Accusing Elizabeth by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-21T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

With a click, the door shut behind Mr. Collins.

Darcy sat back in his seat and took the first full breath he had taken since he had entered the drawing room. His aunt had effectively dismissed Mr. Badger in such a way that he was unlikely to return. She had put Mr. Collins in his place, allaying his interference and dismissing his implication that Richard was behind the theft of the diamonds. He would try harder to think more kindly toward Aunt Catherine. She had done them a wonderful turn. Perhaps, after the reasonableness she had displayed that morning, he could convince her of the folly of her wish that he marry Anne. It was worth a try.

Feeling cautiously hopeful, Darcy made to rise out of his chair.

"Darcy, sit. You too, Fitzwilliam," Aunt demanded, her voice toward them just as frigid as it had been toward Mr. Badger.

It had been too much to hope for. He ought to have known.

"Imagine my disappointment when I hear from my rector about your doings. Why did you not come to me sooner?" she asked.

Richard, who sat next to Darcy, said, "I did not think it necessary. Had Mr. Volante honored our agreement, Mr. Badger would not have set foot in Hunsford."

Aunt Catherine's eyes snapped at him. "But you know very well that money lenders, especially one such as Mr. Volante, are not honorable. Why would you trust him with your problem over me?"

Darcy had assumed that Richard had hoped to appeal to their aunt for a loan. Knowing what he knew now, he wondered what other business he had with her. Richard would never say what Darcy thought at that moment: that it was because he knew she would only refuse him, just as his own father had done. Nor did he have the confidence that she had the sum available. Aunt Catherine had grown accustomed to using her name as credit once she had overspent her income.

Richard said, "I did not want to burden you. I know how much you despise vulgarities, such as speaking of money."

Aunt Catherine raised her eyebrows at him. "True. We are of noble birth, and the mention of common worries is beneath us."

Thus placated in that area, she turned to another. "You do realize what the implication against you was? You ought to take better care of your finances. You are not in a position to spend wantonly and must take care that every coin is accounted for. Your irresponsibility makes you look guilty of stealing from your own cousin."

Richard bobbed his head. Everyone in the room understood the implication. Darcy had thought that Aunt Catherine had glossed over it masterfully. For a moment, he had even thought that she would make no mention of it.

"I understand fully. Mr. Collins would not dare accuse your own nephew of committing a crime in the home of his dear patroness, but he had no qualms about letting Mr. Badger suggest a motive." He held her gaze steadily.

"I am ashamed to think that a member of my family could act deceitfully in my home.

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