Beginning, Section II
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Chapter Ten
"Mrs. Collins, can I have a moment of private conversation with you?" asked Fitzwilliam, entering the drawing room of Charlotte's house on the morning of the ball at Netherfield. He could go on like this no longer. He had to talk. He had to speak, to voice what was in his heart. And Mrs. Collins was the right person. It's been a long time now, since his heart was heavy. It was heavy with thoughts and decisions to be made. He didn't know what to think or how to react. What he knew, as a man of action was that he had to make a decision. Yet, he couldn't do it. Not alone. Not himself. He wondered how Darcy could do it twice. How Bingley could? If they could - Fitzwilliam reasoned - I can as well. But how?! Finally, he decided, he had to go to Mrs. Collins.
"Yes, of course, Colonel. Please, sit down."
He did as she asked but then got up, paced the room, stopped at the mantelpiece, turned to the surprised Mrs. Collins, returned to his seat and blurred:
"Do you think I should propose to Maxine Smythe?"
To tell the truth, Charlotte was in the state of shock.
"What?" cried Charlotte but bringing herself to control said: "I am sorry, it was a bit unexpected." No - cried her heart don't do it!
"It is I who is sorry. I shouldn't have asked. But my mind is so confused. I don't know what to say. What to do?"
"Please, calm down, Colonel. You must do what your heart tells you."
Why am I saying it? Why can't I just tell him how much I care for him? Why can't he love me? Why has no one ever loved me?
"So I should marry her?"
Before Charlotte could respond, he continued:
"You see, I cannot tell. She is amiable. She is beautiful. She is intelligent. Why am I telling it to you? You know it."
No, I don't and I don't want to know anything about it wanted to call Charlotte.
"And she always knows what I would want..."
You've told me that before she bellowed in her heart.
"But you see, I think that it is expected of me to propose, and yet I don't know if that is what I want, and if I don't know what I want now, then how will I know what I will want in the future. You know what I mean? And what if she will not be who I think she is. I mean I love her. I think so. But then life often proves different from our hopes. Just look at my Aunt Lady Catherine. She wasn't like that when she was young. I mean she was, but Pierre DeBourgh didn't know it. My Mother always told stories how she used to pretend and hold her temper. What if Maxine is the same?"
"Then don't marry her." Replied Charlotte.
"But what if these are only my prejudices? What if I will hurt a sensitive, good soul?"
Charlotte simply looked at him intently without saying a word. Can't you see that you are hurting a sensitive, good soul, just now? - she thought
"Mrs. Collins, you are the only person who can help me. Mrs. Collins, you are wise and intelligent, help me." He said beggingly.
Why does he see nothing but a wise and intelligent woman? Silently whined Charlotte.
"Mrs. Collins, speak what you must. But please, speak."
"The most difficult thing in life is to regret. If you are ever to regret the fact that you missed your chance for happiness with Maxine Smythe then it is better that you use your opportunities now." She said slowly.
"You mean that I should ask her?"
"Yes." She stated firmly but her inside was torn into pieces.
"Thank you, Mrs. Collins." He bowed in good-bye, "And wish me luck." He joked as if nervous. His life was to be decided tonight at the ball. If all goes well, he'll be engaged. In week's time, when he will be relieved of command of the regiment, he'll go London to arrange everything and then he and his bride - Mrs. Maxine Fitzwilliam - will go to Scotland, where his duties called him.
Chapter Eleven
"Charlotte, what happened?" exclaimed Mary Bennet arriving at Charlotte's house, half an hour later.
"Oh Mary! I am so unhappy!" sobbed Charlotte.
"Charlotte, what on Earth is the matter?"
"It's the Colonel."
"What about him?"
"He is going to marry Maxine Smythe."
Mary was speechless.
"Oh Mary, why does it have to hurt so much? Why?"
"Charlotte, how do you know it?"
"He told me a few minutes ago."
"He told you that he proposed to her, and that she accepted?"
"He asked me if I think, he should marry her."
"What? He came here? To ask you? What kind of man is he?"
"The one I am in love with." Wept Charlotte.
"Shhhh, hush, Charlotte, darling. Everything is going to be all right."
"How can it be all right, if he is marrying another woman."
"Hush, Charlotte. They are not married yet. She may refuse him."
"Mary, you don't believe what you are saying."
On the contrary thought Mary, but not wanting to give hope to Charlotte, she refrained from saying anything further. Instead she called the housekeeper and instructed her to put Mrs. Collins to bed.
Mary Bennet had a plan that had to be completed without delay.
Descending from the carriage, Mary Bennet asked to be shown into Maxine's parlour. It was improper to pay a visit on a day of the ball, but this was simply too important.
"Maxine, I have come to talk to you. It is of great importance."
