*-These characters (with the exception of the Darcy children) with love and respect, belong to Miss Austen. I am simply a humble admirer.
Letter From Lady Anne
The letter had been discovered by one of the maids. The youngest Darcy children, the twins, Miss Frances Darcy and Master Charles Darcy had grown to an age appropriate to leave the nursery and inhabit rooms of their own.
The rooms chosen for them had long been closed up, storing the clothes and personal effects of their late paternal grandmother, the Lady Anne Darcy. The maids were charged with preparing the rooms for the children when the letter fell out of last remaining trunks.
After briefly reading the letter’s contents, it traveled swiftly from the hands of the maid to Mrs. Reynolds straight to the master’s study.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley and the son of Lady Anne was stunned by the contents of the letter.
“My dear Fitzwilliam
I am sorry, my darling boy that I will not live to see you grow to manhood. There is still so much I wish to teach you, but it seems that fate has other plans for me. Mind your father and be the brother Georgiana will need in the coming years. I cannot write for very long, as my strength leaves me quickly.
If I am to make one last request of you, Fitzwilliam, is that when you are of an age of marry, marry only for love. Your Aunt Catherine will tell you that a lady’s fortune and rank will tell you if she is worthy of your hand, but do not her guidance sway you. Listen only with your heart, it will guide you to a lady who is worthy enough to possess it.
Your aunt has confided in me that she wishes a match between you and Anne. It is not my wish, nor is it your fathers, unless you truly love Anne and she loves you. Trust your heart, my dearest son, and I promise you will have everything you desire.
I am always, your loving mother, etc
Anne Darcy
“Find Mrs. Darcy. Tell her I must see her immediately” Darcy said to the maid walking by his study, carrying the linen.
“Yes, sir”.
“Darling, what is it?”.
“This is the proof I have been hoping for” Fitzwilliam had always known that he and Anne were not suited as husband and wife. His marriage to Elizabeth had been a happy marriage, producing three children, including the requisite male heir. And yet, his aunt was as vociferous as ever in her criticism of his wife, their children and their home.
“I must away to Kent immediately; the abuse ends today”.
“Fitzwilliam!” Elizabeth called out, but her husband had already called for the horses to be made ready.
“Mr. Darcy, to see you ma’am” he was announced at Rosings.
“Have you finally come to your senses, nephew?” his aunt demanded.
“You, madam, from this day forward, will cease and desist the abuse you have heaped upon my wife and my family. My mother only wished for me to be happy in my marriage, regardless of whom I married. It has been your wish and your wish alone that I had married Anne”.
“How dare you insult me in my home” Lady Catherine rose to her feet, her defiance as great as her nephew’s “It was mentioned me many times by my sister that she wished to see you and Anne wed”.
“Do you not recognize your own sister’s handwriting?” The letter was placed in her hands.
“She must have been mistaken; my sister was too romantic for her own good”.
“I do not believe my mother was mistaken in her wish for my future. I will say this one more time, cease and desist the abuse, otherwise I will return”.
For the first time in a long time, Lady Catherine DeBourgh was silent. For the rest of their years together, neither Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam or any of their relations heard of any previous abuse from Lady Catherine.
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