Chapter 1.4 #2
Finding that Miss Elizabeth was missing as well only increased his anguish, first because he was fond of her, and second because he knew how affected his ‘angel’ would be. Not for a moment could he have conceived of the idea that she and Darcy would be found at the same time.
When John told him the particulars of their meeting, he was gratified that everything had turned out well. He sent his men back with a message for his sister—Miss Bingley had been hysterical all morning—and continued on his way to Longbourn with dry clothes for Darcy.
The reunion at Longbourn was a happy one, Mr Bingley’s presence giving pleasure to Jane and even more to Mrs Bennet, who immediately extended an invitation to breakfast.
In less than half an hour, Darcy had briefly described the whole situation to Bingley, and then, dressed properly in dry clothes, entered the dining room where the Bennet family was already gathered.
Normally, Mr Bennet had Lizzy on his right and Jane on his left.
However, considering the situation, he had saved those places for the two gentlemen.
Since Bingley was the first to appear, he, without a second thought, took the place next to Jane.
Darcy—pleased by the arrangements—found himself happily situated between Mr Bennet on his left and Elizabeth on his right.
Mr Collins, with great determination, occupied the free chair next to his fair cousin Elizabeth.
Mr Bennet’s interest resided mostly in Darcy, since he knew everything he need know about his eldest daughter’s admirer.
Unfortunately, as they began the meal, the conversation was monopolised by Mr Collins.
While Mr Bennet and Lizzy previously had been diverted by his stupidity, his long, ridiculous lectures were now annoying.
Bingley’s light remark about the bad weather, the rain and the poor state of the roads gave Mr Collins the ideal occasion to perform.
“I must say, my dear Mr Bennet, that perhaps the roads could have been better maintained by certain personages in order to avoid this unfortunate situation. This never would have happened at Rosings Park. My noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, always speaks about the importance of having a perfect road under any circumstances. The roads at Rosings are never in bad condition, no matter how inclement the weather.”
“That is a ridiculous thing for you to say, Mr Collins! The roads at Rosings are as bad as any others in such weather.”
Everyone stared in disbelief at Darcy’s harsh words, but he paid no attention. He knew he had been rude, but he had never claimed to have much patience, and the insipid parson was insufferable.
Mr Collins turned red with indignity, not because he himself had been censured but because of Darcy‘s flat contradiction of a compliment to Rosings Park. Even Elizabeth cast a reproachful glance at Darcy, but he continued unperturbed.
“I have visited Rosings every spring for the past ten years, and more than once the carriage has been mired in mud because of the impassability of the roads.” Every pair of eyes around the table was now turned to him in wonder, so he felt obliged to continue, addressing Mr Bennet especially.
“Oh, I neglected to mention that Lady Catherine is my aunt.”
The effect of his words was extraordinary, so great was the general surprise. They had heard for many days of Lady Catherine and the grandeur of Rosings. That Darcy was so closely related to her made his importance, and consequently his worthiness, all the greater in the eyes of Mrs Bennet.
Not surprisingly, the greatest reaction stemmed from Mr Collins, who could not breathe for a few moments, his face turning from red to white and back again. A mix of absolute happiness and deepest humility caused him desperately to search for air along with the proper words.
Mr Bennet took another sip of coffee, his amusement increasing. That was a very big mistake, young man, and you will pay dearly for it!
Darcy felt the consequences immediately as Mr Collins suddenly rose to his feet and made an enormous bow, so close to him that Darcy could feel his breath.
“Mr Darcy, I cannot express in words how exceedingly gratified I am by this extraordinary discovery! To have the happiness of meeting a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh! I am most thankful that my discovery was made in time for me to pay my respects to you, and I trust you will excuse me for not having done so before. My total ignorance of the connexion must plead my apology—”
“Mr Collins, I am pleased to meet you as well, but please sit down, sir, or I shall be forced to stand myself.”
“Oh, do not disturb yourself,” said he in haste, afraid of displeasing Darcy. Mr Collins resumed his place at Elizabeth’s right but could not stop speaking to the newest object of his adoration. He leaned towards Darcy, causing Elizabeth to move out of the way, his breath obviously disturbing her.