"Good God, what is the matter, Mary?"
"I wanted to tell you before, but there never seemed to be an occasion."
"What is it, Mary? You scare me."
"It's about Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"Tell me." Cried Maxine almost in terror.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam will not inherit a title."
"Mary, stop joking. You are mad. Your mother..."
"I know, Maxine but it is the truth. Richard Fitzwilliam is the younger son. His father died two years ago and his brother inherited the title of Earl of Matlock."
Maxine was pale. Almost white.
"He and his wife, Jean, have a son." Finished Mary.
"It can't be true... Your Mother... My Papa... they said... he was...was. Why... Mary, you are lying... it can't be the truth... you want to ruin me..." Maxine was hysterical.
"No, Maxine. I wanted to tell you earlier. But you never let me."
"So it is my fault now!"
"Calm down, Maxine. It is the truth. Ask Henry, when he comes this afternoon. He'll tell you." Mary got up to leave. Her job was done. She wished she did it earlier.
With a heavy heart, Mary was returned to Charlotte's house. It had been four hours since Charlotte told her about the Colonel. She knew, Charlotte would need comforting and that there was no one to give it to her but Mary. She felt anger when she thought about what the Colonel did. "Men are so insensitive!" murmured Mary.
"How is Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Grouse?" asked she, when the housekeeper opened the door.
"She is in her room, ma'am."
"Has she eaten anything?"
"No, she does not answer me."
"I see. I will try to talk with her."
"Very well, ma'am. If you need anything, please call."
"I will." Said Mary and walked up the stairs. She knocked on the door.
"Charlotte, it's me, Mary. Can I come in?"
There was silence.
"Charlotte, please. You shouldn't be alone, now. Let's talk. It will do you good."
"Last time we talked, it brought me no good." Sobbed Charlotte.
"Charlotte, open the door, please. We can't talk like this. We are friends, remember?" Mary knew that what she was doing was beneath her, but she had to get Charlotte out of the mood, she got into.
There was silence and then Mary heard Charlotte steps. She unlocked the door and returned to bed. Mary went in and closing the door behind herself, she sat on the bed next to lying Charlotte.
"Charlotte, you cannot..."
"I was so stupid. It is my fault!"
"What is your fault?" asked Mary astonished.
"I should have never believed in what you said!"
"Charlotte,..."
"Don't Charlotte me! Or rather do! I am the stupid, plain Charlotte and I will always be so. Nothing will ever change!" cried Charlotte.
"That's not true. And you know it. You are great Charlotte!"
"Stop it Mary! Don't lie! I am not great! I am pathetic and that's what the truth is!"
"No, Charlotte! It is you who should stop!"
"It's all my fault." Whined Charlotte, relapsing into sobbing.
"What is your fault?"
"I should have chased him. I should have used 'women's arts'. I should have told him, he shouldn't propose to Maxine because I love him."
"Charlotte, stop self-whipping yourself. It does no good."
"But it is my fault."
"No, Charlotte."
"I should have done what they all do."
"They? Who?"
"Other women. He would propose to me now and not to Maxine."
"In fact, I cannot understand why a sensible man like the Colonel is proposing to Maxine Smythe who is empty inside. If he admires Elizabeth so much, why not choose someone alike." Wondered Mary aloud, changing the topic slightly.
"Because there is not another Elizabeth!" replied Charlotte.
"Maybe, but there are many sensible women who resemble Elizabeth in a way."
"Yes, and now, you are going to tell me that I am an example of those women. I've had enough of it. Now, you'd better go and prepare for the ball."
Mary looked at her sadly but did not move.
"I will despair a little about myself and return to the normal Charlotte, everyone knows and loves. We shall see soon." Said Charlotte bitterly.
"In fact, tonight." Replied Mary.
"No, Mary. I am not coming. I am tired and in no mood. Excuse me in front of Sir Gordon. Say I was suddenly taken ill or make something up."
Mary did not try to argue. There was no point. Maybe, just maybe, her luck would change thought Mary, giving Charlotte a kiss in the chin and leaving the room.
Chapter Twelve
"She refused me." Stated the Colonel matter-of-factly, when Charlotte, a bit disheveled, entered the parlour. It was quite late and he knew he has crossed every boundary of propriety, but this was a matter of great importance. He had come straight from the ball at Netherfield and he had forced his way into Mrs. Collins's house to speak with her. On seeing Charlotte, his thoughts were suddenly distracted: "How she looks in her night-gown or better without it!"
"What?!" he was woken up by Charlotte's voice.
He stared incredulously at her.
"I am sorry. I ... I... it is my fault... I am so sorry..."
"I am sorry. How is your health, Madame?" called the Colonel.
"Better."
"She simply refused me! Maxine Smythe refused me." Cut in the Colonel.
