“Lizzy…” Jane whispered as she read the words over her sister’s shoulder. “Should you not wait for a little while before sending it?”
It is done, Jane,” she said, then sealed it and handed it to Lydia.
She felt she was being hasty and perhaps unfair, but her resentment was stronger than her reasoning.
∞∞∞
In the library, Mr Bennet was overcome by similar sentiments. Despite his attempts to ignore the matter and dismiss it as being ridiculous, he was not oblivious to the gravity of the situation. A lady’s reputation was a delicate thing, easy to lose and difficult to repair, even if the rumours were proven to beuntrue. Harmful words, once thrown out into the world, could never be brought back nor completely forgotten. And it was no compensation for Elizabeth’s suffering or for the shadow in her once joyful eyes.
All he could do as a father was to protect his family the best he could. He had approached Colonel Forster—who apologised for any inconvenience but did not treat the matter with deserved seriousness—and with Sir William and other men of influence in Meryton, he met with no success, as everybody responded with politeness, restraint and suspicions, and things only got worse.
Mr Collins’ letter found him in a state of vexation and anxiety and he replied accordingly.
‘Mr Collins,
From your letter, I understand you have been informed about some rumours regarding a sort of relationship between my daughter Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. From the very beginning, I have considered this story ridiculous and unworthy of even mentioning. Elizabeth has also insisted repeatedly that this story is a silly fabrication. However, based on your conviction that it is true and your blame on Lizzy for improper behaviour and dishonour of the family, I have given the matter a more thorough reflection.
If the reports are true, as you said, Mr Darcy must share Elizabeth’s guilt and flaws. He has proven to be unworthy of his name and reputation. Being involved in a relationship with a gentleman’s daughter and then refusing to accomplish his duty—as the reports have indicated—shows ungentlemanlike behaviour, ill-nature and bad character, and he must beexposed to public censure. I shall take drastic measures and I shall mention your assistance.
I applaud your courage in criticising the nephew of your noble patroness, Lady Catherine, and pointing out his deficiencies and lack of honour.
I am sure Lady Catherine will not hold a grudge against you for the harm your claims might cause to her own family and name. I trust she will further support you in your career, regardless of her nephew’s upset, so you can have a happy marriage.
Yours sincerely,
T. Bennet.’
Mr Bennet read it one more time, the grin broadening on his face. He asked his servant to fetch Elizabeth, then he poured himself a glass of brandy.
“What is it, Papa?” Elizabeth enquired as she entered hesitantly. Her father handed her the letter.
“Read it before I seal it and send it by express. Do you think there is anything else that should be added?”
Elizabeth looked through it with equal distress and amusement. When she had finished, her eyes met her father’s mischievous and satisfied face.
“Papa, I do not wish to cause any harm to Mr Darcy. As much as I dislike him and despite my previous resentment, he has never behaved other than properly to me. This cannot be his fault.”
“I do know that, my child. I assure you nothing will go further than Mr Collins. Mr Darcy will not be affected in any way. You know, I suspect he knows nothing of this. I have onlyspoken to him for several minutes but he impressed me as a man of honour and character. If he had heard such reports and knew the damage it had caused us, he would have returned and cleared your reputation by testifying to your benefit! Perhaps I should write to him too. Why did I not think of it earlier? I have taken this matter too lightly. Or should I wait for Mr Bingley to return and speak to him first.”
“Papa, I am ashamed to even mention such a story to Mr Darcy! There is also the gossip about Wickham, which is equally untrue! Mr Darcy had witnessed my argument with Mr Wickham in the library.”
“Precisely. We have suffered more than a week of ridiculous distress. It is time to end it. I expect my letter to Mr Collins will also bring a change in the Lucases’ behaviour. That is if he does not suffer a stroke while reading it!”
Elizabeth was finally able to laugh.
“Well, I sent a letter to Charlotte earlier, which might cause her equal distress.”
“You did? What perfect timing. I find it quite appropriate for them to begin their marriage by sharing the result of their own action, for better and for worse. Let me send the letter right away. I hope he will have it by tomorrow at breakfast. By the way, Lizzy, I have just realised—if Mr Collins does suffer a stroke from the letter and dies, we must ask who will inherit Longbourn next.”
“Papa!” Elizabeth scolded him.
Mr Bennet, however, was pleased with himself and happy to see a glimpse of laughter in the eyes of his beloved daughter.
Chapter 6
Darcy listened to Georgiana playing, watching his sister intently. From another settee, Mrs Annesley glanced from one sibling to another. When the beautiful music ended, Darcy walked to the pianoforte and offered his hand, helping her stand up.
“Brother, I feel well, truly. Please do not worry for me. I always give you so much trouble.”
