Chapter 5
Darcy was true to his word and in less time than was required to prepare Charlotte for the relocation he returned, accompanied by the physician, his cousin the Colonel and a single footman.
As a commanding officer and accustomed to decisive action, the Colonel immediately assumed direction of the situation.
He ordered that a hammock be slung within the carriage, that Mrs Collins might be spared any unnecessary jolting; and paying no heed to Mr Collins’ indignant stare he mounted the stairs and having knocked with due firmness, entered the chamber of the invalid.
After a quick assessment, he gently pushed Miss Bennet out of the way and lifting the lady from her sick bed he carried her downstairs and into the carriage.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Mrs Collins said weakly as he lifted her into his arms, “there is no need for all this trouble sir, I can walk.”
“Hush now Mrs Collins, I have you safe madam.”
For some odd reason, the Colonel felt the situation most keenly and cradled the fragile lady into his chest like precious cargo.
She did not have the energy to protest further and proceed to thank him feebly, “thank you, Colonel.” She whispered faintly.
“Shhh... No need, madam.”
As he passed Mr Collins, the Colonel glowered at the man who cowered in a corner.
The Colonel placed and adjusted the lady into the hammock and stepped aside so Miss Bennet and the physician could get in. Then he grabbed the reins from the footman and climbed onto the saddle as Darcy did the same.
Mr Collins was not invited to accompany them but instead was encouraged to remain at the parsonage and visit his wife daily. He felt overlooked and resentful of the attention his wife was getting, for he felt the fuss over her was all due to him and the benevolence of his noble patroness.
Yet, notwithstanding his resentment Mr Collins soon perceived that little alteration would ensue in his customary habits; for he was already in the practice of passing the greater part of his days at the grand old house.
Where as a type of apprentice he devoted himself to the reception of Lady Catherine’s wisdom, while her ladyship, with a depth of discernment she believed unequalled, condescended to regulate his conduct and enlighten him on every subject within the compass of her domain.
***
As for Lady Catherine, she was still reeling from the confrontation she had had with her nephew an hour earlier, when he had informed her that her parson’s wife would be coming to live under her roof.
And not only a night but for the foreseeable future, until the woman recovered her health and strength.
.. And to add insult to injury, Miss Bennet and Dr Denville from Harley Street would trespass on her hospitality as well.
“What do I care about my parson’s wife?” She shouted angrily when Darcy arrived back from the parsonage, “It is not my fault that the woman is weak and cannot hold to her health during her confinement.”
“Lady Catherine,” Darcy said with a low and grave voice, “How can you call yourself a Christian, madam? How can you be so callous, knowing of Mrs Collins’ distress and not deign to lift a finger to help her?”
“It is not my obligation to see to her comfort! I already pay her husband for his services... do I now have to concern myself with his wife’s welfare as well?”
“It is my understanding that you have long made a habit of intruding upon the concerns of your tenants, and indeed of the neighbourhood at large. I am therefore at a loss to comprehend why such interference should now be deemed offensive. I should have supposed, according to your established custom, that the entire vicinity would not only anticipate, but rely upon your intervention… particularly on occasions when it is of real consequence.”
The lady snorted inelegantly, “As I said, it is not my concern. I will send a footman with a note informing them that they will need to seek other arrangements.” She looked defiantly at her nephew, “Mr Collins will not defy me.”
“But I will,” Darcy retorted firmly. “Do not forget madam that you depend on my good graces to keep this estate managed... and afloat. Defy me and you will find yourself at the mercy of your brother, Lord Matlock.”
Lady Catherine paled, “No, there is no need to involve my brother into the affairs of my parish. I will have Mrs Collins attended as she requires.”
“And Miss Bennet and the good doctor as well.” Darcy added.
“Yes of course.” Lady Catherine nodded and getting up, vacated the parlour immediately. She would not have her nephew witness her smashing minor house baubles in a red rage.
***
A liveried footman opened the door to the breakfast room for Elizabeth. She had spent a miserable first night at Rosings. And now not only was she exhausted due to lack of sleep, she was also moody and very hungry.
Both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy were already in attendance. They stood as the lady entered.
“Good morning Colonel, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth said flatly.
“Good morning Miss Bennet.” Both men said at the same time.
