Chapter 158

Elizabeth wondered why Anne was so demonstratively seeking Frederick's embrace, it was not like her to want to agitate her mother by doing something that was at the very least considered improper in public. Somehow it seemed that Anne was actually a bit out of sorts, and in fact that wasn't all that remarkable: Anne hadn't wanted to see her mother at all, not yet. First she needed to find it in her to forgive the arrogant woman who had more or less delivered her own daughter to an incompetent surgeon, favouring her nephew above her very own child, and causing the latter great harm. Frederick was comforting her at the risk of insulting his new mother-in-law, and whilst he wasn't particularly set on propriety he did want most people to like him. Though Lady Catherine might be the only exception.

At least Anne was relishing his embrace, she had to yearn to have Nick close, but he could not come into the drawing-room without an invitation whilst they had visitors. When Elizabeth had seen him just before they left the stable area he had been in conversation with one of Lady Catherine's servants, apparently the one he hoped would succeed him in Dora's affections. If he had known how seeing her mother again would hurt his beloved Anne he'd have been in agony, better she tell him tonight, she had plenty of support here for now.

Fitzwilliam looked as perfectly handsome as ever, greeting his aunt a lot kinder than she deserved. Of course they had not taken the time to make love before they'd dressed, though they certainly did spend some time on each other. They had decided to greet aunt Catherine first, then look for Mr Collins, let him sweat it out a little.

'If he is at all polite I suppose I shall have to tolerate his presence, my aunt is still imposing on him and he will never be able to resist her,' her beloved had said, and Elizabeth made sure to show her approval as clearly as she could, not for her cousin's sake, but for Fitzwilliam's. She was convinced that resentment was as bad for the person sticking to it as for the one suffering under it.

Aunt Catherine had been in the house for more than an hour by now but Elizabeth couldn't see any sign of her being terribly put out by Fitzwilliam's prolonged absence. She actually seemed a bit less haughty than at other times, and she wasn't even here as the supplicant.

Then Prince George caught her eye with a small, unobtrusive gesture and winked. Had he managed this? Of course he was the heir to the throne, but Elizabeth didn't think Lady Catherine looked as if she was in the presence of the Crown Prince. Somehow, she could not believe that Lady Catherine could be with a prince and not show him deference, in that she expected Fitzwilliam's aunt to be just like Mr Collins: treading on the lower ranks but obeisant to those above them. Unfortunately for Mr Collins, substantially more people were above him, even his penniless, cut-out cousin Elizabeth was these days. And Jane, and Kitty.

'I'm Lord Chester for now, Mrs Darcy,' a humorous voice said behind Elizabeth. Prince George had moved to stand behind her, and spoke quietly. 'I hope your husband won't inadvertently give it away.'

'I don't think so, Lord Chester,' Elizabeth replied as softly. 'I suppose it's rather obvious she doesn't know your real rank, though she is a lot less overwhelming than usual.'

'I'm afraid that may be my fault, I promised Mrs Manners to keep her mother out of her hair in absence of both her husband and her faithful shadow. I'm afraid I overdid it a little, I tend to talk too much, I've heard that often enough and yet I cannot seem to help myself. And now Mrs Manners is seeking solace with her husband, he looks positively tender. I'm so jealous.'

'Lord Chester, I'm both diverted and scandalised. I've always had a secret hope someone would put Lady Catherine firmly in her place and you seem to have done that quite adequately. But Frederick is truly a very good man and he makes Anne very happy. You may be jealous, but do not underestimate his qualities.'

That obviously didn't happen to a prince very often, he was very surprised at Elizabeth's admonishment. Of course he recovered really quickly and said charmingly, 'I stand corrected, Mrs Darcy. Your informality towards Mr and Mrs Manners proves you are very good friends, and even if I didn't trust your observations, I know now that Mrs Manners has every possible chance to stay as happy as she currently is.'

