Jane Austen’s Jewel Box – Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring – Part Four – Jane Odiwe

Jane Austen's Jewel BoxFireworks and a few home truths from Mr Darcy this week! What will Lady Catherine have to say in her defence?!! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode – any feedback gratefully received. If you’d like to catch up, here are parts One, Two and Three.

Despite his earlier considerations on the subject of his aunt’s behaviour, Fitzwilliam Darcy could hardly contain his anger by the time they reached Pemberley. Watching his mood and the atmosphere in the coach change as they drove home, Elizabeth pleaded with him not to lose his temper with Lady Catherine, but she saw how far he’d been provoked. Grim-faced and silent, she was reminded of the dour man she’d first met at Meryton, his fierce expression transforming his handsome features. She acknowledged his determined mien and knew it was useless to argue. Lizzy could only hope that the inevitable debacle would not wreak havoc, ultimately destroying all chances of happiness for their visitors over the coming days. For she was certain that if Lady Catherine was infuriated, she would vent her displeasure in a way that would make them all suffer.

Darcy strode into the hall without waiting for his wife, and took the steps, two at a time, his boots clipping on the stone staircase. He needed to have it out with her now, nip it in the bud. Wait any longer and his aunt would start ordering them all about and the next few weeks would be miserable. Approaching the saloon, he unclenched his fists and pulled at his cuffs, taking a few deep breaths before entering.

‘Ah, Fitzwilliam, you are here at last,’ said Lady Catherine, extending a bejewelled hand. ‘We have all been waiting for you, sadly neglected, as we are, by the rest of your household. Anne is here, as you see. Does she not look well? The Scottish air is so good for one’s health, I always think, and there is such a bloom to her cheeks.’

Immediately diverted from his purpose, Mr Darcy saw that his plan to speak to his aunt alone would have to be postponed. His cousin Anne sat next to his aunt on the sofa, looking much as she ever did, he thought. Sickly and pale, nevertheless, he felt rather sorry for her – he’d always felt if someone else, other than his aunt, had brought her up, she might have stood a chance. Anne looked up, shyly, to manage a smile, but didn’t utter a word. Mrs Jenkinson, her companion, who was never introduced, glanced up at Mr Darcy from her seat on the other side of the room, as he simultaneously acknowledged them.

‘Forgive me, Aunt Catherine, for not being here to greet you. Estate business took me away for more time than I would have wished this morning. I hope you have been made comfortable. I believe you were received by my wife, and that you spent some time together.’

‘Yes, I am comfortable … now … though it was absolutely necessary to be removed from the rooms I had been assigned. Some thoughtless housekeeping had led me to be installed in the west wing … no doubt, as a consequence of some new advice to Mrs Reynolds.’

‘I can assure you that Mrs Darcy and Mrs Reynolds have worked tirelessly to accommodate the individual needs of all our guests, including the ones you saw fit to invite without informing anyone.’

‘They are your cousins, Darcy, and need no invitation, as far as I am concerned.’

‘And Elizabeth is most eager to make your stay and theirs as delightful and congenial as can be. She was trying her best to please you. As long as I can remember, you have preferred that side of the house.’

Lady Catherine fiddled with the lace about her shoulders and refused to meet his defiant expression. ‘In the summer months, it has been my occasional custom to prefer that side of the house, but what I find so irksome, indeed, deeply upsetting, is that I was not consulted in matters pertaining to such arrangements, nor have I been consulted on any domestic engagements or even with reference to the ball itself. I am, after all, the matriarch of this family; the only sister of your dear departed mother, and my opinions, which others tell me are always valuable, should be sought.’

‘Were we in need of your advice, it would have been requested.’

‘In need of advice, I should say you were, indeed! And not only on household affairs are you in dire need of assistance. There is a further grave subject we have yet to discuss.’

‘And, what might that be, Aunt Catherine?’ Darcy could barely be civil and felt so angry, he hardly trusted himself to speak.

‘There is the matter of some jewellery to discuss, Darcy … a ring that your wife is wearing.’

‘A ring that I bestowed upon her – a diamond ring that is mine to give. What of it?’

‘You have no right to give away such a gift. That ring belongs to a suite of your mother’s, which you are well aware was bequeathed under special circumstances. It was her wish, as well as mine, that the ring be presented to my daughter Anne on the occasion of her marriage.’

