Page 105 of The Crown’s Gift

"I tried."

The words were quiet and devastating.

Lady Catherine sat in the empty chair a servant brought. Some of her grandeur seemed to remain standing without her.

Lady Bennet, unexpectedly, poured tea.

"Daughters speak softly when they fear disappointing us," she said. "It is inconvenient. One must listen between speeches."

Sir Thomas looked at his wife with affection.

Lady Catherine accepted the cup. "I do not require instruction in motherhood."

"No one who requires it does."

The earl coughed violently into his napkin.

Lady Catherine did not congratulate Elizabeth. She did not apologize. But she asked Anne whether she wished to return to Rosings after the wedding or stay with Lady Matlock for a month.

"Stay in London," Anne said.

"Very well."

It was a small answer and perhaps the first real one between them.

When Lady Catherine left, she paused before Elizabeth.

"Darcy is obstinate."

"I know."

"Pemberley requires attention."

"I know that too."

Lady Catherine's gaze moved to their joined hands. "You will not be easily managed."

"No."

Something almost like approval passed through her face and vanished.

"I shall attend the ceremony," she said. "I will not attend the breakfast."

Darcy bowed. "Thank you, Aunt."

After she departed, Lady Bennet released the breath she had apparently held for an hour.

"Her hat was better."

* * *

Two mornings after Lady Catherine's departure, a magistrate's messenger reached Netherfield before breakfast. Wickham had escaped while being returned to Hertford gaol after a magistrate's examination concerning the additional forged drafts. Floodwater had forced the escort carriage to slow at a ford; Wickham struck a guard with his irons, slipped into the trees, and disappeared. One guard was injured but expected to recover.

The magistrate believed Wickham would make for London or the coast. Sir Thomas believed a man driven by grievance might choose a less sensible road.

Georgiana was staying at Netherfield for the wedding. Darcy's first impulse was to send her to Matlock House under guard. He came to the drawing room prepared to announce the decision and stopped when he saw her waiting beside Mary.

"You wish me to leave," Georgiana said.