Nocturnal Truths by Pearson Deborah E

Author:Pearson, Deborah E
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: 2022-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

It had taken a week to decide and organise, but Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the Darcys, Anne de Bourgh and the Miss Bennets arrived at Rosings one week before Good Friday. They arrived frustrated, tired and late in the day. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had delayed the party by a full hour as they listened to the report from the Bow Street Runners in regards to the missing servants. There had been a further half hour delay while Darcy dealt with legal documents that arrived during the Runners report. Added to that Elizabeth needed more stops along the way. The journey should have taken approximately eight hours, but it took closer to twelve hours. On top of that, Elizabeth had kept their baby nephew in the carriage with them.

By the time as the carriages stopped at the front door of Rosings, Darcy’s mood was beyond foul. He could not wait to get to his room to change and sleep. That was until they entered the family parlour to find Mr Collins sitting on the sofa, waiting for Lady Catherine. Darcy took a deep breath and quick break before returning to the parlour. “Mr Collins, how can I help you?” Darcy snapped.

“I came to welcome Lady Catherine home and check on the health of Miss Anne,” Mr Collins said.

“My cousin, Miss de Bourgh, is very well thank you. As for my aunt, she has retired to bed for the night. You can leave and return late tomorrow. I will not have you harassing my family. I will tell my aunt to send a summons to you when she is ready to receive you.” Darcy huffed, impatiently.

“Of course, of course, Mr Darcy. It would be my pleasure to follow your advice.” Mr Collins scurried out of the parlour and back to his parsonage.

Darcy and Elizabeth were relaxing in the library the next morning, away from the rest of the family, when the post arrived. Most of it was business letters for Darcy, but there were two letters for Elizabeth. The first made Elizabeth smile, but the second one upset her. She threw the letter onto the seat next to her. “I should burn this!” She stated.

Darcy stopped her. “My love, surely, it cannot be that bad.”

Elizabeth thrust the letter at him. “Read it and answer it. I will not! I cannot.”

Darcy took the letter and pulled his distraught wife into his arms. “Whatever it contains, we will face together.” He waited until Elizabeth’s tears stopped, before sitting with her head resting on his shoulder, while he read the missive.

Lizzy,

You must speak to papa! He refuses to answer any of my letters to him. I have not received my allowance from him since the day I left for Netherfield. I cannot continue as I am. My mission to aid the Hursts was a complete success, but their demise has left me in a precarious situation. Hurst’s brother, who is the main beneficiary of Hurst’s estate, is contesting the annuity that Hurst left to me and two other women.

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