“Mr Darcy, I am in the most fortunate position of being able to assure you that her ladyship was in the best of health…eight days ago,” he said, a huge smile lighting his face.
“Thank you, Mr Collins. I am happy to hear that.”
From that moment, all attempts at conversation between Darcy and Mr Bennet were in vain as Mr Collins had only one purpose: to express his approbation for everything Darcy said.
Soon, Darcy was once again at the edge of his tolerance.
He had been delighted to be situated between Elizabeth and her father.
Though a brief acquaintance, he found Mr Bennet to be an unexpectedly pleasant conversationalist with a wit and subtle irony similar to Elizabeth’s.
He was more than willing to establish a closer relationship with Mr Bennet, but the presence of Collins was ruining everything.
What bothered and disturbed Darcy most was that, every time Collins addressed him, he leaned in front of Elizabeth, touching her arm shamelessly and forcing her to pull back to avoid his undesirable touch.
He was sure the man did it on purpose. Moreover, Darcy could swear that Collins lost no opportunity to stare at Elizabeth’s bosom.
Her face coloured, her embarrassment increasing with each passing moment.
She discreetly tried to move closer to Darcy and further from her cousin to avoid his breath and improper touch of her arm, but the problem remained.
Her discomfort affected Darcy more than his own annoyance, and he could tolerate it no longer.
“Mr Collins, I shall be very happy to continue this conversation with you. However, I am afraid that in doing so, we shall disturb the others. Miss Elizabeth, would you oblige me and change places so I might be closer to Mr Collins? I have many questions to ask him about my aunt.” Then he turned towards Mr and Mrs Bennet, apologising.
As improper as such a gesture might be, no one dared to say anything.
On the contrary, Mr Bennet’s opinion of Darcy improved still further—as well as his amusement—as he witnessed the exchange.
Darcy’s putting himself willingly at Mr Collins’s disposal in order to protect Elizabeth from embarrassment was a sacrifice indeed.
Half good-humoured and half-preoccupied, Mr Bennet wondered about the possibility that such an important man might have serious designs on Elizabeth. Was he wise enough to look beyond her lack of fortune and connexions—beyond her situation, so far beneath his?
Moreover, was Elizabeth aware of any of this? He decided that a long, serious talk with her was essential.
Elizabeth, too, was startled by Darcy’s request and only nodded her approval at their change of seating. She was utterly surprised and delighted that Darcy had noticed her discomfort and tried to alleviate it, but she was also mortified to be the subject of such improper behaviour from Mr Collins.
Her cousin was displeased at the new arrangement, but it had happened too quickly for him to protest. In any case, what could he say?
Contradicting Mr Darcy was not an alternative.
He convinced himself that it was proof of Mr Darcy’s appreciation for him, so he continued to display his admiration for the nephew of his patroness until the gentleman made his farewells.
Elizabeth had no opportunity to talk privately with Mr Darcy, and she considered it was for the best. His closeness made her senses respond acutely, and her expression was continually flustered.
She was concerned that her family would notice something she was yet afraid to accept, so she kept her gaze mostly on her plate.
Nevertheless, her eyes were attracted constantly by the movement of his hands on the table, while the recollection of those hands holding and caressing hers sent shivers up and down her arms.
She could scarcely think of anything else, but she was able to see in amazement that the change in Darcy’s manners lasted a few more hours indeed.
She could not help but ask herself what made him behave in such a way.
He was more agreeable and willing to please than she had ever seen him before.
He was polite to her mother and even to Mr Collins.
As for her father, Mr Darcy seemed to enjoy discussing various subjects with him from books to estate management.
His manners were nothing but amiable. Occasionally, when the comments or the shrill tone of the conversation became too intrusive, Darcy cast a glare at the other end of the table where Mrs Bennet and the youngest misses sat.
From time to time, he seemed to look with great interest in the direction of Jane and Mr Bingley.
Elizabeth did not know whether he was displeased by his friend’s open display of affection, but he was clearly preoccupied.