Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “I hope she is not ill from the visit.” Elizabeth bit her lip as she looked toward the older woman’s door.

  “No, just weary. She will be fine later to-day.” Genie opened the door to their bedroom and smiled, but her features appeared drawn. “I believe I will enjoy some time to myself. Please, do not be concerned if I am not about when you are ready to depart.” She turned quickly and entered a room a few doors down on the opposite side of the hall.

  Darcy laid a hand upon the small of Elizabeth’s back and they entered the bedroom. Neither spoke as they sat upon the settee. He poured half a glass of wine for each of them and leaned back into the cushions.

  “I had not thought of what might happen to Genie after her mother passed,” Elizabeth whispered. She ran a finger over the rim of the glass. “I supposed she would remain here.” Her eyesight blurred and she wiped a stray tear away. “Where will she go?”

  “I am uncertain, but Anne surely will not allow her friend to suffer any want.” Darcy rubbed a hand up and down her arm. “I am certain she would be welcomed at Rosings.”

  “By Anne, perhaps, but what of your aunt?”

  “Lady Catherine will go along with what Anne desires,” he reassured her before leaning forward and kissing her temple. “Do not worry, my love. I believe Widow Abernathy will be with us for many years.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “Things can change so quickly.” Her mind returned to Jane’s letters. “Is Charles considering purchasing Netherfield?”

  “Um, I do not believe so,” Darcy looked at her questioningly. “Have you heard from your sister?”

  “Yes. She is so altered, William. I believe she is too near my mother. Mrs. Bennet’s nerves seem to be contagious.”

  Darcy wrapped his arms about her and kissed her neck. “Bingley has some business he must address, and it is easier for him being so near London right now. I believe he will seek a new home, further north, once all is settled.”

  “Near his family?” Elizabeth asked, still uneasy but beginning to feel her concerns fade.

  “Or Derbyshire.” He removed a few pins and her hair began to spill about her shoulders. “Should I say anything to him?” he asked as his lips travelled up her neck and lingered behind her ear.

  Elizabeth shook her head and surrendered to his ministrations. All thoughts of her sister and Genie drifted away.

  ***********

  Elizabeth worried her lip once more as she allowed Mr. Collins to lead her down the path toward Rosings. Little William twisted in her arms, trying to see everything from the sunlight breaking through the leaves overhead to the birds hopping about in search of food. She had to continuously pull away from her husband’s grasp to steady the boy for fear he might fall. When she stopped to adjust her grasp on the child once more, the man exhaled sharply.

  “We shall be late if you insist on dawdling.”

  “I would prefer to arrive a few minutes late with an uninjured child,” Elizabeth responded softly as she began walking again.

  “If he behaved properly, there would be no cause for concern.”

  Though she wanted to respond, Elizabeth knew it was futile. Mr. Collins had no experience with children and was unable to comprehend why an infant could not better control himself. Instead, she hurried her steps until the man at her side was panting and unable to speak. They arrived at Rosings well before they were anticipated and were welcomed warmly.

  Anne smiled at Elizabeth who swallowed nervously. “Elizabeth, Mr. Collins, I would like to introduce you to my youngest cousin.” She motioned toward a young woman standing to Darcy’s left. “Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley, this is our rector, Mr. William Collins and his wife, Elizabeth.” Her smile grew as she laid a hand upon William’s soft hair. “And this adorable child is their son, Master William Collins.”

  Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth. She was less handsome than her brother; but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Though she acknowledged Mr. Collins’ over effusive greeting, she seemed focused upon Elizabeth and the squirming child in her arms.

  “I have been so anxious to meet you, Mrs. Collins.” There was a sparkle in her eyes as she smiled at the boy who reached toward her. “Hello, Master William, I have heard wonderful things about you also.” Miss Darcy took his hand and bent forward as she spoke.

  Unsatisfied with this position, William released his grip on Elizabeth’s shoulder and leaned toward the young girl, both hands extended. The shift in weight nearly caused his mother to drop him, but Miss Darcy quickly scooped the boy into her arms. They both giggled as she spun him in a circle before dropping into her seat beside her brother.

