Jump to new as of February 14, 2001
Jump to new as of April 1, 2001
Jump to new as of April 22, 2001
Introduction Posted on Saturday, 5 August 2000
Mrs. Charlotte Collins had been only married recently, and when entering the marriage state, had known she was marrying only for the economic security such a situation afforded. She had not realised just how irksome her then fiancé was. If she had inherited any sense (but with an empty-headed father like Sir William, this was unlikely) she should have seen fit to retract her acceptance to the proposal.
But this was not done, and for three months she was forced to endure Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine without any other companions save Anne De Bourgh. It was a great relief, therefore, for Charlotte when her father, sister and friend Elizabeth Bennet came to Hunsford.
She was able to show them the Parsonage and her chickens, and to talk to Lizzy, even though their discourse was not so intimate as it had been before Charlotte's marriage.
The Hunsford guests were condescendingly invited to Rosings, and Rosings itself then had guests arrived. They were Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, whom Charlotte had known in Hertfordshire, and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Being an 'old' married woman with no children yet to marry off, Charlotte had to resort to finding matches for Elizabeth. Maria was determined to remain a spinster (perhaps seeing Charlotte's marital life had influenced and strengthened her resolve), but Charlotte accepted this.
Elizabeth was one-and-twenty, the second daughter of five, and was not very poor. Her father was a gentleman and the family resided at a house named Longbourn, in Hertfordshire.
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were both eligible bachelors, and Charlotte kept this comforting fact in her mind. There was a possibility that Elizabeth was already admired by Mr. Darcy - he had danced with her, and her only at the Netherfield Ball. Consequently, when the gentlemen came to the Parsonage Charlotte said to her friend "I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility, Mr. Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me."
Elizabeth had been startled by this and denied it immediately, saying that surely Mr. Darcy disliked her as much as she did him. Charlotte was not swayed in her opinion.
The days of the gentlemen's trip passed by, with them often coming to the Parsonage. Lizzy and the Colonel chatted gaily, and Darcy frequently did not speak for great periods of time, only talking if it was necessary (actually, imperative).
Charlotte knew not what to make of him. According to the Colonel, he was often more animated and seldom was so dull. Charlotte was anxious to see if the change was an effect of love, with the recipient being Eliza.
Mr. Darcy was studiously watched, and the conclusion was that Mr. Darcy seemed to be always looking at Elizabeth, but the look was not full with fervent love - it was earnest and steadfast; not always admiring; sometimes absent-minded, sometimes confused. At times he appeared jealous of his cousin's ability to speak so freely with Eliza.
Occasionally Charlotte suggested to her friend the possibility of Darcy's partiality, but Elizabeth always laughed at it as absurd, so Mrs. Collins did not press further. In her head, as Elizabeth so firmly rejected, the idea of Colonel Fitzwilliam suggested himself as a possible husband. He was civil, pleasant and admired Elizabeth - qualities her own husband lacked. She did prefer, however, the thought of seeing Elizabeth well-settled as Mrs. Darcy - she would be lacking nothing.
A few nights before all of Hunsford's and Rosings' visitors would be gone, Elizabeth came in from a walk looking very distressed. A headache resulted, and Mrs. Collins agreed with her that it would not be a wise idea to go to Rosings in such a state. When they did arrive, Lady Catherine was most vexed and put out at Miss Bennet's non-attendance. Her only solace was Mr. Collins' excessive praise and concern, which was mingled with apologies.
It was not until they were sat to table that Maria turned to whisper to Charlotte "Where is Mr. Darcy?" Charlotte realised that he had disappeared. He had been present at their arrival. The Colonel could not explain his absence, and Lady Catherine was rendered exceedingly angry.
A thought kept nagging Charlotte. Had Mr. Darcy gone to see Lizzy? What would be his purpose in that? Charlotte's thoughts suddenly gave way to a flight of fancy. If he so admires her, would he have gone to propose?
Charlotte would go and observe Lizzy as soon as she returned from Rosings. Mrs. Collins was unable to do this for upon her arrival, Elizabeth was in her room, and Charlotte did not feel right in invading her privacy. She would find out the next day.
When Lizzy came down to breakfast, she did not look well. Charlotte offered her something to eat, but Elizabeth refused, saying she thought she had been indoors too long. While she was gone, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy came to say their adieus. Darcy seemed slightly shocked and glum, leaving almost as soon as it was ascertained Miss Bennet was not in, but the Colonel waited for over half an hour.
"It seems that the Colonel was the one acting more in love" sighed Charlotte "I will one day see Eliza married, but all my present suspicions have come to naught.
Posted on Monday, 11 September 2000
Mr. William Collins, who had never written a poem in his life, and so ought not to be confused with the renowned poet who (most unfortunately) bore the same name; was not in the least a sensible man.
His situation as the clergyman to Lady Catherine de Bourgh at the Parsonage of Hunsford, had done much to increase his opinion of his own self-importance. There was, though, an opinion on which he himself attended to far more greatly and obsequiously than even his own. This person was not his wife (as many sensible people might or ought to suppose), nay, it was his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh (who some other people might suppose he should prefer as his wife - I will not comment, though it would not be that unlikely). It was she that suggested (rather, informed) Mr. Collins that he should take a wife. For that reason alone, he went in search of one.
Reminiscing on this just before the departure of Miss Elizabeth Bennet (who Mr. Collins had himself proposed to, but who was not so accepting as his fair and amiable Charlotte) and his wife's sister Maria. Her father had already gone. The women had stayed for a period of time amassing six weeks.
Mr. Collins was considering the likelihood of Miss Bennet's ever marrying (after all, she had already refused at least ONE proposal). If she was to marry, who would it be to?
He was not in the practice of conversing about such topics with his wife. In fact, there were very few topics they did discuss together. Mr. Collins was somehow, aware that Charlotte suspected that Elizabeth had an admirer - Lady Catherine's nephew! Mr. Collins scoffed at the thought. Lady Catherine would never allow it. Besides, this nephew, Mr. Darcy, was already engaged - to Lady Catherine's daughter. Lady Catherine had told him so herself.
Mr. Collins thought that it would be far more likely that Elizabeth would admire him - for his fortune, looks and mien.
"Indeed, I never heard her speak of him with anything but respect" he said to himself. (The truth of the matter was that he had never heard her speak of him at all - with the exception of once at the Netherfield Ball, when she suggested that it would be a better idea that he did not introduce himself to such a man as Mr. Darcy).
The Netherfield Ball....
Mr. Collins had several memories of that event. The majority of them involved his cousin Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Now that he thought about it, Mr. Collins was able to discern something. At that point, he had not yet proposed to Elizabeth. She had seemed..... distant to him. As though she didn't want to be near him. The prime instance of Elizabeth's yearning to leave him was after he had danced with her. True, he had greatly mortified her with the "Other way, Mr. Collins" incident (now who could forget that?), and she had immediately afterwards fled from him.
She had obviously run to Darcy, as he stood up with her at the next dance. She preferred Darcy to me! When dancing with him, Miss Bennet had appeared to be having a much more animating conversation with Mr. Darcy than she had been having with himself. Mr. Collins had lamented this to the then Miss Lucas, but she was inclined not to comment.
And back to his introduction to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth had seemed mortified (she seemed often to have that reaction to Mr. Collins). Of course! I see it now - she didn't want me (her suitor) to meet her would-be suitor (even if he was the prestigious relation of my *beloved* noble, esteeming, benevolent, thoughtful patroness, whose robust health I had wanted to tell Mr. Darcy about).
Another gentleman Miss Bennet had appeared to like was Mr. Wickham. But was he not acquainted with Mr. Darcy? Miss Bennet must have only become friends with him because she wanted to find out all she could about Mr. Darcy!
