“You have been rather distracted.” Mr. Bennet replied with a wry smile. “My Mary appears to enjoy your company well enough.”
Mr. Collins flushed and stared at his shoes. “Yes—and I like her very much indeed. But it is too soon to ask for more than a formal courtship. We are still becoming acquainted.”
“So, tell me then, what is this conversation about, sir? My daughter or the living in my preferment?” Mr. Bennet gestured to a chair, and his cousin took a seat.
“Both, really. I do wish to court Miss Mary, but I also desire the living. Kent has its advantages, to be sure, but I chafe under my patroness's…domineering manner. If I can secure the Longbourn living, I shall hire a curate to tendHunsford, and perhaps remove to Hertfordshire once your current incumbent retires in the summer.”
Mr. Bennet had observed his cousin closely during his visit. Though long-winded, he did not seem to be a fool, and Bennet trusted that the man would make a respectable clergyman. “I see no reason to deny you the living,” he said at length. “As for Mary, let us ask what she wants, hmm?”
Mary was summoned, and when her father inquired whether she would be willing to enter into a formal courtship, she agreed with marked enthusiasm.
“That is settled, then.” The happy couple left the room, and Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh. “I pray that no one else comes to take my Kitty away. I do not think I can bear losing another daughter today.” Though he felt no small measure of joy in seeing his dear girls so well provided for, Mr. Bennet could not deny that the prospect of their leaving—one by one—brought him sadness.
Chapter Twenty-Three
December 1, 1811
Netherfield Park
Elizabeth
Elizabethadjustedhergown,her fingers lingering on the Montrose brooch that secured her fichu. The carriage had just arrived at Netherfield. When the door opened, a footman assisted Jane down first. Elizabeth followed, drawing a deep breath as she ascended the steps.
Today, Caroline and her betrothed were expected. It had been agreed that their first meeting should take place at Netherfield, where any potential shock on Caroline’s part might be more easily contained. Elizabeth had argued that the lady might not recognize her, but Charles, as he had asked her to call him, had laughed and insisted his sister would know her at once.
In the days following the discovery of her origins, the household had been filled with discussion. On the evening of the twenty-seventh of November, Elizabeth had at last confided in Jane. Her sister had been suitably shocked and distressed, embracing her warmly and kissing her cheek. Mama and Papa had informed Mary and Thomas, though they decided to wait before telling the two youngest daughters until matters had settled somewhat.
Elizabeth had also shared her dreams with Bingley, and confirmed that they were, indeed, memories. “You were a rambunctious child,” he had chortled. “Caroline thought you would break your neck climbing fences.”
And now, the moment had come. Today, she would meet the lady who had, by Bingley’s account, once been her dearest friend.
“Good morning, my dear!” Bingley stepped forward and took Jane’s hand. “You look lovely.”
Jane blushed. “Thank you, sir. If you continue to flatter me so each day, I shall come to think far too well of myself.”
Darcy greeted Elizabeth in a like manner, and the four soon settled on two settees arranged before the fire. The ladies’ maid, Sally, sat quietly in a distant corner, doing her utmost to remain unobtrusive.
“When is Miss Bingley expected?” Elizabeth asked when they were comfortable before the roaring blaze.
“She said they would arrive before tea. It cannot be more than half an hour now.” Mr. Bingley glanced at his pocket watch. “Yes, they intended to leave London early. They must be very near.”
“Shall I ask Mrs. Nicholls to prepare tea?” Jane smiled, though it was somewhat strained. After Mrs. Hurst’s cold reception, she worried that Miss Bingley would likewise find her wanting. The Hursts had kept to their rooms whenever the Bennets called, and Elizabeth wondered whether their manners might improve were she introduced as the granddaughter of an earl.
“Yes, by all means. It will be your right and duty soon enough.” He grinned and kissed Jane’s hand, catching it as she rose to give the orders.
“Have you written to Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked her betrothed.
“I have. I did not mention the news. Instead, I teased her and said I had something of great importance to tell her when next we meet. I imagine I shall have an express demanding information before the week is out.”
They chuckled together. “You are so serious most of the time, sir, I had begun to wonder whether you possessed a sense of humor. I am pleased to see that it exists. Has it rusted from disuse, perhaps?” She raised a brow with mock severity, relishing the thrill of his answering grin.
“I have had much cause to be dismal in recent years. I should still be so, were it not for you.”
“Careful, sir. With such praise, I may begin to believe I am quite without fault.”She gave him a saucy wink, delighted by the depth of his love.
“Then you will be in the same situation as your sister. I have no intention of ceasing my efforts to praise you, and Bingley will do the same with Miss Bennet. You had best grow accustomed to it.”
“That will not prove difficult.” In truth, she had known love from her Bennet family for a long time, but this was something altogether different. Darcy’s love completed her—made her feel truly whole, save for the small corner of her heart still left unfulfilled until the past was at last resolved.
