“Your observations are insipid, child.” Lady Catherine’s imperious voice interrupted her daughter. “Miss Elizabeth is intelligent, but I sense impertinence in her manner. Sir William, knighted though he may be, reveals his roots in trade through unceasing conversation. His daughter is a timid little mouse andno great beauty. Still, their company is diverting enough and brings some variety to our otherwise confined and unvarying society.”
Darcy bit his tongue. He liked Sir William—loquacious, yes, but entirely genuine. His imperious aunt’s sharp criticisms were well known, and her tendency to belittle her guests no longer shocked him.
“I cannot wait to meet them.” Richard’s cheerful reply made Darcy grin, though he smothered it before he could be observed.
“Anne,” Richard continued, “you ought to accompany us to the parsonage on the morrow. It would only be to pay a call. What say you?”
“Anne will remain here. It would not do for anyone to see that hideous mark.” Lady Catherine huffed as she accepted a serving of asparagus from the footman.
“Nonsense! Anne, tell me you will come. It would pleaseusgreatly. “He gave Darcy a significant look, who quickly lent his agreement. This seemed to pacify their aunt; no doubt she interpreted this as encouragement, and graciously granted herpermissionfor her daughter to leave the house.
Tomorrow,Darcy thought.Tomorrow I shall see Elizabeth.
Chapter Twenty-Two
March 8, 1812
Kent
Elizabeth
ElizabethsatinCharlotte’sdrawing room, contentedly observing the view from the front window. It overlooked the garden and the lane that led to Rosings Park. Beyond the lane, woods and walking paths stretched into the distance. She had explored one of those trails earlier that morning and had come upon a bluebell meadow. The dismal mood that had clouded the previous day had lifted, and now she conversed pleasantly with her friend. Maria and Sir William had gone to the village, and Mr. Collins was engaged in a meeting with Lady Catherine, thus the parsonage enjoyed a rare peace.
Their relative solitude was broken by Mr. Collins’s abrupt entrance. He burst into the room, gasping for breath. “My dearCharlotte, you must make haste! We are to have callers in but a moment. I rushed back as quickly as I could, for it would not do to welcome such exalted guests into our—”
“Mr. Collins,” Charlotte interrupted, speaking firmly, yet kindly. “Pray compose yourself. We can scarcely understand you. Why do you not sit and tell uswhois expected?” She did not look up from her work, nor did she reveal any outward sign of exasperation. Her calm demeanor had its desired effect, and her husband soon gathered himself and replied in a more measured tone.
“Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are at Rosings Park. Their early arrival has both pleased and vexed Lady Catherine. The gentlemen informed me of their intention to call this morning as I quitted the manor.” He slowly sank into the nearest chair. “I am very sorry, my dear—I allowed my excitement to overcome me. Never did I imagine such condescension!”
“Mr. Darcy is already acquainted withallthe current residents of the parsonage,” his wife reminded him in the same calm tone. “It is only proper that he should call. His cousin likely accompanies him in search of diversion.” She set aside her work basket and offered Mr. Collins a pleased smile. “I thank you for alerting us to their imminent arrival so I might call for tea.” Rising, she briefly pressed his hand. “Why do you not look over your sermon and determine whether Lady Catherine’s advice may be applied?”
Mr. Collins nodded, visibly more relaxed than he had been but moments earlier. “Yes, very good. I shall join you when the gentlemen arrive. Perhaps Maria and Sir William will have returned by then.” He ambled off, and once he had gone, Elizabeth turned to her friend.
“Brava, Charlotte. ’Tis a fine match you have made. I congratulate you.” She grinned and gave a conspiratorial wink.
“My husband is an excitable man—a curious mixture of several personalities familiar to us. At times, I see my father, my mother, or even Lydia in his demeanor. Yet he is a wonderful husband. Did you note the flowers on the breakfast table? He picked them for me just this morning.” Charlotte sighed in quiet satisfaction. “Yes, he bears some interesting traits, but as we grow together, I believe we shall have a pleasing life.”
“A vast deal more than pleasing, I should say. He may not have loved you when he proposed, but it is plain to see that he adores you now. More than that, he respects your guidance. What a rare treasure!” Elizabeth returned her gaze to her embroidery.
Charlotte chuckled. “Do not tell me you now regret not having secured him for Mary!” The two ladies descended into laughter.
When their mirth subsided, Elizabeth wiped a tear from her eye. “Mary has not your temperament. It was not long ago that she looked on us all with condescension and self-importance. I fear she would have brought out the worst in Mr. Collins, rather than the best.”
“Before I go to order tea…Lizzy, we did not expect Mr. Darcy for several weeks. Will you be well? Will the call discompose you?” Charlotte’s genuine concern warmed Elizabeth’s heart.
“I can manage. I may choose to speak with others, but I shall not shrink in his presence.” A knot formed in her stomach, but she struggled to maintain her cheerful demeanor. It would not do to betray weakness.
Her friend nodded and left to see to the tea and biscuits. Elizabeth tried to concentrate on her embroidery but found the effort futile. Her gaze drifted to the window, where she watched for the gentlemen. Before Charlotte returned, she espied their approach—both walking briskly and bearing sticks. Mr. Darcy was immediately recognizable, accompanied by another gentleman in a blue coat.
Sir William and Maria had, regrettably, not returned, and thus would not be present to serve as a buffer between her and Mr. Darcy. Charlotte reappeared just before the bell rang, and when the gentlemen were shown in, Mr. Collins entered the parlor as well.
“Mr. Darcy, welcome to our home.” Charlotte curtsied, as did Elizabeth, though she avoided looking directly at the guests.
“Mrs. Collins, thank you. Will you allow me to present my cousin, The Honorable Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam?” He stepped forward, and Elizabeth glanced up. He was not a handsome man. In truth, he was quite ordinary in appearance, but his ready smile made his countenance pleasing. Unlike his cousin’s, his features were smooth and clear. Not that it signified.Perhaps I look for some likeness to Mr. Darcy,she thought. Still, she did not turn her gaze uponthatgentleman; she did not yet feel equal to it.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Charlotte’s voice drew Elizabeth back to the moment. “You have met Mr. Collins, of course. This is my dear friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, in Hertfordshire. I am afraid my father and sister are in the village. They will be sorry to have missed you.”
“Never fear! My aunt sent me with an invitation for you all to dine after church services. As I understand it, you were all at Rosings just two days ago. Still, she insists you join us on the morrow. I hope it will not disrupt your plans.” Colonel Fitzwilliam grinned. “If it should, pray tell me, and I shall impart your regrets to Lady Catherine.”
