My dearest, I send news of the greatest joy. Come November, there shall be another Buford in the world. Please do not be concerned. The physician was quite satisfied, and I am in excellent health and spirits. Our family is delighted at the news—Mother Buford, I think, most of all.
When I look into a mirror, I almost weep knowing that the evidence of our love is even now growing within me. That is, until I recall what this will do to my figure—then I do weep!
I shall close now, but I promise faithfully to write you as often as may be.
Rwy’n dy gari di,
CAROLINE
Buford House, London
Chapter 17
Rosings Park
A miserable Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam rode slowly through the town of Hunsford towards Rosings Park. As he passed the Clarke household, he barely acknowledged the wave of welcome from the inhabitants.
Such a greeting is not surprising. Thanks to me, your income just doubled, he thought with uncharitable bitterness.
Richard’s uncharacteristic bitterness sprung from his expectations for his short visit. Whitehall had been most desirous of his return to duty, and it had taken much of Lord Matlock’s influence to secure this short leave. Richard was exceedingly thankful for his father’s efforts, for he could not bear to sail to the Continent with his regiment without first taking his leave of Anne. That meant admitting his feelings for his cousin, but the earl and the viscount had chosen to be kind rather than caustic. Richard knew well his hypocrisy; he loved nothing more than to tease, but he had little tolerance for it being aimed in his direction.
Richard was melancholy enough at leaving Anne now, just as he finally knew his heart, but to face her gatekeeper again—his harridan of an aunt—after their last interview was a price painful to pay. But pay he must if he meant to say good-bye to his beloved.
Within a few minutes, he passed the parsonage and saw the Reverend Mr. Collins attending his garden.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam!” he cried, “how good to see you again so soon. What a pleasure it is to have the company of such an august gentleman as yourself, unselfishly serving our king…”
Richard allowed the man to prattle on. The vicar meant well, and Mrs. Collins was a good friend to Anne. Within a few minutes, the lady of the house came out to join them. “Colonel, you are welcome indeed! Please take a few moments to step inside and take your ease.”
Something in Mrs. Collins’s demeanor encouraged Richard to agree to her suggestion. Richard knew he had chosen well when Mrs. Collins declared to her husband, “Mr. Collins, what are you about? The meeting of the church lay council starts within the half hour!” She effectively shooed the man upstairs to make himself presentable before returning to their guest.
“I am glad we have these few moments to talk in private,” Mrs. Collins began. “Things have been very strained at Rosings since you left. Your orders have improved things in the village, I dare say. Even Mr. Collins will agree—in private—but Lady Catherine has been… very unhappy since your departure in February. I am afraid Miss Anne has taken the brunt of her abuse.”
Richard turned white with anger. “Is that so? Why has my father not been informed?”
“Because Miss Anne would not permit it,” came a voice from the hallway.
The two turned at the sound. Mr. Collins, wearing an unreadable expression, stood at the foot of the stairs, his cravat in his hand to be tied.
“Mr. Collins!” exclaimed his wife. “I—”
“Charlotte, you do not need to explain. I know why you sent me away.” He crossed over to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. “It is I who need forgiveness. I have given far too much of my attention to our unworthy patroness and not enough to the mother of my children. I have not lived up to my own sermons. It is no wonder that you do not confide in me. I shall labor to earn your trust.”
Mrs. Collins looked upon him in absolute shock.
The tall vicar turned to Richard, clearly in shame and regret. “As I said before, I am very glad you are here. Miss Anne, who had shown such Christian condescension as to befriend my dear Charlotte, has been most unhappy. Lady Catherine, I am not pleased to report, has been very unkind to her—indeed to the whole household. Why, she even had cross words for Mrs. Collins just last week! I know I owe my situation to Lady Catherine’s benevolence, but it is dearly bought. We must pay deference to those of high rank, but… but to treat my wife no better than a servant? The daughter of a knight? It is becoming intolerable!