During their ride back to Pemberley, Frederick had told her that Simon was getting rather desperate with the prince's constant attempts to gain information from him, and his constant hints that he knew what was going on in Frederick and Anne's marriage. Elizabeth now understood poor Simon's complaints, why couldn't the man leave well enough alone, they didn't try to find out whether his wife was as repulsive as he'd described her to Fitzwilliam and Frederick, did they, or how many genteel ladies he had seduced? They just treated him nicely, and respected his privacy. Elizabeth really wanted to ask him why he couldn't just enjoy their company, but that was going way too far, she should never forget this was their future king.

'I see you are not done chastising me, Mrs Darcy, you know I adore you, you can speak up freely. Maybe I'll learn something useful.'

Against better judgement, Elizabeth did.

'Why do you insist on prying in Mrs Manners' private life, Lord Chester? She merely wants a little fun, to make up for her ten years of living death. She is not harming anyone, nor is Mr Manners.'

That was a bit blunt, but he had asked. And her question had effect, he seemed rather surprised, though obviously unpleasantly so.

'Is that what you all think I'm doing? Prying? I hadn't thought of it that way, but I can see how it must seem I am. I'm sorry, I suppose I'm rather selfish. I did notice Simon's discomfort but it was such an interesting mystery to work out, a real challenge, I couldn't help myself. I apologised, then just continued prying, ignoring his wishes, he couldn't refuse me his services anyway. Nor his answers. And yet I don't believe for one moment that Mr Manners prefers women of a certain profession over a smart, beautiful lady. That is enough to fool a mean-minded servant, but not me. I think I know whom Mr Manners loves, and now you tell me I may not try to prove it to myself? I just have to go back to London not knowing? What harm can it do? I'll never tell anyone.'

Elizabeth really had to restrain herself not to sound angry, he was so selfish, he would chance ruining two of her friends' lives just to satisfy his curiosity.

'What gives you the right to know everything? Knowledge is power, Lord Chester, some people might think that you want to use that power to try to control their lives. We've treated you as one of our own, but just as you prefer to keep your private affairs to yourself, so do we.'

'I stand rebuked again, Mrs Darcy. You have indeed been very kind to me, much less formal than I feared and very inclusive, especially your husband, who really didn't like me at all. I promise you I will stop prying, especially towards Simon, who cannot refuse me. Though I am excessive disappointed to have to let go of my mystery. I suppose your husband wants you, see?'

And indeed, Fitzwilliam was done talking to his aunt, and now it was time for Elizabeth to be polite, if they wanted to know about Wickham for once and for all. She didn't think Prince George would use any knowledge he gained to his own advantage, but he had to be told he was being selfish, he was taking his amusement way too far.

After receiving his aunt kindly and having talked to her about the state of their affairs and of Pemberley, Darcy decided it was time for her to acknowledge Elizabeth, though the latter was deeply in conversation with Prince George. He didn't dare interrupt the prince, but fortunately it seemed as if aunt Catherine was rather impressed with the unfamiliar gentleman anyway, therefore she would not be likely to complain. Darcy decided to be very formal in his introduction, he was married and his aunt would accept his choice of a wife, bringer of a favour or not.

'Aunt Catherine, you have met Mrs Darcy before, but not at Pemberley. I dare say she is a most gracious mistress of my ancestral home, and I am still very grateful to her for returning my passionate affections.'

She didn't like to hear her nephew say things like that, he had done the upstart a favour, not the other way around. Little did she know what her own role had been, maybe he should tell her. After they'd seen the letters.

Elizabeth curtseyed beautifully, but not too deeply: she was mistress of Pemberley after all. She did let aunt Catherine speak first.

'I suppose you've done very well for yourself here, Mrs Darcy, though you might have a word with your housekeeper: she gave me the wrong room. My dear sister Anne always gave me the corner apartment and I've had that ever since when I'm staying over. You should see the room I've been relegated to, it's half the size and the fireplace smokes something dreadful.'