At the sound of her name Anne seemed to shrink into the very fabric of the sofa. Fitzwilliam could see how uncomfortable she felt, and knew that he could not go on whilst she was in the room.

‘Aunt Catherine, this is a matter we should discuss privately,’ he said quietly, not daring to look at Anne again whose complexion matched the draped crimson curtains at the windows.

‘There is nothing in this discourse that need be shielded from anyone’s ears. If you’d done your duty in the first place, as a loyal and devoted son and nephew, the guilt and discomfiture you are clearly experiencing would never have gripped your conscience. If you’d followed the expectations of your family, you would not be in breach of promise, and my daughter would not only be wearing your wedding ring but the diamond one too.

From the sofa came a muffled cry, like the wimping of an injured animal. In the next second Fitzwilliam saw a tear-stained countenance and a flurry of muslin flash past him in a blur, as his cousin Anne fled from the room, quickly followed by her companion.

‘Really, Aunt Catherine, that is unforgivable! You have no right to state such despicable lies – as you well know, I am in no breach of promise to anyone. This understanding you have always claimed between Anne and myself is a figment of your imagination, a mere conversation you may or may not have had with my mother over our cradles in infancy. There is absolutely no substance to it – there were no former alliances, betrothals or pledges to marry.’

‘If your mother could hear you now … well, thank God she cannot,’ said Lady Catherine reaching for her handkerchief and sniffing loudly. ‘Your engagement with Anne was decided upon long ago – you cannot pretend that you had no idea of your beloved mother’s wishes.’

‘My mother wished only for my happiness, and knew there was no possibility of the outcome you desired.’ Darcy leaned on the mantelpiece, his patience almost worn out. ‘And, besides all this, I must ask why you find it absolutely necessary to humiliate Anne. Have you no compassion for your daughter’s feelings? Have you never once asked yourself why it has been impossible for her to gain the attention of some suitable courtier or why she is such a victim of ill-health?’

Lady Catherine gasped, and for a moment Fitzwilliam wondered if he’d gone too far. He watched his aunt’s complexion turn from pink to puce in a matter of seconds. She spluttered and shook, rising to her feet and wagging her finger. ‘How dare you address me in that manner – have you forgotten to whom you speak, nephew? I have never been so insulted and shall not remain in order to be treated so abominably.’

Darcy remained calm though the desire to knock his head against the marble shelf was overwhelming. ‘Whether you stay or go, is entirely your decision, Aunt Catherine. There is nothing I have said to you that is beyond the bounds of propriety. Indeed, everything I’ve said has needed to be aired for a considerable time.’

‘I shall not hear another word!’

‘Sit down, Aunt, I will have my say before you leave … there are other subjects which require your full attention and total compliance.’

Taking her seat once more, Mr Darcy had the satisfaction of seeing the shock on her face. He spoke firmly.

‘Firstly, my wife is to be treated with the respect that is her due; secondly, the jewellery to which you refer is to be acknowledged as mine alone, as my inheritance to give away as I see fit, and thirdly, your recognition that this bogus alliance between Anne and myself never existed or is to be mentioned again. Do you understand?’

Lady Catherine, now purple about the gills, opened and closed her mouth like the trout he fished in the Pemberley streams, but before she could utter another word, Fitzwilliam Darcy spoke. ‘There is no more to discuss, except to say that I am willing to forgive and forget, there will be no further reference to the interview that has taken place or to your past misdemeanours if you abide by my rules.’

Without waiting for a further reaction, Mr Darcy turned on his heel and marched out of the room, aware that his aunt was left flabbergasted, stunned, and for once, quite speechless.

 

When Elizabeth had watched her husband rushing off to confront Lady Catherine, in such a temper, she’d felt nervous and concerned. All she could hope was that Fitzwilliam would have the sense to talk in a calm and sensible manner. Nothing would be gained by upsetting his aunt, she was sure. By the end of the day all her guests would be arrived, and she hoped that the dinner she’d planned would be successful. Mrs Reynolds informed her that Mr Darcy’s French cousins had arrived followed shortly after by her parents and sister Kitty, and were already making themselves at home in their rooms, but that she was still in expectation of the Netherfield party.

