Mr. Darcy's Secret by Jane Odiwe

Author:Jane Odiwe [Odiwe, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
ISBN: 9781402245275
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2010-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Lady Catherine de Bourgh looked Mrs Darcy up and down with such an expression of horror and contempt it was all Lizzy could do to keep her nerve. "Does your husband know that you are running around the countryside dressed as a gypsy riding in a donkey cart, Miss Bennet?" she asked in scolding tones. "What on earth can you mean by disgracing Mr Darcy in such a fashion? Have you no idea of decorum, are you insensible to the honours bestowed on you by him, that fool of a nephew of mine who has singled you out above all other women to bear his name?"

"A name, ma'am, which you clearly have trouble in remembering," thought Elizabeth, feeling indignant not only at the rude manner in which she had been spoken to, but also at the fact that she had not been addressed by her new title: Mrs Darcy. In any case, what was Lady Catherine doing here? She was not expected for another week. And now the worst possible beginning that she could imagine for any new understanding between them had just taken place, in the mere twinkling of an eye. It was not her fault, but she had been rather outspoken, goaded by Lady Catherine's offensive and discourteous behaviour. Conscious that she might undo any reconciliation and the chance of true appeasement between this offensive woman and Mr Darcy, Elizabeth swiftly came to the conclusion that it might be best to take a superior position and try her utmost to smooth over the situation.

"Lady Catherine, I must admit that I was not expecting you until next week, but I do hope you are on your way to Pemberley. Mr Darcy is so looking forward to your visit."

"Is he indeed, Mrs Darcy?" came the reply, short and succinct.

"You must be very tired after your journey, Lady Catherine, and after the shock of the accident I think you need the comfort of a good fire and plenty of sweet tea. I will not keep you talking any longer. Let me assist you to your carriage."

"I thank you, Mrs Darcy, but I only take my own particular blend of tea, and I could not bear to have its delicate balance of flavours corrupted by cloying sugar. I am tired of travelling and unable to tell you if I shall put up at Pemberley at all, though if you insist, I might sit by a fire in the hall for a half hour. Harrogate has no charms left; I am entirely fatigued by the North Country and its odious people, and I am in no humour to waste any more of my time in the company of those who pretend to court me. I suppose you would like to take the rest of your journey in my carriage? Well, what are you waiting for? Only remove those hideous shawls before stepping up; I cannot be seen conversing with someone dressed as a washerwoman."

Through gritted teeth Elizabeth did as she was bid, taking care to make sure that the garrulous woman was settled before she took her seat.

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