Miss Bennet's refusal was now slightly more understandable to Mr. Collins, He had previously thought it incomprehensible that one should not wish to marry him! But now he could see that she refused him because she wanted Darcy.
She said "You could not make me happy" and "My feelings in every way forbid it" did she not? She did! These reactions give the suggestion that she was in love with someone else! Why did I not see it before? Mr. Darcy!
As a result of his 'suspicion' that Elizabeth loved Mr. Darcy (but without bothering to wonder at what the gentleman's feelings were), Mr. Collins scrutinized her when at Rosings. Of course, he did find it terribly difficult to do this and also attend to every minute word of her ladyship's, and then to comment on it at such length that only he could. By the end of one evening he had exhausted himself (doing two whole things at once) and virtually given up.
But there was also another reason for the termination of his keeping a watch on Elizabeth. He now suspected that Miss Bennet's affection for Mr. Darcy had given way to one for his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
They talked freely with animation together, and on one occasion at least, she played the pianoforte for him - as he had requested. Lady Catherine had said that the Colonel was a great walker. Elizabeth was too. They must have secret rendezvous, and meeting points all over Rosings Wood!
When Elizabeth felt ill, with a headache, Mr. Collins had not been keen to leave her behind at the Parsonage. The most obvious reason why was because her non-attendance would upset and displease her ladyship - and such a thing was unpermissable. The other reason was that Mr Collins expected that Elizabeth must have planned to not go, and the Colonel must have been meant to come to her. Mr Collins snorted when he arrived at Rosings, because Colonel Fitzwilliam was there - and remained there the entire time.
Elizabeth seemed troubled the day after that. She must have been sorely disappointed that the Colonel had not come last night, and was soon to be going. It came to the time just before Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were to set off. The Colonel, as any lover might, waited for Miss Bennet for quite a while. Charlotte and Maria had said he waited for half an hour, but Mr. Collins was certain that it was closer to three hours. Mr. Darcy didn't wait three minutes. He mustn't have liked her nearly as much as she used to like him. Ha!
Mr. Collins' suspicions of the truth once again showed just how much of a sensible man he was.
Posted on Friday, 3 November 2000
Almost as soon as Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and his cousin Darcy arrived at Rosings Park, he knew something was up (How perceptive of our darling Colonel!).
What it was he could not quite put his finger on, but he was almost certain it had something to do with the beautiful, witty Miss Bennet, who was staying at the Hunsford Parsonage.
Darcy, as soon as he found out that Miss Bennet was at Hunsford, had set off for the Parsonage with the bewildered Colonel in tow. Usually Darcy would keep clear of people of a lower class, and so the Colonel asked for an explanation. And do you reckon he got one? Of course. Our Colonel can get almost anything he wants. Darcy said that he had known Mrs. Collins and her guests when in Hertfordshire, and felt it his duty to call on them.
The colonel's mind flitted back to hearing his cousin say that the company in Hertfordshire had been most cumbersome. If that was so, then why was he so eager to re-initiate an acquaintance?
The Colonel's question, though rhetorical, was answered when he was introduced to Elizabeth Bennet. Certainly, the company of Mr. Collins in Hertfordshire would be considered a veritable nightmare, but Miss Bennet was.... not.
Richard conversed with her gaily and easily from the first moment, but his cousin was not faring so well.
He made a comment on the house and gardens to Mrs. Collins (a plain woman who gave the appearance of sense, but no-one who could submit to marry Mr. Collins could be called sensible), and then did not speak for an age. He finally asked Miss Bennet about her family's health, and looked a little nettled when talking about Miss Bennet's elder sister. They left not long after that.
The Colonel popped in at the Parsonage on more than one occasion, and was finally rewarded in his persistence of suggesting the Collins and their guests be invited for dinner; as the invitation was accepted with alacrity. The Colonel was really glad to see them : anything was a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins' pretty friend was a most welcome addition to conversations. The Colonel noted that as they talked with spirit, Darcy's eyes would continually be on her and his cousin, often with an almost jealous gaze.
When Darcy joined them at the pianoforte (Miss Bennet was playing), the Colonel was more than a trifle surprised at the dialogue between his companions, especially as it was the first time he had heard them sustain a conversation together.
He was particularly surprised to hear Miss Bennet say that Fitz (his nickname for Darcy) would teach him not to believe a word she said; while Fitz's face certainly did not express that.
Hearing of his cousin's behaviour in Hertfordshire, Richard was no longer quite so surprised at Miss Bennet's tone when talking to Darcy. She would not let him easily forget his behaviour. Darcy tried to defend himself, but Richard noticed, to his shock, that Darcy didn't seem to mind Miss Bennet's accusations and observations. He was actually smiling? What must be going through the poor fool's mind? He would never react to someone like her in that way unless...... Ah he's a clever fellow, working it out already....
On account of his hypothesis, Richard took to studying his cousin for tell-tale signs. He held Darcy under close scrutiny in all subsequent visits to the Parsonage. Darcy obviously didn't come for want of conversation or society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips, and was seldom ever animated.
Was Fitz really, actually in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet? If he was, did he actually know it? Did Miss Bennet know that he was - if he was? In an attempt to set his mind in order enough to contemplate such questions, the Colonel needed a walk in Rosings Wood. He would get a fresh breath of air while making his annual tour of the park.
It did not help him any when he found himself on the same path as Miss Bennet. See, no secret rendezvous as Mr. Collins suspected - it was accidental. He gave up his thoughts to enjoy her company. Richard really did relish Miss Bennet's society. Only two things were stopping him from asking her to keep him company for the rest of his life. Now Lise, if this was you, one of those excuses would certainly be the existence of a certain Miss Bingley, would it not? Maybe another time ;) One was being the younger son of an earl, with little fortune, and he would not be able to support himself and another on just his income and the small dowry which Elizabeth's family could provide. The other was that he suspected a partiality for Miss Bennet in his cousin. He could never hurt Darcy in such a way; he was simply incapable of it, and his cousin's resentment would be unbearable. And besides, we'd prefer the Colonel single, for some other young woman...
Richard wanted his cousin to be happily married, and Miss Bennet would be perfect. There was only one problem: Miss Bennet seemed to hate the very sight of him. The Colonel wanted to promoted Fitz's good qualities to her, and told her about Darcy's saving Bingley. Miss Bennet took ill quite soon after this, but neither that nor anything else led Richard to the supposition of why this had occurred.
As he had known Miss Bennet to be unwell, Richard was not surprised at her non-attendance at Rosings that evening. He was disappointed in losing her company, and his emotions bordered on distress at the discovery that Darcy was gone.
He could not explain his cousin's absence to the party, and as a result of his leaving without first consulting his aunt, Her Ladyship was most highly vexed and seriously displeased.
Richard assumed that Darcy must have gone to see Miss Bennet, but why? What would he have said on arrival? It just didn't make sense. He planned to ask Darcy just what he had done on his return; but seeing Fitz's state that night, he thought it best to wait a little longer for an explanation.
The next day Darcy disappeared all morning and when questioned about it on the way to the Parsonage, gave Richard to believe he had been walking the park.
On hearing that Miss Bennet was not in, Darcy left almost immediately, looking slightly distressed. The Colonel, knowing that this would be the last time he would see Miss Bennet before he left, waited for over half an hour before conceding that he must too go.
Fitz seemed melancholy, and was avoiding Richard. The Colonel saw this, and would ask him about it in the carriage on the way home. The trip home did not give pleasure to either party. The Colonel found out nothing, as Darcy spoke not a word, brooding miserably. Just what is going on with poor Fitz? He looks heartbroken. I hope he comes to and confides in me soon. What is the cause of his sorrow? Is he really in love with Miss Bennet? What's he going to do about it? He ought to have told her before he left. Now he's discomposed because he might not see her again. If he told her, at least then she would know, and would give him a reaction. It's about time Fitz married. Miss Bennet would be perfect for him, and she's hardly likely to refuse him! Shall I tell him? No, I'll let him discover it himself. Then who knows what will then happen?