  Lady Catherine tsked as she took her seat opposite and Mr. Collins joined her as he normally did during their visits. Anne and Elizabeth sat in the middle of the group so they could easily converse with all and Mr. Darcy regained his position beside his sister. His eyes frequently travelled between his sister, the boy, and Elizabeth, though he seemed to time his gazes with the conversation shifts. Before long, William was nestled in Darcy’s lap playing with the fob on his timepiece.

  “He is precious,” Elizabeth heard Georgiana say and she smiled with pride. A warmth overcame her as she watched William and his father; a longing that caused her chest to ache and her vision blurred. Only Anne’s hand covering her own reminded her of her surroundings. She lowered her head and took a deep breath, hoping to calm her racing heart and suppress the tears filling her eyes.

  “You will make a good father one day, Darcy.” Lady Catherine glanced toward her daughter but turned her attention back to Mr. Collins. “The boy is nearing a year, is he not, Mr. Collins?”

  “Yes,” the word came out almost as a question. Even Elizabeth wondered what her ladyship might say next.

  “Has he taken his first step?”

  Mr. Collins looked to Elizabeth who shook her head just slightly. “No, Lady Catherine, though I am certain he shall soon.” His eyes once more fell upon Elizabeth who nodded just as faintly.

  For all he had demanded a son be born, Mr. Collins rarely spent any time with the lad; a fact for which Elizabeth was ever grateful. Therefore, she had learned to discretely cue her husband whenever someone asked questions regarding William.

  As though sensing that he was the object of discussion, the baby began babbling happily to the chain in his hand. His voice grew in volume as Lady Catherine attempted to interrogate her rector further, drawing all attention to himself and causing the lady to release a soft huff. Mr. Collins shot Elizabeth a withering glance and moved as though he might stand. Uncertain of what he meant to do and fearing he might try to silence the boy, she leapt from her seat and drew a handkerchief from her pocket.

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am certain William is slobbering all over you.” She crossed to his side and wiped the handkerchief across the boy’s mouth, muffling his voice ever so slightly.

  “Have no fear, Madam, my sister frequently christened me when she was this age.” Darcy’s hand fell from sight of the room as he spoke, and he brushed it against her skirts in a hidden caress.

  “Brother!” Georgiana cried causing Darcy to check his actions. “How ungentlemanly of you to mention such a thing.” She laughed and held out her hands to the child. “Your son is a delight, Mrs. Collins. He is the very image of you.” She tilted her head as she studied William. “Except his eyes.” She began to turn toward Mr. Collins.

  “He has my sister’s eyes,” Elizabeth replied quickly. “Jane’s are the colour of a clear blue sky now, but when she was younger, they changed frequently just as William’s do.”

  Georgiana took the handkerchief from Elizabeth’s hand and began playing with the baby by running it over his face causing riotous giggles. When the boy pushed it away, her gaze fell more fully on the bit of cloth and her brow drew together.

  It felt as though a hand gripped Elizabeth’s chest. With his cousin at war on the continent and his sis
ter taking her first steps in society, Darcy had decided to bring her to Rosings with him and was insistent that Elizabeth meet her. She had attempted to convince him otherwise, but he would not be moved. Now all her fears of discovery settled about her and she worried she might swoon.

  Giving herself a shake, Elizabeth gracefully scooped up her son, taking the handkerchief as she did so, and returned to her seat by Anne. After wiping his face once more, she returned Darcy’s handkerchief to her pocket while silently berating herself for having it with her. She pulled the now well-gnawed horse from her basket and handed it to the boy instead, hoping they were far enough away that Miss Darcy would not notice anything familiar in the toy. William sat and talked quietly to the horse while Elizabeth focused her attention on the young woman.

  “Anne tells me you are now out in society, Miss Darcy. How are you enjoying the ton?”

  Miss Darcy pulled her eyes from the babe and met Elizabeth’s gaze before looking toward her hands. “I am not completely out, yet. William and I decided that I would not attend all the events this year. I mostly attend small gatherings with family and friends.” Her eyes brightened. “I had the pleasure of meeting your sister, Mrs. Bingley, before we left London. She is very beautiful.”

