by M-C Ranger
‘You mean to intimidate me, Mr. Darcy, by coming to listen to me with your serious airs, but even though you have a sister who plays with a great deal of talent, I shall not let this alarm me. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always grows at every attempt to intimidate me.’
Darcy joined in on the game and replied that he’d had the pleasure of her acquaintance long enough to know that she sometimes found enjoyment in professing opinions which were not her own. What would the Colonel think of Miss Bennet if he trusted his cousin’s words? What would Miss Bennet expose about the behaviour of Mr. Darcy during his visit to Hertfordshire? Certainly he would have benefited from improving his “performance” in society.... Much as she would have benefited from practising more at the piano, she conceded. And the discussion continued on a lighter note. However, an attentive listener might have detected more than simple teasing, but the Colonel, his mood one of joy and nonchalance, was the accidental witness of this exchange around the piano, which, at its best, was ambiguous. Lady Catherine put an end to it, annoyed by the attitude of her two nephews, particularly that of the master of Pemberley. Did he not have all the qualities needed to please his aunt, and above all, his cousin? He still had to make an effort. And as this did not appear to be the case, it was decided that Miss de Bourgh was tired and that quadrille and other games would happen at a later date. One still had the thoughtfulness to remember the departure of Mr. Bertram and the young Price ladies the following morning and to recommend a stop in Bromley. Expressions of gratitude were not long in coming, nor was her ladyship’s carriage, which took the visitors back to Hunsford.
After cordial farewells, the carriage headed onto the road leading to London where a one-night stopover would allow the travellers to rest and obtain news about their family. They would then leave for Northamptonshire, where it appeared that Fanny Price would be able to continue the life she had left behind some months earlier. Charlotte Collins was nonetheless worried, and took Edmund Bertram aside to exchange a few words with him. Could he not ensure, from time to time, that the discreet, very private young lady would not be too upset by... adversity? She could count on him, he reassured her, warmly thanking her for her hospitality.
By all accounts, insomnia’s greatest gift was perhaps not bestowed upon Reverend Collins, but it was certainly granted to Fitzwilliam Darcy. And what would have greatly unsettled the two men in question was that the cause for their insomnia was the same: Elizabeth Bennet. And so the master of Pemberley, who was not used to being indecisive, found himself faltering. He was a man of reflection who was used to getting things done. However, this was one of the few times since he had taken over from his father that he found himself wading through uncertainty, and this upset him to the point that he was losing sleep over it. He did not expect to succumb so quickly; indeed, he had capitulated. This is what Colonel Fitzwilliam would have noticed, had he been there, but at that hour, he would already have been in the arms of Morpheus... as for Darcy, he had to admit that he was tempted by arms that were somewhat more feminine. And then a thought crept into his head, on that starry night, one that he was unable to rid himself of, and which became increasingly persistent: despite everything, he loved Elizabeth Bennet. Despite his social rank, despite his family, despite her lack of fortune. Did he not owe it to his family, Georgiana and himself, as the heir to a vast estate and a large fortune, to create a favourable alliance? However, Fitzwilliam Darcy did not seem to be able to go against the feelings in his heart, and he searched, in vain, for a clear answer among the stars in this celestial dome that had always brought him peace. But on this particular night, all it offered was its contemplative beauty and its unsolved mysteries.
*****
Hunsford, the 20th of April, 1811
Dear Anne,
What wonderful news! You are engaged! Should I tease you and remind you that you did not wish to go to Bath? And so you were able to see Mr. Wentworth again and you came to the realisation that your feelings were mutual. What could be better than to marry for love?! I am truly happy for you. Your fiancé is a captain with the Navy, so you will likely find yourself on a frigate in the near future. I feel that you are ready to embark upon this new life, as it seems to me that you have finally found your true place. Or do I err?
