“It’s a rarity,” Mr.Winkler said to the nodding congregation, “that Christmas and Sunday coincide.” He paused briefly for that fact to register. “Last evening, we spoke of the sacrifice each must make to know God’s glory. Today, I wish to address the wonderful sacrifice of the women in our lives. Specifically, I wish to speak of the undying love of our mothers.”
Darcy felt Elizabeth shift closer to him, and he brought her hand into his lap. He prayed that Winkler’s sermon wouldn’t upset her.
“In Exodus 2,” Winkler continued, “Jochobed made the ultimate sacrifice to save Moses from the Egyptians by placing him among the bulrushes. When Solomon would have divided the child between the two claimants, the true mother offered the boy to the other woman in order to save her child. Unselfish sacrifice is a part of motherhood. A woman’s legacy is the faith she passes on to her children. It’s the faith that sustains those children through hardships. It is a mother’s Godly sway that defines her dotation.”
Darcy noted a single tear crawling down Elizabeth’s cheek. Without thinking, he slipped his handkerchief from his inner pocket and into her hand.
“And what makes a good woman?” Winkler asked. “In Proverbs 31, we learn the words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. In these verses, God describes a woman’s trustworthiness and her strength. ‘She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and honor are her clothing. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.’ Children are God’s gift. We know that in certainty on this most precious of days. Trust in God and your household will know the Lord’s reflection.”
Darcy escorted Elizabeth outside. “Are you well?” he whispered into her hair.
Elizabeth turned her head sharply to him. “Why should I not be?” She too whispered as the Christmas congregation streamed from the church.
“Mr.Winkler’s sermon,” Darcy explained.
Elizabeth understood immediately. “I enjoyed the clergyman’s words. In fact, last evening, Mr. Winkler and I spoke openly of motherhood. I believe that the gentleman changed portions of his message based on our discussion. You should have no more fears for my disposition, Fitzwilliam. God shall give us a child when He’s ready, not when we are.”
“Are you certain?” Darcy pressed.
“I’m certain of my love for you. Everything else shall fall away as insignificant.”
It was another of those moments when his wife innocently expressed her affections, and his desire rose immediately. He stood on the Lambton church’s steps and wished to take Elizabeth into his arms and make love to her. Surely, such thoughts would doom him to hell, but Darcy could no more ignore his overwhelming devotion to his wife than he could take flight. It was his destiny to love her.
“I’m forever your servant, Mrs. Darcy.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips. He nodded toward the gathering carriages. “Allow me to see Her Ladyship and Anne safely in their coach.” With that, he stepped away from Elizabeth, leaving her to the approaching Mr. Bennet.
Her father placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, and they began an ambulatory circuit of the area. Many villagers stopped to offer their greetings, and Elizabeth took great pleasure in introducing her father to each. “Having you at Pemberley is an answered prayer,” she told him.
“Being able to assuage my concerns for you has made my journey worthwhile.”
Elizabeth came to a sudden halt. “Is everyone obsessed with my mental stability?”
Mr. Bennet started their walking again. “Your husband and your parents are naturally sensitive to your changed temperament. Even you must admit, Lizzy, that you’ve not been yourself of late.”
“I suppose,” she said reluctantly.
“We all love you,” he assured.
Elizabeth accepted his compassion. “I never meant to worry you.”
“We know.” He patted her hand. “Just come back to us, Lizzy. We all depend on your good sense.”
“Miss De Bourgh,” Southland bowed to Anne. He’d waited in the vicinity of her private quarters in hopes that she might appear. “May I escort you to the morning room?”
Anne actually smiled at him. “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She took his proffered arm.
“I suppose you realize that I purposely sought you out,” he said softly as they descended the main staircase.
“I suppose I did,” she said with a blush.
“May I speak honestly?” he blurted out.
Her color deepened, but Anne managed, “I’d prefer you did so, Lieutenant.”
Southland paused on the stairs. “Although we’ve known each other only a few days, I feel an acquaintance of many months — years even.”
“As do I,” Anne said anxiously.
“Miss De Bourgh,” he continued nervously. “With your permission, I would speak to your mother and begin a courtship.” Roman thought his heart might explode as he waited for her response.
“You wish to court me?” she asked in a barely audible whisper.
