Chapter 5
The following morning, immediately after breakfast, it was not Elizabeth but Mr. Collins who left the house for an urgent walk towards Rosings.
He returned almost two hours later, in a state of high animation, his face flushed with importance as he gathered the household in the parlour.
“My dear Charlotte, my dear sister and cousin! What tidings I bring! I must have a drink and catch my breath!”
“What happened, my dear? I cannot wait to hear it!” Charlotte indulged him.
“You must have noticed I stayed longer than usual, and with good reason! I was at last received by her ladyship, who condescended to speak to me at length.”
“What good news! I assume Miss de Bourgh is feeling better?”
“There has been a clear improvement, I am happy to report. A most encouraging development under the care of two such excellent physicians. And what is more, I had the honour of being introduced to Dr Rease, nephew to Dr Blake. A most gentlemanlike young man! Do you know he was in the army but discharged after suffering a wound to the leg on the battlefield, trying to save other injured soldiers. Lady Catherine herself mentioned it, and Dr Blake confirmed it! Can you imagine it?”
“I certainly cannot,” Charlotte replied, genuinely impressed.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam knew the regiment, the colonel, and the general Dr Rease served under! What could be more extraordinary?”
“It is a pleasant surprise that you were part of such an interesting conversation with such illustrious gentlemen,” Charlotte said.
“Indeed! I expressed my thanks and my gratitude to her ladyship several times. But there is something even more amazing. When I left, I asked Dr Rease whether he might condescend to visit our humble abode, if and when he had the disposition and time to spare. And Lady Catherine mentioned to him that I am newly and happily married to a worthy woman of whom she approved! How wonderful is that, my dear Charlotte?”
“Wonderful, indeed. I am speechless.”
“Just wait, there is more! Dr Rease promised he might call at the parsonage soon. Such condescension! I assured him we should be delighted to receive him.”
Elizabeth listened with polite interest, her own secret concerns momentarily lightened by the news of Miss de Bourgh’s improvement.
Details about Dr Rease — of whom she had gained a favourable first impression — incited her curiosity and interest, but the recent disappointment she had suffered from another pleasant and amiable officer made her reluctant and sceptical.
For a moment, it crossed her mind that, if Dr Rease was truly an excellent man, he might be well-suited to Jane.
That would give Mr. Bingley reason to be miserable and remorseful.
The following day brought heavy rain that delayed Elizabeth’s plans and hopes for long walks and potential encounters in the grove.
Mr. Collins impatiently waited for a moment to take a stroll to Rosings, which did not arrive until late afternoon, and he did not dare bother Lady Catherine at that hour.
However, to compensate for his disappointment and Elizabeth’s distraction, the sudden appearance of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam brought surprise and animation to the parsonage. While Mr. Collins overwhelmed them with greetings, Elizabeth prayed for the burning in her cheeks to subside.
The colonel was his usual self, expressing his pleasure in seeing the ladies after several days.
Mr. Darcy was as silent and restrained as ever, but his expression held a touch of friendliness, and he made a few attempts to engage in the conversation.
His reserved presence drew Elizabeth’s gaze more often than she cared to admit.
“Does Miss de Bourgh’s improvement continue?” Charlotte asked.
“It seems so, yes,” the colonel replied. “Still, Darcy and I are concerned about her. We believe she would be better off in London, under the direct supervision of more physicians. As loyal as Dr Blake is, his experience is limited to the countryside — and I say that with all due consideration.”
“While I am sure you have the best intentions,” Mr. Collins interjected, “Lady Catherine must be trusted to decide what is best for her daughter, at least for now.”
“While I am sure my aunt has the best intentions and you trust her judgment, Darcy and I shall take the liberty of exploring the alternatives too,” the colonel answered, the harshness of his words concealed under his bright smile.
“My cousin and I agree on this matter,” Mr. Darcy added. “As do the colonel’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Matlock.”
“I am sure whatever the final decision is, it will be in your cousin’s best interest,” Elizabeth said. “And perhaps Miss de Bourgh has an opinion on this matter herself.”
“She has,” Mr. Darcy said. “That is precisely why we delayed our departure — to be sure her wishes are heard before we leave Kent.”
Mr. Collins clearly disapproved, but he had no time to oppose the gentlemen further as Dawson announced another unexpected visitor.
Dr Rease entered with a pleasant air of apology for the intrusion. After a few moments of bewilderment, Mr. Collins hurried to welcome him with effusive, formal reverence.
“Dear Dr Rease, what an honour for our humble home! Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam and now you — three most extraordinary young gentlemen at the same time! Who would imagine?”
“Mr. Collins, please do not trouble yourself. I am sorry I interrupted the visit of Mr. Darcy and the colonel. I only wished to call in briefly to keep my promise to you.”
“It is no interruption on our part, I assure you,” Mr. Darcy replied. “I hope you found Anne a little better this morning.”
“She is improving by the minute,” the doctor answered briefly.
“What happy news!” Mr. Collins exclaimed. “And it is no trouble on our part either. Please, please come in, Doctor! Allow me to offer you a drink. I was telling my family about your bravery just yesterday.”
With far more words than were necessary, Mr. Collins finally managed to make the introductions. The ladies curtseyed, he bowed, and Elizabeth noticed once again his easy manners and pleasant countenance. Yes, he might suit Jane very well indeed.
“Mrs. Collins, Miss Lucas, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. And I am exceedingly pleased to see you again, Miss Bennet.”
He smiled but Elizabeth frowned, casting desperate glances at her cousin as well as at Mr. Darcy. A ripple of surprise passed through the company, and enquiring stares scrutinised her.
“See her again, sir?” Mr. Collins exclaimed. “How did this come about? I had no notion of such an acquaintance.”