Posted on Saturday, 9 December 2000
Annette Reynolds had to admit that her suspicions originally surfaced when the pretty young visitor named Miss Bennet, who was at the time listening to Annette's talk in the sitting room, let out a small, almost inaudible gasp. Her face was a little brighter than it had been earlier. Annette had just ascertained that this woman knew her master - and was embarrassed about it. Annette could hardly imagine why this was so, but her perceptive and inquisitive mind begged to know.
Annette gave a more detailed praise of her master than she normally did, and scanned the youngest visitor's face intently (without appearing to do so) to see any reactions that she had. There was indeed a reaction. One of absolute astonishment. She looked as though she could scarcely believe a word Annette said about her master's kindness, benevolence and goodwill.
This apparent disbelief was a bit more understandable to Annette when Miss Bennet's aunt pointed out a miniature of George Wickham. So that rascal is known to them. Why, I do believe that he must have said something about my darling Wills Darcy, and this Miss Bennet has believed him! Well, to be sure I will set her to right about that spoilt young chap! I must confess I never held a soft spot for him like the benevolent late Mr. Darcy did.
In order to raise her master in this young woman's esteem, praised her master to the skies. By the time the visitors had made it to the Gallery, Miss Bennet seemed to be almost impatient to see his portrait. She had an earnest gaze, which was not similar to the swoons Annette was accustomed to hearing and seeing from young ladies. Miss Bennet was different, and she caught Annette's interest. 'Tis such a pity the master is not to arrive until tomorrow. I should have liked for him to have seen this unusually silent woman who is seemingly pre-occupied with her thoughts. She is as quite as dear Miss Georgiana! I think that Miss Bennet and Miss Georgiana could, if given the opportunity, become good friends.
Annette led the visitors outdoors, so that they could see the gardens. She then returned to her housework, and was exceedingly surprised when, several minutes later, she beheld her master in the hallway, dripping wet.
His face was, she noted, a deep shade of red. His manner was distracted, and after he had called out for some dry clothes; he began talking to himself in a rushed, unbelieving tone. "She is here? What must she think?" He disappeared into his rooms, and very soon after came running out. "She cannot go yet!" he cried "I must speak to her."
"What a strange turn of events" thought Mrs. Reynolds. 'She' was almost undoubtedly Miss Bennet, and from what Annette could see, and had heard, Mr. Darcy was obviously more acquainted with Miss Bennet than she had let on. Annette was glad her master was able to see Miss Bennet, especially as her suspicions had by now arisen greatly. Her master apparently cared about Miss Bennet's opinions, and Annette wished she had praised 'her Wills' even more.
Why had he come a day early? It didn't matter, but his early arrival seemed like a twist of fate, for he would not otherwise have met Miss Bennet, and Annette was glad that he had. Master Darcy had but few good friends, and none of them were female. Of course, there was that horrid Miss Bingley, but she was hardly a good friend - more a troublesome acquaintance.
Annette knew she ought not, but the temptation to peek out one of the windows to watch the goings on of her master was too great. Annette felt rather childish; "Imagine if another servant was to see me!", but nevertheless looked. Miss Bennet and Darcy were walking alone up the garden path steps, with the Gardiner's further behind. They progressed from the first to third steps at an unbelievable speed - Annette was certain she didn't see them use the second step. They disappeared from sight, and Annette recommenced her work.
All too soon Darcy returned, without the visitors. Almost as soon as he had said that they had had to go, he plunged into a barrage of questions, most concerning Miss Bennet. He wanted to know what the visitors had seen, their reactions, and most especially, did Annette consider Miss Bennet pleasant; and what had she said?
Annette did not exactly answer, and instead said that seeing Miss Bennet's behaviour and feelings, she thought that Miss Bennet and Miss Georgiana could become firm friends. "I hope that is so," Darcy replied, "for when Georgiana arrives tomorrow I intend to introduce her to Miss Bennet. Georgiana has long wanted to be acquainted with Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet has accepted my proposal that she meet my sister during her stay at Lambton."
Annette was just a little confused. Did my dear Wills' voice just sound a little sorrowful when he mentioned the word 'proposal' ? Heaven forbid! Did he propose to Miss Bennet - and did she refuse him? It would explain both Wills' recent dispiritedness, and also Miss Bennet's embarrassment at 'knowing' Mr. Darcy! Annette's opinion of Miss Bennet had lessened, for no one in their right mind would refuse her darling Darcy! But perhaps Miss Bennet did not love Darcy and had no desire to be locked in a loveless marriage. If that were the case (even though it seemed almost impossible that anyone could not love Wills), then Miss Bennet's refusal was more understandable.
Annette supposed that for anyone to have attracted Wills into a contemplation and application of marriage, they must be exceedingly special. Perhaps I ought to study Miss Bennet again before I place her in my 'to despise' list. I did like her. She ventured to ask Darcy "Do you think Miss Bennet would come to Pemberley again? Maybe for dinner?" Annette! Do stop yourself! Surely you're a bit old for matchmaking! But then again, Darcy hasn't had a face glowing like that in an age, and Miss Bennet did appear awfully nice. Dinner at Pemberley could be the first step in changing Miss Bennet's refusal - Perhaps she could be persuaded if there was a second time?
Annette was by now certain she had read far too many romance novels in her lifetime. It would be nice to have the satisfaction of knowing and achieving a successful attempt at matchmaking for her master though. All Annette wanted for her Wills was for him to be married for love, and it seemed Miss Elizabeth Bennet was the chosen partner of his fate.
Anne de Bourgh certainly appeared so pale and small, sickly and cross, but her quiet personality and nature were truly delightful if one had the ability to bring her out of her heavily protected shell. She was shy, to be sure, as shy as her cousin Georgiana, but it was her mother's loud and bold self-centred temperament that had turned her this way. She yearned for the day when she would feel strong enough to stand up to her mother, but as of yet, that day had not presented itself.
Anne's shy nature did not allow her to converse freely with people (the only person she could do this with was Georgiana, and at times Mrs. Jenkinson), but her silence allowed her the opportunity to study people's reactions and shown feelings, without the appearance of doing so.
She did this most frequently for a few weeks during April, in which her cousins Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were come to stay at Rosings. According to Lady Catherine, Anne's mother, Anne and Darcy were affianced; but both Anne and Fitzwilliam had no desire for this to be so. It was an engagement of a peculiar kind, and intended union, but with no official engagement.
There were also guests at the Hunsford Parsonage: the sister, father and friend of Mrs. Collins. Anne had seen them a few times, but felt no wish to become particularly acquainted with them. Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins' friend, appeared the nicest, but she was too lively for Anne. However, she saw with delight that Miss Bennet's liveliness was not too great for her cousins. Neither was married, and Miss Bennet was pleasant enough. She would make a fine wife for either of them.
The time of the gentlemen's stay proceeded to come to an end, and although Anne could plainly ascertain that both liked Miss Bennet - though the Colonel's affection was the clearer to discern of the two - neither appeared ready to consider matrimony.
At the time of leaving, the feelings of both were exceedingly different however. The Colonel appeared surprised at their suddenly imminent departure, and his sentiments were no greater than a slight confusion; but Darcy, as Lady Catherine noted, seemed to feel sorrow more acutely than in the past years, which her Ladyship attributed to his increasing attachment to Rosings.