“Very much so,” Roman assured her.
Anne swayed in place and caught at the railing. He watched as she first paled and then flushed with color. “I… I would be honored,” she stammered.
Roman’s grin widened. “That pleases me more than you know.” Securing her arm to his side, he turned her toward the morning room.
“Might we step into a drawing room?” Anne asked. “I need a moment to recover my composure before I face everyone.”
“Certainly.” Leaving the door open behind them, Roman led her to the green room. “I never meant to upset you,” he said with concern.
Anne turned to face him. “I’m not upset, Lieutenant, but I admit you took me unawares,” she impulsively added.
“You must’ve recognized my interest,” he said softly.
“You mistake me for a woman of confidence,” Anne said ironically.
Roman took her by the shoulders and brought her closer to him. “Then you must become accustomed to my company. Once your mother grants her permission, I plan to make a nuisance of myself, at least, until you agree to accept my hand in marriage.”
“Her Ladyship’s permission?” Anne asked in disbelief. “Is it even possible?”
Roman held the same doubts, but he said, “Of course, it’s possible. I’ve already sought the advice of both your cousins.”
“You’ve spoken to the colonel and Mr. Darcy?” Her voice rose in disbelief. “Oh, my,” she gasped. “And my cousins believed Her Ladyship would agree?”
Southland’s frown lines deepened. “I would understand if you wished to withdraw your consent, Miss De Bourgh. I am without a title.”
“I never needed a title.”
“But you deserve one,” he countered.
“I cannot say what I deserve, but I’d wish for a joining of mutual companionship.”
“I’ll not speak words of love,” Roman said seriously. “We’ve known each other for but a few days; however, I’ll promise my fidelity.”
Anne nodded her acceptance. Like most women, she had always dreamed of finding love, but at the moment, she was willing to settle for a lot less. Roman Southland offered her a stable relationship. Although the lieutenant held an anomalous belief in their common fate, he presented an opportunity for a compatible joining. She could have a respectable, attractive husband and maybe even a family — children of her own. It was a dream recently rekindled with her meeting her cousin’s aide. “And I would promise you the same,” she said softly. She’d hold onto that dream. Now, she must find a way to convince her mother to accept the request of an ordinary gentleman. “Did my cousins offer suggestions of ways to earn Her Ladyship’s approval?”
“They made specific statements.” The way he chose his words told Anne that even Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had their doubts. Panic filled her. In all likelihood, her mother would deny her chance for marriage and a family. Anne would remain on the shelf and die a slow lonely death in obscurity. “I have upset you again,” Southland said with renewed concern.
Anne’s heart pounded in her ears as her thoughts raced. She had to think of something. Then a familiar scuff on the carpet outside sent her into action. She launched herself into the lieutenant’s arms, pulling his head down to hers. She’d never been kissed, nor did she have any idea how to go about it, but that didn’t matter at the moment.
Roman had anticipated Anne’s agitation. In fact, he shared many of the lady’s qualms. He’d no idea what he’d say to the autocratic Lady Catherine. He wouldn’t tell the great lady that he represented her daughter’s last marriage prospect. His honor wouldn’t permit him to do so. With wariness, he said, “I have upset you again.”
Anne’s countenance betrayed the array of emotions coursing through her, and Roman was considering what he must do to allay her fears when suddenly she cast herself into his arms and pulled his head toward hers. Roman didn’t think: he simply responded.
She pressed her lips together and shoved hard against his mouth, but Roman had actually expected as much. From what he knew of the lady, Miss De Bourgh had led a very sheltered life. Only last evening, he had imagined that he would have to teach her about the marriage bed’s pleasures.
At least, she is willing to kiss me, he thought as he eased the pressure and softened the intensity of their joining. Shifting Anne in his arms, he kissed her and gloried in how she allowed him to lead. He angled his mouth to take hers completely. Surprisingly, she didn’t stiffen in his embrace. Instead, the lady sagged, leaning heavily against him. Roman slid his tongue along the seam of her lips, and she rewarded him with a small gasp, but before he could deepen the kiss, a cold dose of reality entered the equation.
“Anne Catherine Margaret De Bourgh, what do you think you’re doing?” Lady Catherine exclaimed loudly. Several servants rushed to her aid, thinking Mr. Darcy’s aunt required assistance.
