of her staff ever noticed Mr. Darcy pay any attentions to Miss Anne. In fact, he avoided her company whenever possible. "Well," said Mrs. Bamber, the housekeeper, "I suspect we best ensure the house is in tip-top condition, for I imagine the ladies will return sooner than expected and that they will be dissatisfied with the results of this hurried trip."

"Indeed," added Haskett. "We should all be prepared for a difficult time. Now, back to your work, and be busy about it.

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