Anne was not so certain that this assumption was correct. To be sure, Darcy was more susceptible to sorrow than he had been in the past - but his reaction was not sprung from pining - it was more from a shock he must have received while at Rosings. What this shock was, Anne could not perceive, but it had affected him adversely, for he had seemed happier, and in better spirits than Anne was used to seeing him in at Rosings. (Of course, away from Rosings, he was always pleasant, but Lady Catherine had a presence, which inspired anything but amenity). Indeed, what was affecting him she could not tell, and this only served to heighten her interest.
However, as Darcy had now left, and April had turned to May, and from that to June, then July, she only heard about him from Georgiana; and as of late, Georgiana's correspondence had not been so frequent, as though she had less to tell, or was keeping from Anne that which had occurred.
In July, Georgiana wrote a missive to Anne, apologising most frequently at her long-forgotten role and responsibility as a correspondent. She had been in London all that while, and was most glad to be back at home in Derbyshire once more.
"I cannot in truth tell you the past few months of my life have been full of ease, and free from hassles" she wrote, "but I believe I have enough proof and assurance times are about to change, and Pemberley is to be that scene of change. You may not understand what I am referring to, but I do, and may, at a later date, be able to tell you. Now, my dear Anne, enough of my ramblings on. You never did tell me about my brother's last stay at Rosings - Did anything of note occur that you were privileged enough to partake in or observe? And what has happened since? Again I apologise most fervently for my delays in writing, but I entreat you not to end out correspondence due to my lack of available time in the recent past.
I remain, yours.
Love,
Georgiana &c.
Anne responded by giving her favourite cousin several sheets of paper detailing some of the eloquent speeches and praise heard frequently at dinner parties, in which Mr. Collins was (more increasingly and regretfully) present.
Of course, Anne did the utterly complete opposite of praising him to the skies, instead dwelling on how unwelcome he was to her small circle. Charlotte Collins and Anne were usually ignored by Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine, and so they gradually had formed a friendship which, though not intimate, was solid, and gave great pleasure to each, as it meant they didn't have to listen and comment to the other conversation which would be occurring in the Rosings Drawing Room.
On this particular day, Anne and Charlotte began to talk of Miss Bennet, as Charlotte had received a letter from her. Miss Bennet was travelling in Derbyshire. She mentioned that she was at present staying at her aunt's hometown of Lambton.
Why, that's not five miles from Pemberley! Anne thought surprisedly. I wonder if Miss Bennet's aunt has ever been there and wishes to see it again? How would Miss Bennet react to this?
Charlotte looked a little curious at Anne's sudden reverie, and Anne apologised, saying she had before been to Lambton, and was just reminiscing. Anne was not sure whether she was more upset or joyful at the departure of the Collins' a short time later (for even though Charlotte was pleasant, the presence of her husband was not).
Anne again sat at her desk, and completed a letter to Georgiana. She didn't mention Miss Bennet (because Georgiana was not acquainted with her); but included her mother's annual invitation for Georgiana to come to Rosings in January.
Georgiana's response was not exceptionally delayed in coming, and it was positive, but then Lady Catherine would never accept it otherwise. Towards the end of the letter, Georgiana added that she had met Miss Bennet, and thought her to be very sensible and charming. She added that her brother thought so too. The letter finished with a plea that Lady Catherine might never see the last few lines, as scenes might arise...
"Aha! I knew it!" Anne cried with delight, then stopped herself lest she be heard. Anne was well able to translate Georgiana's message fully, to find that her brother had met with and fallen for a woman, his sister approved his choice, and not even Lady Catherine de Bourgh's supposed talk of an engagement between Anne and Fitzwilliam would stop Darcy from getting the wife that he yearned for.
Anne was thrilled at what she read, and as she thought of what happiness would return to Pemberley with the arrival of such a lovely mistress. But most of all she was gratified and pleased that, at least to Georgiana's observations and knowledge, her suspicions had been correct.
Madeleine Gardiner had once told her niece Elizabeth Bennet that she could never think ill of anyone from Derbyshire; and so did not fully believe in all the accused guilt piled on one Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, owner of Pemberley, in Derbyshire.
She had been, of course, charmed by a certain Mr. Wickham, but not to the extent that most of the females living in or visiting near Meryton and Longbourn had been. Madeleine even suspected Elizabeth to be entertaining a growing attachment to him, but when talking to Elizabeth, her concerns of an imprudent match due to lack of fortune were listened and adhered to by Lizzy.
All of this had occurred several months before, and Madeleine had heard nothing more, even though Lizzy's major correspondent Jane was housed under her roof; and so all was, therefore, well. Time passed, and brought forth July, which was the time previously specified for a trip to the Lakes, which had been recently modified to a tour of Madeleine's hometown, Lambton (in Derbyshire).
Lizzy was to accompany Madeleine and her husband, Edward, and they set off, in pursuit of novelty and amusement. Proceeding their arrival at the Lambton Inn, the travelers were discussing the next day's route, and Madeleine professed her inclination to visit Pemberley again. Edward felt no need to reply in anything but the affirmative, but Elizabeth needed to be worked on. "My love, should you not like to see a place of which you have heard so much? A place too, with which many of your acquaintances are connected. Wickham passed all his youth there you know" Madeleine said smilingly, and was surprised at Lizzy's reaction. She had expected Elizabeth to be wanting to visit Pemberley, but Lizzy seemed distressed even at the suggestion of such a thing.
Madeleine's surprise only increased when Lizzy blushed and wished not to go, then the next morning replied with indifference that she may as well go. She spoke little, and was obviously delighted with all that she saw; but tensed up when the Gardiners applied to see the place. Madeleine knew not what to make of her.
Elizabeth's reaction at seeing a miniature of Wickham was even more unusual. She would and could not even smile. Next Elizabeth blushed when admitting that she knew Mr. Darcy, and became absolutely shell-shocked at what she heard of Mr. Darcy from his housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds. Madeleine, though not affected so greatly as her niece, was astonished. The housekeeper's account differed so vastly from Elizabeth's previous one.
In order to point this out to Lizzy, Madeleine whispered "This fine account of him is not quite consistent to his behaviour towards our poor friend" (for she had heard of Wickham's misfortunes - indeed, who hadn't?)
"Perhaps we might be deceived" replied Elizabeth.
"That is not likely; our authority was too good." Madeleine responded.
Elizabeth seemed to no longer support Mr. Wickham, but Mr. Darcy more instead. But why? Elizabeth was able to smile several times when viewing Mr. Darcy's portrait, and viewed it twice, while when she had been near Mr. Wickham's miniature, she walked directly past it, and did not smile. This made Mrs. Gardiner's intelligent mind fill itself with thoughts. Does Lizzy now hate Mr. Wickham more, and Mr. Darcy less?
Madeleine decided she would (and could) not demand an answer from her niece, in time she may be told.
The tour of the house was completed, and a view of the gardens was to follow. But before few steps had been taken, a figure emerged from under a grove, sopping wet (a most handsome figure, Madeleine surmised).
When this figure (male if you had not already guessed) came into view, the similarity between his face and Mr. Darcy's portrait did not go astray of Madeleine. "Good heavens! 'Tis Mr. Darcy!" she cried, and Elizabeth held back a choke. As Mr. Darcy's eyes met Elizabeth's (and hers met his likewise), the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush, and both absolutely started, Mr. Darcy especially. There's something rotten in the state of Denmark! Just what is going on here? "There's something more than an indifferent friendship or a dislike here:" Madeleine mused.
Mr. Darcy began with his civilities, although his hurried and repeated questions gave the impression that he was by no means in a state of composure. When he took his leave, Madeleine noted that Elizabeth seemed to have an absent state of mind, which was commented on and roused Elizabeth to turn back to her normal self.
This settled state of mind was, however, temporary, and disappeared when Mr. Darcy returned, to take the visitors around part of the grounds. Madeleine and Edward were introduced (for all previous conversation had been directed solely at Elizabeth), and Madeleine was struck by Mr. Darcy's affability, civility and amiability. Understanding that she hailed from Lambton, he engaged in a comment about the old smithy on the hill, which delighted Madeleine exceedingly.