Although Lizzy was longing to see her father, she thought she should change and make herself more presentable for the afternoon. After all, it would never do to have Caroline Bingley, who was travelling with her sister Jane and Mr Bingley, see her looking less than perfect. Caroline was never one to spare her true thoughts; her critical eye and ready tongue took great pleasure in condemning those who suffered a hair out of place or a speck of dirt on their petticoats.

Elizabeth chose a yellow muslin she knew Fitzwilliam admired and sat patiently as her maid coiled and twisted her hair into place. It was silly to feel so afraid of Miss Bingley, she scolded herself, but she’d never forgotten how that young woman had plotted against her in an attempt to keep Mr Darcy for herself. She’d also been the reason that Jane and Bingley were kept apart for so long, but none of that mattered now. The Bennet sisters had triumphed and true love had won the day. Lizzy couldn’t wait to see Jane. They’d hardly been separated in their lives before and she missed her more than she would admit to anyone.

Just as the final pin was placed in her hair, a knock at the door brought a note announcing Jane’s arrival. Lizzy knew she should delay until the Netherfield party were escorted to see her, but she couldn’t wait. Rushing along the corridor and running down the steps to the ground floor, she was rewarded by the sight of Jane, Mr Bingley and his sister entering the hallway. No longer was she the formal Mrs Darcy she’d become over the last few weeks. All reserve and ceremony flew out of the window as she ran, throwing her arms around her sister’s neck, kissing her on both cheeks and hugging her until she had no breath left.

‘Oh, Lizzy, how I’ve missed you.’ Jane stepped back to regard her, unable to take her eyes from her sister’s. ‘How beautiful you are, and yet I am so relieved to see you are just the same.’

‘Of course I am!’ Elizabeth laughed. ‘’Tis been just six weeks, but I hardly like to ask how you thought I might look or behave.’

‘I was so afraid you’d be changed, that you’d be grand, that you would not have missed me as I have you.’

Lizzy shook her head in disbelief. ‘You have been missed so much, dearest one, that it hurt my heart. And though I have never felt better in my whole life, I should not be telling the truth if I did not say the only thing that will make me happier is when I have you for a neighbour. Tell me, it won’t be long!’

Just in time, she remembered her manners, turning to her guests. ‘Miss Bingley, Mr Bingley, how delightful – welcome to Pemberley!’

Miss Bingley stared coldly, an expression of hauteur that Elizabeth remembered too well. She did not take the hand Lizzy proffered and covering the snub with an affected curtsey, Caroline lowered her eyes to the ground. Mr Bingley, as affable as ever, stepped forward taking both of Lizzy’s hands.

‘It is too long since we met last, and my wife and I have looked forward to this moment with more anticipation than I can possibly describe. Mrs Darcy … how wonderfully the name and welcome suits you,’ he declared. ‘You look as if you’ve lived your whole life at Pemberley.’

‘Indeed she does,’ came a voice emerging from the top of the stairwell. ‘Pemberley never felt such a home as it does now, and it is all due to my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. Welcome, my friends, how wonderful it is to see you.’

Lizzy turned to see her husband, all anger and tension gone. Pride was etched over his handsome countenance, as he stared into her eyes. No improper pride, she thought, as she recognised his looks were for her alone. Elizabeth decided she must be the happiest woman in all England.

Next time, I plan to write about the dinner on the eve of the ball-to be published Friday, April 4th. I’d love to know what you’d like to see included!

39 comments

Skip to comment form

    • Sheila L. M. on March 21, 2014 at 12:46 am
    • Reply

    Oh, I am so glad Fitzwilliam had a chance to set Lady Catwitch straight. Sad that Anne heard even part of her mother’s preposterous claims but even if it was due to anguish, the fact that she left the room was fortuitous. Now really would like to read what Lady C. does…she is not one to let it rest. I am surprised that she didn’t return to Rosings but since she stayed, trouble will ensue. I am sure that she will think she has an audience and can make her claims known somehow at dinner. Where will she be seated? Pity anyone near her!

    Caroline!!!! How dare you snub Lizzy’s offering of her hand! That woman lost but now she is just looking to embarrass Elizabeth somehow. Between her and Lady C. I am sure that the dinner, the service and the conversation will all be up for criticism and snide remarks.

