Chapter 15
After greeting Mr. Darcy and the Colonel, Elizabeth seated, and Charlotte ordered a tea tray. She was shocked that such important men had come to the parsonage to pay their respects. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins was so excited that he kept talking nonsense. The good thing was that Charlotte had learned very well how to counter her husband's outbursts, and she managed to keep him in line as best she could.
But Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised with the affable Colonel Fitzwilliam. Undoubtedly everything Georgiana had told him about in her letters was true. He was witty, funny, and cordial. But she couldn't understand why Mr. Darcy was watching her so intently, as if he wanted to find something wrong with her so he could later criticize her. Moreover, it was hard for Elizabeth to understand why this man came to the Collins' home if he clearly didn't want to be there.
"Miss Bennet, allow me to give you this letter from my cousin Georgiana," said Richard. Then, he lowered his voice and added. "Also, I want to personally thank you for everything you did for my little cousin at Ramsgate. She is a timid well-meaning girl, and that's why that pair of unscrupulous people so easily deceived her."
"Thank you, Colonel. Although we only met a short time ago, I greatly appreciate Georgiana. Also, I know that this painful experience has helped her to mature and grow. She told me she spent the last few months at your brother's estate and enjoyed playing with your nephew and pampering the new baby girl."
"We both love children. Unfortunately, because of my profession, I can't spend as much time with my nephew and niece as I would like, but despite that, I always try to spend time with them. I want them to grow up knowing funny uncle Richard."
"I am sure they enjoy being with you," added Elizabeth. She was so busy chatting with Richard that she didn't realize that Mr. Darcy had approached them.
Mr. Collins had to go to Rosings to show Lady Catherine next Sunday's sermon, so he couldn't stay chatting with the guests any longer. Also, Charlotte called for a maid to bring more tea, and Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to talk to Elizabeth. He didn't like that she conversed so familiarly with his cousin, considering she had only known him just for a few minutes.
"Miss Bennet, I hope your whole family is well and in good health," said Mr. Darcy uncomfortably.
"Thank you, sir. They are all in excellent health," Elizabeth replied, and she waited for a few seconds to see if the man had anything else to say, but he just looked at her and said nothing more.
To rescue his cousin from the awkward situation, the Colonel intervened. "Darcy, I was just telling Miss Bennet a bit more about my nephew and niece."
"I see. Little Albert and baby Sophia are adorable," added Mr. Darcy.
"Do you like children, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, quite surprised.
"I don't know if I like all children, but my cousin's children are very dear to me," Mr. Darcy replied.
"I must confess, Mr. Darcy, I am quite surprised by your confession," Elizabeth explained.
"Why?" he asked, intrigued.
"Because I would never have thought that a man like you would like to spend time with children." Elizabeth saw a smile on Mr. Darcy's face and was curious to hear his reply.
"I know I'm a rather serious man, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the same things as people with a more open personality than mine." When Mr. Darcy said that, he looked at his cousin. "When my father passed away, I had to assume his role and care for Georgiana, and she was only ten years old. So, I had to learn a lot about a girl's world, and more than once, I had to play with her."
"And how old were you, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked.
"I was twenty-one, and in the last few years, I had seen very little of Georgiana because I was studying at Cambridge. Then, when I graduated from university, my father passed away, and I took over all the family affairs and my sister's guardianship. Well, Fitzwilliam has helped a lot with that."
The Colonel told Elizabeth how he and Mr. Darcy had to play with dolls and pretend they had tea with Georgiana. But Elizabeth wasn't very focused on what he was saying. At that moment, she understood why Georgiana adored her brother so much. He was a young, handsome, and wealthy man, and instead of dedicating himself to enjoying everything that life gave him, he had sacrificed part of his youth taking care of and protecting his little sister.
Mr. Darcy noticed Elizabeth was very pensive and took advantage of watching her. He would have paid whatever to know what she was thinking. But he was more surprised when she looked at him and smiled. This time her smile was not playful as on so many occasions but rather full of sympathy.
