Chapter 22 #2
She briefly wondered how far away Longbourn was and whether anyone could see them.
One of her hands found support on his thigh, and he moaned; then his fingers brushed down from her neck to the edge of her gown and rested on the spot where her heart was beating wildly.
She could feel his tongue tantalising her lips, which parted with a smile, and his teeth gently bit her lower lip.
She laughed against his mouth, whispering:
“I believe you are right; I see no reason to learn horseback riding for the present…”
When Thunder neighed forcefully, both laughed as though the horse had responded to their teasing.
However, the stallion neighed again and became slightly nervous, so Darcy finally separated from Elizabeth and looked around: a carriage had stopped in the middle of the road in front of them.
At the window, Mr and Mrs Collins were staring at them, one with laughing eyes, amusement evident on her face, the other speechless and unable to breathe from the severest shock of his life.
After a moment of discomfiture, Darcy was the first to recover. He moved the horse closer, then dismounted and helped Elizabeth down.
“Mrs Collins, Mr Collins, what a surprise,” Darcy said with perfect solemnity. “I was just teaching Miss Bennet how to ride; she will need this skill once we are at Pemberley.”
Barely able to maintain her countenance, Charlotte embraced Elizabeth with great affection. “I am sure Lizzy will be a dedicated student in everything regarding her future position as Mrs Darcy; she has always been an adept student.”
Elizabeth blushed even more as Darcy coughed forcibly to cover his amusement. He had always liked the former Miss Lucas.
“Oh, let me look at you, my dearest Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, admiring her friend whose aspect spoke of her happiness at being with child. “You are so beautiful!”
“I am very happy, Lizzy,” Charlotte said with her usual calmness as they walked together, arm in arm, followed by the gentlemen. “And I am happy to see you so happy.”
Elizabeth blushed again. “Your presence will only add to my happiness. You arrived just in time. Do you know Jane and I will marry the day after tomorrow?”
“Yes, I know. The subject has been discussed at great length at Rosings for the past several days. Lady Catherine disapproves any connection with the event, and Mr Collins would never do anything to disobey her ladyship’s commands.
It is only a fortunate coincidence that my mother has not been feeling well, and I wished to see her before my condition prohibits my travelling. ” Charlotte smiled meaningfully.
“Indeed a fortunate coincidence, my dearest Charlotte…”
Behind the ladies, a different conversation was carried out on the same subject. While Mr Collins attempted to find a proper way to compliment Mr Darcy without upsetting Lady Catherine, the former interrupted him decidedly.
“Mr Collins, I confess I am upset with you, and only consideration for the friendship of Miss Elizabeth and Mrs Collins prevents my calling you out.”
Mr Collins stared at him wide-eyed, incredulous at such a statement; he repeatedly worked at dispelling the lump in his throat.
“Mr Darcy, you must believe that I do not know why—”
“You have given Lady Catherine vicious descriptions of Elizabeth that malign her reputation. You described her as a wanton, wild woman, and you declared that you refused to marry her when we both are aware of the truth. You cannot possibly imagine that I would overlook such offences!”
“Mr Darcy, I assure you, sir, that—”
“Are you attempting to deny it, sir? Do you suggest that Lady Catherine has deceived me? If so, I will go and confront her directly!”
“No, no, I beg you to listen to me… Lady Catherine would never do anything wrong… I am sure it is all a great misunderstanding… I would never—”
“Mr Collins, be man enough to admit your error; that is the least you can do! Are hypocrisy and lies accepted by the church? For heaven’s sake, you soon will be blessed with children, and you must set a good example for them.
You must try to be worthy of your wife and your child, Mr Collins, for I strongly believe at this moment you are not! ”
Mr Collins, his face pale, stepped hesitantly, his shoulders slumped in a submissive posture. Longbourn soon appeared, and the ladies stopped to wait for them, so Darcy finally took pity on his companion.
“You should take care of your family, Mr Collins; it is surely more important than attempting to please Lady Catherine all the time. I hope I have no reason to be upset with you next time we meet!”
“Sir, I assure you—”
“Good day, Mr Collins. Mrs Collins, as always, it is a pleasure to see you.” Darcy bowed to Charlotte with warm politeness.
As the Collinses’ carriage departed for Meryton, Elizabeth and Darcy entered the Longbourn yard, her laugher mixed with distress while she remembered what occurred.
