Two Bingleys quailed. Miss Bingley looked like she had been slapped, and Bingley was afraid a tantrum was about to be unleashed.
“Ah, Darcy, there you are. Our horses are ready in the drive,” Richard revealed. He shepherded his cousin and de Bourgh from the drawing room before Miss Bingley recovered the power of speech.
The three heard Hurst’s “I told you so” before there was a crash of something being broken.
“That will cost Bingley,” Richard said as the men approached their horses.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Bennet’s mood was almost ebullient. As much as he usually eschewed any and all social events, especially the assemblies, he could not wait for the hours to pass until he and his idiotic cousin arrived at the assembly hall in Meryton this evening.
He was in great anticipation of the instant when Lizzy resigned herself to her fate. There would be no doubt as to who had the superior intellect after tonight.
He felt no guilt over the type of man with whom he would be saddling his second daughter. He was sure that besides being a glutton, odiferous, and thoroughly unintelligent, Collins believed in corporal punishment. His father had liberally used it on the son, so he knew no other way. Even this knowledge did not give Bennet pause.
All he saw was the satisfaction he would receive by proving his superiority to his daughter and punishing her for spoiling his fun.
He was so caught up in his thoughts of exacting retribution that Bennet, who considered himself supremely observant, missed the looks of disgust and disdain on the Hills’ and other servants’ countenances.
Collins could hardly wait to see his intended. His cousin had told him Elizabeth was pretty. He hoped she was well endowed, as he could not wait to take the pleasures of the flesh with his new wife. His cousin had promised to acquire a common licence because they would need to marry speedily.
The sooner he was married and an owner of a house and whatever else the girl had; the happier Collins would be.
It was impressive to Collins that Cousin Bennet managed Longbourn just like Lady Catherine had during his short tenure in Hunsford. She too issued orders from her study and did not sully herself with anything else. Like Lady Catherine had told him of how well her estate wasdoing under her management, Collins was certain Longbourn would be very profitable when one day it became his, as his cousin followed Lady Catherine’s stellar example of estate management.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Darcy was impressed as they arrived at the dower house. He had seen small estates which did not boast as good a looking house as this one. Based on what he could see, he would guess it was not that much smaller than the manor on the estate.
The three men dismounted and handed the reins to a groom who led the horses back towards the stables.
Richard knocked, and the door was opened by an older lady, the cook-housekeeper, who, recognising two of the three, invited them in. After handing over their outerwear, Richard led them to the drawing room.
Although he looked considerably older than the last time he had seen Mr Bennet, Darcy recognised him right away. He was surprised Mr Bennet did not recognise him or acknowledge his presence. The reason for that was swiftly revealed.
“Lizzy, dear, who has entered the room? I can tell they are men from the sound of their boots,” Henry said as he cocked his head to listen better.
Mr Bennet had gone blind. Darcy had not been ignored, simply not seen. As soon as he saw the one who was called Lizzy, Darcy almost forgot to breathe. She was a most beautiful woman with a light and pleasing figure. Her incredible emerald-green eyes shone with intelligence, and her raven locks were styled in a simple chignon. Before the beauty could do as Bennet asked, Darcy was shocked by a voice from behind him.
“Did I not tell you I would see you sooner rather than later?” Anna squealed. She released Kitty’s arm and leapt intoWilliam’s waiting arms.
“Ah, by Anna’s excitement, I can tell that young William Darcy has arrived,” Henry stated with a grin. “Welcome, young man. It is very good to be in your company again.”
Elizabeth had heard that Anna’s brother was handsome, but she had never seen a man more blessed with good looks. She had also heard that he could exhibit improper pride, but she had seen none of that so far. He was related to Anna and the Fitzwilliams; how bad could he be?
“Where are Aunt Elaine, Uncle Reggie, Andrew, and Anne?” Darcy enquired of his sister.
“Upstairs resting, well, except Andy; he went for a ride. Anne is much healthier than she has been, but a long journey still tires her. I could not keep away from my friends. Tonight will be soon enough for me to sleep. May I introduce you to those you do not know?”
Mary, on Roger’s arm, Elli, Lola, Felix, and Jane, who had been walking in the gardens, joined those in the drawing room.
Seeing William’s nod, Anna, who had only met them when she had arrived, made the introductions. “I met Lizzy, Mary, and Kitty one year before Papa was called home when they were at Mr Bennet’s house across the square from Darcy House,” Anna explained. “I met Jane and some of the Taylors today.”
Darcy bowed to everyone. He did not miss how Richard gravitated towards Miss Taylor, one who Bingley would try and get to know. He did note that de Bourgh kept looking towards the entrance of the house like he was hoping someone would arrive. He turned back to Bennet. “Mr Bennet, I am very sorry you have lost your sight. Would you indulge me for a few moments so we may speak in private?” Suddenly, Anna’s words washed over him. Mr Bennet owned a house in Grosvenor Square! There was obviously much he did not know about the man seated opposite him.
“I have no objection. We may repair to the study, but my great-niece, Elizabeth, will join us. She is my eyes whenever she is here,” Henry stated as he stood. It took a while to get up from the chair and longer for his joints to allow him to walk, but the important point was that he still could.
“I have no objection to Miss Bennet joining us,” Darcy agreed.