With respect to me, I must admit that no, I am not engaged; I did not chance upon love on reaching Kent here to visit Charlotte Lucas, who recently married my cousin, Mr. Collins. However, I did chance upon an acquaintance: Mr Darcy! Yesterday, I found myself attending a dinner at Rosings Park where he was also in attendance. I was talking with Colonel Fitzwilliam and I expressed to him my feeling that the officers I’d had the chance to meet seemed to me to be as charming as they were generous. He replied that in his case, the second qualifier was somewhat exaggerated, as he had simply come to take care of his aunt’s estate and that, in addition, it was Mr. Darcy, his cousin, whose knowledge was more elicited, and who had the larger share of the work. On this note, he asked me of whom I was thinking when I said this. I told him that I had met Colonel Brandon, who had shown the goodwill to offer the benefit of a parish to a young man who had recently been unjustly disinherited. While giving my explanation, I couldn’t help but look at Mr. Darcy, who was seated across from me and had not missed a single word of our conversation. Dear Anne, I had hoped that my comment would hit the mark; this was the case: Mr. Darcy was suddenly very interested by the food on his plate. He could not have forgotten that I was aware of poor Mr. Wickham’s story. You will not approve of my conduct, as I know you are as conciliatory as my sister Jane. But since this is not the case for me, I am not concealing from you that I had my bit of revenge!
‘Lizzy! Lizzy! Charlotte is asking if you’d like to accompany her to Mrs. Brown’s. She has just brought a new parishioner into the world and my sister would like to take her a basket of provisions,’ Maria called out, bursting into the small boudoir where Elizabeth had found refuge.
‘That is a good idea, Maria, I have been deep in my letter-writing for more than an hour. Plus, I have wonderful news to share with Charlotte, so I will hurry.’
Before the girl could ask questions as to the details of this good news, Elizabeth had quickly left the room, a smile on her lips.
The two young ladies went down the hill to the village, passing the basket back and forth whenever it became too heavy.
‘I am delighted that Miss Elliot has found “her” captain and that this shall be ending with a marriage. Truly, Lizzy, those who know her wouldn’t wish her a more pleasant outcome!’
‘I agree with you, Charlotte. I can hardly imagine the depth of the feelings of Mr. Wentworth, who took the risk of asking for her hand a second time... Fortunately, this second proposal was accepted with joy,’ Elizabeth concluded, her tone pensive.
‘Yes, this is the first time that I have heard a story such as this, and I think that it shall be the last! It was also the first time that I had heard a story such as the one that poor Fanny had to endure. I can now confess that I felt great relief when Edmund Bertram arrived. I know that he can be trusted, and I sincerely think that he could be a great source of comfort to my cousin.’
‘I think so, too, and I’d add that she herself will be a great source of support to him. Pass me the basket, Charlotte, you have been carrying it for ten minutes, it’s my turn now.’
They walked in silence for a few minutes when Elizabeth returned to her friend’s last comment.
‘I wonder how someone as rational and reasonable as Miss Price was able to succumb so deeply to this young man. He did not hesitate to flee with another woman, though he had only just recently shown renewed interest in her. Charlotte, it seems that one can sketch the character of someone by analysing their words and their actions, don’t you think?’
‘She had, after all, refused his proposal from the outset, yet it is true that she seemed rather distressed when he presented himself at Portsmouth
. However, since I do not have your ability to analyse temperament, I cannot answer your question with any authority.’
They continued on their way, the first one modestly remembering what she had discovered about her husband during these few months of marriage. Nothing that had really surprised her, no more negatively than positively, incidentally. She could have revealed some of this, but she refrained from doing so; getting into detailed explanations on this topic was not practicable. Wise Charlotte. As for the other, she was juggling that which had just been said, and ended up mulling over several of the young men she had spent time with in the last little while. No, she was not one of those for whom a situation such as this could arise. Her study of human nature was proof of this; she had hardly ever been mistaken in her judgements up to this point. Astute Elizabeth.
