If Only In His Dreams

by Schertz, Melanie

  “Very well, Father, we will leave immediately for Town. Darcy, your carriage is ready for us, is it not?”

  Darcy nodded his head. The Fitzwilliam brothers escorted their father out of the house and to the carriage. Once the carriage was on its way, Alex walked over to his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Come, Darcy, let us return the ladies and see to their comfort.”

  Chapter 23

  Elizabeth was standing in the doorway of the room where Lady Anne was sleeping. Her husband quickly took hold of her hand and escorted her down the hall. “Dearest, I thought I made it quite clear that you needed to rest.”

  “I wished to check in on Mother, as I have been concerned for her. I could not have rested properly until I had seen for myself that she well.” Elizabeth replied. “I know that you are concerned for my health, but please do not worry. I am well and there is no need for me to be in bed. I wish to be at Mother’s side to be sure that everything that can be done is.”

  “Lizzy, please, my love, do not make me worry over you. If you do not rest as Mr Jones has insisted, I will be fretting constantly every moment. You are fatigued; I can see that much in your eyes.”

  “Very well, I will rest for a little while. But only if you will tell me what happened in Alex’s study. I heard the voices, the men arguing. Do not attempt to tell me that it was nothing.”

  “Let me tuck you into the bed and I will explain what all has happened.” Darcy led his wife to her room. Once her head was on the pillow and the coverlet pulled over her, Darcy placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Now, the voices you heard were my cousins, Richard and Matthew, as well as their father.”

  “Lord Matlock is here?” Elizabeth became nervous at the thought.

  “No, my love, he is gone. And you will never have to deal with him again. We confronted him with the truth of what happened with Wickham. He did not deny hiring Wickham to harm you. He was not pleased to learn that you survived.”

  Elizabeth knew that Lord Matlock was heartless; she had survived his attempt to rid himself of her. “Did the injuries sustained by his sisters cause him any grief?”

  Darcy shook his head as he spoke. “No, he has no regrets for the situation. Mother and Aunt Catherine being injured did not matter to him.”

  “What will happen to him?” Elizabeth took hold of her husband’s hand and squeezed it tightly.

  “His sons are taking him to London to be placed in Bedlam. Richard will return afterwards, as he does not wish to be far from Anne and Aunt Catherine. He told me that Anne has been tiring easily of late, so he does not wish to be away from her for more than a few hours.”

  “I pray that she is not becoming ill.” She replied to her husband. “You have told me that she has always been of a frail nature.”

  “I know that she will not stray far from her mother’s side until her husband returns, as I am certain that Anne will not listen to me if I were to tell her she needs to rest. As your husband, I have standing to convince you to rest. As her cousin, I can only suggest that Anne rest.”

  A chuckle escaped Elizabeth. “My poor, dear husband, Master of Pemberley and yet surrounded by strong willed women who do not listen to you.”

  Darcy placed a kiss on his wife’s forehead. “Rest, my vixen, and I will check on you in a little while.”

  “Tell Mother that I am thinking of her and praying that she recovers quickly.”

  A smile graced his face. Hearing his wife so kindly thinking of his family after all that she had been put through since meeting him warmed Darcy’s heart. “I will make sure that she knows. Now, close your eyes.”

  Later that day, Alex came to check on his sister’s recovery. “Lizzy, I must say that I wish that we had met William years ago. I would never have believed you would be so willing to remain in bed for a full day.”

  “Very funny, Alex; I despise being here. I should be down the hall being of comfort to my mother in law.”

  “She is resting. Jane said that she had some more laudanum after having something to eat. Lady Catherine is resting as well. Her daughter has been at her bedside constantly.”

  “There have been no signs of her taking a fever?” Elizabeth asked anxiously.

  “No, no signs yet, though the surgeon is staying close until we know that she is out of danger.” Alex sat on the side of his sister’s bed. “Are you feeling up to eating something? Mrs Hill asked if you wished for some meat and cheese brought up with some bread.”

  “That would be pleasant, Brother. Tell Mrs Hill I appreciate her kindness.”

  “You know how important you are to her. She could not love you more if you were her own child. If you would like, after eating, Mrs Hill stated she would have a bath drawn for you.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. “Thank you, Alex.”

  “Oh, I thought I would read you a letter that I received today, for I believe it will bring you something to laugh about.” Reaching into his coat pocket, Alex pulled out a letter.

  To Mr Alexander Bennet,

  I am your father’s cousin by my dear father being brother to your own grandfather. Many years ago, before your birth, our fathers had a disagreement which brought about a break in our family. My dear father passed away just two months ago and I am determined to heal the wound that separated our families for so long.

  I understand that you have two sisters and you have not married as yet. Without an heir, if something were to befall you, your sisters would be left without protection. I pray that I will be able to offer them comfort as I would inherit the estate.

