Anne entered the drawing room, tucked into the crook of Darcy's arm. She was actually much relieved by his presence, although he appeared somewhat distant. She had been dreading the thought of facing Richard again. She had decided that the best way in which to survive the evening would be simply to avoid him and any situation which might bring them into close proximity. One positive of the evening, the Collins's and their relations were invited to dine also. Elizabeth and Mrs Collins would likely keep the Colonel much engaged with their lively conversation. This scenario would of previously caused Anne a little unease, but Richard had made his opinion towards Elizabeth abundantly clear earlier. He may admire her, but she was not worth his serious attention.
She had often wondered why Richard had not already found himself a wife. As much as she didn't care for the idea of Richard with a bride, she knew his father had not made any provision for his younger son. Apart from his father securing his commission in the army, Richard was expected to make his own way in the world. For younger sons used to a life of comfort and privilege, this really only left the expectation of an advantageous marriage. With so much new money in the world, the prospect of marrying into the prestige lineage of the Fitzwilliam line was a charming incentive for many ladies and their families; a most convenient marriage for all involved. What grieved Anne most about such a scenario was the fact that she herself was a lady of considerable wealth. Ridiculously wealthy by all accounts when one considered the fate of most ladies. Her father had been very good to her. Not only could she give Richard her heart but she could offer him the financial stability he required and so much more. Her father had invested his money well, leaving Anne a very rich woman. That the appeal from this alone was not enough to tempt Richard into a flirtation left Anne feeling entirely inadequate. This feeling of falling short of expectations had plagued Anne for several of her younger years, she was just not enough for him, even with her money.
During her stay with her aunt much of these feeling of self doubt had faded as Anne began to come out of her shell. She made friends and new acquaintances easily, something she had never experienced before. People liked her, not because she was the heiress of Rosings Park, but because she was Anne. Her mother rarely socialised, apart from family gatherings, and Anne realised that she actually enjoyed the society of other people. She enjoyed calling on friends, attending the theatre, taking part in afternoon picnics and most of all dancing. She had even caught the eye of a very well respected and sought after gentleman; and although Anne had become very fond of Edward, until she could forget Richard she could not open her heart to the possibility of another.
Anne sat next to Darcy, her mother demanding he took the seat to the left of her favourite chair. Richard stood across the room looking out one of the floor to ceiling windows. With his back to the room, he raised his wine glass to his lips and took a long swig of the burgundy liquid.
"Rather early to be drowning your sorrows Richard, even for you,' Darcy called out to his cousin dryly. "You are not still sulking from my besting you at the archery targets this afternoon?"
"It would appear, Darcy," Richard replied coolly, "you seem to be very apt at besting me in all things."
The sudden tension in the room was registered by all, even her mother had taken note. Anne did not understand why Richard seemed vexed with Darcy, perhaps he was still peeved from their run-in earlier. Lady Catherine, in a rare moment of astuteness, sensed this hostility and began to engage both gentleman in what appeared idle, but very determined conversation. Within moments the odd remark was forgot and Hughes entered to announce the arrival of Mr Collins and the ladies. The party entered the ostentatiously ornate drawing room; the ladies curtsied sweetly while Mr Collins bowed profusely, uttering ridiculous sentiments of his most humble gratitude.
Lady Catherine received her guests civilly, but was far too engrossed by her nephews and their odd behaviour. ln all honesty, she had never been known to be the most entertaining or attentive of company. However this evening she had a more pressing distraction. She was determined to keep a close eye on Richard; surely he no longer held any of those ridiculous notions he had once brought to her attention. She was so sure Darcy would propose, she was so close to achieving the one thing she desired most for her daughter. Darcy would be good to Anne, she would be happily settled but she would never love him. She could save her daughter from that pain her mother thought. She felt a great sense of relief as Richard took a seat next to the young, pretty Miss Elizabeth Bennet. That will do nicely, thought Lady Catherine, she shall keep him quite engrossed till dinner.
Elizabeth smiled warmly as the Colonel took the seat next to her. His cheerful disposition was a much welcomed relief during her visits to Rosings Park. Anne sat across the room next to Darcy. Elizabeth tried to catch her friends eye, but Anne seemed rather distracted. Turning her full attention to the Colonel, Elizabeth was ready to be entertained by his stories of the militia and his boyish escapades. However the gentleman seemed out of sorts this evening. Wine glass in hand the Colonel gave short replies to her attempts at conversation; and although replies were entirely civil, they seemed more apt to Darcy's standoffish manners and not those belonging to the usual gregarious Colonel. Elizabeth could not understand his change in countenance. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at Charlotte, the lady looked back as perplexed by his manner as she.
Then next quarter of an hour continued to pass with similar strained conversation from the Colonel. After much compliments and encouragement from the ladies, the Colonel managed to rally his spirits. He was not one for brooding and soon he was his charming self once more.
