The knocker sounded as Mr. Collins lifted the basket containing William’s napkins and a change of clothing should he become too messy for her ladyship. Still holding the carrier, Mr. Collins opened the door then turned excitedly toward Elizabeth. “It is a carriage from Rosings.”
“How kind of Lady Catherine. I am glad we shall not have to walk in this weather with the baby.” She moved past him and down the steps to the waiting equipage. A footman opened the door and handed her inside.
Mr. Collins set the basket at her feet and climbed into the carriage. The door closed behind him and as he took his seat they began to move forward. “Lady Catherine’s condescension has grown toward us. I believe she holds us in high esteem indeed to provide such care for us.”
“I am certain you are correct,” Elizabeth agreed though she bit the inside of her cheek to contain her smile. She suspected it was Anne and not her mother who thought of their well-being.
The carriage pulled to a stop before Rosing’s steps and the footman opened the door for them once more. Mr. Collins climbed out and turned back to help Elizabeth. He then took her arm and began leading her up the steps.
“Mr. Collins,” she said as she pulled her arm back, “the basket.”
A look of irritation passed over his features before he turned to the footman and demanded the man carry the basket inside for them. Elizabeth resisted the urge to shake her head and allowed him to pull her up the steps where Kite waited by the open door.
“Good evening, Mr. Kite,” she said as he helped her remove her pelisse. “A happy Christmas to you.”
“And to you, Madam.” He accepted Mr. Collins’ coat and chucked William under the chin before handing their things off to a footman and leading them down the hall. Mr. Collins began to turn into the grand parlour where Lady Catherine always received guests, but Kite continued on and the clergyman had to rush to be with them as they entered a smaller room down the hall.
Inside, Lady Catherine and Anne stood to greet them, the younger stepping forward first. “Mr. Collins, Elizabeth, we are so pleased you could join us.” She held out her arms and William leaned forward so she could relieve his mother of her burden.
“Thank you for inviting us,” Elizabeth said as she curtseyed. She lowered her head in another attempt to hide her amusement over Mr. Collins’ behaviour.
The poor man’s jaw hung open, though it did bob a bit as he attempted to form a thought or phrase. Finally, he echoed Elizabeth’s gratitude and sunk into a chair after the ladies were seated. William sat on Anne’s lap waving at Lady Catherine who looked kindly upon him, though she kept her smiles under good regulation.
“I am certain you are confused, Mr. Collins, by changes which have occurred here at Rosings.” Anne bounced the baby as she directed her conversation to the clergyman. “I do not believe you were aware that I was to receive my inheritance this year. Indeed, I had anticipated taking my position as Mistress of Rosings on my birthday in October, but my health did not allow it. Mother and I decided it would be better to wait until I was recovered.”
“You are Mistress of Rosings?” Mr. Collins asked in a soft voice.
“Yes, but Mother will remain with me,” Anne glanced toward Lady Catherine, “for the time being.” She patted the baby’s leg. “Should she desire, she may one day move to our townhouse in London or to the widow’s cottage. It is her choice.”
“I prefer to remain here, should Anne require my assistance,” Lady Catherine sniffed. “Though she has been raised as a gentlewoman, she did not have need of such knowledge and is still learning what is required to run an estate of this size.”
“You are all that is benevolent,” Mr. Collins said as though he had finally found something familiar. “Miss de Bourgh can only be grateful to have such a caring mother. I pray Mrs. Collins might follow your example one day.”
Anne’s brow lifted as she glanced toward Elizabeth.
The younger ladies carried on a pleasant conversation while Mr. Collins continued to fawn over Lady Catherine. Though her ladyship requested details of their conversation several times, she was not near as overbearing as she had been in the past and Elizabeth began to suspect she might enjoy visiting Rosings more often in the future.