After a few more minutes of cordial conversation, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to Rosings. As expected, the Colonel tried to talk to his cousin on the way back to their aunt's house. Still, he was reticent and only replied in monosyllables until he mentioned the only topic that interested him at that moment.
"I must confess, Darcy, I was quite surprised by Miss Bennet," Richard said tentatively.
"Why?" asked Mr. Darcy cautiously.
"Because you once mentioned that she was a woman like any other, so I thought she was ugly. Don't look at me with that face because you've never had a problem admitting when a woman is pretty. But I must tell you that in this case, we disagree. In my humble opinion, she's very pretty, just like Georgiana told me."
"I never said she was ugly, but I think that is irrelevant in this conversation. I saw you in high spirits talking to her, and I hope you know that she has no dowry or connections, so she is not the woman for you."
"Let me clarify that I'm not Bingley, so you do not have any influence in romantic life," Richard said between offended and amused.
"You're always complaining that you're a second son and must find a wife with a good dowry, so don't be offended, Fitzwilliam," Mr. Darcy replied, annoyed.
"You know pretty well I like to complain. I don't have your handsome face or your money, Darcy. So, I have to use other resources to attract the attention of the ladies, and believe me, many feel sorry for my situation, and they're extra nice to me," said the Colonel jokingly.
"Then save your sad second son story for other ladies and leave Miss Bennet in peace," Mr. Darcy concluded and quickened his horse's pace.
Richard let his cousin get ahead of him and thought with a smile. "I never thought to see Fitzwilliam Darcy so besotted for a lady. This week will be very interesting."
P&P
The next day Elizabeth received a letter from Jane and Aunt Alice and was very worried. That's why she decided to walk in the park after lunch. The news was not good, and she felt very sorry for her poor sister.
Aunt Alice told her that the situation in the Dover Strait had worsened. Uncle Gardiner informed her that several merchant friends with contacts in the area confirmed that the smugglers had taken much of the area and that the clashes with the authorities were permanent.
In Jane's letter, she begged Elizabeth to pray for her husband's well-being. They hadn't seen each other for almost two months, and she hadn't received any letter from her husband for two weeks. She also told her that Rebecca's husband contacted some friends in the War Office, and they informed him that they had not heard anything for several days but that the situation was extremely delicate.
Elizabeth crossed the park because she wanted to go to the lake. Around it, there were some stone benches under the shade of beautiful trees. That place inspired her peace, and she needed to put her mind blank so as not to think about the sad situation that afflicted her dear sister.
Besides, Elizabeth was sure that she would not meet Mr. Darcy at that place and time. He told her that Lady Catherine's affairs kept him busy for most of the day.
In addition to taking care of his family's affairs, Elizabeth could only admire that Mr. Darcy had the time and patience to help his aunt. The latter was also quite obnoxious and invasive. In addition, she always insinuated that her nephew and daughter were engaged, although she doubted it. The two times she had seen them together, Mr. Darcy hadn't even looked at her, and Miss de Bourgh had ignored him as she did with everyone else with her aloof and proud posture.
Georgiana told Elizabeth in her last letter that her brother had spent the previous two months locked in his study, working and practically alone. She even confided to her that Mr. Darcy had lost weight and that he looked sad and haggard. That is why Elizabeth was more tolerant and patient with him. But it was challenging to empathize with Mr. Darcy when he hardly spoke or asked her a bunch of meaningless questions. So that day, she had no patience for him and preferred to be alone.
When she arrived at her destination, she was engrossed in looking at the reflection of the sun on the beautiful lake, and she couldn't help but smile. But her peace was suddenly interrupted by an almost childlike voice.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet, come sit here with me," said Anne de Bourgh with much enthusiasm and joy.
