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His cousin Anne.
He felt a little awkward when he thought of her, for he was aware that his aunt still believed that a promise existed between the two of marriage – a promise which Darcy had never been part of, but which his mother and his aunt had concocted many years earlier.
He had no intention of marrying Anne. And, thankfully, she felt the same.
He could see no similarities between them, no common interests, no companionship, and certainly no love.
But he rather feared his aunt had not heard him when he had said as much in the past.
Perhaps he needed to be clearer.
"I am rather looking forward to dinner," Colonel Fitzwilliam said as they drew closer to Rosings. "You know Aunt Catherine always has a fine table, especially when there are guests."
"Yes, the food is excellent," Darcy agreed, although his mind was wandering.
After he had enjoyed the park at Rosings, he rather thought it might be time to return to Pemberley.
He missed it. He missed his sister Georgiana – and when he was home, she would come and reside with him. Perhaps he could persuade Bingley to visit. That would surely improve his spirits.
After all, who could be dour at Pemberley?
They arrived at his aunt's estate just as the sun was beginning to set, and Darcy glanced up, appreciating its beauty.
It was a fine estate, one which would belong to Anne in the future, and therefore to her husband.
He would be a fortunate man indeed.
But he would not be Fitzwilliam Darcy.
As they disembarked from the carriage, Darcy found himself calculating how long he would need to converse with his aunt before he could escape and get some fresh air after being confined to the coach for so long.
He did not wish to be rude, but his aunt could certainly talk, and there would be plenty of time for such pleasantries once he had taken a much-needed breath of fresh air.
◆◆◆
"This room is for my particular use," Charlotte said, showing her into a charming parlour downstairs.
Maria and Sir William were still in their rooms, resting or changing, but Elizabeth, having initially been keen to be left to her own thoughts, found that she would actually much rather spend time with her friend.
Other than Jane, she was the person to whom she was closest, and even though the situation between them had the potential for awkwardness, she hoped they could move past it and still be as close as they had been before.
"It's beautiful, Charlotte," she said. "And you seem very happy."
Charlotte smiled. "I am. I enjoy having my own home to run and my freedom. Mr Collins is extremely busy with his garden, his parish, and his visits to Rosings, and so I have much time to do as I please."
She could see her friend was making the best of the situation, and that was clearly a far more sensible way of dealing with the world than Lizzy's obstinate, headstrong attitude.
She could see that.
Even so, she was not sure she wished to step into Charlotte's shoes, even knowing that she would soon be mistress of Longbourn.
Not that she would ever admit such a thing to her mother or sisters.
"And how is everything at Longbourn?" Charlotte asked, and for a moment Lizzy wondered whether she was asking about the state of the furnishings ready for her imminent arrival.
But no. Charlotte would not be so cruel.
"How does your mother fare? We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. And I know..."
