Chapter 6
Mr Collins could barely catch his breath as he ran excitedly to his wife.
“My dear Mrs Collins, my dear cousin, prepare yourselves! Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy are approaching the Parsonage—immediately!”
“So soon? That is extraordinary,” Charlotte said, suddenly panicking.
Elizabeth laughed. “What is so extraordinary? They likely are bored and look for a way to amuse themselves. I truly believe there is no reason for distress.”
“My dear cousin, I beg to differ. I know you are not accustomed to such illustrious company, but people of high rank rarely do anything meaningless. They are certainly showing their appreciation for the way I comply with my duties.”
“I am sure you are right, Mr Collins,” Elizabeth offered generously. But her cousin did not hear her as he hurried outside to meet the guests in the yard.
As they waited for the gentlemen, Charlotte whispered to Elizabeth, “I may thank you, Lizzy, for this piece of civility. Mr Darcy would never have come so soon to call on us.”
“My dear Charlotte, I am sure you could not be more wrong. As I said, I believe their main reason is boredom and the second must be their desire to greet the new Mrs Collins. Since I already met them yesterday, that should be enough. I am by no means on Mr Darcy’s visitation list, I assure you.”
“Lizzy, for a bright woman, you can be quite oblivious.” Charlotte smiled.
Elizabeth glared at her in puzzlement, but the gentlemen’s entrance silenced further argument.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, displayed his usual friendliness. He made as good an impression on Charlotte and Maria as he had on Elizabeth. He was about thirty, not quite as handsome as his cousin, but in person and address most truly the gentleman.
“Mrs Collins, I am delighted to meet you. Please receive my warmest congratulations. From what I have heard, Mr Collins is a most fortunate man.”
“Thank you, sir. You are too kind. Welcome to our home!”
Mr Darcy bowed politely and paid his compliments with his usual reserve then expressed his congratulations to the Collinses.
“Mr Darcy, what a pleasure to see you again, sir. We are honoured to have you both in our home,” Charlotte said.
“Very honoured, indeed. You are so considerate to call on us so soon.” Mr Collins continued.
Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation with the readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and Elizabeth quickly joined him. He spoke pleasantly, unlike Mr Darcy who addressed only a few words to Mrs Collins and Elizabeth.
Darcy realized he had been rudely silent and that he gazed at Elizabeth with an insistence that made even him feel uncomfortable. And yet, he could not control himself.
He had missed her so much that having her in full view—after carrying her only in his memories for so many months—was a chance he could not waste.
He allowed himself the delight of admiring her as she spoke with the colonel.
She was perfectly at ease, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Her lips were twisted into mischievous smiles as she offered a daring answer, and at times, her fingers touched the garnet cross that rested just above the neckline of her gown.
Darcy could see his cousin was charmed by Elizabeth—and how could he not be? She was just as he remembered and even more. Her full attention seemed concentrated upon Richard, but she glanced at Darcy more than once, and their eyes even met on occasion.
Darcy observed she was slightly distressed by his presence, and he tried to make an effort to involve himself in the conversation. He felt like a fool, sitting there and staring at her silently. But her nearness made him forget manners and rules. He wished nothing but to enjoy her enchanting image.
He startled when Elizabeth addressed him directly. “My eldest sister has been in Town these three months. Have you never happened to see her there, Mr Darcy?”
She must have known that he never had; then what was the intention of her question? Did she wish to know whether Bingley’s sisters informed him of Jane’s call? Or did she simply want to engage him in conversation?
“No, I have not been so fortunate. I hope she enjoys London,” he answered.
“Not as much as in the past,” Elizabeth replied. “But her disposition will improve soon, I trust. Is Miss Darcy in Town too?”
He was pleased that she inquired after his sister. “No, she is at Pemberley with her companion.”
“Pemberley is just beautiful,” the colonel intervened. “It is no wonder both my cousins prefer to spend time there. It is a little too quiet for me as company is rare. But neither of them is fond of large gatherings, so I assume the solitude does not bother them.”