  I have recently taken orders and am awaiting being given a valuable living in Kent. The new heir of that fine estate has recently married and has been occupied with his new duties to finalize the offer which had been hinted to be mine. His dear wife’s mother and I have spoken often and she was quite taken with me, and was only waiting for the position to be open to award it to me.

  My reason for writing to you is to inform you of my arrival at Longbourn on Friday, in the afternoon. I wish to remain with you for a fortnight as we enjoy coming to know each other better. I will look forward to seeing you and your delightful sisters.

  Yours graciously,

  William Collins

  Elizabeth folded the letter and gave it back to her brother. “My goodness, I believe this man is quite fond of himself. And why would he behave so in regards to Jane and me? Does he believe that we would fall into his arms, grateful to have any husband to rescue us from becoming old maids?”

  Alex gave a soft chuckle. “I believe that is exactly what he believes. And the comments as to my not having an heir, he practically makes me out to be an old man ready for my grave. I am not even thirty yet and have plenty of good years left in me.”

  “So he arrives today? With all the commotion and extra people staying here, do you have room for such an added burden?”

  “It seems that our cousin has taken the liberty of ensuring that I do not have time to turn him down. I spoke with Mrs Hill and she is clearing the nursery and placing a bed from storage in there. It may not meet with his approval, but it is the best I can offer him at the moment.” Alex looked at his sister to gauge her reaction to his next statement. “Fortunately your husband graciously declined the need for his own rooms, or I would have had to offer Mr Collins a room in the stables. William stated that it was no hardship for him to share rooms with you.”

  Alex was rewarded by watching his sister blush a deep, dark shade. Laughing, Alex placed a kiss on his sister’s hair. “Lizzy, I am pleased that your marriage turned into one filled with love. I must admit that when William first told me of his dreams of you before even meeting you, I was extremely concerned. If anyone else had told me such a tale, I would have kept you as far away as possible. You and William were destined to marry, and I believe you should count yourself fortunate that you had me as your brother.”

  Laughing, Elizabeth looked at her brother. “Very well, my dear brother, I admit that you were correct in your de
cision and when naming our children in the future, I will consider honoring you with using your name for one.”

  “That would be gratefully appreciated, my dear sister.” Alex stood and prepared to leave. Turning slightly so that he could see his sister’s eyes, he spoke. “I love you, Lizzy. I am so very pleased to see you married so happily.”

  “Now, old man, we must find you someone to love so that you do not have to resort to having Mr Collins become heir to Longbourn.” Elizabeth smiled as her brother left the room.

  Chapter 24

  Mr Collins arrived near four that afternoon. As soon as he entered the house, everyone knew what a ridiculous and self-important person he was. His fawning over everyone and everything became irritating in quick order.

  “My dear cousins, what joy it is for us to be together finally. You will be pleased to know that this is a dream come true for me to finally see the home of my ancestors.”

  Alex welcomed the pompous man to the drawing room. “We are pleased to have you join us, though your arrival comes at a difficult time for us. We had an accident occur a few days ago and we are hosting those injured here are Longbourn.”

  “My goodness, I pray that I can bring some comfort to those who are recovering. As I am a clergyman, it is only fitting that I tend to their souls while their bodies heal.”

  Not wishing this man on anyone, let alone his own family, Alex shook his head. “That will not be necessary, Mr Collins. My guests need quiet and rest. Besides, they are ladies and it would be inappropriate for you to be in their bedchambers.”

  “Nonsense, as I am a man of the cloth. It would be acceptable for me to bring them comfort. My being in their rooms would not be seen as inappropriate.”

  “Mr Collins, I must insist that you honor my decision. As a guest in my home, I will not tolerate your causing my other guests discomfort by your intruding on their privacy.”

  Mr Collins was taken aback by his cousin’s behavior. “Forgive me for wishing to be of comfort to the poor, unfortunate souls who are here due to your benevolence. Are they tenants of the estate?”

  Realizing that he was now in dangerous waters, Alex decided to tread lightly. “No, they were guests at the neighboring estate of Netherfield. They were here with my sister Elizabeth when the accident happened.”

  “Netherfield? That name sounds familiar to me.” Mr Collins frowned for a few moments before he remembered where he had heard the name before. “I believe that the family I have been waiting to hear from in regards to the living in Kent was traveling to Netherfield. Would you by chance have heard of Lady Catherine de Bourgh? Her daughter and new son in law have taken possession of her estate of Rosings Park.”

  “Indeed, I am quite familiar with not only Lady Catherine, but her daughter, son in law, and her sister’s family. They are my guests at this moment.”

  “What good fortune for me to be here at this moment. It will show Lady Catherine and her family what a worthy candidate I am for the living at Hunsford parish.”

  “You will do no such thing, Mr Collins. Lady Catherine and her sister were harmed and I will not allow you to cause them any discomfort with having to deal with you forcing yourself upon them.”