"Oh, Colonel, I feel responsible. I was the one who advised you. I was the one who encouraged you. I, as a woman, should have guessed that Miss Smythe was not keen on you. I blame myself..."
Her monologue was suddenly breached by laughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam was laughing like he has never laughed in his life.
Charlotte's eyes filled with tears. What was she to do?
Seeing Charlotte's face, the Colonel stopped and looked at her sincerely:
"My dear Mrs. Collins, it is not like that. You mustn't blame yourself. I asked for your advice, but it was always my decision. It was and still is my life and I take every responsibility for it. Maxine Smythe refused me. I came here to talk. You are my best friend, someone I can confide in. I wanted to talk to you about my feelings." He looked at her intently, but she was looking away, as though hiding from his stare. "I felt strange when she thanked me for my assurances but replied in negative." He began again. "I always thought that if I was refused, I would despair, felt distraught but it was not so. In fact, I felt certain lightness. Can you imagine? It was lightness around my heart. I am afraid to say it, but I was... I was relieved." He paused. "The moment Maxine Smythe said: "I am afraid I cannot accept your assurances." my heart leapt, but it was a leap of joy. Can you comprehend it? I was happy. As if I was wishing she said 'no'. Is there something wrong with me?" he asked as if waiting for her answer but it did not come.
"Why should I be happy about a woman refusing my hand?" he asked rhetorically.
Charlotte's gaze was fixed on the floor.
The room was filled with silence.
"I don't know." Muttered he and addressed Charlotte:
"I should go. Do not distress yourself. There is no fault on your side. I will be fine, too. Please excuse my late call. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Mustered to reply Charlotte and the Colonel left.
Charlotte Collins was left with her thoughts. She, too, felt a heavy burden fall off her shoulders. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was still free and that thought was good enough for Charlotte to sleep peacefully that night.
A Week Later
Dear Mrs. Collins,I am already on my way to London as you read this. I should have called in person, but the matters concerning change in command over the regiment took more time than expected yesterday, and I reluctantly resigned myself to writing a farewell letter. Thank you for all the help you have given me. I would not have come out as I did without your guidance.
Yours &c.
PS. I have just received this from London. I had hoped to give it to you in person but circumstances proved different. Please accept it as a token of friendship. RDF
Charlotte opened a box, which came with the letter. It was a miniature by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Tears rolled down her cheeks: "Why can't we be more than just good friends?"
Chapter Thirteen
Next Summer
"Oh, Mr. Bennet! God has been very good to us. All our daughters married. Even Mary!" called Mrs. Bennet when the carriage with the newlyweds rolled off. Her husband said nothing but turned to Charlotte Collins:
"I hope you shall never remarry, my dear Charlotte or I will lose the last bit of sense I still have here."
Charlotte smiled faintly - No, she was never to remarry - She was Charlotte Collins nee Lucas, who was the plain girl in the county. The past Spring was the worst time of her life. Even the first Spring of her marriage was better. Better because she was in control of the situation. During the first weeks, she woke up every day hoping Richard Fitzwilliam would come back. Then she resolved to wishing he would write, right now, she was slowly growing used to the idea that he would neither write nor come and that she, Charlotte, would have to go on with her life without any hope for happiness with Richard Darcy Fitzwilliam.
"Charlotte, I am so happy that you are coming with us to Pemberley." Said Elizabeth Darcy approaching Charlotte.
"So am I." Replied Charlotte smiling delicately.
Elizabeth looked at her as if understanding. The previous night Mary came to her sister to speak:
"Lizzy, it's good that you and Fitzwilliam are taking Charlotte with you."
"I'm happy about it as well. It will be just as in the old times, when Charlotte and I were girls in Hertfordshire." Smiled Elizabeth.
"I'm sure." Replied Mary. She didn't like the old times. "But it's not only that. I meant the Colonel thing."
"I guessed that much. Poor Charlotte, she doesn't have luck in love."
"I always imagined our talk about it. And I always thought you would say something like: 'She's paying now for her marriage of convenience.'"
"Do you judge me that bad?" laughed Elizabeth.
"No, never, I just always thought that you could not forgive Charlotte her marriage with Collins."
"I could not at first. I thought it was the most stupid thing she could do, but then I learnt to accept it. It was her life, her choice."
"True. But coming back to the Colonel. Have you heard anything from him?" asked Mary.
"He wrote to Mr. Darcy. The letter was rather sober and Mr. Darcy was even considering going to London to meet his Cousin, but in his next letter, the Colonel wrote that he is traveling to Scotland. He then sent us a few letters, but none of them brought anything new."
"Charlotte is still very much in love with him."
"I know. I'll try to talk to her. Maybe we will able to interest her in someone else while in Derbyshire."
"I hope so."