Descending the main staircase, Lady Catherine had anticipated her entrance into the morning room: She’d returned to Pemberley without benefit of an apology or a concession to the new Mrs. Darcy. It was more than for which she could’ve hoped. With Darcy’s last appeal, she’d considered how a reconciliation might be accomplished without her admitting guilt in their argument. Lady Catherine hated expressing regret. It was her plan to stay through the Boxing Day celebration and then take her leave. “Do not overstay the welcome,” she had murmured to the portrait gallery lining the wall. “Allow Darcy to wonder why I came. I can reclaim my sister’s family without losing face and without everyone knowing my real reason for being here.”
On the second floor, Lady Catherine paused to take in Pemberley’s glory and consider her family’s lasting influence. Her sister Lady Anne Darcy and her brother the Earl of Matlock had done well. She relished their combined impact on English society; they had created a legacy for the next generation. Matlock had Lindale and Fitzwilliam to which to leave the Earldom. Her sister’s son had taken Pemberley’s realm and had increased his esteemed father’s holdings. Only she had failed. Anne had never blossomed into a woman that a man would desire. Lady Catherine predicted an end to Rosings Park with her passing. Anne would never be able to handle it on her own. Early on, Catherine had feared Sir Lewis’s shyness would prevail in her daughter. It was why she’d insisted on making a match between Anne and Darcy. It had been a foolish idea between loving sisters when their children were but babes; however, the idea had grown into an obsession as Anne’s timidity had become more evident. The De Bourghs would lose Rosings without Darcy overseeing it, and so she’d counseled on behalf of the match.
Whispering came from what should’ve been an empty room, and she had stepped into the open doorway to investigate. Servants often took advantage of generous masters, especially on a solemn day such as this one. She’d put a stop to such insolence. However, what she beheld enflamed Lady Catherine’s temper. “Anne Catherine Margaret De Bourgh, what do you think you’re doing?” she barked.
Without preamble, Lady Catherine stormed into the room as the couple jumped apart. Never in all her years had she expected to find her daughter in an intimate embrace with a gentleman. Catherine didn’t know whether to celebrate or stand in horror. As was typical, she chose something less sedate than a celebratory moment, centering her disdain on the man who had just compromised Anne. “Lieutenant.” she snarled. “Have you no principles? You’ll unhand my daughter immediately.” Anne took a half step toward her in the lieutenant’s defense, but Lady Catherine’s cold glare warned her daughter to not interfere. “I ask again, Lieutenant. Have you no defense for your actions?”
“Perhaps, Lady Catherine, we could all have a seat and discuss this calmly,” she said with authority from the open doorway. With a flick of her wrist, Pemberley’s mistress sent the two maids and a footman on their separate ways and closed the door behind her. She quickly assayed the dilemma and discovered a very flushed Anne De Bourgh standing between her mother and Edward’s aide-de-camp. Immediately, she moved to defuse the situation. “Come, let me assist you, Your Ladyship.” She caught Lady Catherine about the waist and directed Darcy’s aunt to a chair. “Allow me to pour you some sherry,” she said as she shot a pleading glance to the lieutenant to move.
Southland reacted immediately. He scurried to a nearby tray and poured a glass and handed it to Elizabeth. “Drink some of this,” Elizabeth encouraged. “It shall calm your nerves.”
Lady Catherine intoned aristocratically, “I’m not the type to succumb to nerves, Mrs. Darcy.”
“No one believes you are,Your Ladyship,” Elizabeth said softly, “but it’ll give us a moment to compose our thoughts. Please do it for me.” Elizabeth knelt obediently beside Lady Catherine’s chair.
Giving the lieutenant a deathly glare, Lady Catherine reluctantly took a small sip of the potent drink.
“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” Elizabeth caught the woman’s hand and gave it a weak squeeze. Lady Catherine’s gaze fell on her, and for a brief moment, Elizabeth saw vulnerability.
Yet, a soft knock on the door drew their attention, and Darcy slipped into the room. Elizabeth observed the recognition in his eyes. “Mr. Nathan seemed to think Her Ladyship had suffered some sort of shock,” he said cautiously.
