Of Trust and Tolerance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jae George

Author:Jae George [George, Jae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 210968633
Published: 2024-04-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

While the couple was completely oblivious to what was happening outside of their rooms, the party on the ground floor had been interrupted by the entrance of the enraged Lady Catherine de Bourgh. “Where have you all been? And what are you all doing here?” Before anyone could respond, the harridan rushed into the room and looked around. “I received word that my nephew Fitzwilliam Darcy has fallen into the clutches of a penniless fortune hunter. In fact, into the grasp of that impertinent cousin of my own parson. I rushed to the church because I was told that the wedding was to take place today.” She looked about the room and saw that a wedding cake was among the offerings of the expansive feast. “Where is my nephew? Has he run off with that hussy?”

James Darcy stepped up to tower over his insensible sister-in-law. “Catherine, you will stop your screeching this instant, or I will have my footmen bodily remove you.” The screeching did cease, but Lady Catherine remained in the middle of the room, staring up haughtily at Mr. Darcy. “Now,” he said, “would you like to refresh yourself before leaving my home? We will be happy to arrange for a tray to be sent up to a room for you, but you must remove to the inn in Lambton, as we currently have a full house of guests.”

By now, Lady Anne had joined the group in the center of the room and tried unsuccessfully to steer her sister out. Lady Catherine’s harangue recommenced, “I have come to prevent my nephew from bringing shame to our family name. Is he or is he not betrothed to that avaricious Elizabeth Bennet?”

The Earl now joined the group with a sly smile. “He is not betrothed to Miss Bennet, Cat,” he paused, “as he is now married to the charming young woman.”

“That is a slanderous lie, Henry Fitzwilliam! You know that he is engaged to marry my daughter Anne.” All three of those trying to reason with the loud, disorderly termagant sighed collectively. Mr. Darcy turned to the other guests, “I apologize for this completely outrageous disruption of our festivities. Please continue to enjoy yourselves while we handle this situation.”

With Lord Matlock holding one arm and Mr. Darcy the other, Lady Catherine was escorted out of the room while vehemently protesting the treatment she was suffering. Lady Anne questioned Mrs. Reynolds, who was waiting in the entrance hall, and discovered that their furious visitor had been accompanied by her daughter, who was already resting in a guest room with her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, at her side. After whispering to her husband, Lady Anne climbed the stairs to check on her niece, Anne de Bourgh.

“Sit, Catherine,” James Darcy ordered. When she didn’t comply, he rushed at her, causing her to fall back into the chair directly behind her. “You will now listen and not speak…” When she opened her mouth, he held up his hand to silence her while he finished

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