She sat and lowering her head rubbed her forehead. The gentlemen noticed her discomfort.
“Are you well, Miss Bennet?” Mr Darcy asked, “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes... no. I did not.” She said without looking up.
Darcy looked worried, “Is there something we can do for your comfort while you are here?”
“No, thank you Mr Darcy, I am sure all I need is a turn about the garden, or a short walk into the woods and I will be as good as new.” She tried to smile but failed.
Richard looked at Darcy and winked at him and cleared his throat, “Darcy was just now telling me that he also needs to clear his head and have some fresh air. Perhaps, he could accompany you in your walk.”
Elizabeth lifted her head and looked at him chagrined, “Thank you Colonel, but I cannot stray far from the house as Charlotte may need me.”
Both Darcy and Elizabeth were glaring at him but he seemed unmoved, “Oh, do not worry, Miss Bennet, I will stay close if Mrs Collins requires anything. I will inform one of the maids and Dr Denville is also here, of course.” He smiled charmingly, “Mrs Collins is in good hands. Please go for a lovely long walk with my cousin who desperately needs fresh air.”
Elizabeth looked disconcerted and Darcy annoyed, but he recovered quicker than the lady, “It will be a pleasure to escort you on a walk Miss Bennet. That is if you would honour me with your presence.”
Elizabeth felt trapped. How could she extricate herself from his company without giving offense?
After all, had he not been the architect of bringing Charlotte to the manor house?
And contracted the services of his own personal physician from London out of care for her friend?
For that alone she would overlook his many faults, be grateful while she was under the same roof with the irritating man and attempt to be friendlier, even when she felt anything but.
“Of course Mr Darcy thank you. Let us finish breaking our fast and then go.” Her hunger disappeared, replaced by discontent, but she forced herself to drink a cup of scolding, sweet black coffee and eat a freshly baked bun with butter. She immediately felt better afterwards.
When she came downstairs after putting on her pelisse and walking boots she found Mr Darcy already waiting for her.
“Shall we go?” He offered her his arm.
She hesitated for a split second but then she accepted his offer and rested her dainty little hand on his strong forearm.
Lady Catherine was about to enter the breakfast parlour as the young couple walked out the door. She frowned and looked uncertain but then dismissed the thought that entered uninvited into her head, the suspicion that Miss Bennet might have designs on her nephew.
The April day was clear although not yet warm. The wind picked up a little and Elizabeth shivered.
Darcy noticed it, “Let us stay near the house. The rose gardens are well sheltered from the northerly wind and the sun reflecting from the brick wall will make it seem a lot warmer than it actually is.
Elizabeth had to agree with him. She felt pleasantly warm as if thawing from inside out. She started to feel almost sleepy and she relaxed.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy started, “Colonel Fitzwilliam told me of the conversation he had with you a couple of days ago.”
“Oh,” she said flatly.
“Miss Bennet, I would like a chance to explain why I interfered with Bingley regarding your sister.”
Elizabeth had been feeling relaxed in the warm sun, but Mr Darcy’s words brought her crashing down back into intense darkness again and her ire rose unfiltered, “Mr Darcy, it is no use sir. Whatever your reasons for separating them, I will never forgive you. I do not believe you could have anything to say that would redeem you in my eyes.”
He stiffened, “I do not wish to redeem myself madam, all I want is to explain. After that you are free to think of me as you will.”
“I am free now.” She retorted, her face mottled with anger.
“Of course you are, but you do not have all the facts.”
“Facts? What facts? You decided that my sister was a fortune hunter. You were the principal if not the only means of dividing them from each other. No motive can excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted there. Your callous actions exposed Mr Bingley to the censure of the world for caprice and instability and Jane to its derision, disappointed hopes and a broken heart. You involved them both in misery of the acutest kind, then you boasted to your cousin about your perverse success.”
Darcy flinched and stopped walking.
Elizabeth snatched her hand from his arm and rubbed her forehead again, “Excuse me, Mr Darcy; I must return to the house for I have a headache.”
“Miss Bennet...” Darcy tried to gently hold her back. “Please do me the honour of listening to what I have to say, madam.”
She turned on her heel and ran leaving Darcy alone and feeling completely defeated.