Chapter 13 The Nephews #2
“This is a delightful spot, Anne. You ought to have the gardener cut back the climber, for it obscures much of the view.”
Anne smiled. “I shall do it for your sake. I can never enjoy it except in secret, since Mamma must not know I can walk so far. Still, I will have it trimmed this week and say my friend is fond of walking and requires a place to rest while she admires the prospect.”
“Thank you, Annie. I shall bring my book and read here. It is a lovely spot.”
“You would leave me alone at Rosings?”
“No. I speak of when you grow tired of me and send me back to the parsonage, and to the verbose rector.”
Miss de Bourgh laughed. “That shall never occur, for I will not let you go until you marry and must join your husband.”
“You are generous, my dear, but I imagine your mother will send me away when your cousins arrive.”
“She will not, if I tell her I cannot live without you. My mother holds you in high regard because my health and looks have improved. Those are her words. She credits it to the excellent companion who attends to me.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Companion? Am I your companion then?”
“Lizzy, you are my companion in the same sense that Fitzwilliam is my betrothed.”
They both giggled. “What a fine joke, Annie.”
“Ugh, mother insists upon dressing me in the antiquated style she prefers, but I admire your manner of dress. The modiste comes tomorrow, for Mamma expects me to be properly attired for my betrothed, yet I cannot endure these severe gowns another year.”
The young woman rose and turned for her friend’s inspection, lifting her arms.
Elizabeth laughed.
“I am fastened to the throat, and these heavy fabrics she favors to guard against a chill are most unflattering. The gowns have no shape at all.”
“My dear, is the modiste without skill? Has she no taste?”
“Oh no, she is very capable and produces elegant gowns. She has offered suggestions to Mamma, but they are always dismissed for their novelty.”
“But what good shall it do if I attend? If Lady Catherine will not heed you, she will hardly attend to me.”
“She holds you in high regard, remember? You need only explain that a more fashionable style would improve my spirits, and she will consent.”
“Very well, my friend, I shall try.”
The fortnight passed in a rush, and now the two friends sat in the formal drawing room, awaiting Lady Catherine’s esteemed nephews.
Miss de Bourgh appeared beautifully attired in a new blue gown of fine muslin, trimmed with delicate lace at the sleeves.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins occupied an elegant couch to Lady Catherine’s left, while the couch to her right stood reserved for the two men.
Elizabeth was astonished to find the rector much altered when in the presence of his Patroness.
His manner was humble and reserved. He spoke only when addressed, and he had sent Elizabeth a note beforehand, detailing the rules of decorum he expected her to observe.
If any concern as to her conduct existed, it did not appear in his countenance, for he sat with an air of ease listening to Lady Catherine, with Mary sitting quietly beside him.
The great Lady had already directed her daughter and Elizabeth to take their place on a couch situated near the fire for the benefit of Miss de Bourgh’s health, though it set them apart and behind the others.
The arrangement appeared to satisfy the rector, and he appeared easier with Elizabeth, far removed from the notice of his patroness and her fine nephews.
They heard the three relations descend in time for tea, and when the introductions were complete, all took their seats as Lady Catherine launched into a one-sided discourse.
Elizabeth kept her eyes lowered, as the rector had directed, when Miss de Bourgh leaned near and spoke in a low voice.
“Lizzy, I believe my cousin Darcy admires you, for he has not ceased to look at you since you were introduced.”
“Annie, pray, lower your voice or you may be overheard.”
“No. We are seated too far back. I saw to it myself while the servants cleaned the floors. I had Jack and Giles move this couch several feet. With the distance and the fire, no one can hear us.”
Elizabeth raised her handkerchief to her lips to suppress a laugh.
“You are incorrigible, my dear. Pray conduct yourself, or your mother will think me a poor influence and send me back to the parsonage.”
“Never, Lizzy. If anyone scolds, I shall say I felt faint, and you were attending me.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together. “You are quite impertinent this afternoon, my dear. How am I to survive this tea without a rebuke from your mother or the rector?”
Anne lifted her eyes. “We are safe for the present. No one but my cousin attends to us. Mamma has engaged them all.”
Both girls straightened when Lady Catherine raised her voice.
“Miss Bennet, you must play for us. The tea tray will arrive soon, but as no one remains below stairs after dinner, if my nephews are to hear you, you must oblige them now.”