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment because Miss de Bourgh seemed to be someone else. She was smiling and eager and happy to talk to her. Elizabeth walked over and noticed that Mrs. Jenkinson accompanied her. She was also surprised because Miss de Bourgh seemed to have a doll in her arms.
"Good afternoon, Miss de Bourgh, Mrs. Jenkinson," Elizabeth said nervously.
Anne approached her and said very enthusiastically. "It's good to see you. I've wanted to talk to you for many days. I have caramels, do you want one? I love these ones. Whenever Darcy comes to Rosings, he brings me candies, and Richard brings me chocolates. But my mother doesn't have to know that I eat sweet things because she says that it is not good and that a young lady of my rank should not eat sweets. This is my doll Beatrice, my aunt Beatrice gave it to me. Do you know? She is a countess, and she is Richard's mother. She is very nice to me, but my mother says she is a gossipy and intriguing woman who likes to get into other people's affairs. That's why I don't get to see her much. My mother does not like me to talk to anyone, and she tells me that I must always be silent because a real lady does not speak much. I once asked her if she was a real lady because she talked a lot, and she got mad at me. But you know, Miss Bennet, she always gets angry, and I don't like to see her angry. So that's why I'm always very serious when I'm with her, that way she never gets mad. Sometimes she cries a lot, and I think it's my fault." Anne took a bag of candies and said to Elizabeth, "The round ones are my favorite; please try them."
Elizabeth didn't know what to say. Without a doubt, there was something different with Miss de Bourgh, but she did not know how to explain it. She behaved like a girl of about ten or twelve years old even though she was over twenty-five. "Thank you very much. Of course, I will try one of these. I have no doubt it will be delicious," Elizabeth said and sat next to Anne.
Anne kept talking to Elizabeth endlessly about many unconnected topics, and Elizabeth felt her heart tighten. She regretted having formed such a wrong opinion of her. When Anne saw some ducks on the lake, she ran to the shore to throw breadcrumbs at them.
Mrs. Jenkins took advantage of the moment to speak to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, I beg you not to mention this meeting to Lady Catherine. She doesn't like anyone to know that my dear Anne is different," Mrs. Jenkinson said, unable to keep from shedding a few tears.
Elizabeth took her hand and, with a broken voice, replied. "Don't worry, Mrs. Jenkinson. I won't say anything."
"My dear Anne is a pure and innocent being that her mother keeps away from the world. She has learned not to say anything when Lady Catherine is present, but when she is away from her, she cannot help but show her wonderful soul. Ever since you came, she has been talking about you. She told me she likes that you're not afraid of her mother," Mrs. Jenkinson said, smiling. "Besides, she says you are beautiful and look like a fairytale princess."
"I'm so glad I ran into you and met the real Miss de Bourgh," Elizabeth said and ran over to Anne and helped her feed the ducks. Then, holding hands, they ran after other ducks as they flew away. Anne couldn't remember having so much fun in a long time.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy were walking briskly toward the lake. Anne's maid told them that Lady Catherine had woken up from her nap, and Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson had not yet returned from their walk.
Lady Catherine didn't like Anne leaving the house. But Mrs. Jenkinson took Anne for a walk every time Rosings' Mistress took a nap. To avoid problems for his cousin's companion, Richard decided to go looking for them and tell his aunt that he was the one who invited them for a walk. Lady Catherine could only lecture him, and he would ignore her. But she could dismiss Mrs. Jenkinson and lock Anne up in her room.
Mr. Darcy decided to accompany his cousin because he knew his aunt would complain less if he were with Anne and Richard.
When they reached the lake, they saw Mrs. Jenkinson watching Anne as she ran and laughed, holding hands with Miss Bennet. Richard called his cousin, and she and Elizabeth came immediately.
"Richard, why don't you join us? It's so much fun to run after the ducks and watch them fly. I wish I could fly, and would you, Lizzy?" Anne asked joyfully.
"Yes, I would love to be able to fly, Anne," Elizabeth replied, but when she saw the Colonel's worried face, she added. "My dear Anne, it seems your cousin has something to tell you."