*****
Even the rustling of leaves did not distract Elizabeth from her reading. It wasn’t until a shadow fell across the pages of her book that she quickly lifted her gaze.
‘Mr. Darcy! I did not hear you, my apologies,’ she said, rising hastily.
‘Do not let me disturb you, Miss Bennet. Every year, I walk along the different paths of Rosings, and paths such as this one, which are far from the meticulously maintained gardens, are particularly dear to me; I often played here when I was young.’
The master of Pemberley had never expressed a thought as personal as this in all the time the young woman had known him. Imagining Fitzwilliam Darcy as a child, climbing trees to escape his cousin Richard, the younger son of the Earl of Matlock, made her smile, and when she shared her vision, his hearty laughter in response surprised her, and even gave rise to feelings of affection. This taciturn and distant gentleman could also be a charming young man; for a moment, Elizabeth did not know what to make of this.
‘If you do not feel it is too impudent, may I ask you what the title of the book is that you were so engrossed in when I intruded upon you?’
‘It is a bit impudent, but, since you are asking so kindly, I shall show you,’ she conceded, handing the book to him.
‘The Wealth of Nations. I had no idea a subject such as this would be of interest to you, Miss Elizabeth.’
‘No, indeed. The accomplished young woman I am attempting to become wanted to read Sermons to Young Women, but Mr. Collins has both volumes in his office, and it appears he rereads passages from it rather frequently. I did not want to deprive my cousin of Reverend Fordyce’s enlightening works, so I opted for the enlightenment of Mr. Smith.’
‘Which I can only highly recommend! I see that you are almost finished,’ he said, returning the book to her. ‘What do you think of it?’
‘I think that I would have to reread it in order to comprehend its significance. Reading this book requires a great deal of attention, and I am equally inclined to confirm that once ensconced in these theories, a reader can forget everything,’ Elizabeth stated, looking straight at Darcy, the hint of a mocking smile on her lips.
It took a few seconds, and then he blushed; he had just understood what it was that the young lady was alluding to. She guessed at his train of thought and it was her turn to burst into laughter. Darcy, ceding defeat, bowed.
How could he have forgotten, just a few months ago, that he had sworn he would never pay attention to this Miss Elizabeth who had come to take care of her older sister at Netherfield Park. To avoid her, he had spent several hours in the library but, by a stroke of bad luck, Elizabeth had come to the library to read, as her sister had fallen asleep. She had therefore found herself seated near Fitzwilliam Darcy, who was rather unsettled by her presence but who had nevertheless taken care to clearly show her his indifference. He had greeted her, and then immediately plunged back into his book. And what was it that he was attempting to read so attentively at that time? The Wealth of Nations! It was so captivating, that he had not raised his gaze for the entire half hour. This did not mean that he did not notice that she was lightly tapping her foot to the rhythm of her reading of Cowper’s poetry, that she was distractedly wrapping a strand of hair around her left index finger, that she was quietly reciting the words and that her lips had been... most attractive! He had held up, he found his behaviour commendable, and there, in a single moment, she had dismissed it all!
To change the topic, he offered to walk her back to the rectory, which she accepted after hesitating momentarily. While they walked, they talked about Lady Catherine’s goodwill towards Mr. Collins, of his fortune at having found in Charlotte Lucas a more than suitable wife. Naturally, it was useless to point out that there was a price to be paid for this pleasant arrangement. Neither one nor the other alluded directly to this; however, both clearly gauged the remarkable competency which Mrs. Collins had to exhibit every day.
Chapter IV
In which it will once more be a question
of the delicate subject of a
marriage proposal and the response
that inevitably follows...
Rosings Park, the 30th of April, 1811
Dear Rose,
I hope that this letter finds you well and that your stay in Bath is pleasant. I can easily picture all the opportunities you have to enjoy yourself and I am certain that between three balls and two concerts, you meet many charming people and that you are never the least bit bored. And, on receiving this letter, you must think that poor Anne is languishing about in the heart of Kent. Well, on the contrary! This spring has been very different from the previous ones, of that I assure you.