Both sisters sat in silence.
"Go and get some sleep, Mary. You are to be a beautiful bride tomorrow." Laughed Elizabeth.
"I will. And thank you, Lizzy."
"Take care."
"I will, Sister. Wish me luck."
"You don't need it Mary. You will be very happy in your life. Six years ago, I would have never believed that you would turn out so wonderfully." Elizabeth hugged her sister and kissed her cheeks. "I wish you and Henry all the happiness the world can give."
"Thank you, Lizzy." The doors closed behind Mary.
"Have you finished chatting with your last unmarried sister? It is an event, isn't it? No more Misses Bennet. All of them 'nee Bennet' - a happy day for your mother." Said Fitzwilliam Darcy entering his wife's bedchamber via the second door.
"Do I hear sarcasm in your voice, dear? You've done your homework, I can see. Private tutor in person of my father?"
"You can call it so." Replied her husband, kissing Elizabeth's palms.
The Darcys arrived at Longbourn four weeks prior to Mary's wedding and were to leave the day after the wedding, taking Charlotte and William with them. They came without their children. Therefore their visit was shorter. Elizabeth was missing her little ones, already. The two older girls: Jane (after Mrs. Bingley), aged 4 and Rebecca (after Lady Matlock), aged 3 wanted to come, but Mr. Darcy decided against it, promising to take them along the next time. Bennet, aged 1, was still too small to travel.
"Darling," moaned Elizabeth, "I will be glad to be home in five days."
"So will I." Replied her husband, stroking his wife's head, lying on his chest.
Chapter Fourteen
An Inn in Lake District
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was lying alone in his room in the Inn. He was coming back from Scotland. He spent five long months there. Far in the North of Scotland, in Sutherland. His Uncle, on maternal side - 2nd Marquess of Stafford and 1st Duke of Sutherland - George Granville - did all in his power to cheer up his nephew but all in vain. Richard was in low spirits and worst of all he didn't know why. Although Scotland was wonderful, wide and undiscovered, the Colonel did not see its beauty. His duties were soon completed and he spent chief of his time in Dunrobin - his Uncle's castle. The heir of the House of Sutherland, Richard's cousin had recently married Lady Harriet Howard, who in Richard's eyes possessed little charms, although she was declared a beauty. Richard had warmer feelings for his other cousin, Lord Francis, yet even Francis could not encourage Richard to break away from his sober mood. He got up early, being unable to sleep, he wandered through the fields. He felt as if he was mourning something. Was it lost love? Did he love Maxine Smythe and his initial reaction was just a strange side effect while his true feelings remained undisclosed? There was this feeling of loss in his heart but he wasn't sure what he lost. In fact, he didn't know what he had lost and when it was. Walking down the corridor one day, he heard two maids chatting. One of them was telling the other a story of the ghost of Dunrobin.
"It was four hundred years ago. The wicked Earl of Sutherland captured a beautiful young girl from the Mackey Clan after a battle and locked her up in the haunted room, next to the night nursery. He wanted to marry her, but she refused him, and one night he came to her room to find her trying to escape down a rope of sheets. Enraged, he whipped out his sword and cut the rope, causing her to fall to her death at the foot of the tower. She is supposed to be heard weeping and wailing. Do you think the Colonel heard her? I heard his butler say, he cannot sleep at nights."
Richard smiled at the idle chatter. But then reflected that something did haunt him, though it wasn't the ghost of a young girl who found her death at the foot of the tower. It was his memories that haunted him. Or maybe not exactly the memory but emptiness. Yes, it was an emptiness of his life.
And then one day, Richard just knew that he had enough of Scotland. It was time to come back. So here he was in an Inn in the middle of Lake District, waiting for the dawn to begin so that he could continue his journey home.
Next Day, Pemberley
There was a knock on the door and the butler hurried to open it.
"Good day, sir." Greeted he the visitor at the door.
"Good day, Bates, my man. How are you?"
"Very well, thank you, sir. We had not expected you, sir."
"I know, Bates. Is the Family at home?"
"No, sir. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy went to Hertfordshire for Mrs. Darcy's sister's wedding."
"Of course, I have forgotten. It's already July. How that time flies!"
"Would you like me to take your belongings to your room, sir?"
"Yes, thank you, Bates. When are the Master and Mistress expected?"
"On the morrow, sir."
"Very well, indeed. I shall be happy to see my cousin. And where are my nieces and nephew?"
"In the nursery, sir."
"I shall go and greet them. Do you think you could prepare a bath for me, Bates."
"Very well, sir. It will be ready in half-an-hour."
"Thank you, Bates." Called Colonel Fitzwilliam and went towards the nursery.
