At that moment, the library door opened, and Lady Catherine entered, Miss de Bourgh following quietly behind her.
Lady Catherine held up a letter. “I have just received a communication from Mr. Collins.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. “I cannot imagine he has anything to say that would give me pleasure.”
Lady Catherine paused. “You may be correct. It is a very long letter.”
Mr. Bennet raised a hand slightly. “Then perhaps you will be so good as to summarize it, or we may all be detained here until tomorrow.”
Lady Catherine drew herself up. “He expresses a great deal of regret.”
Mr. Bennet shrugged. “And what am I to do with that?”
Elizabeth leaned forward. “Papa, that is precisely what Mr. Darcy and I were considering. It may be of consequence to you.”
Darcy continued, outlining their proposal to offer Mr. Collins an annuity for a fixed term in exchange for relinquishing his claim.
Mr. Bennet was silent for a moment. “The thought of entering into any arrangement with that man is almost unbearable.”
Darcy spoke quietly. “Almost? Then you will consider it?”
Mr. Bennet gave a small nod. “I suppose I must. Though I cannot say I relish the idea of paying a man for nearly destroying my house.”
Anne, who had remained silent, looked from one speaker to another. “It appears a very practical arrangement.”
***
Anne and Elizabeth were assisted from the carriage. Anne glanced about the town before turning toward the dress shop. She was nearly trembling with anticipation.
“I do hope the colors I selected will look well.”
Elizabeth smiled as they went up the steps and entered the shop. “I am quite certain you will be pleased.”
Mrs. Turner turned at their entrance. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth, Miss de Bourgh.”
“Good morning,” Elizabeth returned. “We are very eager to see Miss de Bourgh’s dresses.”
Mrs. Turner lifted two gowns from the counter. “Miss de Bourgh, would you care to try them on?”
Anne nodded, her excitement evident, and took the dresses before disappearing into the dressing room.
A few minutes later, she emerged wearing the first. The change was immediately striking. The soft blue suited her exceedingly well, lending her a freshness and elegance she had seldom displayed before.
Elizabeth’s eyes lit with genuine pleasure. “Miss de Bourgh, you look very well indeed. What do you think of it?”
For a moment, Anne scarcely recognized herself. She turned before the mirror, hardly able to remain still. “Oh yes, I like it very much. It is quite unlike my usual gowns.”
Elizabeth smiled, watching her.
“Perhaps you will try the other as well,” Mrs. Turner suggested.
Anne returned to the dressing room and soon appeared again, this time in pale pink. The color brought warmth to her complexion and gave her a delicate, becoming prettiness.
Anne turned slowly before the mirror, studying herself with growing confidence.
Elizabeth gestured toward a bonnet nearby. “That one would suit you very well.”
Anne tried it on and smiled. “Yes… I should like this also.”
