Chapter 6 London Days
To Elizabeth's astonishment, a fourth carriage joined their convoy to the south. Mr Darcy and Georgiana was going to London to order Georgiana a new wardrobe while Mr Darcy had appointments with his banker and attorney.
Georgiana begged Elizabeth to join her in their carriage. Campbell was unceremoniously dumped in Lochlan's and Catriona's carriage to allow the newlyweds a day of twosome travel.
The last carriage held their servants and additional luggage.
Elizabeth whispered a few pointed words in her sister's ear and winked at Charles before she boarded the Darcy carriage, leaving a crimson sister behind. Mr Darcy had been watching the exchanged and had a fairly good idea of the direction of the whispered words. He made himself as comfortable as he could with his long legs and addressed Elizabeth
"Been long since your last dip in the loch, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth blushed furiously but when she saw the mischief in his eyes, she decided that two could play that game.
"Approximately a week, I would say... Although I have learned my lesson, I never go for a swim in heavy gowns anymore. How about you, Mr Darcy, has it been long since you had a dip in the lake?" She circumvented mentioning the river deliberately. He did not even blink an eye.
"Yes, I never swim in gowns." Omitting the question entirely.
Infuriating man, Elizabeth thought while Georgiana felt a little left out of the conversation, she did not fully understand.
"Tell me about when you shot Campbell, Elizabeth?"
"Georgiana," Darcy warned but Elizabeth waved it off. She did not mind telling the story and left nothing out. The truth and dare game where she had chosen dare, Campbell's horrible suggestion including the bow and arrow. She owned up to her own culpability in the debacle and gave leniency to Campbell who had probably underrated the strength of an eight-year-old girl, shooting at close range.
Lady MacBingley who pushed for her apology but the contrary Elizabeth had flat out denied until they believed she was telling the truth. Lastly, she described the quarrel between Lady MacBingley and her mother which was by circumvention, also her fault. In the midst of a heated debate of Elizabeth's lacking apology, Lady MacBingley had uttered the infamous words: Jane's beauty cannot countervail for having such a hoyden for sister, she is not that braw. Lady MacBennet had slapped Lady MacBingley and the break between the distant cousins had been a reality. The lairds had wisely stayed out of the debacle and continued on as nothing was a matter.
To Elizabeth's astonishment, the Darcy siblings seemed to believe her...
A rather lengthy midday break had been added to their travels as trotting in the gruelling heat of summer were taxing on the horses.
Elizabeth did not mind, she had travelled very little so even an Inn by the road held her interest.
Travelling with the Darcy siblings turned out to be no hardship at all. Georgiana insisted that Elizabeth travelled in their carriage for the rest of the journey which had the benefit of being Campbell free, despite his efforts to the contrary. Darcy pretended not to understand his insinuations towards an invitation to ride in their carriage.
Mr Darcy kept quiet, leaving most of the talking to the ladies but what he did contribute was noteworthy.
Georgiana, who had never had any close female relations of her own age, begged Elizabeth to share a room with her at the inns. Elizabeth happily complied with the scheme, she had no wish to experience the wonders of travel on her own. Their late-night conversations, reliving the day, tired and giddy was the highlight of the journey.
The Darcys had to make a detour to Gracechurch Street in order to deliver Elizabeth to her aunt and uncle.
Jane and Charles went directly to Mr MacBingley's townhouse. Elizabeth would join them there in a about a week but she had chosen to give the newlyweds the luxury of some privacy first. In addition, her aunt had promised to help her select some new gowns.
Aunt Madeline Campbell took one look at Elizabeth's forest green gown and wrinkled her brows.
"Elizabeth Vivienne MacBennet, you know very well you should not wear such dark colours before you are married. Have I taught you nothing?"
"Oh, I know but the pastels doesn't suit me."
"Does not."
"Just what I said."
"No, I meant it is does not, not doesn't. I have my work cut out for me, I see. A week may not be enough to turn your Highland ways into appropriate English lady..."
Elizabeth groaned while her travelling companions alighted from the carriage and followed behind her towards the entrance.
"I am perfectly content with my Highland ways, thank you very much." Elizabeth felt affronted, this was not her loving aunt from the letters and the visits from years back.
She entered her aunt's house with some apprehension.
"You do not know?"
"Know what?"
"Your mother has expressively forbidden you to return to Scotland before you have married. We need to find someone who does not mind a little Highland blood in his offspring, a small dowry and low connections..."
"My father?"
"He has generously provided the necessary funds for your new gowns."
Sometimes life consisted merely of clenching one's teeth, waiting for better days, Elizabeth thought despairingly. A throat cleared behind her, she had entirely forgotten about the Darcy siblings. How much had they overheard? Elizabeth turned but she could read nothing on their countenances. She plastered a smile on her face and introduced her travelling companions to her aunt.
"This is Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. My aunt, Mrs Campbell."
The whistle blew an entirely different tune after the name of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Pemberley had been mentioned.
They were given a hearty welcome and were invited into the parlour for tea and refreshments. They politely declined but inquired if they could call the next day, preferably in the afternoon since their morning was filled with appointments.
Mrs Campbell's was conflicted, she and her niece had a lot to accomplish and not much time to achieve it. In addition, Mr Darcy was an unusually handsome man. It was vital that her niece's head was not turned in an unachievable direction. It might make their assigned task a lot harder. They might even be saddled with her for the rest of her life which suited the expecting Mrs Campbell, not at all. With a fifth child on the way, she was not looking for more outlays. Mr Campbell had done very well for himself but schooling was expensive and it might very well be a third son she was carrying, not that a dowry was any less costly than schooling. Her children would not suffer the fate of the MacBennet daughters who were handed out to anyone who would take them. Mrs Campbell was not impressed by her new sister, Lady of the Castle or not.
