The Phantom of Pemberley by Regina Jeffers

Author:Regina Jeffers
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Perseus
Published: 2010-08-24T16:00:00+00:00

Darcy returned to the ballroom to find his family and to lessen the effects of his aunt’s open censure. Mr. Worth stood speaking privately to Anne, who wept.

His partner noticed Darcy’s entrance, and her head snapped up in recognition. “My mother?” Anne’s bitterness masked her obvious tears.

“Her Ladyship decided to retire for the evening. She sends her regrets.” He tried to smile. His wife, he observed, looked like an embattled angel, her outrage barely hidden. There was a deceptive calmness about her, which worried him.

“Indeed,” Anne murmured, and Worth moved closer to her.

Darcy glanced about the room; they all waited for him to set the mood—to restore the levity of the performance. “I say we take this party to the rose sitting room. Let us celebrate your triumph tonight.We will send for tea and wine and brandy, along with some of Mrs. Jennings’s famous chocolate tarts.” He addressed a plea of cooperation to Elizabeth with his eyes.

Automatically, his wife fell into her role as the household’s mistress. “I, for one, have developed quite an appetite. Who knew the theater was such a demanding occupation?” she announced to their guests as she caught Georgiana and Lydia around their waists. “I believe I have a new respect for those who trip the boards.”

“The theater is a most demanding career.” Lord Stafford placed Miss Donnel’s arm on his own and followed Elizabeth Darcy’s group from the hall. “Come along,Worth,” he called.

Darcy moved to where he might speak to Anne privately. “I am sorry, my Dear, that I allowed Lady Catherine such latitude. I find it hard to break the habit of permitting Her Ladyship to vent. But I shall not fail you again. I have given my aunt an ultimatum—to either recognize the error of her ways or to leave Pemberley immediately. In either case, you will remain with us. I will not sanction your mother’s domination of you any longer. You are under my protection from this moment forward. I shall speak to our uncle, the earl, as soon as possible and secure his agreement.”

Anne’s fingers reached out to touch his face.“How might I ever repay you, Cousin?”

“Be happy.” He took Anne’s fingers and brought them to his lips. “Find the type of happiness I discovered as Elizabeth’s husband—know the gratification of something deeper and more meaningful than all the wealth of the land.”

“Mrs. Jenkinson said that you already loved Elizabeth that Easter when you came to Rosings and Mrs. Darcy visited the Collinses.” Anne turned to take Darcy’s proffered arm.

“Madly,” he whispered close to her ear. “Have Mrs. Darcy tell you how she refused my first proposal during that country sojourn.”

“She did not!” Anne gasped. “Elizabeth refused you?” She laughed. “The evening that Mrs. Collins begged my mother’s forgiveness for Miss Bennet’s absence—claiming the lady suffered from a headache—that is why you made an untimely departure yourself—Mother felt quite put upon by your desertion!”

“Like Mrs. Jenkinson, Her Ladyship recognized what I tried gallantly to hide. I expected Elizabeth to be aware of my consideration, and I called on the cottage that evening to plead my case.

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