Mr. Collins regarded him with poorly concealed excitement. “Are you Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?”
“I am. You are acquainted with the estate?”
“Not personally, sir. I hold the living at Hunsford through the generosity of your esteemed aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I am pleased to report that both Lady Catherine and your intended, Miss Anne, were in good health as of yesterday.”
Elizabeth glanced quickly at Darcy.
Darcy stepped slightly nearer to Mr. Collins. “You have been misinformed. I am not engaged to Miss Anne or to any other lady.”
Mr. Collins looked unsettled. “But Lady Catherine…”
“My aunt’s wishes do not constitute an engagement. I have made no proposal, nor is there any agreement. Moreover, Miss de Bourgh has no such inclination.” He turned to Elizabeth. “May I procure you some punch?”
She inclined her head, and he escorted her away. As they stood together, Elizabeth spoke quietly. “Mr. Collins is a distant cousin. He will inherit Longbourn when my father dies.”
“I am sorry to hear it. That is a hard circumstance.” He paused. “What a coincidence that he should be my aunt’s new clergyman. His manner does not surprise me. My aunt prefers those who admire her.”
Elizabeth suppressed a smile. “He appears excessively devoted. He has been with us one day, and I feel I have heard of Lady Catherine for months.”
Darcy allowed himself a brief laugh. “Is it my imagination, or does Mr. Collins regard you with particular interest?”
Elizabeth sighed lightly. “I suspect I have been chosen. My mother warned me earlier. She attempted to discourage him, but he seems immune to discouragement.”
Darcy’s voice lowered. “He is mistaken, then?”
“I would say so. However, he has not yet asked anything directly, so I cannot properly refuse him.”
At that moment Mr. Collins reappeared. “Cousin Elizabeth, you fatigue yourself with so much motion. A wife ought to cultivate serenity.”
Darcy’s expression cooled. “Miss Elizabeth is perfectly capable of judging her own strength.”
Elizabeth turned calmly to Mr. Collins. “Pray be easy, sir. I am not fatigued. And as I am not a wife, I shall not trouble myself with cultivating serenity.”
She turned back to Darcy. “I believe the card tables are forming. Will you partner me?”
“With pleasure.” He offered his arm.
As they walked away, Elizabeth was aware of Mr. Collins’s confusion behind them. She glanced at Darcy and found him looking at her, his attention fixed and intent. The relief she felt must have been plain. He understood.
Chapter eight
Lydia and Kitty had at last obtained permission to walk into Meryton that morning with their elder sisters. Mrs. Tyler was to accompany them, that youthful spirits might be kept within propriety.
As the ladies prepared to depart, Mr. Collins announced that he would join them, as it would be improper for so many young ladies to venture into town without suitable male attendance, though a groom already waited. Elizabeth suppressed a sigh and resolved to make the most of the morning despite other people’s designs upon it.
They had not proceeded far down the lane before Elizabeth increased her pace. Mr. Collins, obliged to lengthen his stride in order to continue his discourse, found himself somewhat pressed. The others soon adopted a brisker walk, for Mr. Collins’s uninterrupted reflections rendered motion preferable to stillness.
As they approached Meryton, Lydia and Kitty grew animated. Mrs. Tyler reminded them, in a tone of consequence, that future liberties depended upon present conduct. While theyoung ladies debated which shops should first command their attention,
Mr. Collins at last drew even with Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, you should allow me to escort you properly.”
“I thank you, sir,” she replied evenly, “but I am not in need of escort.”
She turned toward the bakery, Harris following at a respectful distance. Mr. Collins made as if to claim her arm, but Elizabeth had already reached the shop door. Harris paused just before it, his broad frame rendering further progress inconvenient.
“You may step aside,” Mr. Collins said, with some dignity.
Harris did not move.