Trust aunt Catherine to start her true connection to Darcy's wife with petulance. That room was perfectly fine, only slightly smaller than the corner room and frankly, with a bed more suitable to someone of his aunt's age. Elizabeth's beautiful face showed only geniality as she replied calmly.

'It's my pleasure to receive you at Pemberley at last, Lady Catherine. I'm sorry to hear that your room is not to your satisfaction,' and here she drew the elderly lady a bit to the side and spoke a bit lower, 'but you see, Lord Chester already occupied the corner room before you gave word of your arrival, and he is not the kind of person one can afford to insult. I'll have the chimney in your room looked at, and I'm sure the gardener can cut some early flowers to brighten the place up a little.'

Oh, dear, dear, Elizabeth! To be so kind and reasonable and at the same time say such fearsome things. She even sounded a little fearful. But she was right, Prince George was a genial man, but Darcy suspected he might be very sensitive of his own status and undoubtedly a bad enemy, though never to Elizabeth.

Since Elizabeth and aunt Catherine did not have much to discuss and everyone knew that, Manners had now released Anne, who stood behind her husband. Prince George had seated himself in a chair next to Anne's usual spot, marked by her work basket. Elizabeth had apparently decided she might as well do the honour of introducing aunt Catherine to her son-in-law, well, Anne certainly wasn't going to and someone had to do it.

'It is my honour to introduce you to Mr Frederick Manners, our newest relative.'

A feeling of intense love suffused Darcy, he truly did admire his beloved for her impertinence. To nonchalantly claim a relationship to his aunt was so clever and so subtly insulting. True, though, they were relatives and his aunt had better accept that.

Manners was at his most affable, and in his case that was very much so. He bowed politely and waited for his mother-in-law to greet him. Aunt Catherine did not disappoint, she seemed so much less arrogant all of a sudden.

'Mr Manners, I'm so pleased to meet you, I read in the papers that you and Anne were married but I'm glad you did me the honour of writing that kind letter. I must admit I did feel slighted. Some might say you married too quickly, but I want you to know I am very happy to see my dear daughter so well loved. Thank you, Mr Manners.'

No officious advice? No hidden slights?

'I am also honoured to meet you, Lady de Bourgh. Anne and I are very happy together, as we'll show the world this coming winter when we move to London.'

More polite phrases were exchanged and they sat down together talking, whilst Anne chatted with Prince George. Georgiana gestured for Darcy to come to her at the piano, which she wouldn't have dared as little as a year ago. Now she handed him a letter and quietly spoke to him.

'Mr Collins is here, he gave me this letter for Elizabeth and said he didn't want to come but he didn't dare tell aunt Catherine the truth either. He is with Simon in the servants' quarters, and Simon offered to bring him to you in the confidence room when you ring the bell there. He was frightened almost to death, Fitzwilliam, Mr Collins, not Simon. We'll entertain aunt Catherine for awhile, once Frederick is done charming her.'

Good, they should not allow Mr Collins in the drawing-room if it could be helped, better if he stayed far away from Prince George. If they removed the Zumpe to headquarters maybe they could keep Elizabeth's obnoxious cousin upstairs, he loved Fielding's music. But Prince George did, too, after his little tour of the second floor yesterday he would certainly want to join the younger crew there. Well, Collins wasn't that smart, if Prince George sat up there whilst he and Elizabeth entertained aunt Catherine downstairs, there was the least chance of anyone discovering his true identity. Better ask Elizabeth to come along to the confidence room now, she still had Charlotte's letter to read after all.

Sitting with Mr Collins in the confidence room for what might turn into an hour altogether would not be pleasant to either of them, so Simon decided to take Mrs Darcy's cousin to the common-room. It was a bit below his dignity, but Mr Darcy would not appreciate having him on the loose, and at least in the servants' quarters they'd have people to talk to and and some entertainment, something was always going on in there with so many people about.

Still feeling a little apprehensive about treating Mrs Darcy's cousin with inappropriate familiarity, Simon did it nonetheless. He was an independent man, he had a fortune, he chose to pretend to be a servant and he was not going to scrape and bow to a mere clergyman if the Prince of Wales treated him with geniality.

