Chapter 6 #2
“Apparently, this was not the first time Wickham has done such a thing. But the other young ladies were persuaded not to marry the scoundrel. Since Lydia insisted on having him, Mr Darcy advised us how we could best resolve the situation.”
“He advised you, brother? Allow me to ask: Do you happen to know a general or a colonel in the army to whom you could apply for Wickham’s living?” Mr Bennet asked.
“I do not.”
“I suspected as much.”
“Brother Bennet, Mr Darcy insisted on our secrecy in this matter. He wished his involvement to remain unknown. He repeatedly claimed he did nothing but his duty, and he refused to discuss the details. I believe we should at least respect his wishes and end this conversation. I feel I betray his confidence. If not for Lydia speaking to Lizzy, I would never approach the subject with any of you,” Mr Gardiner spoke in all seriousness.
“Very well. Your point is valid. I have only one more question. I know quite well how large Wickham’s debts were, and I know what was involved in buying him a new commission.
You cannot possibly afford to spend such a sum without using all your savings.
Such expenses would leave you and your family exposed to poverty.
That thought has tormented me for the last few weeks, and I can hardly find rest. I shall struggle to do everything in my power to repay you as soon as possible, and I must know the exact sum you wasted. ”
Mr Gardiner swallowed more wine, paced the room, and then stopped by the window.
“I am not exposed to poverty, brother, and there is nothing to repay—nothing at all. I have nothing more to say on the subject. Allow me to return to my book.”
Mr Bennet’s astonishment was apparent, and he held his glass absently, staring at his companions. Elizabeth—flushed and troubled—held her father’s incredulous gaze. The three of them watched each other wordlessly, the crackle of the fire the only sound in the awkward silence.
“Yes, let us return to our books,” Mr Bennet eventually uttered as the storm rattled the windows. The matter was clarified and closed.
Behind her book, Elizabeth’s heart smiled as she remembered Darcy’s words: he had done it for her.
∞∞∞
An hour later, conversation in the library returned to its usual easiness. All three were relieved by sharing the burden of a secret not completely disclosed but well understood.
A surprise call interrupted them, which proved that where there is a will, there is a way—even through a nasty, cold, autumn rain.
Mr Collins appeared at the library door, bowing ceremoniously. He immediately informed them that he and his wife had travelled from Kent with the purpose of attending the ball, a pleasant opportunity to meet again with their friends and relatives in Hertfordshire.
“Is Charlotte with you?” Elizabeth inquired in happy anticipation of seeing her old friend.
“No indeed, my dear cousin. She is resting at her parents’ home. You must have heard that we have been blessed in the most fortunate way and expect an heir in the spring.”
Congratulations followed, and Mr Collins received them with satisfaction, mentioning several times that Lady Catherine de Bourgh was very content with the situation.
“So Mrs Collins is at Lucas Lodge, and you came directly to visit us? How nice of you,” Mr Bennet said.
“I felt it was my obligation to do so. You are my closest relatives—except for my dear Charlotte and her family, and of course Lady Catherine, whose protection means more than any blood relation.”
“You are very considerate, sir, but you should not have troubled yourself. It would be perfectly fine if we only met at the ball,” Mr Bennet continued.
“That would have been hardly acceptable, sir. Beyond my desire of offering my best wishes as soon as possible, there is something that I would like to discuss with you and with Mrs Bennet. I preferred not to delay it as time might be of importance. I confess I was tempted to write you a letter, but I resisted the urge as the subject is too delicate to be broached other than face to face.”
“That sounds very serious, sir. What can be so urgent? What matter could affect you that we can influence?”
“It does not so much affect me but Lady Catherine. And at the same time, it is related to my fair cousin Elizabeth.”
Each word increased Elizabeth’s uneasiness, and she hoped that she misunderstood her cousin’s intention.
Surely, he would not dare speak of such a thing.
Surely, he would not open the subject of her marriage to Darcy in front of her father as Lady Catherine had done to her. Her prayers soon proved to be in vain.
“Surely, you are only teasing us, sir. Mentioning Lady Catherine and Lizzy in the same sentence sounds awkward.” Mr Bennet laughed.