Darcy sat across the room, trapped in conversation by his aunt and the onslaught of Mr Collins. He turned his gaze repeatedly in the direction of his cousin and Elizabeth. How easy it was for Richard to converse and entertain while in company. Darcy had never excelled in that skill. He turned his head to look at Anne, who was speaking with the young Miss Lucas. How solemn Anne appeared this evening. Dressed in a dark grey gown, her face seemed devoid of all colour and expression. Her pale porcelain skin gave her an almost ghost like, ethereal quality against the harsh contrast of her dress.
"Anne," Darcy said touching her arm gently to draw her attention, "are you quite well? You seem rather quiet this evening."
Anne gave him a small smile and patted his hand, which still sat on her arm. "I am quite well I assure you, perhaps just a little tired. I have been listening to Miss Lucas discuss the delights of Hertfordshire; Darcy you sly thing you never mentioned you had the privilege of the enchanting Miss Bingley's company while at Netherfield Park."
"As you and I both know Anne," Darcy smiled, "the privilege is not always met with equal pleasure." He dropped his voice so that only Anne could hear. "She sends her most heartfelt and warmest of regards by the way."
"Heartfelt I am sure indeed," Anne replied with a smirk, to which Darcy could not help but laugh.
Although happily engaged with the lively Miss Bennet and the sharp witty observations of Mrs Collins, Richard could not help but look towards Darcy and Anne. Richard noticed Darcy's eyes often focused on Elizabeth, but at that moment he and Anne looked very familiar. Darcy sat with his body turned towards Anne, his hand casually placed over her forearm, her small hand covering his. Their heads were bent together as the two spoke and smirked to one another in private conversation. The sight left Richard feeling rather hollow.
"What do you think Colonel," asked Charlotte with a small laugh. "Do you think her uncle wise for removing his niece from such company?
Richard's mind drew blank. He had not been listening to the ladies conversation at all. He vaguely recalled them mentioning a Miss King and her newly acquired inheritance, but other than that he knew not what else had followed. Elizabeth laughed assuming the rather gossip heavy conversation had simply shocked the poor Colonel. As entertaining as he was, he was after all still a man and unlikely exposed to such frivolous female gossip.
"It is a poor show indeed," teased Elizabeth in reply to Charlotte's question. "The poor girl must be broken hearted unable to wed the one she chooses; however I am sure such a sum as ten thousand pounds will offer her some solace."
"Lizzie," scolded Mrs Collins but laughing all the same at her friend's flippant response.
"You think the girl has been done a disservice," Richard asked trying to focus once more on the discussion taking place around him.
"Of course," cried Elizabeth. "Who is her uncle to know what is best for her own heart and future happiness. Surely if she wished to be married she should have been able to do so, she has the means but not the power it would appear."
"Ahh, but rarely do any of us have that power," laughed the Colonel at Elizabeth's passionate response. "In matters of greater weight," he smiled deviously at the ladies, "I too may suffer from want of money and in doing so will have little power in my choice of bride. So you see this poor Miss King and I are one and the same. Albeit a reversal of fortunes I grant. He laughed and continued, "younger son's cannot marry where they like."
Elizabeth laughed at his silly remark "Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they may often do."
"Alas," said the Colonel spreading his hands in exaggeration, "I am still without a partner. Such fine a Lady would appear not to want me and being such a disagreeable soul I cannot blame them." Both ladies laughed as he continued, "there are not many in my rank who can afford to marry without some attention to money."
Is this, thought Elizabeth meant for me? She blushed slightly and recovering herself said in a lively tone, "and pray, what is the usual price of an Earls younger son?"
The words where out of Richards mouth before he even registered there meaning. "Why a broken heart of course."
The words sat heavy in the air, his cheeks instantly flushed while both ladies said nothing. Elizabeth felt a rush of sympathy towards the Colonel. She was just about to question him further when the bell rang to announce dinner. Richard thanking heaven for the timely interruption, took the opportunity to escort Miss Lucas into the dining room. Hopefully if he sat next to the quiet, shy girl, he could avoid any further embarrassment.
Dinner was an exceedingly handsome affair. Mr Collins commented and praised upon every article of plate, every item of decoration and anything else which he could devote attention. At least his incessant chattering avoided any lulls in conversation. Mr Darcy carved and ate, but said very little, his eyes however frequently drawn to Elizabeth. He watched as she conversed happily with Anne and Mrs Collins, her brilliant eyes expressive and her smile filled with warmth. He was pleased she and Anne were becoming friends, it would be good for Anne to have such a lively lady amongst her acquaintances.
After dinner, the ladies retired to the drawing room while the gentleman were left to their brandy. Her mother was engaged giving advice to Mrs Collins and her younger sister, which left Anne and Elizabeth happily in each others company.