    “Pemberley never felt such a home as it does now, and it is all due to my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.” This remark by Fitzwilliam is soooooooooo sweet. Giving Lizzy all his support in front of the people who mean the most to her. Lovely.

    So who sits next to whom? What is served? (I am always aghast at how many courses they ate and the various wines – an education for me.) Conversation is going to be the main area of interest, as I said with Caroline and Lady C. trying to make Elizabeth uncomfortable if not downright embarrassed. What jewelry does Darcy gift Elizabeth with on the occasion of this ball? More family jewels, to which Aunt C. objects?

    Great Chapter. Thank you. Can’t wait to read the next one. So hard to wait.

    OH, and I hope the sun shining into the room Lady C. moved herself into gives her a nice warm welcome. “This must be a most inconvenient sitting-room for the evening, in summer: the windows are full west.”

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 5:47 am
      • Reply

      Sheila, I am sure that between them Lady Catherine and Caroline will cause some mischief- I can see them as allies, can’t you?
      Yes, I think conversation is the way to go with dinner-and I think Lizzy’s bound to have something on the menu that disagrees with Lady C. I like your idea to give Elizabeth more jewellery-that will really set the cat among the pigeons though perhaps I could save that for the ball!
      Lady C is going to wish she hadn’t been moved, I think-she’s just trying to be as awkward as possible!
      Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful comments-I shall give them much consideration!

    • junewilliams7 on March 21, 2014 at 2:35 am
    • Reply

    Ooh, that nasty, presumptuous, rude Caroline! Such nerve, to snub her own hostess. I hope Darcy himself gives Caro a lecture – along with the left foot of fellowship.

    Aunt Catherine is so deluded. Will you show us the letters she wrote to these supposed French cousins? I still think they are all planning mischief and great harm. Is the French male “cousin” a fortune hunter who will be kidnapping Georgiana on Aunt Catherine’s orders? The mad-woman of Rosings is about to strike!

    Thank you for the new post!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 5:50 am
      • Reply

      Isn’t Caroline horrid, June? I think there’s a lot more of that behaviour to come…
      Aunt Catherine is a horror! It may well be that the French cousins are quite innocent and don’t really know their aunt…it is, after all, only their mother who has corresponded with Lady C. Still, as you say, the mad woman of Rosings is about to strike!

    1. How wonderful to hear that your faimly is coming in June!! I know how much you have missed them. I have made something like Mari’s mexican lasagna many times here, my faimly loves recipes like that.We use something like the Jubilee box here, but the items go up on the pantry instead. Have a great day!! Where is the list to place our links?

    • Anji on March 21, 2014 at 3:35 am
    • Reply

    Ah, but will Lady C abide by his rules? It remains to be seen, I guess. At least Darcy told her in no uncertain terms that her behaviour toward Elizabeth was totally unacceptable and laid down the aforesaid rules. The image of the purple pouting trout is priceless! One thing I you could add, Jane, is Lady C being haunted by the ghost of her sister that night, as I would assume that it was in those rooms that Lady Anne passed away.

    Caroline also needs a good kick up the backside. Did her brother notice her rudeness? Does he have the backbone to take her to one side and give her the same sort of tongue lashing that Darcy gave his aunt? Darcy’s support of his wife with that beautiful compliment should certainly have shown Caroline how the land lies but will she take notice?

    I can see more fireworks coming at dinner; Lady C and Miss B combining to make snide remarks and Mrs Bennet making some totally innapropriate remarks especially about the couple she saw in the grounds.

    Regarding the French cousins, how did Darcy find out about their arrival if he went straight up to give Lady C the telling off she deserved. Did he meet up with Mrs Reynolds on the way? She obviously told Elizabeth about them.

    Thank you for another lovely instalment.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 5:54 am
      • Reply

      Anji, you are right to ask that question…I fear Lady C may not be on her best behaviour except when Darcy is around! I love the idea of a haunting-perhaps Anne can let it slip at the dinner table, thereby embarrassing her mother and getting a little quiet revenge. I agree, Charles need to put his foot down with his sister instead of letting her get away with it!
      Darcy was informed before he left on estate business-I mentioned it in an earlier chapter-glad to see you are keeping me on my toes!

        • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 5:55 am
        • Reply

        Anji, thank you for your very kind comments!

          • Anji on March 22, 2014 at 10:20 am
          • Reply

          Hi Jane, thanks for pointing out what. I had missed. Will have to go back and re-read the whole thing. What a hardship (not!).

    • Deborah on March 21, 2014 at 5:27 am
    • Reply

    Another wonderful chapter. I love Darcy’s words after Caroline snub, “Pemberley never felt such a home as it does now, and it is all due to my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.”. I certainly hope Charles puts Caroline in her place. with that comment Darcy shows Elizabeth worth and let’s Caroline know he values his wife. I wonder what Caroline has up her sleeve for this visit.

    I am glad Darcy put Lady Catherine in her place but what other subterfuge is she going to try against Elizabeth. I wonder if she and Caroline are going to put their heads together against their common enemy to try and cause trouble. I wonder what veiled insult Caroline will state at dinner and what trouble Lady Catherine will cause. I can’t wait to see the interaction between Mrs. Bennett and the two.

    I’m also wondering why Lady Catherine decided to have her self moved to the old mistresses chambers. Does she plan to search the room herself to see if anything was overlooked that her sister had? is Darcy going to tell misses Reynolds to move her out of that room back to the room she was in or another room on that side of the house? After allwas presumptious of her to move herself.

    Since the Bennett carriage past the Darcy carriagethe Bennets should have already arrived. with all the uproar did Mrs. Reynolds forget to mention that?

    I agree with the ladies above in wondering what those supposed French ousins are about and if they really are cousins or imposters. Is Lady Catherine going to pay them to do something to try to force Darcy to denounce Elizabeth…

    I wonder if Darcy will give Elizabeth the necklace, bracelet , and earrings to go with the ring for the ball. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. it is sure to be an interesting dinner especially if Mrs. Bennett mentions the couple she saw kissing and Elizabeth blushes. Caroline is sure to notice and say something. April 4th can’t come too soon. I’ll be on pins and needles until then.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 6:00 am
    • Reply

    I see I’ve been caught out! Yes, you’re right about the Bennets-I shall edit immediately!!! Of course I put it in to make sure you were paying attention… : )

    You are quite right, I am sure Lady C and Caroline will make a formidable pairing- poor Lizzy-but our heroine is made of stern stuff and not easily broken!
    I am looking forward to writing Mrs Bennet’s many faux pas- I think this dinner could be ripe for some amusement-
    Thank you so much for your considered and kindly thoughts-and for catching an error!

      • Deborah on March 21, 2014 at 6:41 am
      • Reply

      Anytime. :-). It is easy to omit something. That’s why I always had my college papers and now my class’ newsletters and report cards proofread. I invariably leave out something and errors are found.

      Lizzy will behave admirably and with Darcy supporting her they will be a formidable couple against all foes. His love and support will also sustain her, especially when Lady C is at her worst. She may even smile when Lady C tries berating her…boy would that infuriate Lady C.

        • Deborah on March 21, 2014 at 9:22 am
        • Reply

        After all her courage rises whenever someone tries to intimidate her (sorry was in a rush and forgot to adding to my last post)

          • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 1:35 pm
          • Reply

          I keep doing that too-thinking of a comment to add and then hitting the send button.
          I often write a whole book before I find all the errors-I usually try and read my docs on different formats-like my kindle and I didn’t do that this time-
          Lizzy and Darcy will be fine, I’m sure…when a few little problems have been ironed out! : )

    • Eileen on March 21, 2014 at 6:10 am
    • Reply

    Oh, poor hateful Caroline. She really should learn when to quit. I could just hear her thinking “as if that chit could ever be dignified.” And what will happen when she realizes there is a single gentleman in the house? She may find an ally in embarrassing Lizzy when she meets Lady C. However, will her connection to trade be discovered? That would put nearly the whole house beneath Lady C. The possibilities for more interesting fireworks are so fun to consider. 🙂

    Loved Darcy speaking up to Lady C, but I think he will have to repeat himself at least once more when he throws her from the house. Lady C obeying anyone’s rules save her own, which she probably modifies was she sees fit? Not possible, is it?

    And Darcy’s open support and love for his wife…precious. Imagine the modification Caroline felt upon hearing that!