A short time later, as the gentlemen began walking, Elizabeth and her aunt, arm in arm, strayed behind slightly. Madeleine gave Elizabeth a look expressive of her wonder, and Elizabeth's face was as full of apparent astonishment that her eyes appeared as though they might be about to pop out.
Before long, however, Madeleine began to feel worn out, and needed more support than Elizabeth was able to give. Another incentive that supported her more was that Lizzy might have some time with Mr. Darcy. For that reason, Madeleine and Edward slowed down and took more than their time so that the others could be ahead. Madeleine was quite sure that Mr. Darcy felt more than friendship for Elizabeth, for nothing else could explain his attentions to her.
When seated in the carriage, both Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner began with their observations, and Mrs. Gardiner pronounced him to be not so handsome as Wickham (what is she thinking????), but had perfectly good features. "How came you to tell us he was so disagreeable?" she questioned her niece.
Elizabeth's excuses were haphazard, saying she liked him better at Kent, and that never before had she seen him so pleasant as today.
"From what we have seen of him, I really should not have thought he could have behaved in such a way as he has towards poor Wickham. He has not an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something in his countenance that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart. But, to be sure, the good lady who showed us the house gives him a most excellent character! But he is a liberal master, I suppose; and that, in the eye of a servant comprehends every virtue."
This statement of Mrs. Gardiner's produced a surprising and concerning reply from Elizabeth, in which Madeleine learned that Darcy's character was not so faulty, not Wickham's so amiable as supposed, and Lizzy gave some particulars about how the two had been connected, and that Mr. Darcy's actions were not evil if seen in the right light. Lizzy's source of information remained anonymous, but Madeleine was rather certain about who she thought it was.
On hearing that Mr. Darcy had visited and introduced his sister, Mrs. Gardiner's suspicions arose higher than even before. When adding yesterday's conversations and looks into her thoughts, Madeleine came away with an absolute conviction that Mr. Darcy felt not only friendship for her niece, but also love, and was brimming with admiration for her. But what of Elizabeth's feelings?
Elizabeth's astonishment and surprised behaviour convinced Madeleine that love was, at least not yet, felt or experienced by her. Perhaps the invitation to Pemberley the next day might help her sort her feelings. Hearing of the invitation, it became even more evident to Edward and his wife that Elizabeth was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had any idea of, and also that Mr. Darcy was indeed very much in love with her. It could not be doubted.
From then on, Mr. Darcy was very well thought of, partly for Elizabeth's sake, but also because, to Edward and Madeleine's experience, there was no reason for him to be thought ill of. Madeleine felt sure that before long, if her suspicions were correct, Miss Bennet's opinion might well change enough for her to realise and accept Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's love.
Mr. Edward Gardiner and his wife had been pleasantly surprised when they and their niece Miss Elizabeth Bennet were invited to the elegant and illustrious Pemberley, nestled in extensive grounds not five miles from their accommodation in Lambton, Derbyshire, with the master of the estate, Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana.
Edward would have been even more shocked had he not his suspicions as to why the master was so condescending to their party. But as it was, both Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner felt, and saw that Mr. Darcy was in love with their own niece. Elizabeth's feelings were more difficult to discern on the subject, but she apparently did not feel the hatred which she had previously professed.
It was with the intention of studying these two people and suggesting conclusions (without the appearance of doing so, of course) that Edward set foot in Pemberley that evening. Naturally, his secondary intention was to enjoy himself with the opportunities that Pemberley provided. Mrs. Gardiner's intentions were much the same as her husband's.
The Darcy's and Mr. Bingley welcomed the guest with the utmost sincerity, and Miss Darcy took the Gardiner's on a tour, in which they walked so slowly observing Pemberley's grandeur, that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy disappeared. Miss Darcy was obviously a shy person that spoke but little, and all that she did say was in praise of her brother.
The library was the first room they encountered for a space of time longer than just a walk through. Miss Darcy mentioned that it housed in excess of 45 000 books.
"It is enormous! Edward, have you ever seen so many books?" Madeleine asked her husband.
"No dear. I suppose there would be many books on fishing here. It is a misfortune we will not be here longer, I could have started looking"
"If you come to Pemberley at a later date, I am sure we could find some books for you" Miss Darcy replied amiably.
"Your brother would not mind?" Edward asked.
"Of course not! After all, you are relatives of Miss Ben..." Miss Darcy trailed off and began blushing profusely at the realisation of what she had said. Edward saw this and decided that even Miss Darcy was aware that some special feeling of friendship (or more than just that) existed between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.
During dinner, Mr. Darcy's expression betrayed extreme happiness, and Lizzy also seemed more cheerful and relaxed than she had been since meeting Mr. Darcy a few days before. The gentlemen then retired for brandy (Mr. Hurst seemed to have consumed more that the other three combined), but most (all save Mr. Hurst, who was already too inebriated to care) were in a sense rather fidgety, and yearned to return to the ladies. After discussing whether they had been gone for a long enough period, the gentlemen finally decided that if they went now, it wouldn't look like they had been overtly eager to return (though in truth they had been).
The ladies met the gentlemen in the music room. Miss Darcy had the day previously, shyly ventured to ask Elizabeth if she would play after dinner, and therefore was with Lizzy discussing which songs she would play. Their voices were light and soft, and so Edward gained little significant intelligence.
When Elizabeth did sit at the pianoforte, the song she played was Voi Che Sapete, an aria of Cherubino's. Darcy seemed to be mesmerised and enjoying her performance immensely, and Miss Darcy's "Will you not play again? You played that one so beautifully" implied that she too was pleased. Edward noticed that both of Bingley's sisters had not been so eager at the music (but then maybe the look of a sour lemon
Miss Darcy and Lizzy were again whispering quietly to each other, and their faces looked in the direction of Darcy. They were obviously earnestly speaking of him, and he looked startled in return. Edward was pleased that Lizzy was on such genial terms with Miss Darcy, as she was shy, and probably desirous and in need of a friend.
Elizabeth persuaded Miss Darcy to play after herself, and even before she was seated, Miss Bingley commenced with her catty tone of voice. She mentioned the removal of the _______ militia and hinted that "certain ladies found the society of Mr. Wickham..." but was unable to continue what she hoped would have been something to discompose Lizzy with, as Miss Darcy faltered and stopped playing as immediately as Wickham's name was mentioned. Elizabeth fairly ran to her side, and Miss Darcy started again.
In the time succeeding this, Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other in a way that can hardly be described, and returned each other's gazes with intensity. Lizzy's smile made her whole face radiant. The two were entranced by each other. Madeleine winked at her husband, and they looked elsewhere until Miss Darcy finished the symphony.
When that time approached, the Darcy's and Bingley led the Gardiner's and Lizzy to the carriage and attended to them. Then the solitary figure of Darcy watched them till the carriage went out of sight.
"Well, considering last night's introspections," Edward said to Madeleine as they walked to the church the next day while Lizzy remained back at the inn, "I believe that my sister will be able to announce the wedding of one of her daughters before the summer is through!"
Madeleine had little time to reply before John, a servant from the Inn, hurriedly came up to them saying that Miss Bennet required their immediate return to the Inn. He also mentioned that Mr. Darcy was there. The Gardiner's guessed that Lizzy must have been taken ill. He wondered if Mr. Darcy knew anything about it? It did seem rather strange. Did something he say cause Lizzy to become unwell?
With such thoughts as these in his head did Mr. Gardiner enter the Lambton Inn. Darcy was gone, and Elizabeth sat, tears streaming down her sobbing face, with a letter in her hand, about to fall. The Gardiner's knew that Lizzy had that morning received two letters from Jane, and seeing one in Lizzy's hand, he then assumed that Lizzy was not unwell, but rather she had received bad news from home. Only the worst kind of news would affect Lizzy so. Good God! What has happened?
