“Richard is a grown man; I do not tell him what he should or should not do, and he returns the favour. Besides, I am family, too.”
A disembodied voice roared, “If you are family, then why do you persist in going against my wishes?”
As everyone turned, the Earl of Matlock emerged from the shadows of the hallway leading to his study. His displeasure was apparent, and cringing, Georgiana moved behind her aunt.
Lady Matlock winced, knowing where this would lead. Noting, too, the number of servants who had stopped to listen, she ventured, “Dear, do you not think this is a matter for discussion in private—perhaps in your study?”
Allowing that the entire household was listening, Lord Matlock declared, “I shall see you in my study immediately, Fitzwilliam! I expect you as well, Richard!”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and disappeared down the same hallway from which he had materialized. The countess tilted her head and lifted her shoulders as a sign of apology. Then smiling wanly, she turned her attention to Georgiana. As she guided her niece towards the grand staircase, she kept up a constant conversation in hopes of distracting her from the unpleasantness. As they ascended the stairs, she was heard saying, “You simply must have a new gown, a new pair of slippers and, of course, one of the lace shawls made fashionable by Lady... ”
Meanwhile, Richard moved to stand next to William, whispering, “It seems that Lady Susan is as manipulative as ever! In addition to gaining Georgiana’s support, it seems she has managed to make my mother think you are already a couple.”
“You assume a great deal. Lady Susan may be the one being manipulated, not vice versa. You well know your mother’s penchant for matching.”
“No. I have seen this scenario too often in the past to miss the signs. My money is on Lady Susan!”
“Fine! Then you shall learn for yourself.”
“I intend to, old man! Now, are you up for one of my father’s lectures, or shall I inform him that you have departed for Darcy House and will speak to him later?”
“I will not cower, now or ever.” With those words, he stalked towards the earl’s study, leaving Richard to catch up.
THE EARL’S STUDY
As the cousins sat in matching upholstered chairs directly in front of the earl’s oversized, mahogany desk, the drumming of Richard’s fingers on the table between them was the only sound to be heard. William, his mind ever alert, twisted the insignia ring on his little finger, as he did whenever he was anxious.
Too upset to sit down, the earl had been standing behind his desk, howbeit facing the wall, since they entered. All the while, he kept his hands clasped behind his back, his pose reminding Richard of General Wade’s description of Napoleon—short, portly, hands clasped behind his back.
Though his father was of medium height, the other adjectives fit, and the realisation made him stifle a laugh, drawing William’s attention. Fortunately, the earl was too engrossed to notice. When the cousins’ eyes met, Richard wagged his brows. Quickly covering a smile, William shook his head in warning and resumed staring blank-faced at his uncle.
Suddenly, the earl slammed his hands on the desk, startling them both. “What were you thinking, inviting my brother and that woman to stay at Pemberley, Fitzwilliam? You know the ton will have a grand time mocking me when this becomes common knowledge.”
William’s ire rose, but he was determined to stay calm. “That woman is his wife of over thirty years. Her name is Olivia. And I was not keeping anything secret. Uncle Joseph simply wrote to me, asking to visit Pemberley while—”
“He was disowned because he refused our father’s command to do his duty! We needed him to marry a woman of his station with a substantial dowry to help the family. Instead, he married that lowly, shepherd’s daughter!”
“Aunt Olivia’s father was a gentleman, and though her dowry may have been modest, she is a rare jewel,” Richard stated.
The earl skewered Richard with a glare. “Must you always argue your cousin’s side?”
“Only if he is right.”
Darcy explained. “He is my mother’s brother, despite all that has happened. I was but a boy the last time he was at Pemberley, yet I do remember the affection they shared. She and Father kept up a correspondence with him and my aunt until my parents died. Uncle Joseph and I have corresponded since. Do you think I could be any less hospitable than my mother?”
“Of course, you would take his side! You have always been your mother’s son.”
“It is not a matter of choosing sides, Uncle. I would have done the same thing had you been in his place. And I do not agree that disowning him for choosing to marry for love was justified.”