Elizabeth’s face burned as she struggled to maintain her composure. “It was nothing of consequence, Cousin. Dr Rease and I chanced to meet two nights ago during my evening stroll in the garden. I mentioned it to you, if you recall — the evening my headache prompted a brief turn in the fresh air.”
Mr. Collins appeared puzzled, his disapproval plain upon his features.
“Yes, I remember, as well as my disapproval of a stroll in the garden at that hour. Since we are honoured by the presence of Lady Catherine’s nephews, I must express my strongest disapprobation for such a habit.
It is hardly proper for a young lady to wander alone after dark, even close to the house, exposing herself to who knows what dangers.
In truth, I fully disapprove of the habit of a young lady wandering out alone, at any hour! ”
“Whilst I cannot disagree with you in regard to the potential danger, Mr. Collins,” Mr. Darcy interjected, “I hope you will agree that Rosings Park is one of the safest places in all England. I know Miss Bennet enjoys taking long walks in Hertfordshire. Surely you do not consider she is in more danger at Rosings.”
Mr. Collins panicked, paled, and stared at Mr. Darcy, mumbling an answer.
“N-no, of course not! Quite the opposite! I was just saying…my cousin is under my roof, and I am responsible for her safety— Not that she would be in any danger at Rosings, of course!”
His pallor was replaced by a violent redness, and he cleared his throat a few times, then gulped from his glass.
Dr Rease stepped forwards with a ready address.
“Pray, let us not allow this matter to distress any of you, Mr. Collins. I assure you, Miss Bennet conducted herself with perfect propriety, and she was very close to the house. As for her habit that you disapprove of, I know many members of the most important families in town who are accustomed to taking nightly strolls for their health — even those members, I might venture, of the Royal Family itself. It is a most refreshing practice when sleep proves elusive.”
Mr. Collins’s panic increased even more, as if he were trapped and could not escape.
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam exchanged a brief glance before the former confirmed with easy gallantry, “Quite so. I have heard the same.”
“Furthermore,” Colonel Fitzwilliam added, “there are rumours that the Prince Regent himself favours a turn in the gardens under the moon when the cares of state weigh heavily. Miss Bennet’s habit does her credit, rather than otherwise.”
The colonel’s words, delivered with his characteristic good humour, should have eased the awkwardness, but Mr. Collins looked even more desperate. The notion that Lady Catherine’s nephews both disagreed with him seemed to be a difficult burden to bear, and Elizabeth took pity on him.
“In truth, I am deeply grateful to my cousin and to Charlotte for their care. Mr. Collins’s diligence in his position as the head of the family is commendable. I am well aware that very few young ladies share my pleasure in walking, and not even my sisters are among them.”
“We are happy to have you here, dear Eliza,” Charlotte said.
“So are we, I assure you,” the colonel added sincerely, causing Elizabeth to blush and smile.
The conversation soon began to flow more easily, enriched by the colonel and Dr Rease’s conversational skills and with faithful support from Charlotte.
Mr. Collins chose to remain more silent than usual.
Elizabeth listened to the two amiable army men with genuine delight, and engaged with them at every opportunity, but could not fail to notice Mr. Darcy’s thoughtful gaze resting upon her.
The afternoon thus passed in agreeable discourse, until the gentlemen, all three of them, took their leave. Dr Rease promised to call again when time allowed.
In the entrance hall, Mr. Darcy glanced out and suddenly said, “I hope the weather will improve by tomorrow as I plan to take a ride before breakfast.”
Elizabeth’s heart began to race, and she cast a quick glance at him.
“Riding before breakfast is one of Darcy’s habits that few people share,” the colonel said with a laugh. “I am not one of them. I like to enjoy a good meal before any exercise.”
“Solitary rides at an early hour might not be entertaining, but they are often rewarding,” Mr. Darcy replied.
Elizabeth felt his gaze and lifted her eyes to meet it. It was only for a very brief moment, but it caused a gentle stirring of her heart
Once the gentlemen had taken their leave, Elizabeth found her thoughts returning with persistent warmth to the afternoon’s unexpected gathering.
The meeting with Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had been anticipated in some measure, yet the addition of Dr Rease had lent it a liveliness she had not foreseen.
She reflected upon the easy manners of the young physician, his readiness to defend her modest habit of nocturnal strolls, and the subtle yet unmistakable support Mr. Darcy had offered to the cause.
How singular it was that two such different gentlemen should align in her defence against her cousin’s well-meaning but tiresome scoldings.
No sooner had the door closed behind the visitors than Mr. Collins resumed his theme with renewed vigour.
“My dear cousin Elizabeth, I must again express my strongest disapprobation for these solitary walks of yours, particularly after dark. It is most unbecoming, and I tremble to think what Lady Catherine would say were she to learn of it!”
Elizabeth, her spirits still lifted by the recent discourse, could not resist a touch of teasing. “I shall keep that in mind, Cousin. But I hope you do approve of my walks in the morning, for I confess I am partial to the early hours as well.”
Mr. Collins, missing the gentle raillery entirely, beamed with satisfaction.
“Oh, certainly, certainly! Morning walks are quite another matter — wholesome and proper, especially in so fine a place as Rosings Park. You may walk as much as you like at that hour, provided you remain within the bounds of decorum.”
Charlotte hid a smile behind her teacup, while Elizabeth merely inclined her head, grateful for the small victory.
That night, as she prepared for bed, a new and indefinable restlessness took possession of her — a gentle agitation, a fluttering anticipation she refused to examine too closely.
She would not name it, not even in the privacy of her own thoughts.
Fortunately, sleep soon enveloped her, and only the daylight woke her up.