And in that small exchange—polite, restrained, yet touched with something gentler—the company might have sensed, had they been watching closely, the beginning of an understanding that needed no further words.
***
The Bennet brothers returned to Hunsford Parsonage at an hour somewhat later than Mr. Collins had confidently predicted, though not so late as to occasion any real alarm in a mind accustomed to interpreting every variation as evidence of distinguished consequence. The house lay wrapped in orderly quiet, only two lamps lowered to a respectful glow, and the faint scent of beeswax and lavender suggested an establishment that awaited its guests with patient expectation rather than anxious impatience.
Mr. Collins himself appeared in the passage almost immediately, emerging from his study with a candle held aloftand an expression that blended conscientious vigilance with irrepressible gratification.
“My dear cousins,” he exclaimed, moderating his voice only after the words had escaped him, lest excessive volume disturb the slumber of Mrs. Collins, “I trust the evening passed in a manner entirely worthy of Lady Catherine’s discernment. Come, join me in my study. I confess I have lingered longer than strict prudence might sanction, so eager was I to learn how you were received in that elevated circle.”
James Bennet returned the greeting with his customary composure, surrendering his gloves and greatcoat to the waiting servant with unhurried grace. “You are most considerate, Mr. Collins. Her ladyship’s hospitality was extended with all the attention to distinction for which Rosings is justly celebrated.”
Mr. Collins inclined his head repeatedly, his countenance radiant with reflected glory. “Precisely as I had anticipated! Lady Catherine spares no effort where the proper ordering of society is concerned. I remarked as much to Charlotte before she retired, and she concurred with the warmest approbation.”
Elias, who remained behind silently and now stood on the study’s threshold offered no immediate reply. James, long familiar with his brother’s reflective pauses, allowed the silence to settle without intrusion.
Mr. Collins, however, possessed no such tolerance for quiet intervals.
“And Miss Darcy?” he inquired, adopting an air of delicate curiosity that deceived neither brother. “She was in good health and spirits, I trust? Her ladyship has ever spoken of her niece with the highest approbation, and I make no doubt that such accomplished gentleness must have contributed greatly to the harmony of the evening.”
James inclined his head with polite restraint. “Miss Darcy appeared in excellent health, and her performance upon the pianoforte was received with universal admiration.”
Mr. Collins’s eyes brightened perceptibly. “Her performance! I had hoped as much. Lady Catherine has devoted particular care to the cultivation of those accomplishments which most become a young lady of rank. Mr. Darcy assured me that she had been governed by the instruction of a most excellent master. The gentleman was himself—most attentive, one supposes?”
“He was,” James replied evenly, though a faint, knowing glance toward Elias betrayed his awareness of where the true interest of the evening lay.
Elias, stirred at last by the mention of the family, spoke in his quiet, measured tone. “Both Mr. Darcy and his sister conducted themselves with a composure that did credit to their situation. Mrs. Darcy was indisposed and did not attend after supper.”
Mr. Collins leaned forward slightly, his candle casting wavering shadows upon his eager features. “With composure—yes, how very proper. Mrs. Darcy’s health has long been delicate, despite the attentions of many physicians over the years. How about the Colonel, her cousin? Colonel Fitzwilliam’s presence must have lent particular lustre to the assembly.”
“It did,” Elias answered, his voice softening almost imperceptibly as memory returned to him. “He spoke with a sincerity that commanded the room’s attention.”
Mr. Collins’s brows rose in delighted anticipation. “Spoke, you say? Lady Catherine had intimated that some suitable acknowledgement might be offered. Pray, what was the substance of his remarks?”
Elias paused, choosing his words with care. “He spoke of duty, of remembrance, and of the cost borne by those who did not return from war.”
James observed his brother closely as he spoke, noting the subtle gravity that settled upon Elias’s countenance—a gravity born not of mere politeness, but of genuine feeling—and felt a quiet curiosity stir within him.
Mr. Collins appeared momentarily puzzled, as though sincerity unadorned by flourish were a quality less familiar than he might have wished. “Most improving, I am sure. Her ladyship possesses an unparalleled talent for arranging occasions in which merit may be properly displayed and acknowledged.”
James offered no contradiction, merely divesting himself of his coat with deliberate calm. “We are sensible of the distinction conferred upon us,” he said, his tone cooling by the slightest degree, “but no evening, however distinguished, alters the course of events overnight.”
Mr. Collins, on the contrary, ready to urge, pressed on with undiminished optimism. “Allow me to disagree, Cousin James! And for you, Cousin Elias, Lady Catherine has ever evinced particular interest in the progress of young gentlemen entering the professions. Steadiness and humility, properly displayed, may yet attract notice of the most gratifying kind.”
Elias met his cousin’s expectant gaze without discomposure, though a faint warmth touched his cheek as he recalled the quiet harmony of turning pages in perfect accord with Miss Darcy’s subtle signals. “I endeavoured to attend with the respect due to such company,” he said quietly.
Mr. Collins beamed. “An excellent foundation! Humility and attention are ever rewarded in the end.”
Recognising the moment for withdrawal, James inclined his head with gentle finality. “You have been most kind to await us, Mr. Collins. The hour grows late, and we would not detain you further.”
Mr. Collins straightened at once, gratified by the consideration. “Not at all—not at all. I shall bid you good night, my dear cousins, with the happiest anticipations for tomorrow’s reflections. Rest well, and may your impressions of the evening settle into the most favourable convictions.”
The brothers offered their parting bows, and Mr. Collins remained in the passage a moment longer, his candle steady, his mind already composing the report he would deliver to Charlotte upon the morrow.
In the quiet of their shared chamber, James loosened his cravat and allowed himself a slow exhalation, as though releasing the accumulated restraint of the evening. Elias seated himself upon the edge of the bed, his gaze distant, his thoughts evidently lingering upon scenes that had touched him more deeply than he yet wished to confess.
James regarded him for a long moment, a gentle, fraternal smile softening his features. “You are unusually silent, Elias. I collect that Rosings has left its mark upon you.”
Elias lifted his eyes, a faint, almost reluctant warmth kindling within them. “It has,” he admitted softly. “More, perhaps, than I had expected.”
