Chapter 11
THE PALINGS OF ROSINGS PARK
Finding it convenient, Darcy and Richard remained at the Parsonage with Elizabeth whilst the carriage conveyed Mrs. Annesley to her friends in the village.
As soon as the driver returned, the gentlemen departed.
Mr. Collins, who had prevailed upon his esteemed visitors to be allowed to accompany them, left also.
Charlotte and Elizabeth made their way to the small parlour.
“I would say that Mr. Darcy is a great admirer of yours, my dear Eliza.”
“You would not say that if you really knew what he is like. I am afraid the gentleman barely tolerates me.”
“I believe you are quite mistaken. I believe Mr. Darcy is quite taken with you. Have you ever considered what you perceive as a lack of tolerance is merely born of expectations of his family that will not allow him to admit his true feelings, even to himself?”
“Actually, I have given the matter no thought at all. Pray, what do you think of Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“I think he is a fine gentleman. He is not as handsome and rich as Mr. Darcy. As a second son, I dare say he has no fortune at all. Why do you ask about him when the topic at hand concerns your feelings towards Mr. Darcy?”
“Charlotte, if I am to be honest, after all I had heard about him whilst in Hertfordshire, I was looking forward to meeting him. I found it hard to imagine he could be as bad as everyone said.”
“What is your opinion of him now that you have made his acquaintance?”
“On the whole, I am exceedingly puzzled. One minute he is charming and attentive. In another instance, he is cold and aloof. Then, too, whenever I recall how wretchedly he treated Mr. Wickham, I am reminded of his callous disregard for the feelings of others.”
“Dear Eliza, you must not allow Mr. Wickham’s opinion of Mr. Darcy to influence your thinking.
I believe Mr. Darcy likes you very much.
Surely you do not suppose he would have called on my husband and me.
The gentleman I met in Hertfordshire would never have given himself the trouble.
I would say he made an effort to remain in your company as long as possible. ”
“Perhaps he meant to protect his cousin from being entangled by my feminine wiles.”
“Why would you accuse him of such a thing?”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam was the one who meant to stay at the Parsonage whilst Mrs. Annesley was conveyed to her friends in the village. Once Mr. Darcy learned of the colonel’s intentions, I suppose he decided it was best he keep an eye on his cousin.
He went out of his way to make certain that the colonel and I spent no time alone on the journey from town. ”
“You were under his protection. He might feel that way still.”
“My dear Charlotte, you are no stranger to my papa’s plans for my future marital felicity and what awaits me should I return to Longbourn with no prospects. If there is a chance in the world that I might find happiness with the colonel, I am obliged to remain open to it, am I not?”
“And what if the chance you seek is by way of Mr. Darcy?”
“Charlotte, do not be absurd.”
“It could happen.”
“As much as I like and respect Georgiana and believe we would be dear sisters, I do not entirely trust Mr. Darcy. I am exceedingly ill at ease when in his presence. I know he does not like my family. Then, there is the prospect of being Lady Catherine’s niece, which I simply could not abide.”
Charlotte held up her hand. “I think doth protest too much, dear Eliza. You have yet to meet Lady Catherine. Besides, is Lady Catherine not the colonel’s aunt as well?”
“True, I have not met her, but if I am to rely upon Mr. Wickham’s account, then I am certain of her character.
She derives the worst part of pride in the notion of her being Mr. Darcy’s aunt, and she intends him for her own daughter.
I suspect the colonel’s choice of a bride will be of no significance to her. ”
“Again, Eliza, I would caution you against allowing your feelings towards Mr. Wickham to make you appear foolish before a man of Mr. Darcy’s standing, which is better than ten times Mr. Wickham’s consequence.”
Darcy and Richard barely took their seats before their aunt called them to task. “Why was there a delay in arriving, nephews? I was half tempted to dispatch a scouting party to recover you.”
“Lady Catherine, I assure you that would have been unnecessary. As you see, we have arrived, and we are no worse for the delay,” said Darcy.
“Yesterday, you were prudent to delay your departure, and in so doing, ensure your safe arrival, but that in no way excuses your tardiness in attending me today.”
The colonel rallied to his cousin’s defence. “I beg to differ, your ladyship. It was only fitting that we spend time with the Collinses once we surrendered Miss Bennet to their care.”