The evening progressed and everyone was in fine spirits. William was removed to the nursery which Anne assured Elizabeth had been thoroughly cleaned and stocked upon her assuming control of the estate. Mr. Collins descended into silence for a few minutes when Anne took her place at the head of the table in the smaller family dining room instead of the grand room which Lady Catherine always insisted upon.
“I do not see the benefit in heating such a room for only four of us. We will do well here,” Anne declared as she flashed a peculiar smile in her mother’s direction.
Lady Catherine did not respond and instead took her seat opposite her daughter. Mr. Collins seemed to take his cue from his patroness and sat silently as the first course was served. Elizabeth and Anne carried on most of the conversation, unconcerned with their companions. As the evening drew to a close, Anne accompanied Elizabeth to the nursery to collect William.
“I am surprised your mother is acquiescing,” Elizabeth whispered.
“When Darcy was here last month, he made it quite clear that I need only say the word and she would be removed from Rosings. She doubted him until I ordered her things packed yesterday.”
“Anne! You didn’t!” Elizabeth’s mouth hung open. “What happened?”
“She quickly understood my position, agreed with my decision, and here you are, dining with us tonight.”
“Oh Anne, I beg you not put us between you and your mother.” Elizabeth chewed her lower lip, afraid of what her ladyship might say to Mr. Collins and how he might respond.
“Have no fear, Lizzy. I would not do anything to put you or William in a cruel situation. I only wish to help you and enjoy your company.”
Elizabeth lifted her son to her shoulder and Anne wrapped a hand around her free arm. As they made their way back to the others, Elizabeth realized Anne leaned heavily upon her. She looked closer and noted the dark circles under her friend’s eyes.
“You will retire once we depart, Anne? It has been a very long day.”
Anne patted her arm. “Do not be concerned for me, Lizzy. I am greatly improved over this past autumn. I am tired though and will retire as you suggest. I will see you to-morrow morning in service.”
“If you are still weary, you must remain home. The weather will only make you feel worse.” Elizabeth kissed her friend’s cheek. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” Anne said with a slight nod. “It has been a miserable winter.”
A sigh escaped Elizabeth’s lips as she agreed. “The roads do not allow easy travel.”
“No indeed. Darcy’s last letter was filled with his frustrations as well. I suspect we shall see much of him come spring.” Anne winked then nodded for the footman to open the door for them.
As they entered, Mr. Collins jumped to his feet from his position beside Lady Catherine. He appeared quite guilty of something, but her ladyship appeared no different than normal. They said their good nights and returned to the parsonage in the same carriage which delivered them to Rosings. Mr. Collins appeared agitated, while Elizabeth simply wished for her bed. Though William was old enough to sleep through the night, she was still fatigued after tending him all day.
She settled the baby into his crib on the far side of her room and began to ready herself for bed. She was startled when there was a knock on her door just as she was turning down the covers. The door opened and Mr. Collins appeared in the doorway. His gaze flicked about the room nervously before it settled upon her.
“You are not yet in bed,” he said abruptly.
“I had to ready William before myself.” She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to explain his presence.
“The boy will sleep through … the night?” he asked as his colour rose.
“Yes.” El
izabeth eyed him suspiciously and took a step backward, bumping into the bed.
Mr. Collins entered the room and closed the door behind him before releasing a sigh. “You may proceed.” He motioned toward the bed.
Uncertain what he meant to do, but fearful she knew, Elizabeth remained still. “Was there something you required?” she asked in a choked whisper.
The man shuffled from one foot to the other. “The weather has been poor, and many people have fallen ill. We should have another son for fear something should happen to William.”
Elizabeth’s jaw fell open. Her mind raced for reasons to avoid his attentions. Finally, she found a legitimate response. “Sir, it is far too early for the babe to be weaned and highly unlikely that I would fall with child while still nursing him. To wean him at this age would surely lead to illness in this weather as you have pointed out. Would it not be best to wait a few more months?”
Mr. Collins appeared relieved, but then he frowned. “Lady Catherine said it is best to have an heir and a spare as early as possible.”
