Page 101 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

Mr Collins behaved with his usual condescension while Lady Lucas seemed more restrained and somewhat conceited. Elizabeth smiled to herself, wondering whether Lady Catherine’s arrogance was contagious.

“My dear cousins, allow me to congratulate you on your long-expected wedding. I hope Mr and Mrs Bingley will share the same felicity in marriage that Charlotte and I have. Lady Catherine herself said that this marriage is very advantageous for your entire family.”

Elizabeth struggled to remain calm at such an offensive remark, but her patience failed her. “I hope Lady Catherine had a safe journey to Kent from Town. Did she enjoy her time in London? We were pleased that she attended Mr Wilson’s ball.”

“How nice of you to inquire, my dear cousin. In fact, her ladyship regretted leaving Rosings at all. She declared the Season had changed for the worse recently. As for the ball, she was rather displeased with it. She said she never should have accepted the invitation,” Mr Collins responded primly.

“I wonder why? Mr Wilson received much praise for the ball. The Duke of York, as well as the Countess of Jersey and Countess of Sefton, highly approved of it,” Elizabeth continued.

“Surely, Lady Catherine’s opinion cannot weigh more than a duke and two countesses,” Mrs Bennet ended the debate. “She might not be accustomed to balls of the latest fashion in London since she spends most of her time in Kent.”

“Miss de Bourgh seemed to enjoy her time nevertheless,” Bingley interjected.

“Yes,” Mr Collins quickly responded, “Lady Catherine is sure a certain event will finally take place as it should have many years ago.”

“What event?” Lydia asked.

“The long-awaited wedding between Mr Darcy and Miss de Bourgh. There can be no better match than one between these two remarkable young people, both blessed with so many fine qualities,” Mr Collins replied.

A chill descended along Elizabeth’s spine as she tried to remain calm. Even though she knew it was ridiculous to take him seriously, Mr Collins’s words distressed her. As it was only a few days before their journey north, her restlessness had increased.

“That is nonsense. Darcy will not marry Miss de Bourgh,” Bingley said bluntly. To Mr Collins’s appalled gaze, he continued while diligently cutting his steak. “I know for a fact that such a union is not agreeable to either of them. But just to be certain, I shall ask them one more time when we meet at Pemberley.”

“I am sorry to contradict you, but surely Lady Catherine must know better than you,” Mr Collins insisted.

“It is such a pity that some men do not know when to insist and when to accept defeat,” Mrs Bennet interjected again. “You should not trust Lady Catherine so much, Mr Collins. I heard she rejected the notion that Mr Wilson had a house in Park Lane, and she was proved wrong. I believe this case might be similar.”

“We look forward to our journey to Derbyshire,” Jane quickly interrupted to avoid a fight over the subject of Lady Catherine’s infallibility.

Still, Mr Collins insisted on his point of view. “Lady Catherine said she would stay with her brother the earl this summer to be closer to her daughter. The Matlock estate in only twenty miles from Pemberley.”

“Then why not stay at Pemberley if she wishes to be closer to her daughter? Might it be that Mr Darcy—or even her daughter—does not wish her in such proximity?” Mrs Bennet continued.

“I am sure that is not the case!” Mr Collins fought back. “As I said, Lady Catherine is waiting for news of their betrothal.”

“Upon my word, that makes no sense,” Lydia declared.

“It pains me to admit it, but I completely agree with my youngest daughter,” Mr Bennet said. “I am almost tempted to go along on the trip to Derbyshire, only to see for myself who is marrying whom and who stays at each estate.”

“My son-in-law has Lady Catherine’s trust and confidence. I am sure he knows exactly how things are,” Lady Lucas added sharply. “Miss Elizabeth even had a chance to observe their close relationship when she stayed in Hunsford. They dined or had tea at Rosings several times.

“And my son-in-law has Mr Darcy’s trust and confidence. I am sure he has better knowledge of things with his long-time friend,” Mrs Bennet replied, rolling her eyes. “Besides, Mr Darcy invited my entire family to stay at Pemberley, not just to visit or dine.”

“Did he?” Mr Collins asked doubtfully.

Mrs Bennet felt offended, so she brought forward more proof. “Indeed! He specifically wrote to Mr Bingley: ‘You and Mrs Bingley, Miss Bennet, and the entire party will be most welcome at Pemberley. I do not wish to interfere with anyone’s fixed engagements and would certainly not want to intrude on the others’ plans, but there are rooms prepared for everyone at Pemberley at any time.’ Did I quote him accurately, Mr Bingley?”

“Perfectly accurate, madam,” Bingley confirmed.

Mrs Bennet threw a meaningful glance at her guests and ordered the second course, content to win another debate with those who would eventually become the undeserving owners of Longbourn.

∞∞∞

The night before their journey, Elizabeth barely slept. She was accustomed to a lack of rest; sleep had mostly eluded her since Darcy’s proposal.

From Hertfordshire to London, there were only Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley. The journey was short and delightful with much joy and pleasant anticipation. Bingley was already on brotherly terms with Elizabeth, and Jane was happy to see their open, affectionate relationship.

“To be honest, I would rather not take Louisa and Caroline to Derbyshire. But Darcy invited all of us several months ago, and now they insist on going.”