Work Text:
Charlotte sat by the fire in the parlor, working on some needlework. It was a quiet evening after the previous weeks when her family as well as her friend Elizabeth had been visiting. Her friend’s visit, in particular, she had been anxious about, even if she had expressed none of it. She knew very well Elizabeth’s thoughts about her choice of husband, and for a time she had feared that their friendship might not survive her marriage. However, the visit had put to rest all of those fears.
“We are to dine with Lady Catherine again tomorrow!” her husband exclaimed as he entered the room in a state of some excitement. They had dined at Rosings only a few days before.
“That is wonderful news,” Charlotte smiled. “It must be quiet there this evening, as well.”
“I hope we can adequately cheer Lady Catherine and her daughter. The departure of so many guests at once must certainly have been a blow.”
“Indeed,” said Charlotte. “I am content enough with a quiet evening, but when others desire company, I will do my part.”
“I believe Lady Catherine had wished for her nephews to stay longer, but we must all be understanding of the duties of a gentleman.”
“Certainly,” Charlotte replied. She had other thoughts on Mr. Darcy’s departure, but she knew better than to express those thoughts in front of her husband. He had heard of the supposed betrothal of Mr. Darcy and his cousin Anne, and what man, gentleman or not, could think of disobeying the wishes of such a lady as Catherine de Bourgh?