The bath was indeed refreshing - thought the Colonel walking down the corridor towards the dining room where he was informed dinner was served. He walked down the stairs and the miniature table in the antechamber drew his attention. He stopped looking at the miniatures, especially that of his Aunt, the late Lady Anne Darcy by Sir Joshua Reynolds. He remembered Mrs. Collins and her passion for miniatures. Mrs. Collins, Charlotte Collins, Charlotte - yes, he should have written to her a long time ago. He received her letter, thanking him for the miniature but he did not answer her then. Charlotte was such a wonderful person, she understood him, and he felt good in her company. For a moment he thought he missed her, missed her advice, her smile. What was it in Charlotte that he liked so much? He couldn't state, he just did like everything about her.
Chapter Fifteen
Next Day, Afternoon, Pemberley
"Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, it is good to welcome you back in Pemberley."
"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds." Said Darcy and excused himself to talk to his steward, standing a little apart from the others but wearing an anxious expression on his face. It was probably about the new cows they invested. Darcy hoped they were fine.
"Mrs. Reynolds, may I present my dear friend, Charlotte Collins and her son, William. They will stay at Pemberley for some time." Said Elizabeth.
"It's a pleasure to welcome you in Pemberley, ma'am. And you too, Master William."
"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds." Replied Charlotte smiling.
"We have a visitor at Pemberley, ma'am." Said Mrs. Reynolds turning to Elizabeth.
"A visitor?"
"Yes, Colonel Fitzwilliam came rather unexpectedly yesterday."
"Where is he?" asked Elizabeth, slightly looking at Charlotte, who blushed furiously at first and then turned pale.
"I believe in the woods. He said he had an important letter to write." Elizabeth did not comment on that and instead said:
"Mrs. Reynolds, I shall take Mrs. Collins to her room. Please take William to the nursery."
"Very well, ma'am."
When Mrs. Reynolds and William disappeared, Elizabeth turned to Charlotte.
"Are you well?"
"Yes." Muttered Charlotte.
"Charlotte, everything is going to be all right."
Charlotte nodded.
"You have nothing to worry about. Let me take you to your room now. You probably would like a bit of rest. We shall have tea at five." Continued Elizabeth.
Tea Room, 5 p.m.
"Cousin Richard, you cannot imagine how happy I am to see you." Said Elizabeth, on entering the room where her husband and his cousin were waiting for the ladies to arrive for tea.
"My dear Mrs. Darcy, you look as beautiful as always or even better." Laughed the Colonel.
Elizabeth studied him for a while. Earlier, her husband came to her with a letter from Richard's mother - Lady Rebecca. It said:
Dear Nephew,I hope you and your family are well. I am writing to you because of Richard. He is staying in Scotland with my cousin - George Granville and his family. Cousin George wrote me a very worrying letter. Here is what he says: "Richard has been in low spirits ever since his arrival. We tried to cheer him up in every possible way. We took him to balls as much as it is possible in Scotland, we had many visitors, and we tried to occupy him with something so that he would not give in to melancholy, but it all came to naught. He was sad and did not respond to any of our efforts. I am at a loss and I don't know what to do. Maybe if we knew the cause of his state, something could be done. My wife suggested that his heart was broken, but to me it seemed as if he lost his place in the world. I truly don't know. Please advise me." Darcy, you are my only hope. Maybe Elizabeth and you could think about some way to bring the Richard we know back. I am at a loss. I knew he was in low spirits when he came back from Hertfordshire and at first I blamed Miss Smythe's refusal, but right now I don't think it is the case. I don't know what Hertfordshire does to men, first Bingley, then you, and now my Richard.
Yours &c.
Baring the letter in mind, Elizabeth asked at the Colonel:
"How was Scotland?"
"Beautiful, I suppose." He fell into silence.
"That is a short answer for a vast country like Scotland. Tell me how do you find your family and cousins. I believe Mr. Darcy told me lately that one of your cousins entered the state of matrimony?"
"Yes. He married Lady Harriet Howard of Carlisle Howards." He relapsed into silence again.
"I believe we met Lord Francis some years ago, didn't we my dear?" she turned to her husband with eyes full of demand that he would speak.
"Yes. Francis was always closer to you, Richard, wasn't he?"
"Yes."
"Was it some sort of younger son's solidarity?" continued Darcy. His spirits were lifted when his steward told him that the cows were fine, and that the mills across the river that he was interested in buying had come on sale just a day before his arrival to Pemberley. He had already instructed his steward to buy them.
Richard did not manage to reply as the door opened and Charlotte Collins came in.
"Charlotte, we were waiting for you." Called Elizabeth. "You do remember Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
"Of course." Charlotte's voice was failing.
"Mrs. Collins!" exclaimed the Colonel smiling broadly, "I have been thinking of you this morning. How are you?" Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged glances.
