“As you know, Fitzwilliam, I believed Sir William to be a man of substance and honour. In both qualities, I have been most unhappily deceived. I was persuaded by his behaviour to myself to believe him in love, and waiting for the opportunity to make me an offer of marriage.” Lady Catherine paused to use her hand-kerchief and wipe her eyes.

Sitting straight up and staring ahead, she responded, desperately attempting to keep both her voice and her person steady, “Above three months ago, Sir William and I had a most dreadful misunderstanding. Upon his requesting to speak with me privately, I mistakenly assumed him to be making me an offer. To my mortification, he was asking for my blessing and the hand of my daughter!”

Still wringing her hand-kerchief, she continued, “We agreed that it had been a most grievous error on both our parts, and that the best course of action was for us each to go on as if nothing of the kind had happened, and that was how it se-e-emed.” Again, Lady Catherine burst into tears and required some minutes’ time in which to compose herself, before continuing: “Indeed, he sent me a letter taking all the blame for the misadventure upon himself, and begging to be restored to our family circle. We did go on as before, but yesterday, when I arrived home in the afternoon, I found this letter on the table.”

She removed a much-folded and damp packet of writing-paper from her reticule and handed it to Darcy to read. Turning away slightly in her chair, she was the very picture of misery.

Darcy could not immediately fathom what had occasioned such distress, but the first line of the letter immediately relieved his suspense.

31st August
Bath

MADAM,

By the time you read this, your daughter and I will have left for Gretna Green. Any attempt to follow us and prevent our marriage is foolish; she comes with me as a willing woman above the age of consent. She is aware of the deception you have long maintained regarding your late husband’s will. Neither of us regrets to inform you that you are no longer welcome at Rosings or the London residence, although as per your marriage articles, your daughter graciously conveys the use of the old Dower Cottage for your life-time. As you are aware, there are no rents that accrue to that property, as per the bequest of Sir Lewis.

In all happiness, I remain,

SIR WILLIAM ELLIOT

When he finished reading, he returned it to Lady Catherine. “Is it true, what he says concerning Sir Lewis’s will?” asked Darcy. “Yes—all of it.”

“And you withheld the substance of the legacy from Anne?”

“Yes. All of it.”

“Lady Catherine!” expostulated Darcy, “That is tantamount to theft! Whatever could motivate such a disgraceful deceit?”