Upon hearing of Lydia's elopement, Edward spared much of his concern for the family, for the question now was: If Darcy had heard about Lydia's disgraceful flight (and Lizzy tearfully admitted she told him), would he then still love Elizabeth as much as his behaviour of the past previous days had suggested?
Emily Gardiner being, the eldest of the four children bestowed on Edward and Madeleine Gardiner, was therefore the first child to greet their visitor for dinner, a Mr. Darcy. Emily had only seen Mr. Darcy for the first time little over a week ago, and he had been kept with, and talked only to her parents, but she was predisposed to like him; as, according to an unintentional eavesdropping, in which Mrs. Gardiner was the speaker, little Miss Gardiner found that he liked her cousin Lizzy very much indeed. Lizzy was one of Emily's favourite cousins (the only one she preferred more was Jane, but that was only slightly), so Emily was likely to esteem those who esteemed her cousin.
Emily was also pleased, on the day that Mr. Darcy arrived, because she had only just gone back into her own chamber, where her less-favoured cousin Lydia had been staying for the last few days. But yesterday Lydia was married, and the whole household seemed more settled. There was less crying from two-year-old Henry, and Mrs. Gardiner no longer sobbed when she thought no-one was around.
As of late, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had been troubled by something, but they were not alone. They had been troubled since their premature return from Derbyshire, but the Bennet's, Lizzy's and Jane's family, had been distressed even longer. Although never told, Emily had surmised it had something to do with the disappearance of Lydia.
Mr. Darcy began visiting shortly after Emily and her siblings returned from Longbourn to their home in Cheapside. When he came, he gave tidings that instilled relief in the faces of Emily's parents, which was another incentive procuring Emily's regard.
But today's visit was different. This time, for the first time, the Gardiner children would be properly introduced to Mr. Darcy, and he was to dine with the family.
Mr. Darcy was announced, and Emily and her brothers and sister assembled, in order of birth, next to their parents in preparation for the introduction, which Emily awaited keenly. Emily and her six-year-old sister Kate curtsied, and four-year-old Robert bowed, and Henry attempted to also bow without tipping over. Such a display of sweetness combined with the well-bred manners the little Gardiner's possessed, could not fail in delighting guests, no matter their age, disposition or rank, and Mr. Darcy was no exception.
It was a family meal, rather informal; Henry's meal looked unappealing, but he savoured what little he did eat, while the remaining portions of it were scattered around his bowl, chair and face. Emily was thankful that Henry wasn't so messy as he usually was, and was surprised that he didn't cry and make a fuss about Darcy's presence - he normally did with strangers, but Mr. Darcy, it seemed, was different.
Robert, as usual, refused to eat his peas, as they always fell off before they reached his mouth, and he disliked their taste. Kate and Emily behaved as perfect little ladies, neglecting neither their peas nor their table manners.
As an inquisitive eight-year-old, Emily wished to hear as much about anything as she could, and consequently eagerly listened to Mr. Darcy's and her parent's conversation. Emily added to her knowledge that Mr. Darcy had a sister that he never tired speaking of, and a very grand house that her parents and Lizzy had been to in Derbyshire. Lizzy was mentioned frequently, and Emily found Mr. Darcy wasn't married (but she had a suspicion he wanted to be), and that he felt welcome here, in a place full of love - more welcome than he could feel at any of the grandest townhouses on Mayfair.
Emily noted that in much of the conversation, her parents were smiling each other, with some glances conveying slight winks; while Mr. Darcy looked wistfully around him, with an air of solitary loneliness.
The dinner over, the usual storytime hour commenced. Henry toddled over to Darcy, tugged at his waistcoat and said, "Book?"
Being a child of a few more words in his vocabulary, Robert explained that it was time for a storybook before they went to sleep. "Would you read one to us?" he asked.
Kate backed him up saying, "Please Mr. Darcy sir, for papa is busy and mama is tired."
Emily saw that Darcy was a little unsure, and her parents were amused at the idea, so she encouraged him by saying, "This one's Kate's favourite. Surely you could not read it any worse than Mary. That reminds me to beg that you will not read it as though we were at church. That's how Mary reads."
The corners of Darcy's mouth began to twitch, and he gave his assent. He sat back on the sofa, and was immediately joined by the four children. Henry claimed Darcy's lap, Robert the floor by his feet, and Kate took Darcy's right side, and Emily his left. There was little room left for the storybook.
Emily had chosen Kate's favourite book because it contained an illustration that looked remarkably like Lizzy.
"Look! Is Izzy." Henry pointed to the picture and looked up expectantly at Darcy.
"Uh.... yes," a surprised Darcy replied.
"Are you ack-wain-ted with Aunt Lizzy?" Robert asked Darcy.
But before he could respond, Kate had said to her brother that "Lizzy's not our aunt, Robbie. Lizzy's our cuzzin. Mr. um, Mr. What's-your-name, can you now read us the Lizzy Book?"
"Why do you call it the Lizzy Book?" Darcy couldn't help asking.
"Well," Kate said, hands on her tiny hips, in a pose similar to that of her cousin Lizzy, "This book has lots of pictures that look just like Lizzy, so this is Lizzy's story."
Emily added, "Some of the story is a bit like Lizzy's life, but it's different at the ending, because Lizzy's not married and living happily ever after like the book says."
"Are you married?" Robert asked.
"No" Mr. Darcy answered, and he looked quite sad and lonely as he said this.
"You can marry Lizzy!" Kate piped up. "You're nice, she'll like you." Darcy looked even more dispirited.
"Are you Lizzy's handsome prince?" Robert asked, as Henry joined "Lizzy's Prince."
Darcy looked so emotionally unstable by now that Emily attempted to spare him by changing the subject. "Henry, Robbie, would you like to show Mr. Darcy your toy soldiers? I'm sure he'd like to see them." The two youngsters scuttled off.
Kate followed, saying excitedly, "I'm going to show him my dolly!"
Darcy looked wistfully after the children, most especially Kate, for she was a splitting image of Lizzy at that age. Emily took more after Jane's fair complexion. She also shared some of Jane's sweetness of temper and goodness. She disliked the idea of anyone in any distress or pain, and so felt especially caring towards Darcy. He had evidently not been at ease in the past few months.
"Mr. Darcy" she softly spoke "Do not be so sad. I know you like Lizzy. Go and visit her. She needs to know you if she is to love you in return. Please, do smile again." Emily was astounded at what she said. She could scarce believe an eight-year-old could give advice to someone so many years her senior. Mr. Darcy seemed likewise stunned.
"Thank you," he managed, before Emily's siblings returned and claimed his attention.
"Look," cried Henry. "My toy!"
"Shh, Henry," Robert whispered. "Mama and Papa will hear, and we'll have to go to bed."
"Sorry" he replied loudly.
"Shhh," returned Kate and Robert.
"Oh dear," said Robert, as his mother came in, and told the children they were being much too noisy, and that it was time for Henry's sleep.
"Goodnight," yawned Henry, and he followed Mrs. Gardiner to the nursery. As Kate and Robert seemed disinterested in the continuation of the story, Emily placed it in the bookshelf.
All too soon the evening came to an end for Emily, and she was shuffled off to bed as the farewells to Mr. Darcy were in occurrence.
When Emily said her customary goodnight prayer, she added an additional one for Darcy, hoping that soon he would be married to Lizzy, and happy.