"Very well, thank you, Colonel. And you?"
"Never better. Never better. It was such a long time since we've seen each other."
"Yes, it must be six months at least." Replied Charlotte.
"It's more than six months. We have not seen each other since the night of the ball at Netherfield, and it was the 10th of December!"
Elizabeth almost choked hearing his reply. "Just like Bingley's words in Lambton Inn all those years ago." She thought.
"Yes, you must be right."
"Shall we have some tea?" asked Elizabeth.
Everyone sat down and the tea was served. The conversation flew easily. And neither Elizabeth nor Darcy could notice any signs of Richard's sadness or melancholy. The Colonel seemed in want of knowing of everything that happened in Hertfordshire and about how Charlotte and William were doing. At first Charlotte seemed rather tensed but she eased up with time and by dinnertime she was animated and her cheeks flashed.
Chapter Sixteen
On the next morning, Richard met Mrs. Collins together with William wandering around the garden of Pemberley:
"Uncle Richard!" exclaimed William who hadn't seen Richard the previous day.
"Hello, Master William. How are you doing?"
"Very well, thank you. Did you kill a lot of enemies?"
"Fortunately not. There is no more war, William." The boy looked disappointed. "But I can tell you how I was hunting for a bear in Scotland."
"Please do!" The boy's eyes sparkled.
Richard sat on the bench next to where Charlotte was sitting and took William onto his lap and started telling his story.
"There was a whole party of us. All with dogs. It was early morning. We let the dogs go and waited. We had a great hunter with us - Sir Gerard. He knelt down and listened to the ground. He could hear every thump, even a leaf fall down. Suddenly he said in half voice: "Yes! yes!" We waited, and suddenly one of the dogs cried then the second then all of them. The hunters divided to search the wood. I was standing on the verge of the wood and then I saw that bear. It was huge and his mouth was full of blood. He was crying terribly, roaring and all I knew was that there is no one else around me but my cousin Francis and one of his men. The bear began to close, we had no chance of shooting, so we had to run away. The bear's heavy paw hit Francis's man and right then I saw Sir Gerard with his flint. He shot and what a shot it was. It hit the bear right between the eyes."
"Colonel, you had luck. It was a great danger, you were in." Said Charlotte.
"I admit it was close but a military man must get accustomed to dangers."
"But still you should not endanger yourself unnecessarily. I could not have..." she wanted to say: I could not have bared if something happened to you. But the words stopped in her throat. She looked at the Colonel blushing slightly.
"So Sir Gerard killed that bear with one shot." Called William absolutely amazed after hearing such a story.
"Yes, he did."
"Are there many bears in England?"
"In England no, but in some parts of Scotland, there are."
"Then I shall go to Scotland and kill a bear."
"First you have to grow up." Laughed Richard.
From the window of her bedroom, Elizabeth was looking at the whole scene. Maybe, just maybe, Charlotte was the person to bring Richard out of his mood.
The days passed and Richard and Charlotte spent the chief part of their time in each other's company. To the Darcys it seemed that Richard could have never been anything else. He was smiling and in good mood. He laughed often and not once did they see him with a melancholic face. To Richard himself it seemed a miracle. Charlotte's company was all he could desire. He told her stories of the army and Scotland. She old him of her life and William's bringing up. His melancholy was gone. Again he saw the brighter side of life. If only it could last.
Chapter Seventeen
"Where is the Colonel?" asked Charlotte when she saw Elizabeth one morning, in the sixth week of her stay. The Colonel prolonged his visit, but he was one of the guests of the Darcys, who were always welcomed for an infinite period of stay.
"His brother arrived early this morning and they are talking in the library."
"I hope nothing is wrong."
"So do I. Mr. Darcy is with them as well and James had a rather agitated expression on his face, according to Mrs. Reynolds." Replied Elizabeth.
In the evening, Lord Matlock left Pemberley but the ladies saw neither Mr. Darcy nor the Colonel. They asked the dinner to be served to the library when Matlock was still with them, and when James was leaving the ladies were already in their rooms.
It was six in the morning, on the next day, when Charlotte, who spent a restless night, went for a walk. She hoped to meet the Colonel but he was nowhere to be seen. A few minutes after seven, she returned to the house and went to the library. She hoped to relax with a good book. On entering, she noticed a man silhouette sitting in the armchair.
"Colonel?" she asked.
"Yes? Ah, Mrs. Collins! How are you?"
"Fine. But you do not look well, sir."
"I don't want to burden you with my problems."
Charlotte wasn't sure what she should do.
"You know that my brother was here yesterday?" began he suddenly.
"Yes."
"It seems that tragedies come in herds on people."
Charlotte was silent. There was nothing she could say.
"Please sit down. You must think me no gentleman for letting a lady stand while I am sitting."