“I throw myself at your feet, begging for deliverance. I have attempted as Lady Catherine’s pastor, in the most respectful manner, to advise her to better behavior. I have tried to make her see the errors of her ways but to no avail. I would do more, but… you see, my family…” Mr. Collins threw up his hands in defeat. “She has made threats.”
Richard’s heart was touched. “Fear not, sir. I pledge to you that your family is in no danger. I speak for my father, the Earl of Matlock, and my cousin, Mr. Darcy, in this matter.”
To Richard’s embarrassment, tears came to the man’s eyes. “Oh, Colonel, you cannot know what a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. That you would turn your attention to such an unworthy man as myself is beyond any reward I could hope for. Speak! Ask any question; my wife and I are at your disposal.” Mr. Collins had clearly switched his allegiance to the family of Matlock.
“But your meeting, sir?” asked Richard. “I fear I am delaying you—”
Mrs. Collins rose to her feet. “I shall advise them that you are in a most important meeting with Colonel Fitzwilliam, my dear,” she told her husband. She turned to Richard. “They shall understand. Your name is upon everyone’s lips as the savior of Hunsford.”
* * *
A half hour later, a better advised Richard Fitzwilliam rode to the doors of Rosings. Handing the reins to the stable hand, he ascended the steps and announced himself at the door. The butler was clearly nervous. He begged the colonel to wait upon his ladyship’s pleasure.
“Nonsense, you know who I am!” Richard declared in false good humor. “I will just let myself in. No need to bother Lady Catherine, my good man.” Richard slipped past the butler and went in search of Mrs. Parks. He found her in the empty breakfast parlor.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam!” she cried. “When did you arrive, sir? Are you staying long?”
“No, madam—just to have a word or two with Lady Catherine and Miss Anne, but first I would speak with you. I understand things have been difficult lately. What may I do?”
“Oh, sir, do not worry yourself on my behalf! I am well, and I will do what I can for the staff. Please, you must save your efforts for Miss Anne.”
“The Collinses have said the same. What has happened?”
“Nothing yet, but I believe Lady Catherine is planning to take Miss Anne away—to Bath.”
“That is my understanding. Why is this a concern?”
“Lady Catherine has been after her to improve herself in order to attract a suitor.”
* * *
Richard paused before the great doors of the sitting room, steeling himself for the interview to come. “You may announce me,” he said to the butler.
A moment later, he heard a voice. “You may come in, Richard.”
The colonel entered the elaborate sitting room and saw his aunt sitting in her usual chair at the far end. She gave the impression of a spider in the center of her web. A slight smile seemed to dance upon her lips.
“Ah, the savior of Hunsford returns! To what do I owe this visit, Nephew?”
“Do I need a reason to visit?”
“Do not play games with me, boy. Always I have been celebrated for my frankness of character. I expect nothing less from any of my family. Why have you returned?”
“To bid you farewell. I am off to the Continent to face Bonaparte.”
This declaration seemed to take Lady Catherine by surprise. After a silence of a few moments, she said, “I am afraid I do not understand your m
eaning. Is not the tyrant held captive on some small island—in the Mediterranean, perhaps? Why would you need to face him? Does he need to be arrested?”
Richard was stunned that his aunt did not know what had happened. “Bonaparte has escaped Elba. He is back in Paris, and the French king has fled. The tyrant is raising an army. Britain goes to fight him yet again.”
Lady Catherine was affronted. “Escaped? Surely someone has not done their duty. I assume it was one of those foreign types that was responsible. Such a thing would not happen if an Englishman was in charge.”
“I am sure you are correct. In any case, it falls upon those who wear the king’s uniform to set things right.”
“When do you leave?”
“The regiment sails in May.”
“Then you go with my blessing. Was there anything else?”
“I would like to speak to Anne before I go.”
“Yes,” she looked at him narrowly, “I suppose you do.”