“I cannot believe that, of all the people in the world, Mr Collins should happen upon us in such a scandalous situation. I can only imagine what he will tell Lady Catherine!”
“You have no reason to worry, I assure you. I am quite certain that Mr Collins will have nothing to say to Lady Catherine.”
“How can you be so certain? He is such a gossip and—”
“Elizabeth, trust me; you have no reason to worry. But enough of Collins now—we have only a few more minutes to spend in silence before we are invaded by my entire family.”
“That was rude.” She laughed. “I cannot wait to see Georgiana and Lady Selina. Oh—and I hope Lord Matlock comes, too; Papa looks forward to seeing him again.”
They entered the house, and Mr Bennet inspected them curiously, his right eyebrow rising in wonder. “You have been away quite some time,” he said sternly.
“You will not believe what happened. “We met Charlotte and Mr Collins; they just this moment arrived from Kent. Is that not a pleasant surprise?”
“Oh, who cares about Mr and Mrs Collins,” Mrs Bennet interrupted.
“You should go upstairs and prepare for dinner, Lizzy; it will soon be time to leave for Netherfield. And, for heaven’s sake, child, why do you keep Mr Darcy outside so long?
Surely, he is not accustomed to staying out in the sun for hours!
I hope you will excuse her, Mr Darcy; she means well, I assure you, but she has this strange habit of walking out.
I am not sure where she got it from; no one else in our family does such a thing! ”
“I thank you for your concern, ma’am, but please believe me that I find Elizabeth’s passion for walking quite enchanting,” Darcy said with perfect politeness, bowing to Mrs Bennet, who blushed with pleasure as she considered how fortunate Elizabeth was to find a man with not only peculiar tastes but also ten thousand a year.
Later that day, the Bennet family reached Netherfield hours before dinner.
Introductions were made, and Elizabeth—as well as Mr Bennet—was pleased to see that Lord Matlock had decided to attend.
Mrs Bennet was completely charmed by not only Lord Matlock’s handsome appearance and amiable manners, but also the colonel’s lively presence, Lady Selina’s remarkable beauty and kindness, and Miss Darcy’s impeccable manners and soft voice.
While all the others took their places at the dinner table, Mrs Bennet silently looked up to the sky and thanked the Lord that Elizabeth did not agree to marry Mr Collins last November.
For the first time, Mrs Bennet admitted that there was no other girl as smart as Lizzy.
It seemed that all her reading was eventually useful.
Now if she could only manage to keep her tongue under control and be obedient to Mr Darcy’s wishes.
Yes, she would have to speak to Elizabeth the very next day specifically about her duties.
Mr Bingley considered there had never been such a pleasant, joyful dinner at Netherfield since he had leased it.
To host all the people he loved and admired in his house, to have Jane shining at his side, and to make the final arrangements for his wedding—he still could not believe it was truly happening.
Caroline and Louisa were still displeased—Bingley could easily see that—but they would have to accept his decision eventually.
He was disconcerted that both of them seemed determined not to return to London after the wedding, and he was distressed to know they would be in the house during his wedding night.
He cast a quick glance at Darcy, who seemed to have no worry since he would be leaving for Pemberley in less than two days. Darcy always had the luck.
Darcy watched Elizabeth with heartfelt delight; she was so easy in her manners, and her presence was so bright, her eyes sparkling as she found amusement in everything.
She was happy; anyone could see that, and that very thought made him happy.
From time to time, she turned to meet his gaze, and each time she blushed.
He could sense that his staring made her nervous, and he found that disturbingly pleasant, so he allowed his eyes to caress her face, her neck, her bare shoulders and arms, then down to—
“So, Nephew, may I ask what you are contemplating so seriously?” The earl’s voice brought Darcy back from his reverie, and he needed a gulp of wine before he could reply. The earl followed the direction of his gaze and laughed.
“Well, well, it is not difficult to imagine what you are thinking of. She is a remarkable woman; I hope you know how to take care of her.”
“I hope that, too.” Darcy smiled. “But speaking of remarkable women, I am glad you decided to come. I trust everything is well?”
“Yes, everything is well. Now let us go and relieve Bingley of his brandy; he must pay in some way for the good fortune of marrying Jane Bennet. I say, he hardly deserves that beautiful girl!”
“Uncle, leave poor Bingley alone; you have tormented him enough,” Darcy said laughing.