"You have more important things to think about than propriety now." she reassured him, sitting in the armchair next to his.
"More than two years ago my father died and James inherited the title. Soon after James's oldest son fell off his pony and was killed. Jean, James's wife, who was then pregnant with their second son, gave an early birth. The boy is almost two now and the doctors have diagnosed him as... mentally retarded."
There was silence in the room when Charlotte touched Richard's hand and said:
"I am so sorry. It must be terrible for you. But maybe the doctors are wrong. Maybe he will be fine. Such things happen."
"Thank you for your consolation, Mrs. Collins. I am much obliged but James consulted all the best specialists. They are all in accordance. It would be a miracle if..."
There was a knock on the door and the butler came in:
"There is an express message for you, sir."
"Thank you." Replied Richard and opened the envelope.
"Oh, my God!" he cried and sobbed. "Tis too much. Too much!" The letter fell out of his hands. He hid his face in his hands and sobbed. Charlotte sat stunned. All she could do was to place her hand on his head and stroke it gently. He looked up at her and saw her concerned face.
"Why does it have to happen? Why Charlotte? Why?"
"Hush, Richard. Please talk, dearest." She dropped at her knees and holding his hands in hers looked at him earnestly.
"It's my brother........................ James...................he was killed.............. in a carriage accident last night." He sobbed again, placing his head on Charlotte's hands.
Chapter Eighteen
Darcy and Fitzwilliam left Pemberley in the late morning, directing themselves to Matlock. Charlotte did not have the chance of speaking with Richard in private. She stood besides Elizabeth as both men rode away.
"I love him." She said.
"I know." Replied Elizabeth
"You do?"
"And he loves you, too. But for some unknown reason, he does not admit it."
"No, Elizabeth, he doesn't love me. He treats me as his friend. Nothing more."
Elizabeth did not reply but stared into the vast green hills of Derbyshire.
"It's such a tragedy for the Fitzwilliams." Said Charlotte.
"Yes. I still cannot believe it. Yesterday he was here with us and today he is dead." Replied Elizabeth.
"And his son..."
"You know?" asked Elizabeth slightly surprised.
"Yes. Richard, I mean Colonel Fitzwilliam, told me. What will happen now?"
"Mr. Darcy and the Colonel are the guardians of the young Lord Matlock. It was written down in James's will a long time ago." Replied Elizabeth.
"Does it mean that the Colonel will resign from his commission?"
"Probably. Someone has to run the estates. Lady Jean is unable. She was always very frail and fragile. I don't think, she will live long under the circumstances. The death of her first son did a lot of damage and now with her husband dead and her son retarded. She will not be able to live through it. And Lady Rebecca was always dependent on her husband, the late Lord, as far as management was concerned, so I don't think she will take over Matlock Estates. That leaves Richard."
Charlotte nodded. Now Richard was lost for her forever. They would never meet again. It was time for her to come back home to Hertfordshire.
Dawnwall On The Matlock Estates, Two Months Later
"Mother," began Richard Fitzwilliam, "I believe all the business is well here."
"Good, my son." Replied Lady Rebecca. She was a shadow of the woman she once was.
"I must leave for a few days."
"I thought you said all the business was concluded."
"There is one left. It's personal. I believe I must talk to someone. It's of great importance. I've waited a long time and it took me even longer to understand many things. Mother, I must go to Hertfordshire for a few days."
Lady Rebecca smiled what was a rare sight nowadays and replied: "Then go, son and may this last business be concluded successfully as well."
"Thank you mother. I love you."
"I love you too, Richard. Take care."
"I will." He walked out of his mother's chambers and whistling directed himself to the stables. In two days, he was hoping to be made the happiest man in England.
Chapter Nineteen
"Richard, you've been walking around with such expression on your face as if the world crashed around you! What is the matter? You've got married but two weeks ago, and I know you were ecstatic about it!" called Darcy. Both men were sitting in Darcy's study at Pemberley enjoying their after diner port.
"No, it's fine." Replied Richard.
"Richard, you won't fool me! What is wrong?!"
Richard looked disturbed. It seemed he wanted to say something but it was just a tiny bit too difficult. Darcy allowed him the time. After a while of silence Richard began:..............................................
Editor's Note: Because of the desire to keep this site friendly for young teens, certain things that are too risqu้ must find another place to be posted. In this case, this section has been posted on the Drool board at the Spring. So, if you are too young to be reading steamier stories, don't follow the link!
Epilogue
1999
"Here we are!" called Joanna parking her car in front of Dawnwall.
"I always thought it was big, but it is huge!" called Ewa.
Dawn and Lise let out a sigh.
"Can you imagine coming to a ball here?" asked Dawn.
"Only with a handsome Colonel." Replied Lise.