‘Mrs. Jenkinson, would you be so kind as to cut my quill while I pour myself a cup of this infusion.’
‘Of course, Miss de Bourgh. It seems that the room is rather cool, even though we just stoked the fire.’
‘Could you go downstairs to fetch my shawl? I left it in the little drawing room at tea time. You could then check to see if Perkins will be available to post my letter as soon as he has it in hand.’
‘This shall be taken care of shortly, Miss de Bourgh.’
Miss Price, her sister and Mr. Bertram left for Mansfield Park. However, there are still the lady guests staying at Hunsford, one of whom I find particularly intriguing, namely Miss Bennet. Allow me to confide in you that I do not believe to be the only one on whom she has made a certain impression. I shall tell you what it is that causes me to come to this conclusion. Richard, my cousin, has replaced Fanny Price in my outings in the phaeton. As he is amusing and charming, I find great pleasure in his company. Yesterday, at the end of the morning, Richard was driving the cart and he was very occupied with avoiding the large puddle that the rain had left behind; he therefore did not see the scene that I witnessed: Fitzwilliam Darcy was presenting himself at the rectory! What is so surprising about that, you ask? Imagine, I had seen Reverend Collins in the drawing room with my mother, and I knew that his spouse often goes to the village on Monday mornings. And indeed, on our return, we saw her in the company of her sister, returning from the market. I therefore realised that my dear cousin, so distant and taciturn, must be alone with Elizabeth Bennet! This young lady is truly astounding; she opposes my mother and does not hesitate to clearly state her opinion, which is proof of her strong character! In addition, she is handsome, and her conversation is never boring. So, in my opinion, this visit is no mere coincidence. I had noticed that Fitzwilliam looked at her often when she came here for tea with the Collins. This would confirm my suspicions, would it not, Rose? But please do not whisper a word about any of this. If my mother were to find out, life at Rosings would become infernal. Yet, if I reflect on this, I must admit that this lifts a great burden from my heart: when will she understand that I have no intention of marrying Fitzwilliam? And he certainly has no intentions either, particularly these days!
I shall bid you adieu, in the hopes of soon receiving news from you. As for me, I shall continue to discretely follow the comings and goings of those around me and to draw my own conclusions, which I shall share with you in my next letter. I have been following your advice and have been
trying to let as much fresh air into the rooms as possible - obviously, without Mother’s knowledge - and to go outside; I believe that this is helping me, as I am finding it easier to breathe these days, so please do not worry yourself about me, dear Rose.
Please convey my respects to Lady Dalrymple.
Your devoted friend, Anne de Bourgh.
P.S. Promise to remain discrete with regards to what I just told you; my tranquillity depends on it. Thank you.
*****
This time, Elizabeth saw him arrive and welcomed him politely, all while wondering whether these encounters truly were happenstance. He had shown himself to be so unpleasant during his stay in Hertfordshire, so disinclined to spending time with the people from the region, so why did he seem to be seeking her presence? She was most certainly imagining things, but this was troubling her somewhat, particularly when she recalled Charlotte’s comments regarding the frequent, too frequent gazes that Mr. Darcy cast in her direction. And what should she think of his long silences when they found themselves in Hunsford or the grand drawing room at Rosings?
‘Miss Bennet, I am happy to find you in this part of the estate.’
‘Mr. Darcy,’ replied Elizabeth, greeting him, ‘is it one of your childhood memories that caused you to wander here?’
‘No, not really. This magnificent willow under which I am once again disturbing your reading is very dear to me. You simply chose it in quest of a quiet place to withdraw to, whereas I faithfully come to visit with this tree every time I come to Rosings.’
‘It’s a glorious tree. Its branches reach the ground and create a beautiful parasol. That’s what drew me here. But I’ve been sitting here for quite some time, I can give you my spot.’