Collins squirmed under her ladyship’s sudden consideration.
She said, “Yes, well, what is this I hear of her having relatives in Cheapside? I was of the belief that she hailed from the landed gentry.” She huffed.
“My nephews accompanying a woman whose family has ties in trade—it is not to be borne.”
“Miss Bennet’s father is a gentleman,” said the colonel.
“I am no stranger to that bit of information. What does it signify?”
“Miss Elizabeth is a gentleman’s daughter. I—” Darcy looked at his cousin and corrected himself. “We are gentlemen. That makes us equals, does it not?”
“I should say it decidedly does not. Your mothers, both of them, are descendants of nobility. Who is her mother?”
Darcy stood, signalling an end to the discussion. “I dare say you will find Miss Elizabeth agreeable. You must, of course, judge for yourself. Pardon me, your ladyship.”
Mr. Collins stood to take his leave as well. “Pray, Mr. Collins, I wish to have a word with you before you return to the Parsonage.”
He bowed with great deference and then resumed his former attitude. “Yes, your ladyship. I am at your service.”
Collins returned to the Parsonage with such happy news, he could scarcely contain himself. Lady Catherine had invited them to dinner on the following day. His ranting had been profuse—his praise unfettered, for never had he expected such an honour for his fair cousin.
On the day of the auspicious occasion and at the appointed hour, they were shown into the drawing room where the Rosings party awaited them.
Elizabeth observed her surroundings with wonder.
Despite its grand staircases and its rich antebellum and massive paintings, Rosings felt more like a mausoleum than a home.
So, this is the manner in which Mr. Darcy’s esteemed aunt and his cousin, his presumed intended, live.
I can only imagine the excitement in store for us this evening.
Of course, the colonel will be here. That alone is cause for joy.
Before they enter the grand parlour, Mr. Collins seized hold of Elizabeth’s arm, thereby halting her progress. “I do not need to tell you to mind your manners and hold your tongue, dear cousin. As I told you before, her ladyship does not countenance insubordination.”
When they were shown into the room, Mr. Collins commandeered his wife and cousin to stand beside him before his noble patroness. The gentleman bowed deeply. The ladies curtsied.
Lady Catherine regarded her youngest guest from head to toe. “So, you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Yes, your ladyship, thank you for inviting me to your home.”
Introductions were made to Miss Anne de Bourgh and her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, and the Hunsford party took their seats.
“My nephews shall join us momentarily. Until such time, I should like to know more about you, Miss Bennet. I understand you made my niece’s acquaintance when you visited Pemberley last summer with your aunt and uncle from Cheapside.”
“Yes, your ladyship, My Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.”
“And you wandered off on your own and happened upon my niece, Georgiana.”
“I suppose you might say that, your ladyship.”
“Well, how else would one describe the circumstances of your meeting my niece? I understand the two of you began corresponding regularly, and that is the basis for your friendship.”
“Our regular correspondence formed the basis for our amity; however, our intimacy has increased, owing to the time we spent together in town over the past weeks.”
The silver-haired aristocrat, who ought to have abandoned any notions of beauty decades ago, regarded Elizabeth with what looked like contempt. “How very convenient your alliance with my niece is for you.”
This inquisition is eerily similar to the one I suffered under your haughty nephew’s disapproving eyes. Elizabeth stiffened her back. What can any of this have to do with your ladyship?
“I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! Are you aware he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy’s steward?
Let me recommend you, for your own good, not to give confidence to any of his assertions of my nephew’s using him ill, for all such allegations are perfectly false.
On the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated my nephew in a most infamous manner.
I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Darcy is not in the least to blame, and he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned. ”
Does her ladyship expect to influence me against the gentleman with such an unsubstantiated attack as this? I see nothing in it other than her own wilful ignorance!
Lady Catherine was by no means finished with the detailing of her account of Elizabeth’s affairs.
Growing increasingly uncomfortable under her ladyship’s microscope, Elizabeth supposed there was only one person to thank for her current uneasiness.
Charlotte is incapable of being such a nuisance.
My cousin is not only ridiculous; he is also a busy little bee.
He goes about spreading the word of the goings-on in Hertfordshire to someone as wholly connected to it as her ladyship.