  “But you must see that the Lord must have sent me here at this time to be able to impress upon the de Bourgh family what a proper clergyman I can be for the parish at Hunsford.”

  A man’s voice sounded from the door of the study. “You will not disturb my family while they are recovering.” Darcy entered the room, determined to put a stop to this fool’s desires before he could cause any harm.

  “Sir, might I have the pleasure of meeting the honorable Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

  “No, my cousin is not here at the moment. He should be returning shortly and I am quite certain that he would expect me to keep you from disturbing his mother in law and his wife.”

  “And who might you be, Sir?” Mr Collins was attempting to salvage this attempt to secure his future.

  “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley in Derbyshire. My wife informed me that you were arriving and I wished to speak with Mr Bennet as to your behavior.”

  “Your wife? Might I inquire as to who your wife is?”

  “My wife is Mrs Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, sister of Mr Bennet.”

  Confusion crept over Mr Collins’s expression. “I was under the impression that my fair cousins were maidens who had not found husbands. Cousin, have you given me false hope that I would find my future here at Longbourn?”

  “Mr Collins, you gave me no time to reply to your letter before I found you on my doorstep. If you must know, my sister, Elizabeth, recently married to Mr Darcy. My other sister, Jane, is engaged to marry Mr Bingley of Netherfield Park. I have made no commitment, as I did not ever communicate with you before today. You assumed that my sisters were available and that you could have a choice of them. It is not to be and you must settle yourself to that knowledge.”

  “I believe you have treated me quite ill. You refuse to allow me to bring comfort to the injured parties staying in your home, of whom I know as I am attempting to obtain their generosity for a living. Then you inform me that your sisters are both spoken for, and I feel that I made my intentions quite clear in my letter that I wish to make an attachment with one of your sisters so as to allow them to remain in their home after you have left them and I become the master of this estate.”

  “Mr Collins. That is more than enough from you.” Alex was furious. “You make assumptions in a letter which arrives here only hours before you do. You did not prepare us or even ask permission for which you would have waited for me to respond and offer you our hospitality. You assume that I will never marry and have children of my own, thereby having no heir of my own. You then assume that my sisters are sitting here at our home, with no callers wishing to secure them in marriage. My sisters are regarded as two of the most precious jewels in the county, why would you believe they are destined to be put on the shelf and become old maids.”

  “And my brother in law did not refuse you to give comfort to my relatives; it was I who denied you such access. As the head of my family, I have that right to make such decisions. I am also a member of the Bennet family, as I have married into it. Mr Collins, only a fool would come here as you have, with no invitation, only announcing your plans hours before your arrival. And then to behave so towards your cousins is reprehensible. Mr Bennet is a fine upstanding man who has taken tremendous care of not only his estate, but of his sisters as well. Now, I wish to inquire as to your age, Mr Collins.”

  “Why would you require my age?” Mr Collins asked. “My age can have nothing to do with you.”

  “You have insinuated that my new brother is nearing infirmity. I wish to know your age.”

  “I am thirty, Sir, a prime spot in my life to take a wife and have a family.” Mr Collins stated with his chest puffed out.

  “Mr Collins, what makes you think that you are in better health than Mr Bennet? I ask this or one very important reason. You are several years older than Mr Bennet, thereby making it more likely that it will be you who will die first. And I can tell you, Mr Bennet is quite heartily active, not only working with his tenants, but also riding his horse most every day. You, Sir, appear to be a bit paunchy and I would wager, you do very little by way of exercise to keep you healthy. It is my opinion that Mr Bennet will long out live you.”

  “I have never been so insulted in all my life.” Mr Collins’s face was turning a deep redness as his fury grew. “If it were not so late in the day, I would return to Town this very moment.”

  “There is an inn just down the road in Meryton. I am certain that they will have room for you.”

  “But I…I…do not have the funds to waste on such frivolities. I am a man of the cloth; I do not have vast resources such as you gentlemen.”

  Darcy reached into his pocket and pulled out several coins. “If that is all that is keeping you here, Mr Collins, here, take these coins to cover your expenses. I am certain th
at one of the stable hands can transport you to the inn.”

  Mr Collins was furious, as he had not expected this meeting to go so wrong. It was his plan that he would become an intimate member of the Bennet family, as he wished to inherit the estate sooner, before there was any chance of there being another heir. Once married to one of the sisters, Mr Collins would be in a prime position of keeping the estate for himself.

  “No, I will not leave here today. I wish to remain in the home of my family.” Though Mr Collins was not pleased at the way events were turning against him, he still believed he could maneuver the situation in his favor. If only he had opportunities to plead his case with Lady Catherine or her daughter so that he could procure the living at Hunsford. Or, if he still wished to marry one of the sisters, Miss Jane Bennet was still unwed. Engagements can be broken, especially if a compromise were to happen.