“But her ladyship must have forgotten William’s age. He is not yet one, sir.” She swallowed hard, fearful of contradicting the woman and bringing her husband’s displeasure, but equally loathe to begin receiving the man’s attentions again. “Perhaps I should consult the midwife before we … think of conceiving again.”
Mr. Collins’ shoulders slouched and his features relaxed. “Yes, yes, of course. You must speak to Mrs. Rickman in the week to come. A decision must be made before Friday.”
Elizabeth curtseyed as the man hurried out of her room. She fell into the bed, releasing her breath in a great sigh of relief. She had no desire for Mr. Collins to return to her bed … but, if he did, she and Darcy would not have to be so careful when they were together. They could have another child. She bit her lip and considered the possibility.
Darcy had travelled to Rosings during the autumn, after Pemberley’s harvest, to help Anne take her position as Mistress of the house. During the week he was there, they met on Tuesday and Friday at the Abernathy house as they had done previously. Afterward, he had made a few trips to Kent, but his sister was getting older and she questioned his time away more than she had previously. Elizabeth knew he still loved her and her son and wished they could be together always; but it was becoming more difficult.
Motherhood had, in many ways, aided Elizabeth with her position. Mr. Collins’ attitude toward her seemed to soften and she had made several friends amongst the parishioners. Her guilt over her actions, however, still bit at her conscience especially during services and when taking the Eucharist. She no longer prayed as she had in the past and the peace which once filled her was gone. In her heart, she knew that she should end her relationship with Darcy, but she could not bring herself to do it.
The baby coughed and she heard him sucking his fist. She quickly stood and crossed to his crib in order to sooth him before he began to cry. Once they were settled back in her bed with him suckling her breast, his new teeth causing her to wince until she grew accustomed to them, her thoughts returned to the possibility of another child and she shook her head.
“No,” she whispered as she ran her fingers over his silky hair. “One child is sufficient.”
*CHAPTER TWENTY*
Elizabeth reluctantly broke the seal on her sister’s letter. Since Jane had returned from her wedding trip to Ireland, her missives were filled with nothing but talk of providing her husband an heir. When they first arrived back in Hertfordshire a month after William was born, Jane had believed herself to be with child. Unfortunately, she had become quite ill and begun to bleed. None could say for certain if she had miscarried or had even been expecting.
In the early winter of that year, Jane had once more written to Elizabeth and shared her hopes that she might be in the family way. It was then Lydia had chosen to run-away from her school and the entire family feared a scandal. Jane’s courses began the day Lydia walked up to the front door of Longbourn and declared she would not return to an establishment where laughter was not allowed.
Living so close to Mrs. Bennet with her nerves and fears was, Elizabeth believed, the source of Jane’s heightened sensitivities regarding children. If only Jane could enjoy a quiet distance from Longbourn, surely, she would conceive and bring a child to birth. However, Mr. Bingley appeared content to continue leasing Netherfield, and Jane feared upsetting her mother by suggesting moving away.
Elizabeth took a seat in her parlour and smoothed out the paper. A fresh spring breeze blew through the open window and lifted a stray curl at her temple. She glanced outside and smiled. Darcy had met her in the meadow that morning and she would see him at the Abernathy house shortly. Mr. Collins had pressed to begin his Saturday night visits again and she finally relented shortly before Darcy’s Easter visit began. There was no reason to take any precautions, though Mr. Collins did not come to her every week. Without the pressure of providing an heir, it seemed to be an afterthought to the man.
Her eyes fell once more to the letter and she began reading. The beginning held news of Meryton and Longbourn, much of which she had received from Mary who had become a regular correspondent. Something felt odd about Jane’s letter and she was forced to start again before she realized what it might be. Normally she would be amused by the difference between Jane and Mary’s descriptions of events and people as her eldest sister’s view always leaned toward the innocent and positive, while Mary’s was more factual and sometimes a bit judgemental. To-day she found it difficult to recognize her elder sister’s normally placid voice.
