Chapter 19
Chapter nineteen
The sun had not yet risen above the horizon, though its light glowed faintly beyond the trees. Elizabeth was determined to ride before the day’s demands claimed her.
She entered the stable and smiled to find Darcy fastening the saddle upon Atlas.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy glanced up and returned her smile, his expression warm. “It seems we had the same idea.”
Elizabeth stroked Bramble’s nose and offered him a carrot, which was eagerly accepted. “Yes. I thought to ride to Oakham Mount.”
Soon Bramble was saddled, and they set off across the fields, their horses eager beneath them. The air was colder than the day before, and Elizabeth was glad of her heavier red riding habit.
At the base of the hill, Darcy dismounted and assisted Elizabeth down before securing the reins to a low branch. Together they walked the familiar path to the top and seated themselves upon a broad stone as the sun began to rise.
Elizabeth sighed softly. “I still cannot comprehend that Mr. Collins not only caused the fire but failed to give any alarm.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I confess I suspected Wickham at first. Mr. Collins did not occur to me.”
“I do not believe I have ever seen my father so angry.”
Darcy reached for her hand and held it gently. “He had reason. You were all in danger. I cannot fault him for it.”
Elizabeth gave a small, indignant breath.
“And yet Mr. Collins would have us bear the cost of repairing damage he himself caused. It is a pity the law does not take a man’s judgment into account when settling such matters as the entail.
” She paused, then added, “And I wish him luck in securing servants. I imagine the story will soon be known throughout the county.”
Darcy allowed himself the faintest smile. “His reputation may suffer as much as the house.” He grew thoughtful. “I wonder whether that circumstance might be turned to advantage.”
Elizabeth turned toward him. “In what way?”
“He will find it difficult to amass the funds necessary for repairs.”
Elizabeth considered this. “And if the house stands empty for years, the expense will only increase.”
“I think it unlikely he would prove an able master to the tenants.”
“That is a most uncomfortable prospect.” She studied him. “Are you suggesting we offer him compensation in exchange for releasing his claim?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes. Though rather than a single payment, an annuity for a fixed term may be more persuasive.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Do you believe he would accept such a proposal?”
“Possibly. Particularly if he is made sensible of the labour required to restore and manage the estate, and the reception he might expect upon returning to it.”
Elizabeth looked at him steadily. It was not only the suggestion itself, but the ease with which he considered her father’s situation as though it were his own concern.
She rose at once. “We must speak to my father.”
***
Elizabeth and Darcy found Mr. Bennet alone in the library.
He looked up at their entrance. “I have observed that Mr. Bingley possesses very few books.”
Darcy smiled faintly. “No, that does not surprise me. I have a few volumes of Shakespeare in my room, if you would care to borrow them.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head. “I should be most obliged.”
Elizabeth seated herself beside her father. “Mr. Darcy has proposed a most interesting idea.”
Mr. Bennet turned his attention to Darcy. “And what, pray, is this idea? The tar and feathering of Mr. Collins?”
Darcy gave a soft laugh. “No, sir, though I cannot say the notion is without appeal. Miss Elizabeth and I were discussing Mr. Collins’s situation.
His reputation is likely to suffer considerably, and he may find it difficult to secure servants.
More importantly, he lacks both the experience and the disposition required to manage an estate or care properly for its tenants. ”
At that moment, the library door opened, and Lady Catherine entered, Miss de Bourgh following quietly behind her.
Lady Catherine held up a letter. “I have just received a communication from Mr. Collins.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. “I cannot imagine he has anything to say that would give me pleasure.”
Lady Catherine paused. “You may be correct. It is a very long letter.”
Mr. Bennet raised a hand slightly. “Then perhaps you will be so good as to summarize it, or we may all be detained here until tomorrow.”
Lady Catherine drew herself up. “He expresses a great deal of regret.”
Mr. Bennet shrugged. “And what am I to do with that?”
Elizabeth leaned forward. “Papa, that is precisely what Mr. Darcy and I were considering. It may be of consequence to you.”
Darcy continued, outlining their proposal to offer Mr. Collins an annuity for a fixed term in exchange for relinquishing his claim.