'This way, please, Mr Collins. Have you ever been to Pemberley?'

'Indeed I have not, though I have wished to. I've heard the library is without equal, I'd hoped to be allowed to spend some hours there.'

He didn't sound put out at all but rather pathetically relieved. He'd probably expected to be summoned to leave immediately, in utter disgrace. He might still be sent away but Simon guessed not in disgrace, Georgiana had more or less promised the wretch to at least fabricate an excuse if he had to go, and to help him find a place to stay. Mr Eliot would be an excellent choice, he had a near-boundless patience and Mr Collins might learn something from a truly superior minister.

Simon longed to observe that though the current Mr Darcy kept his collection of religious works scrupulously up to date, his father and grandfather had neglected that part of the library in favour of the kind of books most people hid carefully. But of course he didn't. Instead, he offered the clergyman a comfortable seat on a padded bench and offered him coffee and a hearty snack to accompany it, which Mr Collins did not refuse. To be polite, he took a cup of coffee himself and a slightly less hearty version of the pastry Cook had on offer for the servants with an appetite between meals, notably the youngsters and the stable and garden staff.

'You're Mr Darcy's housekeeper in London, aren't you? You look different without the livery, did you get a promotion to be housekeeper here as well?'

'I used to be Mr Darcy's valet until he promoted me to housekeeper when the butler left. But Mrs Reynolds is the housekeeper here, I left London because I changed situations, I've taken service as Mr Manners' valet. I'm here because he is staying over for the summer.'

'But Mrs Fielding asked you to take care of me?'

'As a kind of favour. We're friends. In London, I befriended Mr Fielding, and when he married Miss Darcy we became friends as well. A valet generally isn't a very busy servant, Mr Collins, we help our master dress twice or three times a day, then spend the rest of the day spying on the other servants or improving our own looks or conversation. As a breed we're very vain.'

Mr Collins actually laughed at Simon's wit, and while he did that he looked much more sympathetic than Simon remembered him. Then he sobered up.

'But you're expected to be at your master's beck and call. Isn't that rather demeaning?'

'That depends on one's master. Fortunately I have a reputation for being very good at my job, I can choose my employer and demand some privileges others cannot.'

'Did you change employers because Mr Darcy wasn't good to you?'

This time, it was Simon's turn to laugh, for Mr Collins sounded a bit rueful. He'd certainly run into Mr Darcy's worst side.

'Actually, no. I always loved working for him. But now he is married I suspect he will stay at Pemberley most of his time, and not need perfectly tied cravats and fashionable pantaloons, meaning I'd have virtually nothing to do but fight with Mrs Darcy's maid for a chance to clear away their laundry. Besides, I'm a city boy, I'd miss London. Mr Manners is an important man in London society and he will need my attendance every evening coming winter. I'm looking forward to it.'

'And when you get older, or want to start a family, what will you do?'

'I'm saving up to start my own business in London. Gentlemen's fashion, I've a real mission to improve the look of every man who can afford good quality clothing.'

'Sadly, some of us cannot be helped, Mr Close.'

He meant himself, poor man. He indeed wasn't a good-looking man, but some of that was his own fault. Prince George's features were only slightly more refined and he looked perfectly fine because he dressed well and took care of himself. Well, had himself cared for. Even if his finery was about a decade out of date. Though Mr Collins would never be able to afford those brocades and silks, he was free to follow fashion, which the prince wasn't, not really, though Simon thought he might do it so slowly no-one would notice until it was too late. But that was a foolish dream of Simon's. Still, there was certainly hope for improvement for Mr Collins.

'Nonsense, Mr Collins, we can all dress better. Not all fashionable men have natural beauty, clothes do make the man.'

