Chapter 2.6 #2
“Aunt, let us just say that I have happened upon the middle of some unguarded discussions lately and I do have first-hand experience of the subject. Now, we should ponder this situation carefully. And we should cease blaming Miss Bennet—who is the least culpable. We should compensate her for the trouble she has had to suffer.”
“Indeed,” Darcy approved. “She might have saved my life.”
“Oh, nonsense. You have a mere bruise and a sprained ankle, that is all,” Lady Catherine replied cynically.
Darcy looked at his aunt in disbelief. “And is your ladyship dissatisfied with the gravity of my injuries?” he could not refrain from replying in the same tone.
“I am displeased that you seem more preoccupied with the well-being of a strange woman than with those related to you.”
It was the argument that ruined Darcy’s fragile remaining patience and civility.
“I am preoccupied with the well-being of those related to me too. Especially Anne’s.
And I will be, for the rest of my life. Although not in the way that your ladyship unrealistically desires and has insisted upon for the last decade.
Your ladyship’s wishes—as well as ours—can not always be fulfilled and we must learn to accept disappointment. ”
A grimace of anger changed Lady Catherine’s face, red with fury.
She had no time to reply before Darcy added, “I shall leave Kent later today, as I have some business that must be completed. Robert might join me or remain longer, but my plans are settled. If your ladyship needs my assistance, I will return next month.”
That was the last exchange before Darcy withdrew to his chamber. The colonel readily declared he would leave too. While their luggage was being prepared, Darcy kept his word and made a last call at the Parsonage.
“Would you like me to join you, Darcy?”
“If it is no inconvenience to you, Robert. I admit to being ridiculously worried about going anywhere near Miss Bennet, knowing I might expose her to more censure.”
As they rode together, Darcy dared to ask a delicate question that under normal circumstances he would have never attempted.
“Robert, you said yesterday you would have readily proposed to Miss Bennet. Am I to understand that you are in love with her? I could see that you are very much at ease with each other.”
The colonel was indeed surprised, but not displeased.
“In love? Not really. A man easily falls in love, but he cannot be truly in love in such a short while. However, I do admire Miss Bennet and I find her enchanting. Although, I believe she would be too much of a handful of a wife for me. Opinionated and stubborn ladies are pleasant company before the wedding but I would be distressed to find I’d married someone smarter than me. ”
Darcy rolled his eyes. He never knew when his cousin was being serious or not.
“And I strongly believe she is so at ease with me precisely because she is not much impressed by me.
From my—I would say—consistent experience with the ladies, I know that the more they like a gentleman, the less voluble and self-confident they are in his presence.
It is delightful to recognise a lady's affection in her charming uneasiness.”
“I am not certain this is true, but I cannot argue with you, since my knowledge on the subject is not extensive.”
“But Darcy, why did you ask me? You know, I was jesting. I would not recommend two people marry without feelings or through an arrangement due to some unfortunate circumstances. It is one thing to accept and plan an arranged marriage where both parties know their expectations and duties, and a completely different thing to be actually thrown into the hole of a hasty, undesired marriage.”
“I agree. It would be a completely different thing,” Darcy whispered, but there was no time for more talking as they had arrived at the Parsonage.
Even from the main hall, they heard the argument, and Elizabeth’s irritated voice. When they entered the drawing-room, four pairs of eyes—in utter distress and perturbation—turned to them. Then Maria Lucas apologised and left in a great hurry.
“We beg your forgiveness for disturbing you unannounced. Unfortunately, you must be aware of the reason for our visit,” Darcy said solemnly.
“Mr. Darcy, you are always welcome, sir!” Mr. Collins bowed, inviting them to enter.
“We cannot remain long. I have come to express my deepest gratitude to Miss Bennet for saving my life and also to discuss with her what she wishes me to do to remedy this horrible situation in which she has been most undeservingly drawn. We intend to pay a visit to those who I suspect to be responsible for these rumours—but I am ready to do anything that Miss Bennet considers appropriate. And I shall begin by asking her permission to write to Mr. Bennet and to explain to him the circumstances. If my sister were in Miss Bennet’s situation, I would like to be informed by the person who had caused it. ”
Darcy addressed Mr. Collins, as the master of the house, but his glances travelled to Elizabeth from time to time. The apparent distress on her face made his heart ache.
Elizabeth, on her side, was impressed with Darcy’s obvious concern for her and surprised by his suggestion to write to Mr. Bennet.
“Miss Bennet—would you be so kind as to grant me a few minutes for a private conversation? Mrs. Collins may assist, of course. We will leave Kent today and it is important to have this conversation prior to our departure.”
His request was astonishing to everyone. They looked around in a long, awkward silence, then Elizabeth nodded, asking Charlotte for support with her eyes.
“Mr. Collins’ library will do. I am sure he will not mind. I will wait in the doorway,” Charlotte said decidedly, while her husband remained still, dumbfounded.
“Mr. Collins, would you offer me a drink?” the colonel asked.
“A drink? Yes, of course. Yes, of course. In a moment, sir,” the host mumbled, suddenly lost as to where the bottle was.