"Yes, Lise has experience with Colonels, especially those met on a train." Said matter-of-factly Joanna.
"Let's go inside. I can't wait to see the interiors." Stated Ewa and went towards the main entrance.
"Ladies," informed them the lady at the ticket office, "this is your guide. Mark will take you on a tour around the house."
The Mark smiled in a toothy smile and said:
"Ladies, shall we begin? The chambers await."
As he turned to lead the way, Ewa made a face, which could have been interpreted as Lydia's "Hmmmmmm" and whispered to Dawn's ear: "Chambers, he says, awaiting us." Dawn let out a smirk, causing everyone to look at her.
"The gallery," began Mark, smiling discreetly, as they turned left at the top of the stairs, "has two striking pictures. The 4th Earl and his sister - Lady Anne by Sir Edwin Landseer and a portrait of an Irish Chieftain said to be Hugh O'Neil, the 2nd Earl of Tyrone."
He led them to the dining room.
"This room was redesigned by Sir Robert Lorimer after the fire in 1915, when the castle was in use as a naval hospital. The ceiling is a fine example of his work. The wall-top frieze is of Italian origin. Now, let's look at the floor..."
"He said it as if he meant: Let's use the floor." Mumbled Joanna, making Lise say.
"You have only one thing in your head. Freud would have something to say in the matter."
"Joanna, I don't want to be brutal but a quote from your very own Difficult Parenthood seems appropriate: Stop talking about sex..." began Dawn but stopped when Mark shot her a look that made her shrink. Mark continued his lecture:
"The carpet is Khorassan. Let's now see the table. It is set for dinner with Georgian silver. The oak chairs of Stuart period design are covered in needlework by Countess Eileen, wife of the 10th Duke.
"This is the library. It houses over 10,000 books, many of them fine and rare editions. The furniture includes a Chippendale mahogany pedestal library table and a Georgian reading rest."
"How do you know all of that?" asked Ewa.
"What do you mean?"
"You seem to be so... so..."
"What she means is, could you tell us something more down to Earth. We can tell Chippendale from Biddermeyer." Said Lise.
"And we know that that couch is a Louis XV brocaded settee and that the portrait over the fire place is by Sir Joshua Reynolds." Supported her Joanna.
"Very well, Ladies. In the gallery, there might be something of interest to you." Said Mark, suddenly relieved there was no need to repeat for the millionth time the same story.
"Oh, Geeeeeeeee" cried Lise when they have entered the gallery.
"What?" exclaimed Mark, confused.
"Who is this man?" called she pointing at the portrait.
"This is Richard Fitzwilliam, son of the 4th Earl, father of the 7th Earl, brother to the 5th and uncle to the 6th, though never an earl himself."
The girls stood bewildered. So this had actually happened - rang in their head.
"This is Mrs. Charlotte Fitzwilliam." Stated Mark.
"A wife to Richard Fitzwilliam." Added Ewa.
"How did you know?" asked he surprised.
"Lucky guess." Smiled Ewa.
"On her right, we can see William Collins-Bennet. Later created Sir William Collins-Bennet for his enormous work on completing the fauna atlas of the southern counties. Sir William Collins-Bennet was Mrs. Fitzwilliam's son from her first marriage. He inherited Longbourn Estate in Hertfordshire and married Miss Jane Darcy."
"Elizabeth Darcy's daughter?" asked Dawn.
"I can see, you are acquainted with the history of the Darcy family. Have you visited Pemberley?"
"Not yet. Where exactly is it located?"
"I'll show you when we exit. Let's continue now. On Mrs. Fitzwilliam's lap sits the 6th Earl of Matlock. He was brought up by the Fitzwilliam's after an early demise of both his parents. He was slightly retarded they say and died at the age of 36, just a few months after his uncle Richard Fitzwilliam."
"Poor Richard, never an earl himself." Said Joanna rather thoughtfully.
"Yes," concluded Mark, "but his son became an Earl. We see him in the cradle. The future 7th Earl and his twin sister, Helen. The 7th Earl - Henry - married Charlotte Smythe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smythe of London. Mr. Smythe was a lawyer. Helen Fitzwilliam married Edward Bingley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley."
"Okay, so Richard Fitzwilliam was never an Earl himself, but he fathered two of them and was a brother to the third and a son of one. Did I get this right?" asked Dawn.
"Perfectly." Replied Mark, smiling radiantly.
"And Charlotte Fitzwilliam was primo voto Collins?" asked Lise.
"That's right."
"And her son, William was a zoologist." Stated Joanna.
"Right-ho."
"Richard - never an Earl himself." Replied Ewa.
"I think, it didn't matter to him." Commented Mark.
There was silence for a moment and then Mark said:
"Ladies, care for a pudding?
THE END