At this point, Nick entered with Hughes in tow, the latter still a rather attractive man despite being in his forties already. He wore a livery and he did that very well, almost as good as Simon did himself, and he had an unconscious air of calm and self-assurance. His face was weathered but in the way of a man ageing well, making him more attractive instead of less. Though Simon had known Hughes for a long time, all the ten years he'd been Mr Darcy's valet to be precise, Simon noticed only now that he and Nick had a certain stance in common, which had most likely to do with their both being in charge of security.

'Collins!' Hughes exclaimed informally, 'did you get banned from the drawing-room?'

His voice betrayed some vexation, they seemed to actually be friendly with each other. Simon would have guessed Mr Collins to look down upon a mere staff member.

'I'm glad not to be on the road to the village, Hughes, it's five miles. Mrs Fielding has promised she'll get me a place to stay with their minister if her brother refuses to let me into his house. And she said she'll lie to the mistress why I'm gone. Now don't get angry, Hughes, I did something unforgivable, Mr Darcy has every reason to be angry with me, really.'

Mr Hughes shook his head, but accepted Mr Collins' soothing words. Nick took this opportunity to say, 'Hughes, you remember Simon, no doubt?'

Simon took the offered hand as the tall guard replied heartily, 'I most certainly do, though he looks even smarter than he used to. I heard you've changed employers, Simon?'

'I did, I work for Mr Manners now. He lives in the thick of public life, I love it.'

'And so does Nick here, apparently. You are lucky fellows, a kind master, living in London at least half the time and spending the rest moving from fashionable family to fashionable family. If I were your age I'd envy you. Which brings me to my reason to accompany my mistress, as I've already told Nick: Dora. Frank is out of his mind about her, but she seems to prefer the life you are all leading now. Is there any chance for him to make an impression on her? If not, he'd better find out now and set his sights on some other girl.'

'Nick knows her best, Hughes, I know she loves her duties and being in town, and she is really promising, picks up the latest fashions instantly, she can hold her own even amongst even a gaggle of London servants, and she can hold her tongue. I'm impressed with her performance, and she is improving every day.'

'That is what I wanted to know from you, thank you. So I guess Frank's suit is rather hopeless then.'

'Well, not if he is patient. They're both still very young, a year or two of following her mistress around from party to party may make her yearn for the quiet of the country. Or he might try his luck in town.'

Simon really thought they were rather young to plan out a future together. They could easily live their own lives and write for a few years, couldn't they? Until they both knew what they wanted with their lives. It was what he'd advise any youngster in love. Eric and Georgiana were the exception, they knew exactly what they wanted and they wanted exactly the same thing, but most men and women were rather different and needed some more time. Nick put Simon's sentiment in words.

'I see no problem, Hughes. They're young, they can be in different houses and still stay in touch by writing. A lot of people do. If we can give them a few hours together each day for as long as your mistress resides here I suppose that is more than they were expecting to get. Dora never thought of Frank as he did of her, she has gotten used to the idea but that doesn't mean she'll love him instantly. And she has changed, she is much more self-assured than he remembers her. He may be disappointed in her.'

Before Hughes could answer, the door opened and Mrs Reynolds entered, grumbling to herself, clearly audible to anyone close enough, which were all four of them.

'Annoying woman, arriving without giving proper notice then complain. As if we were going to kick out someone of real consequence to please a windbag. Some people at least know how to be polite, he may come here unannounced any day, imagine having the p...'

Suddenly realising there were two strangers in the common-room she shut up instantly, losing some of her unshakeable dignity to stammer, 'Oh, I wasn't expecting anyone here at this time of the day. I'm sorry.'

Well, she should be, she called the two men's mistress an annoying windbag, but worse, she almost betrayed the true identity of the Prince of Wales to the worst gossip alive. Mr Collins had made up a story about Miss Elizabeth Bennet being about to enter an engagement with Mr Darcy, right after her sister had accepted Mr Bingley's offer. Of course it had eventually led to their finding each other, making Mr Darcy the happiest of men, but still it had been a nasty piece of gossip that might have done quite a bit of mischief.

Hughes actually laughed out loud.