“Not at all, sir. I am afraid it is extremely serious. I feel it is my duty—as a cousin and as a clergyman—to warn you against an event that, as advantageous as it might appear at first glance, is likely to bring regret later.”
“Well, now you have gained my complete attention, Mr Collins. May I offer you a drink first?”
“No, thank you; however, I would rather…perhaps this conversation should be carried on privately.”
“Privately? I keep no secrets from my daughter and brother-in-law. But if you wish…”
The library door opened again, and the servant announced solemnly, “Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, sir.”
The gentlemen entered, and Elizabeth’s heart pounded while her eyes were immediately drawn by Darcy’s look. He greeted her silently, a little smile at the corner of his lips.
Mr Bingley obviously searched for Jane, and his disappointment quickly shadowed his laughing expression.
“Please come in; I am truly happy to see you,” Mr Bennet said. “I was afraid the bad weather would keep you away today. Do not worry, Mr Bingley; I shall send for Jane right away. She is taking care of her mother. Mrs Bennet’s nerves were put on trial by this rain.”
Mr Collins was completely ignored for several moments, but he daringly took a step forward and bowed to the only person of interest to him, speaking with great anxiety.
“Mr Darcy, what a surprise to see you here, sir! I surely did not expect you to be in Hertfordshire. Lady Catherine mentioned she had met you in London a couple of weeks ago. She hoped you had returned to Pemberley by now. I never imagined seeing you at Longbourn.”
Darcy’s countenance darkened immediately. He briefly glanced at Elizabeth, a slight trace of panic on his face, and then responded with cold severity.
“Mr Collins, I fail to understand your surprise. How does it happen that I am accountable to you for my whereabouts? I expect that I am frequently in places you are not aware of, just as I rarely know where you are. My aunt’s hopes about my schedule are often unjustified, and they should not be discussed in public. ”
“I am sure Mr Collins meant no harm, sir,” Mr Bennet said. “We were just about to discuss something related to Lizzy that distressed your aunt when you entered. Could we postpone the conversation until tomorrow, sir?”
Mr Collins became uncomfortable while Darcy paled. Elizabeth looked at him in an attempt to calm him with a smile but only met his glare a moment before it turned to Mr Collins again.
“That is quite astonishing,” said Darcy.
“I am sure Mr Collins expressed himself poorly. Whatever might distress my aunt, I see no reason for you to be troubled by it, Mr Bennet. As you share none of your distressing situations with my aunt, it is not fair that my aunt’s problems should burden you, sir.
Mr Collins surely understands that. In anything that involves my aunt, I believe I am the only one who should be concerned. Would you not agree, Mr Collins?”
“Well, I…Lady Catherine trusted me to…” Mr Collins mumbled.
“Mr Collins! We should meet later and discuss this matter privately. It is rude of us to interrupt everyone with a conversation that does not concern them. I hope we agree upon this matter.”
Elizabeth’s embarrassment increased as the entire exchange became increasingly awkward and distressing. She wondered whether anyone else—except her, Darcy, and Collins—suspected the truth behind his sharp words. The other gentlemen looked slightly amused and likely found the argument ridiculous.
Mr Collins seemed torn between his loyalty to Lady Catherine and his fear of Darcy’s apparent anger.
“As you wish, sir,” Mr Collins finally said. “I shall return to Lucas Lodge; Charlotte is probably worrying for me. I beg you to excuse me.” He bowed a few more times until he finally retired.
Darcy made obvious attempts to regain his composure as he breathed deeply and thanked Mr Gardiner for handing him a glass of wine. He locked eyes with Elizabeth, and his face lit slightly, but his pallor remained.
Elizabeth excused herself to inform her mother and sisters of their guests’ arrival, and she was relieved when she found herself alone in the hallway.
The entire afternoon had been disturbing—the conversation with her father, the half-said truth, Mr Collins’s appearance, and then Mr Darcy’s entrance and harsh settlement of the situation.
He surely guessed the subject Mr Collins wanted to discuss with her father, and she doubted things would end there. Mr Collins’s determination was worthy of a better cause, but his lack of wit forbade his abandoning such attempts before they became dangerous.