  “Jane is all that is good.” She glanced at Darcy then back to his sister. “I had not realized she was in town. Her last letter came from Hertfordshire.”

  Mr. Collins cleared his throat but continued speaking to Lady Catherine. Elizabeth chastised herself for not paying closer attention to the date on the letter.

  “Perhaps there is another letter that has gone astray,” she said, throwing a disparaging look at the rector. “It has been some time since I have seen Jane.” She turned back to Miss Darcy. “She was ill for a period, but it sounds as though she is quite recovered.”

  The woman looked at her brother. “I believe she was fatigued when we saw her at the theatre, but she appeared well.”

  Darcy smiled. “I believe Miss Bingley’s presence was all that affected Mrs. Bingley.” He met Elizabeth’s gaze. “Your sister may have found a limit to her belief in the good of people.”

  “Oh dear,” Elizabeth covered her mouth to suppress her laughter. “I will not ask what occurred for I would not wish to encourage gossip.”

  “Most certainly not,” Mr. Collins declared. “My wife would never participate in such an evil.”

  Elizabeth blushed. “I thank you for the news of my sister. And Mr. Bingley, was he well?”

  “Oh yes,” Miss Darcy replied. “He is amiable as always.”

  Though the woman smiled, Elizabeth suspected she was concealing something. It appeared that all was not well within the Bingley household, but she had no way of learning any details. Jane’s correspondence, when she received it, was no longer as open and revealing. Her sister seemed to have built a wall about herself and was reluctant to allow even her dearest sister access to her most private thoughts. Elizabeth scolded herself. It is simply the way, when a woman marries for affection, to share her deepest secrets with her husband. She glanced toward Mr. Collins and involuntarily shuddered.

  Too late, Elizabeth realized a lull had come over the conversation and the eyes of both Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy were settled upon her. She forced a smile and was eternally thankful when the doors opened, and the maid appeared with the tea tray. Anne poured while Miss Darcy handed the cups about, setting Elizabeth’s on the table to her side since William was still upon her lap. The young girl offered him a biscuit which he accepted eagerly, giving a wide smile which revealed all of his seven teeth.

  “Say thank you,” Elizabeth whispered to him.

  “Ga goo,” William replied as a bit of drool ran down his chin.

  Elizabeth folded a serviette and held it under the biscuit, attempting to catch any crumbs or moisture which might fall.

  Anne finished serving and turned to her friend. “Allow me to hold him. Your tea will be cold.”

  The boy moved willingly to their hostess’s lap and Elizabeth retrieved her cup. A glance over the rim as she sipped found Miss Darcy watching her closely. Her instinct was to look to Darcy, but she forced herself to meet the lady’s gaze instead. She searched her mind to find another topic to discuss.

  “Have you been to the theatre?” she asked a bit abruptly.

  Miss Darcy smiled at her brother. “We have.” This seemed to loosen the girl’s tongue and she spoke for a few minutes on the play and opera they had occasion to see.

  Elizabeth was thankful for the reprieve and assisted Anne to watch over William so that the two could both enjoy their tea. She was exceedingly grateful when the hall clock chimed and Mr. Collins stood, signalling it was time for them to depart. Elizabeth took up the babe once more and said her goodbyes. She thought the ordeal was ending when Miss Darcy stepped forward and grasped her hand.

  “I wonder, Mrs. Collins, if you … if it might be acceptable … may I visit you while I am here?”

  Elizabeth hesitated, but she could see Darcy’s smile just over his sister’s shoulder. It would obviously please him so he must have no fear of discovery. She nodded. “I would welcome that.”

  Miss Darcy released her hand and smiled once more at her brother. Elizabeth turned to finish her goodbyes and found Lady Catherine eyeing her suspiciously, her lips drawn downward.

  “Good day, your Ladyship,” Elizabeth said as she curtseyed. A grunt was her only reply and Elizabeth allowed her husband to lead her from the room.

