Six Inches Deep in Mud

Chapter 11

I enter Netherfield in a hurry, hoping not to encounter anyone before I have arranged my appearance. Besides my fall, which has left me muddied literally from head to toe, I am wet through to the skin as I rode in the pouring rain, and now the disaster is complete. But even more, I need some privacy to think in peace about Elizabeth and our sweet moment of heartfelt tenderness. She welcomed my confession! She allowed my gestures of affection, and she kissed me! By herself, of her own free will! I know this sounds terrible, but I thank God and the fact that my horse scared her and I suffered an accident that opened the path towards this understanding between us. In truth, there is no formal understanding between us, as we did not speak about it, but no words could have been clearer than Elizabeth’s little, brief, timid kiss.

“Darcy, where in the world have you been? The stable boy told me you went for a ride, but then the rain began and we were all worried. What happened to you? You are wet and dirty…and where is your neckcloth? Are you hurt?”

Bingley’s voice is increasing in volume, and all his questions feel like sharp pointed arrows shot directly into my brain.

“I am well, just…as you see…wet and dirty. Allow me a little time to wash and change, and we may talk.”

“Of course. But, Darcy, someone is waiting for you. He arrived an hour ago.”

“Someone? For me?”

“Yes, a messenger from Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He said he was instructed not to return without your reply.”

“I can imagine. Lady Catherine always does that. I still need to wash and change before I can read a letter. Where is the man?”

“He is taken care of, and his horse as well.”

“Thank you.” I go to my room, wondering what Lady Catherine could possibly want so urgently. Nothing would surprise me; she invents all sorts of emergencies and schemes to lure me to Rosings. She usually claims she needs advice in regard to managing the estate, though her steward — whom I found and vouched for — is perfectly capable of doing a good job.

Ten years after my mother died, Lady Catherine is still trying to convince me that they had a secret arrangement, and to respect my mother’s wishes and legacy, I should marry Anne. Even if such an arrangement had existed, which I doubt, and even if my mother had mentioned it to me, which she did not, I would not agree to arrange my private life to suit the whims of others.

I would do anything in the world for my parents, except marry someone simply to please them.

After the morning I have had, a hot bath would suit me perfectly, but I have no patience to wait for the water, so I postpone it for later tonight and wash myself as best I can. My valet expresses his concern about my head injury, but it is not bleeding and not hurting so much any longer.

“Sir, if you do not mind, I shall send a note to the apothecary, explaining the nature of your wound and asking for some salve to put on it. If I send a man now, he might return from Meryton within the hour.”

“Yes, that will do. Please do so.”

Finally, I change my clothes and go downstairs, directly to the library, asking a servant to inform Bingley. The fire is burning but it is rather cold. Or maybe I am cold after being wet for so long. Outside the window, the sound of the rain has grown stronger.

I am thinking about which book I should recommend to Elizabeth next when Bingley enters, together with a man. I am shocked to recognise one of my own servants from my house in London.

“Sir, I have brought you a note from Lady Catherine de Bourgh and one from Miss Darcy.”

“I do not understand, Gilford. Where have you come from?”

“From London, sir.”

“Is Lady Catherine in London?”

“Yes, she arrived yesterday. Miss de Bourgh is ill. Lady Catherine wishes you to come home.”

I frown and open my sister’s letter first, reading it in haste.

Brother,

I trust I know you well enough to hope you have opened my note first. Do not worry, Mrs Annesley and I are well, and I would not have bothered you with this if I did not know that Lady Catherine had also sent you a letter, and by messenger no less.

She arrived unexpectedly yesterday with Cousin Anne, for some business that she did not detail or mention afterwards. She said her townhouse is not ready to receive them — I do not understand why — and she has decided to stay here. She was quite upset that you were in Hertfordshire and said she needed you to assist her.

Cousin Anne seems to be unwell; I wish to send for Dr Hanscombe, but my aunt believes it is unnecessary. Uncle and Aunt Matlock have also been informed of the visit, and I am expecting them soon.

Please do not alter your plans; whatever is the matter, your presence is not required, and I am certain Uncle will resolve it.

