30. Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty
March 1812 Hunsford, Kent Elizabeth
T he first few weeks of Elizabeth’s visit to Kent saw her dining or taking tea at Rosings Park seven times. During those visits, her relationship with Lady Catherine and Anne deepened. They were on a first name basis by their second time in company and were easy and affectionate with each other by the third.
Lydia petulantly questioned why her sister was so favored, and so Elizabeth felt compelled to explain the relationship between her and Lady Catherine. Her half-sister and Mr. Collins were both overjoyed by the connection rather than dismayed, much to her relief. She did not feel as though she could bear staying in the same house as the Collinses if their manner toward her had changed—especially after having spent so many agreeable hours with Lady Catherine and her daughter.
“I never imagined that Providence could be so good,” Mr. Collins said with great emotion. “My own sister-in-law, goddaughter to my patroness. Our families are entwined beyond what I ever thought possible!”
Imagine how he would behave if he knew that Lady Catherine was his relation, Elizabeth thought, hiding an amused smile behind her teacup.
“When are you to take tea with her ladyship again?” Lydia asked. “I should like to come with you.”
“She has extended an invitation to both of us for this afternoon,” Elizabeth replied. Lady Catherine preferred to have Elizabeth come alone so that they could speak openly, but acknowledged that Lydia needed to be included at least once a week to be polite.
“Oh, that is very good.” Lydia clapped her hands excitedly. “Lady Catherine always serves the best at her tea. I am looking forward to it.”
“I must be off to the church and will be gone all day.” Mr. Collins rose from the table and came to his wife’s side, kissing her head tenderly. “I will return for supper.”
Lydia giggled and watched her husband leave the room. “He is very fortunate to have me. Who else could look so beautiful on his arm?”
“You seem to have been designed for each other,” Elizabeth replied. And they were. Both were very aware of their physical attributes, but had little sense to accompany their beauty.
“La Elizabeth, you are such a flatterer.” Lydia giggled again. “There is no need, you know. I will not see you thrown out of Longbourn if Papa dies. It would be wrong to cast out the sister who helped me achieve my happiness.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, Lydia, though if Papa dies, I will likely go to my uncle in Cheshire.”
Lydia nodded in agreement. “I thought you might say that, but if your uncle decides he does not want a dependent relation, you are welcome to stay with us.”
Elizabeth had quite forgotten that her youngest sister did not know of her dowry, and bit her tongue before she inadvertently informed Lydia that she was not poor and would never be a dependent relation. “You are too magnanimous,” she murmured, taking a sip of her tea.
Lydia babbled endlessly during tea at Rosings Park. Mrs. Jenkinson listened raptly, giving the young matron all the attention she desired so that the other three ladies could converse undisturbed.
“I shall extend an invitation to dine tomorrow,” Lady Catherine informed Elizabeth. “My nephews are arriving and will be present.”
A little thrill went through her at the thought of seeing Mr. Darcy again. “I shall look forward to renewing my acquaintance with both gentlemen.”
“I do hope you will form an attachment with one of them.” Lady Catherine smiled and tapped Elizabeth’s arm with her finger. “They could do no better. Granddaughter of an earl, handsome dowry… yes, it would be a fine match.”
“I beg that you keep the particulars of my fortune to yourself, your ladyship.” Elizabeth spoke earnestly, hoping to impress the importance of circumspection on Lady Catherine. “Lydia does not know, and I have kept the nature of my inheritance quiet whilst in town. I do not wish to draw suitors only interested in monetary gains when seeking a wife.”
“The colonel is a second son and in need of funds, but you have mentioned that you and he will never be more than friends. Darcy has no need of a fortune. If he seeks a bride, surely it will be out of inclination. Though I wonder if his head or his heart will prevail. His mother—my sister, Anne—often put prestige and fortune over love. Anne was blessed to have love along with her other requirements. I behaved the same until I met your mother.”
“All the same, please respect my wish for privacy, I implore you.”
“Have no fear, Elizabeth. I shall keep the knowledge to myself.” She tapped the side of her nose and winked.
The doors to the parlor opened, and the ladies turned in tandem.
“Darcy!” Lady Catherine cried in pleasant surprise. “And Fitzwilliam! You naughty boys, you are a day early! Come, join us for tea.”
The gentlemen walked forward, bowing to the ladies assembled.
“I am acquainted with your guests already, Aunt.” Mr. Darcy spoke solemnly, his gaze on Elizabeth. She bit her lip and looked away. “Mrs. Collins, I presume,” he said, turning to Lydia. “It has been some months since we were last in company.”
“Indeed, Mr. Darcy.” Lydia smiled and batted her eyes, before becoming more serious, as if she remembered she was married.
“And Miss Elizabeth. It is very good to see you again.”
He did not smile as she had become accustomed, and so Elizabeth, too, kept a sober countenance, nodding her head in greeting.
“My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.” Darcy gestured to his companion.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and she shook her head as the colonel opened his mouth, doubtless to say they had already met. He eyed her inquisitively, and she mouthed ‘say nothing’ before smiling in welcome.
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said politely. She cast a look at Lady Catherine. She looked very amused and smirked slightly at the strange introductions.
“Now that we are all introduced, sit. I have just had a fresh pot brought in.” The lady poured cups of tea for her nephews and began peppering them with questions.
“How long will you stay this time?” she asked after the inquisition ended.
“I suppose as long as it takes Darcy to review the books,” Colonel Fitzwilliam teased.
“Your services will not be needed next year.” Lady Catherine gestured to Anne. “When your cousin marries, her husband will take over the management of Rosings Park. Anne will assist him, for I have trained her to oversee her estate.”
“Are you certain Mr. Metcalfe is capable of managing an estate as large as this?” Mr. Darcy sounded disparaging, remind Elizabeth very much of his behavior in Hertfordshire.
“Rupert and his elder brother were both taught estate management. Their home is of a size with Rosings. He will have no trouble.” Lady Catherine waved her hand dismissively.
“As you say, Lady Catherine. Know that I am ready to offer my assistance at any moment.” Mr. Darcy did not look pleased. His slight frown testified to his displeasure at being thus supplanted.
“I believe it is time for us to depart.” Lydia stood. “I promised Mr. Collins my help in the parish this afternoon. I would hate to disappoint him.”
“The invitation to dine tomorrow stands. Farewell for now, Mrs. Collins, Miss Bennet.” Lady Catherine smiled kindly.
“I shall escort them to the door.” Mr. Darcy stood again and moved away without waiting for anyone’s approval…or disapproval, as it were.
Lydia bounded ahead, walking briskly toward the entrance of the house. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth proceeded at a slower, more proper pace.
“Do you maintain your habits of walking now that you are in the country again?” he asked.
Elizabeth nodded, stopping to take her spencer and bonnet from the butler. “I do,” she said. “The park has many walking paths. I go somewhere different every day.”
“May I be so bold as to offer my services as an escort?” He looked eager. Not eager, she thought. Almost desperate.
“I am hardly in need of an escort, but should we encounter each other on the paths, I will not send you away.” She smiled and dipped a curtsey. “Farewell, sir. Enjoy the afternoon.” She departed, hurrying to catch up with Lydia, who was by now some distance down the drive toward the lane.