Darcy’s eyes rested on her face. He spoke of his aunt’s health, but he would take his cues from Elizabeth. “A bit of an exaggeration, I fear,” Elizabeth automatically rose and took a step toward him. It was a response of which she had become conscious upon Darcy’s return to Longbourn — when he had brought Bingley to Jane in order to right a wrong, Elizabeth had found herself physically drawn to him. No matter when she saw him, the moment Darcy stepped into a room, she moved closer. “Her Ladyship simply needs a moment. Perhaps you might escort your cousin and the lieutenant into the room next door while I see to your aunt.”
Darcy didn’t protest. Over the past three years, they’d learned to trust each other exclusively. With a nod of understanding, he asked, “Anne, would you and Lieutenant Southland join me in the yellow sitting room?” He moved to lead the way.
Anne turned to her mother. “I’m sorry, Your Ladyship,” she whispered through silent sobs. “You must try to understand.” After a brief bow to both Elizabeth and Lady Catherine, Southland caught Anne’s elbow and escorted her from the room.
Elizabeth waited for their departure before turning to Darcy’s aunt. With a deep sigh, she pivoted, expecting to find an irate aristocrat whom she would have to appease, but was greeted by the distraught tear-stained face of Lady Catherine, and instantly, Elizabeth felt compassion for what she suspected to be a very lonely woman. “Your Ladyship,” she empathized and pulled a footstool over to sit at Lady Catherine’s feet.
“Might I?” Lady Catherine held the glass for Elizabeth’s view.
She took it immediately. “Of course.” Walking to the serving tray, Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder at the sunken figure resting back into the chair’s cushions. What happened to the imperious Lady Catherine? Where did all her fight go? Returning to the footstool, she sat and then eased the drink into the woman’s gnarled grasp. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Elizabeth asked, “Would you like to speak of it, Your Ladyship? I realize I’m probably the last person with whom you would consult, but I’m at your disposal. You’re my husband’s aunt, and I desire only the best for you.”
Lady Catherine’s gaze returned to Elizabeth’s face. “Why would you treat me with respect? With compassion?” she murmured. “I’ve never treated you kindly.”
Elizabeth frowned. “We’ve known our contentious moments, but I understand your intensity. You wished the best for your child, and Mr. Darcy is truly the best of men. If I were to have my own child, I’d fight with a similar ferocity to secure his future.”
Admiration played across the lady’s face. “I expect you would, Mrs. Darcy. You give as good as you receive. I doubt if Mr. Darcy had any idea of your tongue’s viciousness.” Lady Catherine half smiled.
“I beg to differ, Your Ladyship. Your nephew was on the receiving end of more than one of my barbs. I like to think my sauciness was part of my charm,” Elizabeth impishly said.
The line of Lady Catherine’s mouth tightened to hide her smile. “A certain sauciness on my sister’s part attracted his father, and I am positive that Sir Lewis found it appealing.”
“I suspect you’re correct,” Elizabeth said judiciously. “Therefore, although your words stung, after careful analysis, I accepted your intent. I can place those sentiments behind us if you agree.”
Lady Catherine’s eyebrow rose in question. “I suppose we might make the effort for Darcy’s sake.”
“Then for Mr. Darcy’s familial benefit we’ll persevere,” Elizabeth said contritely. “Now, with that settled may we address your concerns for Miss De Bourgh?”
“What is there to address? Anne must marry Edward’s aide. She’s been compromised.”
From what Mr. Nathan had shared, Darcy possessed an idea of what had occurred in the room occupied by his aunt and his wife. The fact that Elizabeth had directed him to a nearby room told him that his aunt’s possible reaction worried his wife also. Luckily, he detected no raised voices. “Would you care to enlighten me, Lieutenant, as to what occurred?” he asked in hushed tones. Darcy refused to close the door. He might need to rush to his wife’s defense.
The lieutenant swallowed hard, but he didn’t retreat from Darcy’s glare. Darcy supposed the man had become immune to its possible intensity, as the colonel often sported a similar intimidating tactic. “After speaking to you and the colonel last evening,” Southland began, “I sought Miss De Bourgh to secure her consent prior to speaking to Her Ladyship. Unfortunately, my suit surprised your cousin, and she required a moment to reorder her thoughts prior to our entrance in the morning room. We never considered the consequences of doing so. I grieve for the depth of alarm our actions have engendered, but my resolve remains the same.”