'Never mind, my dear lady, we've called her worse. Elderly ladies like our mistress often handle new situations badly, except I've worked for Lady Catherine for several decades and she was always like that, even when much younger still. We tend to ignore it, though Mr Collins here is still an apprentice in that art.'

He was positively charming, and Mrs Reynolds was not insensitive to his kind words.

'Thank you, sir. Here I am trying to teach these two scoundrels a few manners, then let myself get caught behaving inappropriately. I'll never live this down. And they're not even mine to command anymore.'

Well, well, who would have known that Mrs Reynolds had it in her? That sounded suspiciously like a sense of humour!

'I'm certain neither of us will ever breathe a word of what we heard. In fact, we only heard you say you'd like a cup of tea, which it will be our pleasure to make for you.'

Hughes looked at Mr Collins significantly while he said this, not because he expected the man to jump up and make tea, but to make sure he'd keep his mouth shut.

'I'm Rupert Hughes, ma'am, very pleased to meet you.'

Nick, meanwhile, had moved to the kitchen, presumably to fetch all of them some tea.

'Thank you, Mr Hughes, and thank you for your sense of humour. I really don't make a habit of insulting honoured guests. I'm Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper.'

Simon could see these two highly ranked servants had taken an instant liking to each other, and the next half hour would be very interesting for all of them. Maybe Mr Collins would be able to forget for a few moments that he could be summoned to Mr Darcy's study any time now.

With Lady Catherine deep in conversation with Frederick, and Anne working and chatting with Prince George, or rather, Lord Chester, for he seemed a different man altogether, much less a charmer and more a faithful companion, Georgiana and Eric had apparently decided they could return to their own activities. And instead of providing background music, they set to serious practising, which meant playing the same few bars of music over and over again, sometimes stopping to discuss a finer point, then continuing as before. Frederick was as immune to the constant repetition as Fitzwilliam had ever been, and Prince George likely knew the price of true excellence. Elizabeth and Anne had both gotten used to the noise a long time ago, but Lady Catherine was very obviously disturbed by what could best be described as a continuous jangling noise. Was Georgiana doing this on purpose?

'I think it's time for us to see to your cousin, my love,' Fitzwilliam breathed in Elizabeth's ear. He didn't seem all that put out, actually. Maybe Mr Collins still stood a chance of being allowed to stay.

'My aunt is pleasantly engaged for now, and Lord Chester will make sure she doesn't pester Anne. A perfect time to do our duty. Besides, I'd like to have it over with.'

'I think you are right, let us be done with it. To the confidence room then?'

'I suppose so. Or should I have him in my study?'

'He is probably ready to faint already, my love, please take a little pity on him.'

'If he treats you with respect. If not I'll have Hugo take him to Mr Eliot, I'm sure he will be thrilled to have a confrère over.'

Knowing Mr Eliot, he probably would. The man was almost too good to be true, except his benevolence was so real he very nearly shone with it. But frankly, Elizabeth preferred they'd take care of their own unwanted guests, even if that meant Fitzwilliam going back on his word. It was not as if Mr Collins would be gloating over getting a reprieve, he'd be pathetically thankful. Besides, his situation obviously hadn't changed, as far as she knew Lady Catherine hadn't asked after him once since their arrival. Didn't she find it at all peculiar that he'd disappeared? Or was she merely glad to be rid of him once in the company of her own kind? He'd been good enough as a companion on the road, but as soon as someone better could be had he seemed to be forgotten.

Once in the confidence room, Fitzwilliam rang the bell to summon their unwelcome guest. A few minutes later a knock on the door announced Simon's arrival with Mr Collins, Elizabeth taking care to check Simon's face for signs of irritation over her obnoxious cousin's behaviour. It would give a hint of what was to come.

Surprisingly enough, Simon seemed a bit concerned for his companion, that was something to take into account. It implied that Mr Collins had somehow won his sympathy. And though Simon was more easily won over than his impeccable looks suggested, so far Mr Collins had always been more likely to rile up the staff than make friends with them.