“I was quite shocked by Charlotte’s unChristian comment and realize now why the two of you are no longer as close as you once were. Perhaps this is why she has been unable to secure a husband all these years. I have decided to distance myself from her and the Lucases for fear their less than Righteous attitudes might affect me and the hopes of our Family’s future. I simply Cannot chance any displeasure which might fall upon me and lessen my chances of having a Child.”
Elizabeth shook her head. Poor Jane appeared more affected than she had previously believed. The mantle clock chimed, and she heard the front door close. Pushing thoughts of her sister from her mind, Elizabeth gathered her outer garments and told Sarah she was going visiting. William was asleep and would be well until she returned. If not, the maid would give him a bit of milk and a biscuit to tide him over.
She made her way over the paths until she saw Darcy standing on the edge of their meadow. Since he was not looking her direction, she took a moment to study him. He truly was the most handsome man she had ever known. His profile, his posture, the set of his shoulders, everything drew her to him. Had he never made that horrible comment when they first met, she would not have been so set against him.
He turned and smiled as their eyes met. A few steps brought him to stand before her. “I have missed you,” he whispered as he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.
“It has only been a few hours,” she replied as she lowered her head. He could still make her blush.
“Too many.” He wrapped her hand about his arm and led her on the overly familiar path.
“How do you find Rosings?” she asked.
“Anne is doing a splendid job, as I always suspected she would, but I fear it may be too much for her.” He lowered his head. “Perhaps we should not have pushed for her to assume her position. She appears worn by the weight of responsibility.”
“I have noted it also, but she insists she is well.” Elizabeth laid her other hand upon his arm. “I will watch over her and make her rest.” She smiled. “Though I believe Mr. Kite is already doing so.”
“Yes, I have noted how he dotes on her. Almost as if she were his daughter.” Darcy chuckled. “I am certain none of the staff want Lady Catherine to return to power.”
“There is a more pleasant atmosphere at Rosings.”
They continued on, speaking jovially, until they came to the Abernathy house. As they arrived, t
hey noted a strange carriage in front. Elizabeth hesitated, uncertain if they should proceed. Darcy patted her hand reassuringly and continued forward. They had nearly reached the door when it opened, and a man exited as he donned his hat.
“I am pleased to see the repairs you have made, Cousin Eugenia.” His back was toward them and he was clearly unaware of their presence.
“But saddened by Mother’s continued good health?” Genie’s voice could be heard from inside.
The man raised a hand to his chest. “How could you think me so cruel?”
“I think you grasping, Mortimer. Cruelty is simply an offshoot.” She stepped into the doorway then and saw her guests behind him.
The man still was ignorant to their presence and stepped menacingly toward her. “I would not be so proud, were I you. When your mother passes, the house becomes mine.”
Darcy cleared his throat and the man turned, the cruel twist of his lips slipping into surprise. “I beg your pardon, sir,” Darcy said with a slight bow. “We have come to visit Mrs. Abernathy. Mrs. Martin, have you need of assistance?”
“No, thank you, sir. My cousin was just leaving.” Genie took no action to make introductions and slipped her arm about Elizabeth’s as she drew her inside.
Darcy remained on the porch until Genie’s cousin had entered his coach and the driver pulled away. When he joined them, his features were set in a stern frown. “Are you truly well, Genie?”
Their hostess waved her hand dismissively as she smiled. “I have always disliked my cousin. Even as a boy he was overbearing; always demanding his way. It is no surprise that he has turned out the way he did.”
“But what will you do?” Elizabeth asked.
Genie smiled as she patted her friend’s arm and led them up the stairs. “I will keep Mother alive as long as possible.” Before anyone could say more on the subject, she motioned down the hall. “Mortimer has quite exhausted Mother. I instructed Marta to help her to bed.”
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