Lady Catherine Regina de Bourgh, the excessively attentive owner of the illustrious Rosings Park, in the fair county of Kent (that would be even fairer were some of it's inhabitants less alive), had been a widow for many years, but before that time, she had given birth to a child, christened Anne. The fact that she had not produced a male heir brought no concern to Her Ladyship. The estate would be passed to Anne, as the noble line of de Bourgh had previously had female ancestors (indeed, it would be impossible to continue had there not been females) that had the estate passed to them.
Anne was not beloved by Lady Catherine, but her existence did mean that she was not alone in the great house. Anne had reached her eighteenth year, and though not out (her sickliness - so different from Lady Catherine's strong, domineering and robust health - prevented it), Catherine was not far from deciding that it was about time her daughter was formally engaged.
Anne had never so much as whispered a word in regard to marriage, or who she would wish to marry, but that was of no concern, for her husband had already been chosen by Lady Catherine. He was to be her sisters' only son Fitzwilliam Darcy.
The engagement was of an unusual sort - there and been nor proposal or acceptance, but the union had been settled by Lady Catherine since her daughters birth, when the young Mr. Darcy was a youth of ten. She firmly believed that Lady Anne and her husband had according wishes for future nuptials, though she could not recall their actually saying so. But that, too, was of no consequence, for if Lady Catherine said it would be, it would be. She could brook no opposition; her word was law.
But there really was no hurry for the marriage to occur, because both involved parties knew what was expected of them (or at least she thought they knew what was expected of them), and Lady Catherine had nothing but the utmost faith that in time, the event would occur.
Lady Catherine paraded regally about the house, checking that the servants were doing as they ought, and that her chimneypieces (I say chimneypieces, for she had several ;) ), but most especially the chimneypiece in the small summer breakfast room (which alone cost 600 pounds), had not a speck of dust, and was performing it's duty.
Later that day Mr. Collins was expected to come. He provided Lady Catherine with the praise and officious diligence she deserved, and so was often invited - and he never refused, always coming. Often he brought his (long-suffering) wife, who Lady Catherine thought was a very plain girl, but didn't mind her, as she knew her post, and would never act above herself or impertinently.
"Humph" Lady Catherine sniffed. Elizabeth Bennet. Whenever the word 'impertinent' was mentioned or thought, it was always followed by those two words. Elizabeth Bennet.
Her Ladyship had taken an almost instantaneous (and irrevocable) dislike to that girl she had initially described as prettyish. But after hearing her speak, Lady Catherine's mind was changed. She was quite glad that Mr. Collins had not married her - she would never have approved. She hoped no one would ever marry her, leaving her a penniless spinster. It was even more likely now, as her younger sister had eloped, and who would condescend to connect themselves with such a family?
She was therefore surprised (and shocked indeed) when Mr. Collins came with the news that the eldest Miss Bennet was engaged - to one of Darcy's friends. He must be out of his MIND! Was he not aware of the elopement? Heaven and earth! And such an absurd man is my Darcy's friend?! It should not be! Why can he not have friends who are like his relatives?
But that piece of news was nothing in comparison to the next. It shocked Lady Catherine to the core. She heard it through Mr. Collins' obsequious rambling... "My dear Charlotte, olive-branch expecting as she is, had nevertheless said that she thought Mr. Darcy would be the next to leave the family. Your noble nephew Mr. Darcy, it seems, is attracted to my fair cousin Elizabeth, whom your Ladyship so condescendingly invited to often come to Rosings (a great honour indeed) when she stayed with us last spring. That would be such a fortunate alliance for my fair cousin, I flatter myself that your Ladyship and I are of one mind?"
Lady Catherine was struck dumb for an instant (though some will argue this was her permanent state of mind, I am speaking of speech patterns) and her face looked as it never has, nor never will again, so unique were the features of her physiognomy. It certainly was a sight to be seen, and would be nigh impossible to replicate.
She turned all manner of colours - white, red, green and purple, and kept opening and closing her mouth, still unable to speak. I told you it was a sight to be seen. Then she started.
"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?" she screamed, jumping out of her chair (which bore a remarkable resemblance to a throne).
"ELIZABETH BENNET AND FITZWILLIAM DARCY ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!"
Mr. Collins could only nod, as now he was the dumb one (but we already knew that, for that is his normal state of mind. Would that it were a speaking pattern too, so that we needn't hear him go on and on and on.....)
"NEVER!!!!!!!!!!! It is NOT to be borne! No indeed! Never! I should rather die! (if only ;) ) I will never permit it! How abominable! How dare she! That hussy! It is NOT to be borne!"
Lady Catherine continued ranting and raving for quite a while. She discontinued after realising that the Collinses had mysteriously disappeared, and Anne was gone too. Poor Anne. She must be terribly distressed. But wait! it is impossible that this Miss Bennet can marry my Darcy. It must be a scandalous falsehood. It must.... It is!!! It has to be!! Mr. Collins wouldn't know what he was on about - the nincompoop. He is mistaken. It is all a conjectural nonsense. Hmph.
It was not too difficult for her to reconcile herself to that. All she would have to do would be to take a turn about the room. It would be very refreshing, and set her back at ease.
But before the turn about the room was completed, Lady Catherine's attention was drawn to a white piece of parchment on a table. It was a letter. "I have not seen this yet. Who is it from?" Turning the letter over, Lady Catherine saw the broken Darcy seal, and her niece Georgiana's writing. The letter was an affirmative reply to her annual stay at Rosings in January. "Ah good. I look forward to the dear girl's coming."
After reading the next paragraph of the epistle though, her Ladyship was by no means so keen.
Georgiana wrote to Anne (for that was whom the letter was addressed to) saying that she had met Miss Bennet and found her charming. She put that her brother thought so too. At the end was a plea that Aunt Catherine didn't get to see this letter.
Noooooo!!!!!! Collins spoke the truth! It IS no conjecture! Even Georgiana believes it. I am doomed. That wench! She will be the ruination of the family! But Anne! SHE must marry him - not that girl!
Lady Catherine was left seething with rage. She immediately resolved to go to Hertfordshire to makethat girl (she now refused to utter her name) break off the engagement. Then all these terrible suspicions she was having would be either taken away.... or magnified. She could only hope that everyone else's suspicions were ill-founded and wrong. They had to be, for Fitzwilliam Darcy didn't love Elizabeth Bennet, did he?
Mr. Thomas Bennet, who, for the past forty years of his life never been known by any other name than Mr. Bennet, had endured an unhappy marriage for over half this span of time, and as a result of this union had been blessed with five children, but, to both his wife's and his own chagrin, none were male. Daughters were normally never of so much consequence to a father as a son, but Mr. Bennet had no choice but to ignore this. One daughter, his second, Elizabeth, was his especial one - his pride.
But his pride was at quite an eligible age to marry, and he had no wish to lose her to another, but if she was truly in love with someone, he didn't think he'd have the heart to refuse his consent. But until she found a man she truly looked up to as her superior, he wanted her to stay at Longbourn, for, with Jane engaged to be married, she would leave, and Lizzy would remain as the only sensible companion for Mr. Bennet in his family.
As far as he knew, Lizzy was entirely his own, though she had been considerably less at ease of late, since her return from Derbyshire, but even more so since his youngest, Lydia, and her husband had left for the North. Mr. Bennet knew not what to make of it as he sat pondering the situation in his library, the room where he spent most of his life.
The post arrived, and Mr.. Bennet ceased his reflections, to read a letter from his cousin, William Collins. The first part, a congratulations on the engagement of his eldest, was sifted through eventually, as what would have sufficed in length was tripled, and Mr. Bennet was about to toss the letter away for sheer boredom, when a section caught his notice most penetratingly.
The message was as follows:
'Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet after her sister has resigned it; and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land. This young gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar was, with everything the heart of mortal can most desire - splendid property, noble kindred and extensive patronage. Yet, in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this gentleman's proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of. My motive for cautioning you is this :-- We have reason to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.'