Darcy ignored the man’s posturing. The lieutenant had compromised Anne, but if his cousin didn’t wish the match, there were ways around the scandal. “Tell me the truth, Anne. Do you wish this joining? If not, the lieutenant will kindly withdraw his suit. Will you not, Sir?”
“If that’s what the lady wishes.” Southland nervously shifted his weight.
“I’ve injured my mother,” Anne said as she choked back sobs.
“Not beyond repair,” Darcy said soothingly. “Her Ladyship can be assuaged no matter what you choose, Cousin, but it must be your choice. Do you welcome this match?”
His cousin appeared nervous, but she met his gaze, something Darcy found unexpectedly pleasant. “It was not the lieutenant’s fault that my mother… found us in a private moment. It was purely of my own making.You see… I knew of Her Ladyship’s presence. I recognized her tread on the stairs. I thought if my mother saw us… thus engaged… that she couldn’t refuse the lieutenant’s suit. I would be Roman’s wife. It’s my grandest desire.”
“Although Miss De Bourgh’s reputation is in danger, if it is Your Ladyship’s desire, the impropriety can be hushed up. The servants involved are loyal to Mr. Darcy, and others in the house are family, except for Mr. Manneville. It could be easily managed. Mr. Darcy and I shall see to it if that’s your wish.”
Lady Catherine hesitated, obviously considering the possibility. “It’s shameful,” she said, “to want to agree to gamble on my daughter’s reputation.”
Elizabeth quickly noted that the perfect, icy control, so characteristic of Darcy’s aunt, had returned. “Is the lieutenant’s suit so repugnant?”
“Although the man’s attentions might delight some families, I’d hoped for higher connections for Anne.”
Elizabeth objected to the cynical amusement in Lady Catherine’s tone, but she stilled her retort. What untruth had Darcy’s aunt offered? Elizabeth’s mother would celebrate such a connection. Keeping that in mind, she began to construct a version of the truth — actually, to “sell” the lieutenant to Her Ladyship. An ungodly thought: to think similarly to her mother. “Perhaps we should examine the lieutenant’s assets.”
Lady Catherine said with a contemptuous snort, “The man has no assets.”
Ignoring the remark, Elizabeth countered, “There’s his position in the military, and army officers are quite popular.”
“But he holds only a lieutenancy.”
Elizabeth disclosed, “Mr. Darcy indicated that the colonel planned to recommend the lieutenant for a promotion.” Luckily, last evening, Darcy had shared his conversation with Edward.
Considering Elizabeth’s point, Her Ladyship acknowledged the benefit of an advanced commission. “Being under Edward’s command is to the lieutenant’s advantage.”
“Unlike many in our country’s service, Southland has seen action on two fronts: the Continent and the American hostilities. Few men can make such claims. And the lieutenant saved Edward’s life at Bladensburg.”
“With Napoleon on Elba, the Prince is most enthralled with those who have served honorably.”
Elizabeth thanked her lucky stars that Darcy’s aunt, at least, was considering the possible joining. With fortitude, Lady Catherine faced what must be a frightening emptiness. “And who’s to say that additional commissions might not be forthcoming. The lieutenant will likely remain in his position for the foreseeable future.”
“And what would Anne do if she accepts the lieutenant? Would the man expect her to remain at Rosings?”
“As Miss De Bourgh is your heir, it might be a time to instruct her regarding Anne’s responsibility to the land.”
Lady Catherine hastily said, “Anne has never shown any inclination that she cares to know of that which I see daily.”
“Miss De Bourgh shall have additional impetus for learning. Instructing the lieutenant could also be a choice,” Elizabeth ventured.
“It would be some time before either would be ready to assume Rosings’s helm,” Her Ladyship reasoned.
A deep voice from the doorway asked, “Would you ladies care for tea?” Darcy’s curiosity laced his tone.
Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose in amusement. “Were you not to see to Miss De Bourgh?”
“Mrs. Annesley has kindly agreed to sit with them. They await your company,” he said tentatively.
“Go away, Darcy,” Lady Catherine ordered. “Mrs. Darcy and I are conferring on the matter. I’ll inform you of our decision when one is reached.”