"It is sad is it not, that such a man, a man so agreeable as the colonel, should be forced to marry for money." Said Elizabeth to Anne as she spoke of their earlier discussion. Elizabeth then began to tell Anne about the news she had received in a letter from her youngest sister discussing a Miss Mary King and the sudden end of her engagement to a Mr Wickham. Anne knew the name well, but had not seen or heard of George Wickham for many years. Her mother had always disapproved of him greatly and had often scolded her brother in law, Mr George Darcy, for being so indulgent with the boy. Anne listened with great interest. She got the impression Elizabeth had also been rather taken with Mr Wickham at some stage of their acquaintance. Though she felt perhaps her friend was no longer quite to partial to the gentleman.
"The Colonel however," continued Elizabeth with much feeling, "he is a sweet tempered, amiable, charming man. How lucky you are to have always been in his company. Darcy however," she laughed, "I know not what to think of him!" Here Elizabeth bent her head closer to Anne and began to tell her of Darcy's conduct at the Netherfield ball, that he refused to dance even though gentleman were scarce!
Anne laughed, "Oh Elizabeth, that is awful indeed, but please do not be too harsh on Darcy. He is not as easy in company as Richard, or as lively as Wickham if my memory is anything to go by. Like all of us he has many faults, but do not let that cloud your judgement on his character." Anne looked at Elizabeth, she had seen the way Darcy looked at her, she had never seen Darcy so obviously taken with a lady before. Knowing him as she did, she was also certain that it was this preference for Elizabeth which resulted him in being so utterly stiff when in her company. Perhaps there was some way in which Anne could encourage their acquaintance, there was still one more week before he was due to depart for London. "Darcy is a good man, when he feels at ease in company he truly is the of best company, you shall see that in time." Elizabeth smiled at Anne's reply, well of course she would defend the man, she was his future bride.
It was at this moment the gentleman made there reappearance. Coffee was served and once over, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having promised to play for him; and she sat down directly at the instrument. He drew a chair near her and settled back ready to be entertained. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to Mr Collins and her other nephew; till the latter walked away from her, and making with his usual deliberation towards the pianoforte stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said: "You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? I will not be alarmed though your sister DOES play so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me." "I shall not say you are mistaken," he replied, "because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own." Elizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, "Your cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say."
Charlotte sat, ignoring the sound of her husband and watched the exchange between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy at the pianoforte. She had long held a suspicion that the gentleman held some sort of partiality towards her friend. She had often wonder why Mr Darcy came to often to the Parsonage, especially as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice-a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to himself. He seldom appeared really animated. Mrs Collins knew not what to make of him. Colonel Fitzwilliam's occasionally laughing at his stupidity, proved that he was generally different, which her own knowledge of him could not have told her; and as she would liked to have believed this change the effect of love, and the object of that love her friend Eliza, she set herself seriously to work to find it out. He certainly looked at her friend a great deal, but the expression of that look was disputable. It was an earnest, steadfast gaze, but she often doubted whether there were much admiration in it, and sometimes it seemed nothing but absence of mind. She had once or twice suggested to Elizabeth the possibility of his being partial to her, but Elizabeth always laughed at the idea; and Mrs. Collins did not think it right to press the subject, from the danger of raising expectations which might only end in disappointment; for in her opinion it admitted not of a doubt, that all her friend's dislike would vanish, if she could suppose him to be in her power. In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she sometimes planned her marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. She glanced towards the happy gentleman as he laughed at Darcy and conversed with Eliza. He was beyond comparison the most pleasant man; he certainly admired her, and his situation in life was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin could have none at all. Then there was the question of Anne. Although Charlotte liked the lady, she had yet to perceive any notion of a love on the ladies part towards Mr Darcy. Indeed, the pair seemed close, but no more than the intimacy found between close family. It was a perplexing situation indeed.
The evening drew to a close; Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted the Collins's and their family to the front of the house to one of Lady Catherine's carriages which was to take them back to the parsonage. After such a long evening Anne felt suddenly very tired and saying goodnight to her mother, left the drawing room and headed for her bedchamber. Just as she reached the hall Darcy appeared.
"Anne," he spoke quietly, causing her to pause on the stairs, "you have not forgotten our arrangement for tomorrow?"
"No I have not forgot," she replied with a smile. "I shall meet you as promised at the garden pavilion, shall we say for three?"
He agreed and took her hand in his; he gave it a light squeeze. Anne felt he wanted to say more and for a moment felt bad for her putting off their discussion until tomorrow. Whatever Darcy wished to discuss was clearly important. Taking her hand back, she turned and headed up the stairs to her room. Darcy stood still watching her back as she left. Behind him, in the shadow of the doorway, Richard watched the exchange between his cousins with grave curiosity. The time had come he thought with feeling, she would be his bride by tomorrow evening.