“Yes, I have heard as much. Everybody who has seen Pemberley praises its beauty,” Elizabeth offered, and Darcy’s face softened.
He longed to tell her that she might see it for herself one day.
He had no right to make such a statement, nor even invite her as a guest. That would only raise the expectations he had tried to avoid for half a year.
Though he chose to move silently to the window, he did not miss Elizabeth’s changed countenance.
Shortly, the gentlemen left with the promise of meeting again soon. During their walk back to Rosings, the colonel’s animation only made Darcy more silent.
His thoughts remained behind—with her. He had so many things to tell her, and yet he stood speechless like a simpleton.
Of her feelings for him, he could not be certain.
Her behaviour was different—and more enchanting—than any other woman he had met, and his ability to read her mind was quite limited.
He had never been interested in understanding a woman until he met Elizabeth.
He had been polite with them and exchanged pleasantries but never tried to see beyond a woman’s words.
With Elizabeth, everything was different.
“I say, Darcy, I have never been so charmed by a woman in such a short time,” the colonel declared.
“You are charmed by every attractive young woman you meet. Just like Bingley,” Darcy said sharply.
The colonel laughed. “True—but not completely. There is something special about Miss Bennet. She is bright in a profound way. She is witty and wise. I imagine that, having her as a life companion, a man would never be bored.”
“Life companion? For heaven’s sake, Richard. You understood that after only a few minutes’ acquaintance?”
“Yes. I have met enough women in my life to recognize something special right away. If my situation in life allowed it, I would surely do everything in my power to know her better.”
“Richard, please mind your manners. Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter and Mrs Collins’s friend. She is not someone with whom you may amuse yourself.”
“I know that very well, Darcy. But she seemed quite partial to me too, did she not? I mean—we progressed quite well for a first visit.”
Fortunately, their arrival at the main gate of Rosings saved Darcy from giving an answer he could barely admit to himself.
Yes, she did seem partial to Richard, but perhaps that was simply her way.
She always had pleasant, open manners; she seemed always at ease with old acquaintances and friends as well as strangers—except him.
He retired to the library, surrounding himself with papers and books for the rest of the day. None of them allowed him to escape Elizabeth’s image, but at least he had an excuse not to speak with anyone.
Several hours later, Lady Catherine interrupted him, asking about his day.
“I have been looking through these papers, Aunt, and I am afraid that Rosings’ expenses are greater than its income. Your estate needs better management. I shall speak to Mr Jarvis. From my examination, I fear he is not the best steward.”
“He is competent enough, and I trust him implicitly. He has been in my service for many years. Do not worry about expenses; I made an advantageous investment before Christmas. I expect a solid profit from it.”
“Investment? Profit? Aunt, of what are you speaking?” Darcy uttered in astonishment.
“Mr Barnet suggested it to me. We purchased some expensive merchandise from India. It should arrive soon, and I shall double the sum I put in. A really good bargain, I would say.”
“I beg to differ. Why would you do such a thing without speaking to me? Does Uncle Fitzwilliam know?”
“What business does he have with my dealings? And since you are yet only my nephew, I believe I am not obliged to inform you of anything. Mr Barnet was my husband’s friend and business partner for years.”
“And his partner in games of chance too! You know quite well that both lost an appalling sum of money at cards. And they also engaged in onerous affairs together.”
“Darcy, I shall not hear such comments about Sir Lewis! Our family has never been the subject of gossip!”
“My dear aunt, forgive me for saying so, but you always choose to know and to admit only what favours you! You know that such rumours were abroad in Town in Sir Lewis’s last years. And Mr Barnet’s lack of business sense is well known and proven.”
“I shall not listen to this! When you finally do your duty and become the master of Rosings, you may challenge my decisions. Until then—”
“Aunt, you asked me to supervise Rosings’ income to be certain Anne’s future is safe and secure. I did not ask to be involved! If you require my opinion, I shall gladly but honestly offer it.”
“It is time to change for dinner,” Lady Catherine concluded, slamming the library door.
Darcy put away the papers and began to pace the room. He was again trapped in a situation he loathed. How had he allowed this to happen?