Mr. Bennet was silent for a moment. “The thought of entering into any arrangement with that man is almost unbearable.”
Darcy spoke quietly. “Almost? Then you will consider it?”
Mr. Bennet gave a small nod. “I suppose I must. Though I cannot say I relish the idea of paying a man for nearly destroying my house.”
Anne, who had remained silent, looked from one speaker to another. “It appears a very practical arrangement.”
***
Anne and Elizabeth were assisted from the carriage. Anne glanced about the town before turning toward the dress shop. She was nearly trembling with anticipation.
“I do hope the colors I selected will look well.”
Elizabeth smiled as they went up the steps and entered the shop. “I am quite certain you will be pleased.”
Mrs. Turner turned at their entrance. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth, Miss de Bourgh.”
“Good morning,” Elizabeth returned. “We are very eager to see Miss de Bourgh’s dresses.”
Mrs. Turner lifted two gowns from the counter. “Miss de Bourgh, would you care to try them on?”
Anne nodded, her excitement evident, and took the dresses before disappearing into the dressing room.
A few minutes later, she emerged wearing the first. The change was immediately striking. The soft blue suited her exceedingly well, lending her a freshness and elegance she had seldom displayed before.
Elizabeth’s eyes lit with genuine pleasure. “Miss de Bourgh, you look very well indeed. What do you think of it?”
For a moment, Anne scarcely recognized herself. She turned before the mirror, hardly able to remain still. “Oh yes, I like it very much. It is quite unlike my usual gowns.”
Elizabeth smiled, watching her.
“Perhaps you will try the other as well,” Mrs. Turner suggested.
Anne returned to the dressing room and soon appeared again, this time in pale pink. The color brought warmth to her complexion and gave her a delicate, becoming prettiness.
Anne turned slowly before the mirror, studying herself with growing confidence.
Elizabeth gestured toward a bonnet nearby. “That one would suit you very well.”
Anne tried it on and smiled. “Yes… I should like this also.”
She hesitated, then, with a small but determined breath, added, “May I wear this gown home?”
Mrs. Turner laughed softly. “Certainly, miss. It is yours.”
She carefully boxed the second gown and handed it to Anne.
Anne glanced once more at her reflection, her expression bright with anticipation. “I cannot wait to see what my mother says when she sees me.”
Elizabeth smiled, though she suspected it might prove an experience Anne would not enjoy quite as much as she hoped.
***
When Anne and Elizabeth entered the drawing room, Lady Catherine had not yet arrived.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were seated near the fireplace, while Jane and Mr. Bingley occupied their usual place upon the sofa, with Darcy seated nearby.
Miss Bingley sat near the window, while Lydia hovered restlessly at the edge of the room.
Bingley looked up at their entrance. “You must allow me to say, Miss de Bourgh, that is a most becoming gown.”
Darcy’s gaze followed, and he inclined his head slightly. “The colour suits you very well.”
Lydia sprang from her seat and hurried forward. “Oh, Miss Anne, your dress is quite beautiful! I cannot wait until I am out and may wear such things myself.”
Anne smiled, a little shy but clearly pleased. “Thank you.”
Miss Bingley regarded her with a measured look. “The gown is well enough, though I think Bond Street would have offered a greater selection. Miss Elizabeth has, no doubt, done her best.”
Elizabeth did not turn toward her, though she privately acknowledged a strong inclination to pinch her.
She took a seat near Darcy.
He glanced at her with a faint smile. “I see you have been occupied.”
Elizabeth inclined her head slightly. “I am most curious to see whether we shall all survive the consequences.”
A moment later, Lady Catherine entered and took her seat. Her gaze moved about the room until it fell upon Anne. She paused, her expression sharpening.
“Anne, what are you wearing?”
Anne looked down briefly at her gown, then met her mother’s eyes. “One of my new dresses. Do you like it?”
Lady Catherine looked Anne up and down, her expression assessing and precise. For a moment, it seemed she might speak immediately, but instead she glanced about the room and met Elizabeth’s gaze. There was something in Elizabeth’s expression, composed but unyielding, that gave Lady Catherine pause.
