Chapter 3 #3
“This is indeed the most extraordinary moment of my life! More wonderful than any dream! I understand that both you and Mr Darcy are closely acquainted with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and I am in the happy position to inform you that her ladyship was in perfect health a week ago when I left Rosings Park!”
Mr Darcy and the admiral gazed at him in puzzlement, while Mr Collins seemed to experience a moment of complete rapture.
“Thank you for informing us, sir,” Mr Darcy replied sternly. “I did not know you were so well acquainted with my aunt.”
“I have been lucky enough to benefit from her ladyship’s noble patronage. I am the parson at Hunsford, and my house is on the edge of Rosings Park. I have the privilege of seeing Lady Catherine daily! In fact, I confess I am here with her approval.”
“This is quite a coincidence,” the admiral said. “I have not seen Lady Catherine de Bourgh in about five years, I think. How is she? Still stubborn and annoying and always demanding to have her way in everything?”
Almost everyone choked on their drinks, appalled at such a question.
Elizabeth bit her lower lip to repress her laughter, glancing at her father, who was fighting a chuckle, and then at Mr Darcy, whom she expected to be scandalised by such a remark about his illustrious aunt.
Instead, he was pressing his lips together to crush a smile — a gesture that shockingly revealed a pair of dimples in his cheeks.
The amused expression changed his features so utterly that Elizabeth felt strange chills across her skin.
The admiral looked entirely composed, while Mr Collins was red-faced, fighting for air.
“My dear sir, I assure you that this is far from the truth! Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the kindest, most generous, and most attentive person in the world! She is considerate and cares for everything and everyone. Even me! She insisted that I should come to renew my acquaintance with the family and even recommended I find a wife. I am forever grateful to her.”
“I am sure you are, Mr Collins, and I am certain she is very much as I remember her. Come, do not distress yourself. How is Rosings Park? As beautiful as it used to be, I imagine.” The admiral’s attempt at calming Mr Collins met with some success, as he readily started talking about Rosings’ windows, stairs, and park, forgetting some of the offence given to the most important person in his life.
∞∞∞
The gentlemen’s visit lasted a full hour, and when it ended, everyone in the party had some reason for satisfaction. Darcy suddenly decided that he would join Bingley and the admiral for dinner, pondering that Mrs Bennet and her younger daughters had not behaved as insupportably as he had expected.
While they were waiting for the horses, with Mr Bennet accompanying them to the door, they heard Mrs Bennet’s loud voice demanding Elizabeth tell them more details about the previous day’s meeting with the admiral.
“I hope I did not upset Miss Elizabeth by revealing our encounter,” the admiral said to Mr Bennet.
“Not at all, I am sure. To be honest, I am grateful to Lizzy for not sharing the story yesterday. If she had, I would have heard little else but speculations about an admiral’s presence at Netherfield.
As it was, we had the pleasure of hearing the details from you, and we saved countless hours of distress. ”
“I am glad I could help,” the admiral jested. “You must know that I told Miss Elizabeth I disapprove of her habit of walking alone in the woods. It could be dangerous for a young lady.”
“I have told her the same many times,” Mr Bennet said. “But fortunately, the roads are quite safe in our neighbourhood. Besides, one can hardly convince Lizzy to do something against her will. The line between steadiness and stubbornness is very thin, and my Lizzy crosses it at times.”
“Well, she must consider her safety! This is a very serious matter,” the admiral insisted. “I have known several situations where young ladies have been harmed or abused, and I have always warned my acquaintances to be particularly cautious about exposing themselves to any danger.”
“Miss Elizabeth is a wise lady. I doubt she would do anything to put herself in peril,” Darcy said, surprising even himself.
“She will be happy to hear of your trust in her judgment, Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet said with a hint of mockery. “Surprised, but happy.”
“Well…yes,” Darcy mumbled while collecting his stallion from the groom.
“Admiral, it was an honour to make your acquaintance and a pleasure to receive you at Longbourn. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow evening,” their host said.
“Likewise, Mr Bennet.”
As they bade their farewells, a new party of three gentlemen arrived, interrupting the cordial exchange. The new arrivals were clearly surprised too, waiting in awkward silence as the others departed.
If Darcy had a good impression of the visit, it immediately vanished, replaced by anger and disappointment when Wickham and two other officers greeted Mr Bennet with familiarity and enquired whether Mrs Bennet and her daughters were at home.