'Is there something we need to discuss, Simon?' Fitzwilliam asked kindly.

'If you please, Mr Darcy.'

They still knew each other so well, no need for words between them, Fitzwilliam could see Simon had something to divulge. He followed Simon out, leaving Elizabeth by herself with Mr Collins. Inadvertently remembering his pompous proposal to her that time at Netherfield, not more than a year ago though it seemed ages, she was struck by his difference in attitude. Mr Collins had not had an easy year, though it had also brought him a superior wife and a lovely baby son.

'I'm pleased to see you looking fine, Mr Collins. Was Mrs Collins well when you left?'

'Dear Charlotte was in perfect health, Mrs Darcy. She sent you a letter, which I gave to Mrs Fielding, since I wasn't certain how long I could stay. I wanted you to have it as quickly as possible.'

'She gave it to me not ten minutes ago. I'm looking forward to reading it.'

'Mrs Darcy, I did what Miss de Bourgh's guard, now Mrs Manners' guard, told me to do: I made friends with Lady Catherine's staff. It has changed my life, and Charlotte's.'

This was when Fitzwilliam returned, sat down and gestured Mr Collins to sit down as well, Elizabeth choosing a seat beside her beloved. Fitzwilliam then gestured Mr Collins to speak.

'Your sister, Mrs Fielding, allowed me to come into the house, Mr Darcy. I cannot deny I was glad not to have to walk five miles to the nearest inn after confessing to your aunt. I should have refused to come and told her why, I suppose I'm a coward for I didn't dare to.'

'Now, now, Mr Collins, no need to be so hard on yourself. Elizabeth has told me some of what happened to you at Rosings, I can imagine you didn't feel like provoking my aunt. I don't blame you for giving in to her, you know. And Simon just asked me to be lenient, it seems you have won yourself an advocate in my household in less than half an hour. Apparently you have become good friends with my aunt's staff, and I am very glad to hear that. Simon suggested to have you stay in the servants' quarters, where your friends and Mrs Reynolds can keep an eye on you, but I won't have that.'

Mr Collins bowed his head to accept what was coming, but Elizabeth didn't think it was that bad.

'You're family, and a gentleman by birth, you will have a room among us and prove yourself worthy of it. Am I right?'

Mr Collins had the good grace to look overcome with relief and actual gladness, and when he stammered his reply he did not show any displeasing humility, in fact he looked Fitzwilliam straight in the eye, though it obviously was an effort to do so.

'Thank you very much, Mr Darcy. For letting me stay and allowing me back into the family. I promise I will prove myself deserving of that honour.'

He sat straighter than ever before, and though he did not get any handsomer, his whole appearance was more becoming to her father's heir.

'Now, Mr Collins,' Fitzwilliam continued, 'we have a very important guest staying with us, a very influential gentleman who can mean a lot to Mr Fielding and my sister since he has considerable patronage in the arts of every kind. He has already met my aunt, and I will introduce you to him shortly. Like Mr Manners, he is very genial and outgoing, but I implore you to never let yourself become in any way familiar towards him, even though his kindness will invite you to. Please remind yourself constantly of the rules of conduct when in his presence. You will find both Elizabeth and Anne, and sometimes even Georgie, much more informal with him, but that is not an example to be followed by us gentlemen.'

Mr Collins seemed to shrink hearing that, and Elizabeth wondered whether it was a sensible thing to do, warning him to be on his best behaviour. Wouldn't that send him right back to his usual obsequiousness? Still, his reply was promising, for he lost none of his recently acquired dignity and replied, 'You will find me the perfect guest, Mr Darcy. I will do my utmost to never again cause you displeasure.'

Wasn't that all any man could do, Elizabeth thought with humour. Besides, they would find out soon enough, for now her beloved rose from his seat and said, 'I'm hungry, that was quite a strenuous ride this morning, let's see if we can find something to eat.'

And so it had been, she was very ready for some refreshment herself, and she hoped there would be some of Mrs Brewer's creations left for coffee.