Sweet, dear Georgiana. What a wonderful sister she is and what an exquisite character she possesses. I can feel her agitation behind the written words, and still, she tries to put me at ease.

I then open the other letter and read,

Darcy,

I arrived in London for some urgent business recommended by Lady Jersey. Not the one who is related to Almack’s, but her mother-in-law, who has been my friend for many years.

Lady Jersey informs me that she has increased her income with some investments, and I intend to do the same, for Anne’s benefit. I cannot rely on her making a good marriage, as the person in whom we put all our hopes and expectations seems determined to condemn us to disappointment. I trust that you will at least provide me with some advice on this affair before I make the final decision since you are at least seemingly very good at business.

We are at your townhouse, and Anne is ill; she has a fever. You are not here, and Georgiana is lost and unable to be the hostess my sister’s house deserves. You have spoilt her too much; she has little interest or knowledge in anything other than playing the pianoforte.

Your presence is urgently required.

After reading the letter, my state of irritation is beyond imagination. What on earth is wrong with the woman? Is she insane? She certainly behaves like she is! Why does she need to involve herself in risky investments? Rosings offers her and Anne more than enough for their lifetime and the next one. How dare she invade poor Georgiana! I can only imagine how she is behaving there; I am sure she is acting as though she is the mistress of the house and tormenting the entire household. And Anne has a fever? Why did she even bring Anne? She should have stayed at home with Mrs Jenkinson instead of travelling in this cold and wet weather.

Lady Catherine’s nonsense and absurdities are out of control.

“Something wrong, Darcy?” Bingley asks.

“No…somewhat… Gilford, please wait outside.” I dismiss the servant before I reply.

“There is some sort of commotion in my house. Caused by Lady Catherine, of course. She demands my immediate presence.”

“What? Are you leaving?” Bingley asks, his tone laced with panic.

“A few minutes ago, I would have said that nothing would induce me to leave Hertfordshire now. But things are difficult. I am mostly considering Georgiana. She has always been intimidated by Lady Catherine, who shows no consideration or kindness to anyone. I cannot enjoy my peace here and leave my sister in such distress.”

“So…what will you do?”

“Let me think for a moment…” I need more than that before I make a decision — a difficult and painful one.

“I shall leave today. I shall be home in a few hours and resolve the matter one way or another. My main goal — my only goal — is to make sure Georgiana is safe and comfortable in her own home. For this, I shall move my aunt either to the Matlocks’ or to her own townhouse.”

“Yes, I understand that…so you will miss the ball?”

“Hopefully not. My intention is to be back in three days, the day prior to the ball. And then, I shall return to London with you and settle the issues that remain unresolved.”

“I do not know what to say. I cannot find any reason to argue with you, so I wish you the best of luck.”

“Bingley, I have an important favour to ask you. I know you will call at Longbourn tomorrow.”

“Yes…”

“Please give Miss Elizabeth this book. And please tell her and Mr Bennet that I cannot join you because urgent business demands my presence in London immediately. Please inform them that I plan to return in a few days.”

“Of course I shall…but do you think Mr Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will have any concerns about your departure?”

“I am not sure…but I promised Miss Elizabeth another book, and Mr Bennet might expect my visit. I do not wish them to believe my absence is due to my lack of consideration.”

“Very well…”

“And please apologise to your sisters. I shall leave immediately.”

Less than an hour later, I am sitting in my carriage, lost in my thoughts, trying to temper my anger towards my aunt and my pain at the thought I shall not see Elizabeth tomorrow. I am at least grateful that I had the chance to reveal my feelings to her. I hope she will miss me a little, as I am sure I shall long for her with every fibre of my being. Regardless of what is happening in London, I shall return before the ball. I shall not miss the chance to dance with Elizabeth, certainly not for Lady Catherine’s caprice.

For a moment, I consider calling at Longbourn to take my farewell, but it is raining heavily, and the hour is late. Time is of the essence, and I trust Bingley will convey my message clearly enough. Besides, I shall return in three days — it might be a long time when you miss someone but not long enough for anything bad to happen.

I am taking Elizabeth’s image and her sweet taste in my memory to keep me company for what I am certain will be a most vexatious journey.