“No. I intend to remain for some time.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment and sighed softly.
***
Mr. Collins went into the library and seated himself at the writing desk. He must write to Lady Catherine at once to inform her of the fire.
As he began, he detailed the many difficulties with which he was now afflicted. Longbourn had been on fire the previous night, and the house which was one day to be his had suffered extensive damage. He wrote at length of his many troubles with Miss Elizabeth, how she would not be guided by his advice, and how she had most unexpectedly refused his proposal. He was particularly affronted by this. She ought to have been grateful for the honour of his attentions, not reject them.
Lady Catherine had often observed that young ladies sometimes refuse the man whom they secretly intend to accept. He would have liked to believe this, but Miss Elizabeth did not appear to act in accordance with such expectations.
Indeed, she seemed very ready to receive Mr. Darcy’s attentions.
He frowned. He ought, perhaps, to include this in his letter, yet the thought of displeasing Lady Catherine was most alarming. What would be worse, to inform her directly or to have her learn of it from another? He shivered slightly at the idea. It would be far better to inform her himself, that she might set the matter to rights.
He therefore wrote everything. How Miss Elizabeth would not listen to him. How she had been carrying buckets of water like a servant during the night, which was a most improper display. He mentioned that she had danced twice with Mr. Darcy after refusing to complete her dance with him. He omitted any mention of having trodden upon her feet more than once. He described how they had sat together after supper, and how Mr. Darcy had escorted Miss Elizabeth to the carriage after the fire.
Mr. Collins himself had been obliged to ride in a wagon with the servants to Netherfield, it having seemed that everyone had forgotten he was present. Soon he had written three pages, filled front and back with his concerns. He set down his pen.
Mr. Collins folded the letter with great care and sealed it with particular attention, for Lady Catherine must be informed of every circumstance without delay.
It must be sent express at once.
***
Elizabeth entered the drawing room. She paused when she saw that most of the party were already present.
“Mr. Bingley, may I have a few moments of your time?”
Mr. Bingley looked surprised but immediately stood. “Yes, of course.”
He glanced briefly at Jane.
“Jane, will you come with us?”
Mr. Darcy looked up at Elizabeth, a questioning expression on his face. Elizabeth inclined her head to him.
Darcy rose and followed them to Bingley’s study.
Miss Bingley frowned at the four of them as they left the room.
When they were inside, Bingley shut the door and gestured toward the chairs. “What can I do for you, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Mr. Bingley, since you have so kindly opened your house to us during this difficulty, I wish to thank you for your hospitality.”
Bingley shook his head at once. “It is no trouble at all. Indeed, it is a pleasure to have you stay.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I am grateful for that, but it seems likely that our stay may be of some duration. Therefore, you need not continue to pay the rent on the lease.”
Bingley stood abruptly. “Absolutely not. I could not allow that.”
She shook her head. “You misunderstand me. I do not intend to pay it. I mean that you shall not be required to do so.”
Bingley looked at her in confusion.
Darcy spoke quietly. “You own Netherfield.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. Our family does.”