    Thank you for the lovely story. My only complaint…it was too short. I wanted to keep reading. 🙂

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 1:42 pm
      • Reply

      Eileen, I wondered if it was a bit short but I didn’t want to overwhelm in a blog post-maybe next time I’ll make it a little longer!
      That’s a nice idea-Caroline throwing herself in the path of Monsieur de Valois-or perhaps she should have another character interested in her-perhaps one she doesn’t like? Either option would be fun to write. And I love the idea of bringing up her ‘trade’ roots – I’m pretty sure Jane A didn’t refer to which trade it was-I’ll have to think of something suitable for Lady C to snort about. Thank you for your thoughtful response and kind comments.

    • Cindy on March 21, 2014 at 9:28 am
    • Reply

    Great installment! I think that Lady C would have little alone time with Lizzy to cause much mischief. Darcy always seems to be where he is needed most. The very thing I love about your Darcy! 😉

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 1:43 pm
      • Reply

      Oh, Cindy, I feel your words may just have taken me to a new plot point-perhaps he won’t always be there…
      Thank you for stopping by!

        • Cindy on March 24, 2014 at 11:24 am
        • Reply

        Oh no! Well, in that case, I am sure that Lizzy will handle herself admirably… and maybe Jane will grow a backbone. lol!

    • Ann on March 21, 2014 at 10:29 am
    • Reply

    I think the dinner will be Mrs Bennet’s opportunity to completely mortify Elizabeth. Lady C will hold her tounge at the dinner table after all Darcy will be watching her, but after when the men separate will be when she has her opportunity to lash out. Imagine Mrs Bennett learning there is an eligible gentleman at the table 😉 will Caroline take an interest in him too? After all she is getting desperate, and with her dowry she could be of interest to him. Dinner could be a good opportunity to see a bit of interaction between Kitty and Georgiana, Kitty is a follower and Georgiana would be a good model to follow…

    • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 1:49 pm
    • Reply

    Ann, I think that’s a wonderful idea-as much as I love Lizzy, she will have to suffer a little before the end and I’m afraid there are at least 3 ladies who will help in that endeavour! Mrs B is bound to put her foot in it, and I feel Lady C and Miss B will most likely take advantage of such ammunition-plenty of food for thought, if you’ll excuse the pun!
    I think Miss B will be very interested to learn of the French cousin-now, I wonder, is he rich or is he poor?
    That would be good if Kitty and Georgiana can be friends- the latter will be a wonderful influence.
    Thank you for all your thoughtful comments and ideas!

    • Eva E on March 21, 2014 at 2:42 pm
    • Reply

    Well, neither Lady Catherine nor Caroline Bingley are happy about Darcy’s choice – it wasn’t Anne and it wasn’t Caroline – so I would like to see the two of them attempt to thwart Elizabeth.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 4:15 pm
      • Reply

      Thank you, Eva-yes, I feel those two spoiling for some unpleasantness…

    • Carole in Canada on March 21, 2014 at 3:43 pm
    • Reply

    Another great chapter! Darcy is right to try and nip Lady Catwitch’s domineering attitude in the bud! Unfortunately, Lady C humilates her own daughter in the process. Sometimes, she reminds me of Lydia…selfish, self-centered and oblivious (at times) to the feelings of others. Now wouldn’t that upset her being compared to Lydia…la!

    Yes, Caroline is not gracious in defeat. I think Bingley should mention at dinner something of his business, possibly a new venture, that would mortify Caroline in front of this French cousin of the Darcy’s? I think it should be deliberate on Bingley’s part for something she said (snide remark) or for her blatant flirting. Lady C may not mention any of the 3 things Darcy demanded but she will still get her hits in. I am liking Anji’s idea of her meeting the ghost of her sister…

    As for Mrs. Bennet, she will open mouth and insert foot, but I do think she might have it in her not to see her daughter humilated. I think a surprise defense (not sure what) by Mrs. B on Elizabeth’s behalf would go a long way in Darcy’s eyes and others.

    By all means, write a longer post next time as I’m sure you would get no complaints from any of us!!!

