Elizabeth frowned. “My dear, you are making trouble where none exists. Our father is not capricious. I admit he is a tease and he likes to toy with people, but he would never turn away an eligible bachelor who asked for the hand of one of his five daughters. Now, stop worrying and eat your breakfast, my dear.”
Mr. Collins and Mary joined them. Mary was matter-of-fact. “I will write to Jane this morning. It would be most convenient if the Warwicks could stay at Netherfield until the wedding takes place. I imagine Charles and Jane will be glad to host them. If that can be arranged, then perhaps Mr. Warwick and his mother would escort you and Elizabeth into Hertfordshire.”
Mr. Collins agreed. “That would be convenient for the Warwicks, but is not your sister still in the north?” He turned to Kitty. “I shall write to your father and assure him of our complete support. I have spoken with two other men who own property in this parish, and they both spoke well of the Warwicks. They say Stephen is a good man, debt-free, and with no vices of which they have ever heard.”
Kitty relaxed in her chair, finally at ease. “Thank you, brother. That is very kind of you, and I appreciate your care. It could not have been pleasant to investigate a man’s character and situation. I am very fortunate in Mr. Warwick.”
Mr. Collins smiled at his young sister. “And so you are. Mr. Warwick is an honorable man, devoted to his mother and very attentive to you. You could not have a more promising start to married life. My only advice is to remember that harmony in a household grows from mutual respect.”
Mr. Collins added, “I shall ask Lady Catherine for a week’s leave to attend the wedding. The curate will cover the pulpit in my absence.”
Elizabeth said, “Lady Catherine and her daughter will travel to Bath this morning on account of Miss Anne’s poor health.”
“Then I shall send a note at once.” He turned to Mary. “I will be back directly.”
Later that morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy called at the parsonage to take their leave. The household gathered in the small drawing room.
Richard said, “Mr. Darcy is conveying Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh to Bath for medical treatment. I shall remain in Kent for a few more days, but then I will depart as well. I will senda message from Rosings upon my return, and if there are any problems in the parish, you may bring them to me in Lady Catherine’s absence.”
Mr. Collins expressed his regret. “I am sorry to hear that Miss Anne is ill. Colonel, I sent a note earlier this morning to advise Lady Catherine that we will be traveling to Hertfordshire for my sister’s wedding. The curate will cover the pulpit.”
While the two men discussed the travel plans, Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth, who had seated herself on her sister’s other side. She did not speak, and she kept her eyes downcast. He had no opportunity to address her, and when Richard stood, Darcy knew his chance to speak had passed.
The whole party accompanied them out to the front entrance, where the grooms held their horses ready. Darcy bowed to Mary and to Kitty, then turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I wish you health and every happiness until we meet again.”
She curtsied, but did not meet his eyes. “And I wish you a safe journey, sir.”
The men mounted their horses and rode away. Elizabeth raised her eyes and watched Mr. Darcy until he was out of sight. She knew that this parting had not been final, and she was glad of it.
Chapter 43: Flight to the North
The Rosings household had been busy with travel preparations since eight o’clock that morning. By eleven o’clock, Darcy’s carriage stood ready with the trunks secured, and Mrs. Jenkinson sat at the entrance, waiting for the others to come down. Darcy’s grey was saddled and held by a stable boy while Mr. Darcy walked around the carriage, checking that all was in order. It was already late when Lady Catherine rang her bedchamber bell and sent for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Richard tapped on her door and entered at her call. “Aunt, is everything well?”
Lady Catherine dismissed her maid and then took his arm and led him to Anne’s room. Once Anne’s maid was sent away and the door closed, Lady Catherine turned to her nephew with a frown.
“Richard,” she said, “I insist that Anne be carried to the carriage upon a litter. The servants must believe her very ill, in need of care that cannot be procured here in Hunsford. Word will spread through the parish, and all will understand our removal.”
Richard’s eyes gleamed. “That is an excellent notion, Aunt Catherine. Yet I can go one better.” He looked at Anne, seated quietly at her dressing table. “Cousin, I shall carry you down myself. Only close your eyes and let your head loll a little. You will appear insensible, and no one will suspect the truth.”
Lady Catherine’s frown softened. “That will do.” She turned to Anne. “You will do as you are told, Anne. I will have no tricks from you today.”
Anne inclined her head. “Of course, Mother. I shall do what is necessary to ensure we are safe.”
Richard pursed his lips. “Anne will need a bed in the carriage. Aunt, please ring for the servants and have them fetch pillows and a leaf from the small dining table. We shall contrive a couch of blankets and cushions upon it. Once Anne is laid there, she will appear at death’s door. Word will fly across the parish before the hour is out, and none will suspect that you are fleeing.”
Anne gave a little laugh, quickly stifled when her mother glanced at her. “What am I to wear for this performance?”
Richard tapped his chin in mock consideration. “Something ghastly, if you please. Puce would serve if you have it. Choose a gown that makes you look jaundiced or ashy. Remain here until I return for you. I must go below and see to the litter.”
Lady Catherine nodded, satisfied. Richard left, and soon the household was astir. Whispers flew that Miss de Bourgh was gravely ill. By the time Richard came back bearing Anne in his arms, her eyes closed and her head slack against his shoulder, the tale was already on its way through the village.
Darcy, not privy to the scheme, grew alarmed when he saw his cousin descending the stairs with Anne in his arms, pale and limp. He hurried forward. “Richard, do you need my help? Shall I carry her? Heaven help us, she must have a doctor!”
Richard said briskly, “Darcy, I am perfectly able to carry my cousin. She weighs no more than a feather. Go and see that the carriage door is open, so I may lay her down at once.”