Richard became wary. “Is she about? My time is short. I must leave soon.”
“What business do you have with my daughter?” Lady Catherine demanded.
“To take my leave of her, as I have done with you.”
“And is that all?”
“I am afraid I do not take your meaning, Aunt.”
“I am sure that you do, sir. Oh, yes—I know much more than you think.”
“I do not think I like what you are insinuating. Are you accusing me of improper behavior?”
“Is it proper to make love to my daughter under my very nose?”
“Madam!” Richard fought hard not to lose his temper. “I do not know what lies you have been told, nor do I wish to hear such vile accusations made against your daughter. Let me simply assure you that I hold Anne in the highest regard and respect, and would let nothing damage her reputation while I have breath in this body.”
“A very pretty speech. Yes, very pretty. Do you think me blind? I watched you ‘take your leave’ of Anne in February. What other liberties have you been permitted? Answer me, boy!”
“Lady Catherine, I shall not dignify that question with an answer. By God, if you were a man—” Again Richard struggled to retain control. “I have nothing to say to you about Anne at this time, except this: My intentions in matters of this kind have always been honorable. Is it your belief that I have compromised your daughter? If so, than I am prepared to do the right thing by her.” Come, Aunt, make my dreams come true.
“Oh no, you shall not have your way that easily. I know that it is Rosings Park, not Anne, that is your desire, and that you shall never have!” Lady Catherine’s temper grew into a passion.
“I care nothing for Rosings. Besides, Rosings belongs to Anne, not you—as you well know.”
“Only because of the legal chicanery of your father and uncle! But Anne is my daughter; she needs my permission to marry.”
“Anne is of legal age.”
“Anne shall do as she is told! I have already made preparations—begun inquiries. Anne will be united to a proper family, one that is worthy of a de Bourgh!”
Richard narrowed his eyes. “One that can be manipulated, as well. Such a compliant man shall be hard to find. Do you believe you will find such a person in Bath?”
His aunt sneered. “Bath—London—it matters not. I know Anne shall not travel to Derbyshire again!”
Richard looked at his aunt with as much composure as he could manage. “You would condemn your daughter to a loveless marriage just so you can hold on to Rosings?”
“Love?” Lady Catherine raged. “You speak the same foolishness as your cousin! Pemberley has been polluted forever by that… that creature Darcy married. Anne will have an estate of her own, and I shall prevent you and my hateful brother from stealing Rosings from me!”
“And if Anne refuses to cooperate?”
“She would not dare! However, if none of my candidates are suitable, Anne and I will live here comfortably for the rest of our lives.”
Richard stood in awe of his aunt’s selfish, ignorant maliciousness. One word from Anne would destroy her whole world. She was of legal age; Anne could marry anyone she chose. He wondered if his aunt was quite sane.
“I think there is nothing more we can say about this or any other matter. I will leave you now. Farewell, Aunt.” Richard turned to leave.
Lady Catherine called out, “I have not forgotten how you mistreated me when last you were here. You dare to speak to me without first offering me your apology? I am most severely displeased!”
Richard halted before the door. With one hand on the knob he said, “Do not be unhappy, my lady. With any luck, the French may solve your problem with me forever.” At that, Richard left the sitting room, closing the door behind him.
* * *
Richard stormed through the halls, trying to control his emotions, when he came upon Mrs. Parks again. She looked at him with compassion and simply said, “She is in the gardens, sir.”
With a smile, he thanked the housekeeper and dashed out the doors. Anne stood in the very same spot as in February, looking at the new buds.
“Anne!” he called as he ran to her. She, in turn, waved to him, her smile heartbreaking in its beauty. He reached her and took her hands in his. “Ah, the pretty buds of April, and here is the prettiest!”
“Oh, Richard, it is so good to see you—even if you do say such lies,” she said with joy.
To Richard’s concern, he found that he did exaggerate Anne’s looks. There were circles under her eyes, and she looked as if she had eaten ill for some time. Richard wondered just how horrible it had been for her at Rosings while he was gone.
