Chapter 32. Darcy’s Return to Rosings
The next day, Mr Darcy appeared at the parsonage just after noon. It was obvious to the ladies that the man was tired as well as dirty. Jane went to the kitchen to obtain food and drink, while Mrs Gardiner, Elizabeth, and Georgiana led him into the dining room and made him sit at the table.
“Did you find them, brother?” Georgiana asked.
“Did you get any rest last night?” Mrs Gardiner asked.
“William, you are filthy!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Did you sleep in a barn last night?”
He grinned and shook his head as Jane laid a plate of beef and bread before him and then poured a mug of hot tea for him. Elizabeth took the sugar and cream to prepare his tea in his preferred manner.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet, thank you Elizabeth,” he replied.
Then he turned his attention to his sister. “Georgiana, I am unhappy; you were aware of Anne’s plans to elope with Mr Collins! Now that they are husband and wife, he controls all of Rosings–there is no settlement that establishes what he can and cannot do with her estate.”
“Cousin Anne knows that–Lady Catherine ignored the marriage settlement when she married Sir Lewis and Anne believes that she can manage Mr Collins as well as her mother did her husband,” Georgiana explained.
“I hope that in the future she does not come to regret that,” he said. “I have worked very hard to keep Rosings from the creditors for years and I worry that Mr Collins will make poor decisions.”
“Anne trusts the steward and she will convince Mr Collins to listen to the man and follow his direction,” Georgiana assured her brother.
“I am sorry for your distress,” Elizabeth said as she laid a hand on his shoulder.
“Thank you my dear,” he replied before he glanced toward Jane and her aunt. “Mrs Gardiner, I believe that you should send for your husband and tell him to bring my solicitor.”
Now Darcy spoke to Elizabeth, “Cousin Anne has saved Miss Bennet. When Mr and Mrs Collins return, Mr Gardiner can force Mr Collins to sign over the entailment to Miss Bennet to prevent a suit for breach of promise.”
Mrs Gardiner hugged Jane as Elizabeth and Georgiana grinned. Elizabeth explained, “We sent an express to London from Hunsford this morning. My uncle will receive his letter today and we expect his company with the attorney tomorrow.”
“Come Georgiana, we must go to Rosings and tell Lady Catherine the news.”
Too pleased with the news to pay attention to propriety, Elizabeth Bennet kissed her fiancé in front of her sister, aunt and future sister-in-law. Mr Darcy welcomed the kiss, but he blushed, and she turned bright red realizing what she had done.
“Mr Darcy would you and your sister care to join us for supper tonight?” asked Mrs Gardiner.
Darcy grinned but sighed. “I believe I must be at Rosings this evening–the uproar will require my presence to contain Lady Catherine.”
Georgiana asked, “Brother, may I remain at Hunsford? Lady Catherine will bring down the roof with her rants.”
He smiled and nodded, “I think that it will be best for your peace of mind, Georgie.”
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