"That's right, my dear Anne, the dragon woke up, and it's time to go back home."
Anne couldn't control her laughter, but when she saw Mrs. Jenkinson looking very serious, she excused herself. "I'm sorry, but Richard is so funny."
"I know, and he should know better how to talk in front of his cousin," Mrs. Jenkinson said, looking reproachfully at Richard.
"You're right. I'm sorry, Anne and Mr.s Jenkinson," Richard said. He knew that his cousin was like an innocent girl, and he should measure his words in front of her.
"Darcy, what are you doing here? Lizzy, Darcy will not want to play with us as Richard because he is very serious. But he reads very well, and I love it when he reads mystery books to me because Richard is always laughing, so I always know how the story will end. He cannot keep a secret like Darcy. You should read to us, Darcy, please."
"I'm sorry, dear, but I'm very busy with state matters right now. But I promise I'll read you the book you love so much before I go," Mr. Darcy said sweetly.
"You promise?"
"I promise." When Richard explained to Anne what they would say to her mother, Mr. Darcy explained the situation to Mrs. Jenkinson. She knew that they must return to Rosings immediately. "My dear Anne, it is time to go home."
"I know, but it's just so much fun here. Lizzy, how about we meet another day in this same place and play with the ducks again?"
Elizabeth understood the situation and took Anne's hand affectionately. "I would love to, but I think you should go home now. I had a lot of fun with you; thanks for brightening my afternoon."
"Thanks to you, Lizzy," Anne said and hugged Elizabeth lovingly.
Mr. Darcy watched the scene and felt it was impossible to love any woman other than Elizabeth Bennet. She was not only beautiful and intelligent, but she also had a noble and loving heart. But at the same time, he wondered why life was so cruel and made him fall madly in love with a woman who was so decidedly beneath him.
"Lizzy, please tell Mrs. Collins I loved the apples she sent me. She is an excellent friend of mine, but my mother does not know it. She thinks I don't like her, but the truth is that the one I don't like is her husband. So goodbye, my dear new friend," said Anne, smiling.
"Goodbye, Anne," replied Elizabeth.
Richard offered his arm to Anne and decided to help his pompous cousin a bit. "Darcy, I will go with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson to Rosings and take charge of our aunt. Please accompany Miss Bennet to the parsonage."
"Of course," Mr. Darcy said immediately, offering Elizabeth his arm. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes looked more beautiful than ever.
To avoid the awkward silence that always ensued when she and Mr. Darcy walked around Rosings, Elizabeth decided to talk about how beautiful nature was around the lake.
Mr. Darcy thought his heart would jump out of his chest with so much emotion. Being with Elizabeth in the middle of the afternoon, hearing her beautiful voice and exciting conversation, was enough to brighten his day. He couldn't help but think what it would be like to have her in Pemberley and tour all the beautiful landscapes of his home with her as his wife.
"Miss Bennet, I want to thank you for being so generous to my cousin and brightening her afternoon. She is a very lonely girl, and my aunt doesn't allow her to have any friends," Mr. Darcy explained.
"Is there a reason she does that?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, and it has much to do with her personality." Mr. Darcy explained to Elizabeth that Anne's delivery was complicated and everyone thought her cousin was stillborn. Later, when she was growing up, her parents noticed that she was different from other children. Her father accepted the situation and was always proud of his daughter. But Lady Catherine always denied that her daughter had any problem. "When my uncle passed away, things worsened because my aunt secluded herself here in Rosings, not allowing anyone to visit them besides close family."
"And there's nothing your family can do to make her understand that she's wrong?" Elizabeth couldn't believe Lady Catherine could be so cruel to her own daughter.
"No, she is her legal guardian. My aunt, Fitzwilliam's mother, has tried to make her see how wrong she is, so she forbade her to come to Rosings."
"I understand," Elizabeth said sadly.
