Chapter Three
A s Sir Lucas’ carriage drew up to the rectory, Charlotte came flying out the door. “Papa! Maria! Eliza! Oh, I am so very happy!” She was so excited that she hardly knew who to hug first, but she made all three of her laughing guests feel very, very welcome.
Mr. Collins hung back, allowing his wife to recover from her first effusions before joining the little group. “Welcome to our humble home,” he began. “Sir Lucas. Maria. Cousin Elizabeth.” He bowed low to each of them as he intoned their names.
“I thank you for inviting me, Cousin,” Elizabeth said, curtseying in response. She still could not like the man and found it inconceivable that Charlotte could be happy with him, but she would not let these concerns spoil her holiday.
The three newcomers were ushered inside and shown to their rooms, with refreshments promised in half an hour. Elizabeth and Maria were to share a room until Sir Lucas departed in two days’ time, at which point Maria would move into his room.
“I have not shared a room since Jane married,” Elizabeth confided to Maria.
“And I have not shared a room since Charlotte married,” Maria returned. “I hope you do not kick or snore?”
“Jane says I do not, but you know that she never has an unkind word for anyone, so I can make no promises on that score,” Elizabeth replied.
Maria laughed. “I am not as good as Jane, so you may hear complaints from me in the morning!”
The two young ladies washed off the dust from the road and then made their way downstairs to the parlour, where Sir Lucas was listening to Mr. Collins hold forth about the wonders of his cottage. Elizabeth glanced around the small parlour, noting Charlotte’s handiwork in the embroidered cushions and drapes. It was a warm, welcoming room, designed to make its occupants feel comfortable.
Charlotte was familiar with her guests’ tea preferences, and everyone was soon settled with cups of tea and plates of small cakes.
“My dear Charlotte made these cakes with her own hands,” Mr. Collins said, proudly.
“So you continue to indulge your interest in baking?” Elizabeth enquired. “I do not doubt that everyone who has the privilege of tasting the results is grateful for your efforts.”
“It took some time before Cook was willing to share her kitchen, but she and I have reached an understanding,” Charlotte replied, smiling.
“You have come at a most fortunate time,” Mr. Collins informed his guests. “Have you told them, my dear?”
“I have not; I thought you would want to do so.”
“What an excellent wife you are!” Mr. Collins beamed at her. “Very well; Lady Catherine’s nephews are visiting her, and you will have the honour of meeting them!” His excitement was so overwhelming that he was in danger of spilling his tea; Charlotte hastily took his cup from him as he continued. “Mr. Darcy of Pemberley and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam are arriving this very day!”
“Mr. Darcy…” Elizabeth mused, thoughtfully. “Charlotte, was that not the name of the gentleman who was supposed to visit Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, but never arrived?”
Mr. Collins shook his head vigorously. “Impossible. Mr. Darcy is from the highest circles, Cousin Elizabeth, the very highest. It is inconceivable that he would have a friend in trade.”
Elizabeth was irritated, and did not hesitate to respond tartly. “My brother by marriage is not in trade, Mr. Collins.”
“No, no, of course not, but his father –“
“Mr. Bingley’s father was in trade, Mr. Collins, but Mr. Bingley is not. If he were, however, his kindness and amiability make him a friend to be treasured, even by someone as high and mighty as this Mr. Darcy. In addition, my own Aunt and Uncle Gardiner –“
Mr. Collins interrupted, hands spread wide. “I have upset you, I see. I apologise most profusely, Cousin. It was not my intention in any way, I assure you!”
Elizabeth took pity on him. “Let us consider it forgotten, Mr. Collins. In any event, I do look forward to meeting Lady Catherine and her nephews.”
“You will, and very soon,” Charlotte interposed. “We are, all of us, invited for dinner tomorrow night.”