She drew herself up slightly. “It is not what I should have selected,” she said at last, “but it appears to suit you.”
Anne blinked in surprise, then smiled, tentatively at first, then with growing warmth. “Thank you, Mama.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head, as if the matter were settled and required no further comment.
Elizabeth said nothing, but her attention did not waver. She had seen the moment of hesitation, the brief recalculation, and understood it for what it was.
***
The inn parlour was quiet, the fire low, the air still carrying the faint scent of travel and polish.
Mr. Collins rose at once as they entered, bowing deeply, first to Lady Catherine, then to the others.
“My honoured patroness, Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy. I am most gratified by this condescension.”
“Pray sit down, Mr. Collins,” Mr. Bennet said, taking a chair without ceremony.
Collins obeyed, though not without a slight hesitation, as if uncertain of the ground beneath his feet. Lady Catherine seated herself with dignity. Darcy remained standing for a moment before taking his place beside Elizabeth.
A brief silence followed.
Mr. Bennet regarded Collins steadily. “I believe the circumstances at Longbourn are now sufficiently understood.”
Collins shifted. “Indeed, most unfortunate. A regrettable accident, as I have expressed, and one for which I have conveyed my deepest concern.”
“I am sure you have,” Mr. Bennet said. “The question before us is not what has occurred, but what is to follow.”
Collins blinked, then inclined his head. “Naturally. I am most eager to act in any way that may be deemed proper.”
Elizabeth, seated quietly, did not miss the careful phrasing.
Mr. Bennet continued, his tone even. “Longbourn, as you are aware, is entailed.”
“Yes, of course. A most important provision.”
“One which, under present circumstances, may no longer serve its intended purpose.”
Collins hesitated. “I am not certain I follow you, sir.”
“I believe you do, or you soon will,” Mr. Bennet replied mildly.
Darcy’s gaze remained fixed upon Collins, calm and unreadable.
Lady Catherine’s expression sharpened slightly, though she did not interrupt.
Mr. Bennet folded his hands. “I propose, Mr. Collins, that we come to an arrangement. One that secures your future in a manner both respectable and comfortable.”
Collins straightened, interest overcoming caution. “Indeed, sir?”
“You would agree to a legal alteration of the present entail, in exchange for an annuity, guaranteed and sufficient to maintain your situation.”
Silence fell. Collins stared at him.
Lady Catherine turned slightly. “Alter the entail?”
Mr. Bennet did not look at her. “With the proper instruments, and the cooperation of all parties, such matters may be reconsidered.”
Collins’s mouth opened, then closed. His thoughts were plainly racing. “An annuity,” he repeated.
“Yes.”
“And the amount?"
Mr. Bennet named a figure.
Collins inhaled.
Elizabeth saw at once the moment the balance shifted. Security. Independence. Respectability. All offered, without the burden of Longbourn.
But my duty,” Collins said, though the words rang hollow. “The expectations attached to the estate, my honoured patroness...”
Lady Catherine’s gaze moved from Mr. Bennet to Collins, her expression no longer certain.
Darcy spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “Your duty, sir, must be considered in light of recent events.”
Collins flushed. “An unfortunate accident,” he said quickly.
“One for which Longbourn has paid the price,” Darcy replied.
Another pause followed. Collins looked between them, Mr. Bennet composed and immovable, Darcy steady, Lady Catherine watchful, Elizabeth calm and attentive.
No one yielded.
The annuity remained.
“I should, of course, require the opportunity to consider the particulars,” Collins said at last.
“Of course,” Mr. Bennet replied. “You may review the documents this evening. If they are agreeable, you may take the signed copies to Mr. Philips tomorrow. Upon their receipt, you will receive your first payment.”
Collins blinked again, clearly struck by the immediacy of the arrangement. “So soon?”
“Yes.”
Collins swallowed. “Yes. Yes, I see. That is most accommodating.”
Lady Catherine said nothing.
Elizabeth, observing her, noted the shift, subtle yet unmistakable. For perhaps the first time, Lady Catherine was not directing the outcome.