“That attitude is what led to my brother’s ruin. He was deprived of his family and sentenced to a life at sea. Gone from England for years on end; all that awaited after the navy was a downtrodden estate in Ireland, and that only because of our grandmother’s kindness. And now? Now, he is reduced to begging for accommodations because he wishes to visit his homeland. I doubt he has a farthing to pay for an inn if he wishes to stay in one. Let his situation be a forewarning to you both! Tread carefully when you ponder going against the dictates of your family and polite society. What seems the right course at the moment may actually be the road to your downfall.”
“I have heard you out, Uncle, though I do not concur. We shall never agree on how Uncle Joseph and Aunt Olivia should be treated. Now I shall take my leave. Please excuse me.”
As William headed towards the door, Richard quickly jumped up to follow.
“Just where do you think you are going?”
Richard turned, his usual smile replaced by aloofness. “I am going with Darcy. I find the atmosphere at his house less stifling.”
“You try my patience, Richard. It is one thing to disagree with me, but quite another to flaunt it. Most of London is being entertained by news of our discord.”
“If they are, it is because Edgar talks too much when he is in his cups. And rumour has it that he is especially verbose with his whores after bedding them.”
Richard’s statement hit the intended mark, and the earl said nothing in reply. Content with having silenced his father, the colonel exited the study to find his cousin in the foyer, donning his coat.
“Are you coming with me?”
“I would not stay here and suffer my father’s contempt for all the brandy in France!”
MERYTON LONGBOURN AT Dinner
On this night, the dinner table was unusually quiet; the gaiety that most often surfaced when all five daughters talked at once was sadly lacking. On this particular day, the Bennets were joined by the one person capable of dampening any gathering—a distant cousin and their father’s heir, Mr. William Collins.
Appearing at Longbourn concurrent with the letter announcing his intention to visit, the obsequious vicar blamed the gaffe on the fact that his noble patroness, Lady Catherine, had recommended the visit and then insisted that he leave at once.
Mr. Bennet had not been mollified. In fact, he had been so perturbed that he had considered telling Collins that it was an inopportune time to visit, and he would have, had his wife had not pushed him aside, gushing words of welcome. Being adept at matchmaking, she immediately grasped the import of the opportunity dropped into her lap, as it were. For if just one of her daughters pleased Mr. Bennet’s heir, that would solve the problem of lodging in the hedgerows upon his death.
The vicar could not have been more revolting had he tried. Small in stature, his teeth were stained, his stomach protruded and his hair, what little there was of it, looked greasy. Nor did his clothes impress, for when he appeared at the door, they were wrinkled and smelled of sweat and cheap cologne. It was clear that he needed a bath, and dinner was postponed whilst he obliged. Nonetheless, when he joined the family at the table wearing the same coat and breeches, it was evident that a bath was no cure if one’s clothes needed a good scrubbing too.
Taking his seat at the table, Mr
. Collins did not detect the censure of those seated about him, likely because he was focused on a singular mission. Charged with returning to Hunsford with a bride, or at the least as an engaged man, he was determined not to disappoint his benefactress. Thus, beady little eyes began to examine one fair cousin after another, coming to a complete stop when they alighted on Jane, who sat to his right. Her fair countenance kept his interest until Mr. Bennet decided to have some sport.
“Mr. Collins, please tell us how you came to be the vicar of Hunsford.”
The man’s eyes lit up, and his chest swelled as he began to elaborate on the virtues of his patroness in between shovelling spoonfuls of food into his mouth; however, when he spoke, it became clear that he was not only unsightly, but simpleminded, as well.
“One could not hope to find a nobler benefactress among people of her rank. She is the mistress of Rosings, the most excellent estate in all of England. Lady Catherine is of the highest calibre, as is her lovely daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh. They are the kindest, most gracious women of my acquaintance, as neither makes a distinction between my humble self and any gentleman. As to my position, I was amongst a group recommended to her ladyship by my superior. I was awarded the position after an interview, during which I was asked only one question.”
