The Second Mrs Darcy by Elizabeth Aston

Author:Elizabeth Aston [Elizabeth Aston]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007287895
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2008-04-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Octavia came to the conclusion that she was lacking in moral fibre; she stood self-convicted of cowardice and was also turning into an unblushing liar. She had put off yet again breaking the news of her inheritance to her family; she would, she decided, tell them when she came back from her journey north. And that meant she had to find a reason for her visit to Yorkshire, one that would satisfy Theodosia. She was ashamed of how readily the falsehoods came to her lips.

“Relations of Mr. Darcy, you say? They have invited you for a visit? Pray, what are they called? Perhaps Drusilla knows them.”

Since Octavia had just made up the entire family, this was unlikely. “They live near York,” she said. Drusilla’s house was in the South Riding, she could not be expected to be on visiting terms with a family in the North Riding.

“Oh, York. Nettleton, you said? I do not know the name, they do not come to London, I suppose?”

“He is a lawyer,” said Octavia, improvising rapidly.

“Married, I dare say, or he could hardly invite you to stay.”

“Married with several young children.”

“Oh, children. Well, if you feel you must go, but it is very odd to be leaving London now, with the season in full swing. I had several parties to which I was going to take you—however, you will not be gone long. You will travel on the mail, you will not be comfortable, it is a long journey.”

“I go post,” said Octavia boldly. “It is all arranged, the Nettletons are being very kind.”

“What, paying for your coach travel, and post? He must be a very successful lawyer, or is he a man of property as well?”

“I believe they have a good income.”

“Strange that they do not come to London.”

Octavia packed quickly and discreetly, with Alice’s help. The maid had become much attached to Mrs. Darcy, “such a pleasant-spoken, agreeable person,” she told the other servants. “She treats you like you was a human being, not something brought in on the sole of a shoe.”

So only Alice knew that Mrs. Darcy had packed more clothes than Theodosia was aware that she possessed and also a riding habit; Octavia hoped she might have a chance to ride while she was away.

She had written to Mr. Forsyte, the tenant of Axby Hall, saying that she was coming north and would be calling upon him. He had replied by return, writing in most cordial terms and inviting her to stay.

Which she intended to do, but she would go first to York, and put up at an hotel, and take time to explore that ancient city.

“The Minster?” said Mr. Cartland, who was fond of the north of England. “A fine cathedral, although rather large.” He recommended, when his wife was out of hearing, that she put up at the White Swan. “It is not the smartest hotel in York, but it is clean and comfortable and quiet.” He hesitated. “Their charges are not high, but if you

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