  As the doors of Rosings closed behind them, she was able to take her first easy breath. The journey back to the parsonage was made at a slower pace as William was now asleep on his mother’s shoulder and Mr. Collins was eager to expound upon Miss Darcy’s superiority to other girls her age, such as the youngest Miss Bennet.

  Elizabeth allowed her mind to wander, hoping the man only spoke to entertain himself, while she relived every look and comment. She brushed aside the niggling suspicion that everyone about her was aware of her sins, it seemed to accompany her always, and hoped instead that they were simply enamoured of her child. She feared Miss Darcy would learn the truth should she ever have a private moment with her.

  ***********

  Elizabeth placed the last pin in her bonnet and sat back to look at the results. Easter was less than a week away and Mr. Collins was insistent that she not purchase anything new, not even trim. Instead, she had deconstructed three older bonnets and, after careful folding to hide the faded bits of ribbon, she thought the finished product would not be an embarrassment. As she set it aside and began clearing away the scraps, the knocker sounded.

  A glance at the mantel clock showed it was later in the afternoon than she had expected. William had been resistant to taking a nap which, in turn, disrupted her schedule but, luckily, there had been no interruptions since then. She was surprised that Sarah had not brought tea, but suspected she was busy helping cook prepare the Communion bread.

  A soft knock was heard, and Elizabeth called for Sarah to enter. She was astonished to see who stood just behind the servant. “Miss Darcy, what a pleasant surprise.” She remembered to smile and asked Sarah to bring tea as she welcomed the young lady into her home. Her hopes that Darcy might have accompanied his sister were extinguished when Sarah closed the door without admitting another soul.

  Pleasantries were exchanged as they took their seats. Miss Darcy’s gaze flitted about the room, a little line between her brows. It was not a new look to Elizabeth. She knew many wondered why her drawing room was so small and in the back of the house, but she would not embarrass herself by admitting she chose it to avoid her husband’s company.

  Sarah returned quickly with the tea and a few more minutes were taken up with the preparation of their refreshments before they settled back and observed one another. Miss Darcy appeared as anxious as Elizabeth and the silence drew out between them. Finally, Elizabeth chose what she thought was the most innocuous topic.

  “Are you enjoying your visit at Rosings, Miss D
arcy?”

  “It is much changed since I was last here.” The young girl sipped her tea as her eyes scanned the room once more before falling upon Elizabeth’s discarded bonnet. “What a lovely arrangement.”

  “Thank you,” Elizabeth replied. She bit her lip as she noticed a frayed edge of lace which she had previously missed. She hoped Miss Darcy did not note it and turned the bonnet so the offending bit faced away from the girl. Her gaze fell once more upon Miss Darcy only to find her watching Elizabeth closely. “You are staying through Easter, I understand.”

  “Yes, my brother is insistent.” She set her cup upon the table. “For years William and my cousin have visited Rosings out of duty to our aunt. He has always dreaded it and ended his visits as quickly as possible.” Her blue eyes, so like her brother’s and his child’s, met and held Elizabeth’s gaze. “In recent years, that appears to have changed. I was quite surprised when he extended his visit repeatedly a few years ago and, since then, it seems as though he searches for reasons to visit.”

  Elizabeth found it difficult to swallow. “I understand he was instrumental in Anne receiving her inheritance.”

  The young lady blinked several times and glanced away. “I am certain you know my aunt wanted them to marry.”

  “I have heard something of it.”

  Miss Darcy sighed. “I wish he would marry. My brother is too good a man to be alone.” She looked at Elizabeth through lowered lashes. “I fear my brother may go the way of many disreputable gentlemen in the ton and take a mistress.”

  Fighting hard not to blush, Elizabeth found her voice overly throaty as she replied, “As you said, your brother is a good man. I am certain he will do what he believes to be correct.”

  Her guest picked up her cup and sat silently drinking her tea. Finally, she returned the cup to its saucer. “I was surprised to learn of your marriage, Mrs. Collins.”

  “Oh?” Elizabeth was quite startled by this change in subject and unable to think of a response before Miss Darcy continued.