“Mama!”Lizzy stood quickly, silencing her mother and Mrs. Phillips. “Tell me at once. What has occurred?”
“Your cousin, Mr. Collins, who you never met because you were off gallivanting at Ashby! Instead of making an offer of marriage to one of the daughters of the estate he is to inherit, he offered to Charlotte Lucas just this morning!”
“Charlotte Lucas? Well, that is wonderful! Charlotte deserves happiness, Mama.”
“Maybe so, but she does not deserve to be the mistress of Longbourn when your father dies. And what will you say when we are all thrown out of our home? Such a plain looking creature.”
“Mama, I must go to her at once.” Looking down at her attire, she said, “I will go change and then be off.”
“Suit yourself, child. But your father will wish to see you before you run off again.”
Lizzy exited the room, but not soon enough to miss the derision in her mother’s face. She could only imagine it was due to her continued friendship with the future mistress of Longbourn. Lizzy shook her head and walked toward her father’s study. She smiled at the faint scent of tobacco wafting from under the door then knocked.
Hiding a smile, she pushed open the door and walked in to find her father exactly as he ever was.
“My, Lizzy. When did you arrive home?” he asked laying down his worn copy of Milton.
“Almost only this moment,” she said, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek.
“And does Ashby Park still stand after your unexpected sojourn there? Were the servants shocked at the scheming of your mother?”
“No, Papa. Unfortunately, they were not.” She grimaced. “But, they might not have had the chance to be, with an additional unexpected visitor.” At his raised eyebrows, she continued. “Mr. Darcy was also importuned by the storm, and we were in each other’s company for two days.” As his eyebrows raised higher, she said, “Do not fear, Papa. We were accompanied by Sarah the entire visit.”
“Lizzy, I would never think anything of it—he never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, but only wonder what your mother will now think? She is now quite set on him marrying Kitty, and with your interference, might have her plans dashed.” He laughed and slapped his knee soundly. “Oh, this is turning out to be a great day, after all. First, Collins leaves to Lucas Lodge…”
“Did you not find him pleasing?”
“Pleasing? Yes, to me. He is not at all a sensible man and found him most diverting…” At Lizzy’s confusion, he explained. “Even I can only delight in so much humor for one day, Lizzy. I needed respite from his constant chatter of his patroness and her fireplaces. My study was not even my own, as he would follow me in at all hours talking of Her Ladyship’s buttresses. However, I believe he will be well received at Lucas Lodge. Yes, indeed.”
Lizzy did not miss the twinkle in her father’s eye, as she stopped at the door. “Papa, when Mr. Darcy arrived to collect his sister and Kitty, did he appear out of sorts?”
Mr. Bennet looked at his favorite daughter through the spectacles resting low on his nose and said, “I believe to the casual observer, the answer would be no. However, I thought he was effusive, a contrast to his severe countenance. Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” she said, closing the door behind her.How I wish I were at Netherfield.
Once in her room, she set her pelisse and bonnet on the vanity before sitting at her window looking out at the early afternoon. Her thoughts were full of the last three days: being detained at Ashby Park; Georgiana’s near elopement; Lydia’s behavior; Charlotte’s engagement.Has Charlotte found love? The type of love that one wishes for in life?Mr. Darcy’s image flitted before her eyes.
Mr. Darcy’s feelings are confused. Yes, he may be attracted to me… But his half empty glass on the end table. Obviously, he was in his cups. Do not trust the drunken ramblings of a man. He is betrothed for heaven’s sake!
She slowly traced circles upon the glass and allowed her thoughts to wander before reaching up to feel the small bump where his ministering touches from the night before could still be felt.He was showing me kindness in his attentions, just as he would to anyone. She ruefully smiled, remembering his contrite behavior that morning as they were preparing to leave.He was so concerned he had offended me in the library. But, no, he had not. It was only my realization at the unenviable position I am in, which offended me. I believe I have found a man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit me, and yet, it is not meant to be.She was not of a taciturn disposition and easily settled into a pleasant countenance as she rang for the maid to help her dress for her visit to Lucas Lodge.
Sarah entered after only a moment and smiled at her mistress.
“Miss Elizabeth, are you happy to be home?”
“Yes, Sarah, but I must be off again. I am to visit Miss Lucas to congratulate her on her betrothal. Would you please get my yellow dress and blue pelisse?”
“The dark or light blue one, miss?”
“The light one will do. And how are things downstairs? Did anything of import occur in your absence?” Lizzy asked as Sarah buttoned up the back of her dress.
“Oh, no, miss,” the young girl said good-naturedly. “Everything is as it always was. There you are, miss. All ready.”
As Lizzy grabbed her gloves, she said, “Before I go… What was the opinion of Mr. Collins from below stairs?”
Sarah suddenly became interested in a pattern on the rug and seemed to choose her words carefully. “Well, miss. The general feeling is that he is a…well…very…”
“Sarah, you make speak plainly.”