Mr. Bennet pursed his lips to keep from smiling. “Pray, share with us the question.”
Collins lifted his chin in an exaggerated manner. “She asked if I had any objections to having her plan my sermons.”
Thomas Bennet caught Elizabeth’s eye. The sparkle therein let him know that she agreed with his assessment of Collins’ stupidity. “And your answer?”
“Naturally, I replied that I would be delighted to have her involvement. After all, she is highly esteemed by the entire county, if not the entirety of England. Who better to advise me of what should be addressed?”
“Who indeed?”
Lydia and Kitty giggled at his smugness, which Collins must have taken as esteem, since he nodded approvingly in their direction as he took another bite of potatoes and addressed his hostess. “This is a most delicious vegetable! Who am I to thank for this wonderful fare?”
Mrs. Bennet answered indignantly. “We are well able to afford a cook, Mr. Collins.”
When his answer came, however, it only served to make her uneasy. “I am glad to hear that. Very glad indeed.”
As he resumed eating, she became flustered at having given him more information regarding Longbourn’s finances than she had planned.
Elizabeth ventured, “Is Miss de Bourgh very handsome? After all, she must be much sought after, with such an inheritance, and if she is beautiful as well, then that would attract even more suitors, I presume.”
Collins shook his head sadly. “While she has handsome features that mark a young woman of distinguished birth, I am sad to say that her health prevents her appearance at court, and it is a deprivation indeed! The court is thus cheated of its most beautiful jewel, and she is deprived of the suitors her presence would no doubt attract. Nonetheless, I see her often as she drives past my humble abode in her small phaeton with matching ponies, and I make a point to be at the gate and wave whenever she passes.”
“It must be the highlight of her day,” Elizabeth teased, though Collins did not notice her sarcasm.
Actually blushing, he dropped his gaze. “You are too kind. But Lady Catherine tells me that her daughter often speaks of my devotion. In fact, only last week Miss de Bourgh remarked that she cannot fathom how I can perform my duties and still be at the gate whenever she passes.”
“Remarkable! I confess that I find it hard to grasp as well,” Mr. Bennet interjected flippantly.
Swallowing a mouthful of peas, Collins replied, “Oh, it is not too difficult. I repositioned my desk by the window that faces the road in order to watch for her phaeton. As soon as the ponies appear, I run from the house to the gate. Of course, I have often mistaken other vehicles for hers, but that is of no consequence. After all, the exercise is refreshing, even if it turns out to be someone else.”
“It is clear that exercise has been a benefit,” Elizabeth mocked, “and, of course, you must not disappoint Miss de Bourgh.” Giggling, Lydia choked on her water, so Elizabeth patted her on the back.
As for Mr. Collins, he felt sure that he had impressed his relations, and, wanting to appear charitable, he made an announcement. “I thought I would entertain you by reading a selection of Fordyce’s sermons after dinner.”
Lydia leaned towards Kitty, making a groaning sound, which elicited a new round of giggles. Trying to cover for their impropriety, Jane said loudly, “I think that a lovely idea.”
Mr. Collins’ face lit up. “Oh, are you familiar with Fordyce’s sermons, Miss Bennet?”
Jane was struck dumb as he had leaned closer, his eyes fastening on her bosom. “No, I... I...”
Mr. Bennet stood, his chair scraping the floor as he addressed the vicar. “Mr. Collins, if you will follow me to my study, we shall discuss the reason for your visit. You may entertain us with Fordyce afterward.”
Reluctantly tearing his eyes from Jane’s cleavage, Collins could do nothing but nod in agreement and follow his cousin from the room.
AS MRS. BENNET AND her daughters reassembled in the parlour to await their cousin, Lydia began to complain. “I shall not sit and listen to sermons all night. I have a magazine that Aunt Gardiner sent me, and I wish to find a pattern for a new gown and ideas to trim my old bonnet.”
“And I wish to help Lydia,” Kitty whined.
“None of you shall leave this room until I say,” their mother declared. “He is off to Brompton the day after tomorrow. One of you must catch his fancy to insure that he stops here on his way back to Kent!”
