“I would rather wait before sending for him,” said Elizabeth, irritated by Mr. Darcy’s persistence.
“We cannot keep such a serious matter from him, surely,” said Mr. Darcy. “What if Mrs. Bennet’s condition takes a turn for the worse? How long would it take him to come back? How far away is his friend?”
“It is a two days’ journey,” said Jane. “He is staying with Lord Beauford, in Gloucestershire.”
“Then it would be wise to send for him.”
“If you do not mind, Mr. Darcy, I thinkweshould make the decision. I promise you that if Mama’s condition grows worse, I will send a note to Netherfield, and then you can do what you believe is best,” said Elizabeth, wondering how on earth she could extricate herself from such a coil.
“Cousin Elizabeth,” Mr. Collins interfered with an obsequious smile. “In the absence of a male guardian at a time of crisis like this, it behooves me to take charge in a household of delicate females. Do not concern yourself with such matters. I will discuss the issue with Mr. Darcy, and we will reach a conclusion together.”
Elizabeth did not miss the contemptuous look Darcy sent him. Serve him right if he ended up cloistered in the library with Mr. Collins. At this point, she just wished them all gone.
She bit back the angry retort she wanted to fling at her cousin. While she cared nothing for the opinions of Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy, she did not wish to offend Mr. Bingley.
Rational thought intervened. There was no escaping the fact that, if Mama’s illness had been real, Elizabeth would have sent for Papa immediately. How could she possibly justify keeping her father in the dark about something like this?
“It might be for the best, Miss Elizabeth,” said Bingley, with a gentle smile.
“Very well,” she said, with a sigh. “But you must allow me a few minutes to pen Papa a quick note.”
“Of course, Cousin Elizabeth,” said Mr. Collins. “Take as much time as you need. My experience with my flock has shown me that painful matters like this require patience and clarity of thought. If you wish me to advise you on the best phrasing to use on such an occasion, I would be more than happy to do so.”
“Thank you, Cousin, but I am quite capable of writing a note to Papa by myself.”
Elizabeth went to the escritoire in the corner of the parlor and wrote a quick note to Mr. Bennet. Knowing that Mr. Collins was likely to look over her shoulder while she wrote, she tried to word the letter in a way her father would understand without being told.
Dear Papa,
Do not be alarmed when you receive this note. Mama has had an attack. Mr. Crompton has been to see her, and we hope she will be up and about in a few days. I will send an express if there is any need for you to come.
Yours, Lizzy
From the corner of her eye, she saw Mr. Collins stand up and head in her direction. There was no time to think further about the wording. She folded it and took out a wafer from the box. Licking the wafer quickly, she managed to slip it under the fold just as Mr. Collins reached her and put out his hand for the letter.
“I would like to add a few compassionate words if I may, Cousin Elizabeth. It is important to assure Mr. Bennet that all the young ladies of the household are in my good hands and will want for nothing. With the distinguished Mr. Darcy’s assistance, and my endless compassion for my cousins in this dark hour, you will be well taken care of. I am certain he will be relieved to hear it.”
“It will not be necessary sir,” she said, with a smile, taking up the seal. “I am certain you would prefer to take your time to find the exact wording, and this is a very hurried note. Surely you do not wish to outshine me, sir.”
Mr. Collins smiled condescendingly. “Your modesty does you credit. Naturally, I do not expect a lady to have the facility in writing that a clergyman has, so you need not be embarrassed. I have studied the Classical Languages and the works of the ancient masters. I am more than proficient in my writing. In fact, my great patroness, Lady Catherine—”
Elizabeth threw a quick glance towards Mr. Darcy. She expected to see him looking severe, but he was watching her with a small smile playing on his lips. His dark eyes were soft. When he was not looking down his nose at everyone, she realized, he was very handsome. Attractive, even, with his broad shoulders and the tumble of fashionable dark curls spread across his brow.
Darcy’s lips twitched. Had he guessed the direction of her thinking? She looked away quickly, heat flooding into her face.
She managed to seal the letter just as Mr. Collins took it from her hand. The pattern was lopsided, but at least Mr. Collins would not go so far as to unseal it and read what she had written.
“It is too late, Mr. Collins. However, you are welcome to send Papa an express telling him your sentiments when we have more news.”
There was a cough from the corner of the room where Mr. Darcy was sitting. Was he laughing at her? When she looked at him directly, however, she found his eyes fixed on her face with a curious expression. His look was so piercing, she squirmed.
Then he stood up and came in her direction.
“Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if I might have a word with you concerning your mother.”
“Certainly,” she replied, her heart starting to hammer. Had Mr. Darcy guessed the truth?
“If you would be kind enough to step into the hallway?”