Anne’s eyes took in her cousin. “Richard? Why do you wear your sword?”
“Do not worry about that, my dear. Let me look at you.” Quietly, he asked, “Why did you not send for me?”
“There is nothing she can do to hurt me. Are you here long?”
“No, I must leave for London soon—”
“Did you bring the coach? I did not see it.” She looked around him and saw only his horse. Anne turned back to him. “You rode?” Suddenly there was a forlorn expression in her eyes. “Richard, why are you here?”
“Anne, I—”
Realization came to her. “It is the crisis, is it not? You are going back… back to fight Bonaparte!” Unlike her mother, she had been reading the newspapers.
Gravely, Richard answered, “Yes, Anne.”
“Oh, God.” She lay her head on his chest. “When?” she whispered.
“We sail in May. I came to—I had to see you before—”
In a small breaking voice, she said, “I thought you had come back for me.”
Richard was in anguish. He took Anne’s face in his hands and stared into her eyes, memorizing every lovely feature. “Anne, there is so much I wish to say… but now is not the time. Oh, my dearest!”
Anne shook her head, her eyes swimming in tears. As her small fists began beating on him, she cried, “No, no… not now! How can you say these things to me now? Now that you are leaving me, perhaps never to return. How cruel! I cannot stand it! Leave me—let me go! Please!” She broke away from Richard and fled into the house.
Richard stood like a statue, watching her flee. Then slowly he sat on the bench behind him, removing his hat and holding his face in his hands.
* * *
Anne rushed past the housekeeper and up the stairs. She had her choice of her rooms to which to run. By very good fortune, she chose her sitting room. There she found Mrs. Jenkinson.
“My goodness!” the woman cried as she rose from her chair. “Whatever is the matter?”
Anne, her face swimming in tears, hesitated and then embraced her companion. “It… it is Richard. He is going away to France!”
“To France? Whatever for?”
“The war—Bonaparte—he goes to fight Bonaparte. He did not come for me. Good-bye—he came to say good-bye. Oh, I cannot bear it!”
Mrs. Jenkinson was
distraught, but she kept her wits about her. “Oh my dear, how distressing! What you must be feeling!” She allowed Anne to weep for a few moments more before asking, “How did you leave it with the colonel?”
“W… what? Leave it?”
Mrs. Jenkinson asked sharply, “Anne, what did you do?”
“Do? I did nothing. I… I fled.”
“Oh, my girl, what are you thinking? Colonel Fitzwilliam comes here to bid you farewell—forgive me, but perhaps for the last time—and you just ran away?”
Anne’s tears stopped as she realized the extent of her blunder. Her eyes grew wide and panic-stricken.
“He goes to war, my dear,” Mrs. Jenkinson continued. “Have you any idea what he shall be going through in the weeks to come? Perhaps the only comfort he shall have will be the knowledge that those he cares for at home are thinking of him. Oh, my love, you cannot be this cruel.” She held her charge at arm’s length. “Anne—no secrets now—do you love him?”
Eyes downcast, Anne said, “With all my heart. Oh, Mrs. Jenkinson, what shall I do?”
Mrs. Jenkinson raised Anne’s head with her hand under the girl’s chin and looked into her eyes. “You must let him know.”
“Oh, where is paper?” Anne dashed for her desk.
Mrs. Jenkinson moved towards the door. “Quickly as ever you can, my dear. We will delay him.”
* * *
Colonel Fitzwilliam knew not how long he sat dejected in the garden. Finally, the sound of hooves against cobblestones brought him back to himself. He slowly rose to his feet, took one last look at the door Anne had rushed into, and turned to leave.
As he approached the front of the house, Richard saw that most of the household staff had gathered on the front steps, Mrs. Parks and Mrs. Jenkinson among them. The housekeeper approached him.
The Three Colonels Page 18