Elizabeth sighed. “Jane is practically engaged to Mr. Bingley. Surely you could not wish for her to catch his eye.”
“This is true, although I have not been overly impressed with Mr. Bingley’s devotion. Most men would have made her an offer by now; nonetheless, I shall dissuade Mr. Collins from pursuing Jane. You, however, are the next oldest and will do nicely!”
“Oh, but Mama!” Jane intervened. “Mr. Darcy has been paying Lizzy special attention of late, and he is reputed to have ten thousand a year, much more than Mr. Bingley. Surely, you would not wish her to settle for someone less wealthy.”
“Mr. Darcy has been paying Lizzy attention? He has not called on your father or even bothered to dine with us like Mr. Bingley. Other than speaking with Lizzy at my sister’s card parties and a few dances here and yon, he has shown her no favouritism of which I am aware. Is there something I should know?”
Jane cringed. Glancing at her sister’s worried face, she stuttered, “I... I have seen no more favouritism than you, but in my opinion, he acts as though he is besotted.”
“Besotted? Wealthy men do not marry girls as plain as Lizzy! Why should he? He can have any beautiful woman he fancies. And one with a large dowry.” Then she chastised her second daughter. “Listen to me and stay clear of that man! Any attention he pays you cannot be credible, and if your good name is lost, it will bode ill for you and all your sisters!”
Jane started to object, but Lizzy intervened. “Whatever you say, Mama, but I shall not marry Mr. Collins, and I think Mary, Lydia and Kitty are all too young to marry anyone.”
“You shall do as I say, and I shall determine at what age you all marry.” With this pronouncement, Elizabeth hurried from the room to the sounds of her mother’s shouts. “Come back here this instant! Do you hear me, Elizabeth Rose Bennet? You will suffer for your defiance!”
Mrs. Bennet did not go after her or ask Mr. Bennet to make her return when he and Collins entered the room later, for she was well aware that he coddled Lizzy and would not make her do anything she did not wish to do. However, if Mr. Collins should decide for Lizzy, she would force her second daughter to bend to her will. She was not above helping the man who would one day determine her future, compromise whichever of the gi
rls he wanted, save Jane.
LATER THAT NIGHT
A huge storm raged without, mirroring the tempest that Mr. Collins’ presence had created within Longbourn’s walls. Elizabeth’s bedroom was pitch black due to the lack of moonlight; thus, as the door to the bedroom squeaked open, she strained to see who had entered. Holding her breath, she prayed that it was not her mother. When her eldest sister held up a small candle, illuminating her face, Elizabeth let go the breath she had been holding. Still, the diminutive candle gave little light and a muffled cry escaped as Jane stubbed her toe on a chair leg.
“Oh, blast!”
“Jane, do try not to fall with that candle.”
“I am sorry if I awakened you. I thought Mr. Collins would never stop reading. Lydia and Kitty nodded off straightaway, and even Mama was snoring by the time he gave up.”
Elizabeth could not help giggling. “What was Papa doing?”
“He was reading a book he brought from his library. Mr. Collins kept glancing over to him with an expression of displeasure, but you know how much good that did.”
“That is one thing I love about our Papa—he does not hide his views. I have been praying that he will put an end to Mama’s plan to marry us off to that horrible man.”
“He is not so awful,” Jane said. “Perhaps, under a woman’s influence, he might be inclined to—”
“Clean his teeth? Bathe? Wash his clothes?” Lizzy retorted, causing Jane to collapse in giggles.
“Perhaps he would, though I should not like to be the one to influence him.”
“Nor would I!” Lizzy added. “Now, let us try to sleep. Your beau will undoubtedly be here bright and early again tomorrow.”
“But what of Mr. Darcy? Has he mentioned his plans? I know that you passed along Mama’s invitation.”
“I have no idea what his plans are. I issued the invitation, but thus far he claims that he has not had opportunity. He spends quite a bit of time travelling between here and London.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 7