He did a poor job of hiding his surprise that his wife had garnered his aunt’s favor, but Elizabeth relished the fact that he’d braved Her Ladyship’s wrath to protect her. “We’re quite comfortable, Fitzwilliam. Mayhap, you’d see to the rest of our guests.”
“I thought my cousin could be of assistance,” he explained.
“When I’m ready, I’ll send for the whole family. Now, Darcy, leave us.” Lady Catherine shooed him several times. “Go!”
Darcy bowed stiffly. “As you wish, Aunt.” Elizabeth, however, caught his wink as he closed the door.
As if never interrupted, Lady Catherine said, “It would be necessary for me to instruct Anne and the lieutenant.”
“It would show your benevolence,” Elizabeth summarized.
“Do not placate me, Mrs. Darcy,” Her Ladyship warned. “It wouldn’t be the ideal situation for Anne — having me teaching her of the account books and who are the honest tradesmen.”
Elizabeth silently admired the woman. There was a time she’d thought that she could never agree with anything Lady Catherine said. “In all honesty, it’ll be difficult for you both. Miss De Bourgh must place herself in an uncomfortable position, and you must relinquish some of your control. Change can cause fears, but that doesn’t make it nonsensical. The lieutenant is accustomed to dealing with hard decisions, with people from all walks of life. With the changes coming to the English estates, the lieutenant may adapt faster than a titled gentleman.”
Lady Catherine’s gaze sharpened. “What other assets does the man possess?”
“It is my understanding that the lieutenant holds a connection to a former favorite, Mr. Knight.”
“I was unaware of the relationship. At least, Southland comes from the gentry,” Her Ladyship conceded.
Elizabeth leaned forward and caught Lady Catherine’s hands, holding them both tightly. “I expect Anne would not have accepted the lieutenant’s attentions if she’d not thought herself well satisfied. Anne is of age,Your Ladyship.”
“Meaning if I refuse, I could lose my daughter, and if I agree, I shall lose her.” Elizabeth observed the gamut of emotions displayed on the lady’s face. It was a telling moment that Darcy’s aunt showed any weakness whatsoever.
“If you permit their joining, Miss De Bourgh and the lieutenant would remain at Rosings,” Elizabeth reminded her.
As she pulled at her hands, Lady Catherine said defensively, “I wouldn’t be alone. Is that the implication, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth shot a doubtful glance toward the door. Should she ask Darcy to return? “None of us wishes to be alone, becoming tied to the earth. Being counted successful, but knowing a personal deprivation.” She released Lady Catherine’s fingertips. “It would be my choice in your situation to keep my family close — not because I was an object of pity, but because I have much knowledge to pass on to my child, leaving her secure in her future.”
“What makes you so certain, Mrs. Darcy, that if Anne aligns herself with Southland that I’ll have a care for her future?”
“Because, Your Ladyship, you honor family. You never wanted me at Pemberley because you wanted to align your branch of the family with that of your dear sister’s. You’ve returned to my husband’s house because you desire a connection to your family — to your niece and nephew.”
“Yet, neither wants me here,” Lady Catherine said unguardedly.
Elizabeth’s voice rose in her husband’s defense. “Mr. Darcy’s allegiance to family is as deep as yours, Ma’am. He’ll not turn his back on his cousin if Anne chooses Southland.”
“So, Darcy would circumvent my position if I object to Anne’s engagement?” Lady Catherine asked incredulously.
“You know Mr. Darcy’s sense of duty as well as any. Can you imagine his turning away from Miss De Bourgh?” After a few moments’ silence, Elizabeth said, “You didn’t appear earlier to have a strong disdain for Anne’s choice. Why is it that you have retreated from the possibility? With your familial deference, I cannot imagine your not wanting to experience the thrill of recognizing your own grandchildren. And what of your grand nieces and nephews? Tell me, Your Ladyship, that you have no desire to see your flesh give birth,” Elizabeth demanded.
“I never said I’ve no desire to know Anne’s children or Lindale’s or Fitzwilliam’s or those of Georgiana!”
Elizabeth took offense that Darcy’s aunt omitted knowing her children. “Then what are you saying, Your Ladyship?” Elizabeth was on her feet — no longer content to sit in subjugation to Darcy’s aunt.
“I’m saying, Mrs. Darcy, that I may not know any of these children beyond Lindale’s. I have little time: I’m dying, Madam!”