    • Jane Odiwe on March 21, 2014 at 4:22 pm
    • Reply

    Carole-thank you for your very kind comments and great ideas!
    Yes, Lady C is rather like Lydia-always wanting full attention and selfish, as you say. I thought she wouldn’t care about what she said in front of Anne-clearly, a lot of Anne’s problems stem from her upbringing by her overbearing mother!
    Caroline will be trouble, I’m sure. Yes, that’s a good idea for Bingley to talk about a new venture-
    Mrs B will have her say but perhaps Lizzy will be able to turn things round-after all, she will be expecting her mother to be tactless! Gosh, hope I shall remember all these possibilities…

  1. Well done, Darcy! 🙂

    I like the idea of LC snooping around in Lady Anne’s old rooms (well, I don’t, but you know what I mean). Maybe there’s a secret compartment somewhere that she knows about, that Darcy and Lizzy don’t, with maybe a letter or something she never sent.

    As bad as LC can be, I don’t know that she would team up with Caroline against Lizzy. It’s possible of course, but I always thought LC would find Caroline presumptous (a bit of the old pot & kettle, I know) especially if Caroline was trying to use arts and allurements on Msr French Cousin, whom LC has suddenly decided would be perfect for Anne. Or maybe Anne will run off with him? And Mrs Bennet is always good for a snafu.

    So many possibilities! 🙂

      • Jane Odiwe on March 22, 2014 at 4:07 am
      • Reply

      Oh, shades of Northanger, Monica! I love the idea of the letter!
      Yes, Lady C would unwittingly join in if she does at all-I’m looking forward to her discovering that Miss B is not quite as high and mighty as she she appears…
      So many possibilities, thank you for your great suggestions!

    • Kathy on March 21, 2014 at 8:46 pm
    • Reply

    Oh my, this is a house party “perfect storm!” The mysterious French cousins will be flabbergasted and surprised and wondering whether this was normal behavior in an English country home!

    I’m sure after dinner, the Darcys will be wondering what possessed them to invite any of these unpleasant folks to their home and they’ll plan never to repeat that mistake again. Darcy was terrific in standing up for his choice of wife and for Lizzy herself, but I’m hoping that Lizzy will soon show off some more courage — she needs to gain the upper hand with all these misbehaving guests! Or, she has to give up on the idea that Lady C is worth placating and having a cordial relationship with.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 22, 2014 at 4:12 am
      • Reply

      Yes, I think the cousins will be wishing they hadn’t answered Lady C’s invitation, though I’ve. Afeeling they are acting on their mother’s instructions.
      Darcy will be at the end of his tether after having to be so polite to so many disagreeables-that is if he makes it to the end of dinner!
      Definitely, Lizzy is not one for suffering fools for long! Thank you for visiting and for all the lovely thoughts you’ve had on it all.

    • Carol hoyt on March 21, 2014 at 10:13 pm
    • Reply

    Thank you Jane for this wonderful story.
    I got so caught up it it, I was surprised to see it end so fast.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 22, 2014 at 4:13 am
      • Reply

      Carol, thank you for your very kind comments-I’m so pleased you enjoyed it-I will endeavour to write a longer episode next time!

        • Deborah on March 22, 2014 at 8:17 am
        • Reply

        Yes, please longer next time.

          • Anji on March 22, 2014 at 10:26 am
          • Reply

          You won’t get any complaints from me on a longer episode next time, either!

    • Jane Odiwe on March 22, 2014 at 2:48 pm
    • Reply

    Deborah and Anji-I’ll do my best!

  2. I love the scenes where Darcy confront his aunt and set things back to what it should be. Lady Catherine can be very difficult to deal with. In the end Darcy has the final say as he is the master of Pemberley. I’m sure the next chapter will be as brilliant as this instalment.

    • Sheila L. M. on April 3, 2014 at 2:08 pm
    • Reply

    I have been unable to open Part 5 but have no problem opening other stories/blogs here…is it me?

      • Deborah on April 3, 2014 at 2:17 pm
      • Reply

      Neither can I, but Jane did say the next chapter would be posted on April 4, so my guess I’d after midnight. Could this be a belated April Fool’s early post?

    • Sheila L. M. on April 3, 2014 at 4:29 pm
    • Reply

    OK, will try again later. Thanks for getting back to me. I had received an e-mail stating that it was now posted.

      • Deborah on April 3, 2014 at 5:09 pm
      • Reply

      So did I

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.