"Goodness me! 'Tis Mr. Darcy!" Mr. Bennet spluttered. He could scarce believe what he was reading, and was absolutely incredulous. "Well that just caps the globe!"
At first he had been reading with wonderment, but now it was with unmasked amazement. But as he read it for the fourth, or fifth time, gradually his understanding sunk in, and he began to think of the possible likelihood of his Lizzy marrying Mr. Darcy.
Well, firstly, she professed to have an intense dislike for him originally, yet she danced with him at the Netherfield Ball. Then, when he had been with Mr. Gardiner searching for traces of Lydia, Edward had mentioned that when in Derbyshire with his wife and Elizabeth, they had been treated with great hospitality by the Darcys, particularly by Mr. Darcy. "Lizzy and he seemed to get on rather well with each other, only they were both apparently nervous about something" he had said, but Mr. Bennet had to confess he hadn't really been listening well enough for anything to register - he had been too concerned for Lydia at the time.
Additionally, when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy returned to Netherfield, Lizzy had seemed most uncheerful at the dinner in which the Netherfield men were guests; and was constantly looking over at her mother. This in itself was not a particularly regular occurrence. Mr. Bennet then recalled that Mr. Darcy had been placed next to Mrs. Bennet. Perhaps this then was why Lizzy kept glancing in that direction?
In continuing recollections of that evening; when Elizabeth had been pouring coffee, she had seemed rather pre-occupied, and had, apparently, little patience for anyone desiring coffee - except Mr. Darcy! She had even spoken to him, where she had not to any other, and Mr. Darcy did stand by her for several minutes.
Mr. Bennet had surprised himself at the memory of his observations, which held little significance... until now. Another observation of Elizabeth he had made of late, was that often, when looking at the blissful Jane & Mr. Bingley, her eyes were wistful. Was she, at these times, thinking of Darcy?
But perhaps the most telling observation was seeing Elizabeth's state after Lady Catherine de Bourgh had made an abrupt visit. If Lady Catherine so vehemently opposed the match, did she perhaps come to Longbourn to tell Lizzy so? It seemed likely.
Mr. Bennet decided that before he made any hasty decisions regarding Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, he would observe Lizzy's reaction to what he read of Mr. Collins' letter regarding the match.
What he saw only served to further support his suspicions. She coloured and blushed throughout, and appeared most embarrassed, and at times, mortified. He teased her throughout, and as a result, her face could only give a slight, small, false smile. When he finished reading, he commenced rambling about Mr. Darcy and how improbable it was that he could never be attracted to her. Lizzy's face betrayed that never before had she heard her father's wit directed in such a disagreeable manner to her.
Mr. Bennet was disheartened at his daughter's apparent unease with him; but he was in such a mood as refused him to give up until he had extracted as much information from her as he could.
"But Lizzy," said he, "You look as if you have not enjoyed Mr. Collins' conjectures. You are not going to be missish, I hope, and affronted at such an idle report.
"But it is so strange!" Lizzy attempted an unsuccessful laugh.
"Yes, that's what makes it amusing. His perfect indifference, and your pointed dislike" (she flinched and looked pained) "make it so delightfully absurd. And pray, Lizzy, what said lady Catherine about this report? Did she call to refuse her consent?"
A quick gasp assured him he had been exceedingly close to the mark. Elizabeth laughed when it looked like she was about to cry, and Mr. Bennet let his teasing come to an end, and so excused her.
Mr. Bennet sighed. "I was right" he breathed. "But if he is not worthy of her... I must refuse my consent if I am able. And yet, if my Lizzy is truly in love with him, I cannot do anything but wish her happy. Oh Lizzy! Do not marry for anything but love. Riches are nothing without love, and don't fall for beauty as I foolishly did once. It does fade, where love, true love, will remain."
Almost the next day, Mr. Darcy returned from London, whence he had been, and Mrs. Bennet told her husband, "...that horrid Mr. Darcy accompanied Kitty, Lizzy, and Jane and darling Mr. Bingley on a walk..."
"I would no longer think such of Mr. Darcy, madam, for I believe that..."
"I do not care what you believe, Mr. Bennet, for I am resolved to dislike Mr. Darcy until I die."
Mr. Bennet almost felt sorry for Darcy, being so abominably thought of, especially if he was to become part of the family, to be so disliked by his possible mother-in-law. "But then Fanny has never been sensible, and usually those she esteems are not either, or have a disreputable character. Take that cad Wickham for an example. Perhaps, then, as Darcy is not highly thought of by her, he might actually be sensible company" Mr. Bennet began, when safely in the library. Lately, at every opportunity, he tried to reconcile himself to the match, if that was what his Lizzy really wanted.
When Lizzy returned much later that evening, she and Mr...Darcy had been supposedly missing for a few hours, as everyone else had returned quite some time ago. Though not normally suspicious by nature, Mr. Bennet was very suspicious, especially when Jane's question about where she had been was answered with a blush, or rather, several blushes.
But still Mr. Bennet appeared as unsuspicious as all the others at the dinner table were. Mr. Darcy's rarely seen good humour was present, and Elizabeth herself looked as though she had recently been happy, and now meant to be so, but, each time she looked at her mother and sisters (Jane excluded), she looked ill at ease. But whenever she happened to glance toward Mr. Darcy, which was bordering on quite intolerably often, her lip was not being bitten in agitation - nay, her vivacious dark eyes sparkled and she smiled and blushed.
"No wonder he looks at her like that" Mr. Bennet surmised. Though his eldest, Jane, was considered as gorgeous as a goddess, to Mr. Bennet, there was something about Lizzy, that made him (and Mr. Darcy too, it seemed) regard her beauty as equal to her sister's. Her eyes were, indeed, as fine as they were captivating - and certainly Mr. Darcy seemed to have fallen for her charms, no matter how hard he tried to mask it. But the masking was successful for most of the party - and apparent to the one most concerned.
The evening did, eventually, come to an end, though when he asked his lady as to the whereabouts of Lizzy the next morning, he found she was out walking with Mr. Darcy - alone.
"I told Lizzy to go to Oakham Mount. It's a long walk, and Mr. Bingley, happily, can be rid of his odious, tiresome, dreadful friend. I told poor Lizzy that I was most vexed that she had to endure his company, and that she need not trouble herself by talking to him. I said that it was for dear Jane's sake. And Lizzy said she'd manage somehow. But oh, she did look so vexingly at me, and I nearly felt pity for her, all alone with that hateful, disagreeable..."
All alone with.... "Enough Mrs. Bennet. No more, I beg of you" Mr. Bennet wasn't sure whether he'd prefer to smile or cry.
Lizzy and Mr. Darcy returned from their walk in the afternoon, both were in such high spirits that Mrs. Bennet even commented that "for once in his life, Mr. Darcy was smiling. Whatever could have caused such an unusual occurrence?"
Mr. Bennet was certain he did not wish to find out the cause - he wanted to keep his beloved Elizabeth at home, especially as Jane was to be going so soon... "But what," he considered "if my Lizzy was also to leave me? What poor company I should keep!"
But despite the threat of living only with insensible, silly creatures, Mr. Bennet knew that his selfish motive for wishing to keep Lizzy would give way if the result ensured her happiness. "And if Mr. Darcy is the key to Lizzy's joy, I shall not be able to just refuse him. But if he does come for my consent, I will only give it him if I am certain that's what my Lizzy so desires." Mr. Bennet thought as he retired to his library that evening.
A minute later, there was a knock at the library door. Mr. Bennet held open the door, and Mr. Darcy stepped in. "Mr. Bennet" he began, and then proceeded by asking for Mr. Bennet's consent to his marrying Elizabeth; therefore bringing all suspicions to an end - As the affection on both sides was now; indeed; the truth.
~ The End ~