"My cousins and I will never leave her alone. If anything happens to Lady Catherine, we will take care of her. Anne loves Pemberley, but unfortunately, I can't invite her because my aunt has always said she and I are engaged. I'm sure that if Anne visited me, Lady would create rumors compromising my cousin's reputation and mine."
"And why does she do that? It is evident that Miss de Bourgh will never be able to marry."
"I think she does it to pretend that everything is normal and because she believes it is the way to ensure that her daughter has someone who loves, protects, and cares for her by her side. But, the day I get married, I would love it if my wife would allow me to invite Anne to spend long periods with us. When my parents and uncle Louis were alive, they always visited us. I taught Anne to ride a horse when we were ten, and he loves it."
"There's no way someone can't love Miss de Bourgh, she's too charming, and she's capable of winning anyone's heart, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said.
"I'm not so sure about that. But I know a good person with a big heart will accept and love her just like she is."
"Then, Mr. Darcy, you must marry a good woman with a big heart," Elizabeth replied.
"That is what I plan to do, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said impulsively.
They had stopped on the road that led to the parsonage and where the road forked. Elizabeth got a little uncomfortable seeing how Mr. Darcy was looking at her. Something about him made it impossible for her to look away from his eyes. She always knew Mr. Darcy was very handsome, but she never cared. However, at that moment, she was fully aware of how attractive, tall, and strong he was.
"Thank you for accompanying me, Mr. Darcy. I hope with all my heart that Anne has no problems with her mother," Elizabeth said, flushed and flustered.
"Don't worry, Fitzwilliam will take care of her," Mr. Darcy said with a smile. He realized that his dear Elizabeth was just as affected as he was after looking at each other with such intensity.
"Have a good rest of the afternoon, sir." Elizabeth was ready to start waking, but Mr. Darcy took her hand and kissed it.
"As always, it was a pleasure conversing with you. Tomorrow I will go for a walk before breakfast. Maybe we could walk together," Mr. Darcy said without letting go of Elizabeth's hand.
"Of course, and you could tell me how Anne is and if she had problems with your aunt."
"See you tomorrow morning, then," Mr. Darcy said, letting go of Elizabeth's hand.
"See you tomorrow morning." Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy, smiled at him, and ran back to Charlotte's house.
Mr. Darcy observed Elizabeth until he saw her enter the parsonage. Then, he walked without noticing what was happening around him. The only thing he felt at that moment was the soft skin of Elizabeth's hand on his lips. "Oh, my sweet love, the hours will be eternal until I can see you again," thought Mr. Darcy as he walked away smiling and happy.
P&P
Jane was lying on her husband's bed, thinking about David and praying to God to protect him. So many days had passed without hearing from him, and she sensed something was wrong.
Rebecca and her husband were so good and kind that she sincerely appreciated their love and concern. Also, Aunt Gardiner and Aunt Alice, whenever they could come to keep her company and invite her somewhere to keep her distracted. But as the days passed, she lost hope and was more distant and sad.
She not only hardly ate but slept very little. So when she heard a knock on the door in the middle of the night, she immediately got up to see who it was. As she went down the stairs, she saw the butler giving a message to his master, and Rebecca was next to him, completely pale and nervous.
The message came directly from the War Office. Mark opened it and skimmed it while his wife looked at him nervously.
"What does it say, Mark? Please tell me," Rebecca asked on the verge of tears.
"It says David and his men are missing, and as soon as they have any new information, they will notify us," Mark explained. Rebecca couldn't resist another minute and burst into tears in her husband's arms.
For her part, Jane returned to the room and threw herself on David's bed, crying inconsolably. "Where are you, my love? Where are you?" Jane repeated desperately.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, Elizabeth will begin to see a side of Mr. Darcy that she had never noticed before, but she will also be very disappointed. While in London, Jane will also receive an unexpected surprise.
Gracias a todos los lectores de habla hispana que siguen mis historias y siempre dejan comentarios.
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Saludos,
Yo