She scrutinized Elizabeth's countenance she was smiling but her gaze was turned towards the wife who returned her smile. Mr Darcy had a soft smile on his countenance as well, directed towards his wife. No reason to worry it would seem...
On the other hand, hosting the renowned Mr Darcy and his wife for dinner, might set her up nicely towards her friends. She could almost hear their stunned gasps when she related the news. She could not let such an opportunity drain through her fingers.
The marriage must have been very recent since she had heard nothing about it. She could probably boast of being the first to host the new Mrs Darcy.
Mrs Campbell turned on her charm and smiled brightly to her guests.
"Certainly, Mr Darcy. We are very busy as well, would it be too forward of me to postpone your visit to supper?"
"I would be delighted."
Had he not understood that the invitation was for the both of them? This would not do...
"I am sorry if I expressed myself a little clumsily just now. The invitation included your wife."
If Elizabeth had not gasped, the expression on Mr Darcy's countenance spoke volumes. She had somehow misspoke...
"I accept on behalf of my sister and myself, Mrs Campbell." Mr Darcy answered in a clipped tone, accentuating the word sister while Miss Darcy looked like a giggle was fought back.
"I am so sorry I muddled up the introduction..." Elizabeth had at least the decency to look contrite for setting her up for such a blunder.
Luckily, the Darcy siblings were in a hurry to leave. Relieving Mrs Campbell from the awkwardness that had fallen upon them.
Elizabeth gave Miss Darcy a warm hug and thanked her sincerely for her excellent skills as a travelling companion while she gave Mr Darcy a swift curtsy before they left.
"Does Jane know?"
Elizabeth's impertinence surfaced as soon as the Darcys had left. She had obviously not forgotten their previous conversation.
"You would have to ask your father about that, Elizabeth. I do not know."
Mr Darcy had not eavesdropped on the entire conversation but the little he had heard gave him hope.
If she had to marry, his offer might suit as well as any other.
He had hoped for a longer courtship, more time to change her opinion of him but he surmised that he had little more than a week before she had new gowns and her family would start escorting her to events around town. He was not of a mind to add competition to his travails.
He needed a moment of privacy to express his ardent admiration, hopefully, that would suffice. He had dinner arrangement for tomorrow night but the chance for privacy was slim to none. He could always enlist the Bingley's though, they might be able to aid him in his quest.
The Darcy siblings were travel-worn when they arrived at Darcy House. A swift meal was devoured before they retired to their chambers.
Darcy had a lot to ponder but sleep claimed him before he could reach any conclusion.
The next day he concentrated on speaking with his attorney.
He did not address the investments he wanted him to look into but chose to give him directions for his marriage settlement. A draft was made with the sums he wanted, the attorney would write the final papers.
Darcy wondered if the Laird had given Mr Campbell free pass to hitch his daughter to anyone he deemed appropriate or if he had a final say in giving his consent. The laws of marriage were different in England compared to the Scottish laws. He wondered if Laird MacBennet was aware of his daughter being underage in England? Lord Hardwicke's marriage act was widely known but...
The dinner at the Campbell resident had been pleasurable but fruitless. His impression of Mr Campbell was favourable, he even considered investing in his business. He would have to ask Charles. His knowledge in the matter vastly excelled his own.
Miss Elizabeth looked tired though, perhaps she had been shopping all day, standing about being poked and prodded. Better not let his thoughts venture too far in that direction, Elizabeth clothed merely in her chemise...
The next day, he had an appointment with his banker. With his finances in order, he left to visit Bingley.
He picked up his sister on Bond Street, who had been shopping with Lady Matlock. A chore he happily left in the sensible lady's care. They were having Parmesan ices at Gunther's when he arrived. By the look on her countenance, it was not a great favourite.
"Brother!" Georgiana exclaimed happily as she looked up and noticed his presence. "Would you like some of my ice cream?"
"No, thank you." He answered a crooked smile grazed his countenance as hers fell by his negative response. The well-bred Georgiana would never admit she did not like the gift her aunt had bestowed upon her. She was saved by the more straightforward aunt though.
"Oh my, this is horrible. I do not care if it is all the fashion, I do not like this. Please feel free to eat it or leave it, Georgiana. I am done..."
Georgiana discreetly put the ice down and did not finish it but neither did she mention it. Darcy was proud of his sister, she always showed perfect comportment.
"I wondered if you would like to visit Mr and Mrs MacBingley with me? It has not been many days since last we saw them but I have some business affairs to discuss with him."
Georgiana's countenance lit up, leaving him in no doubt of her sentiments. His aunt was more sceptical.
"MacBingley? Is he the Scottish boy you went to Cambridge with?"
Yes, aunt but I would hesitate to call him a boy though. He has recently married a lady from a neighbouring estate, the Eilean Bennet Castle by Loch Tay.
"Married? He is barely twenty years old..."
"He is two and twenty, aunt Aubrey."
"Really? My sons are seven and twenty and thirty years old, Darcy. It is high time I got myself some grandchildren. I will have to remind them of their duty to their old mama."
Lady Aubrey's false modesty made Darcy release a low chuckle. There was nothing old about the feisty lady and she knew it. She was fishing for compliments and he was not about to indulge her.
"I have been wondering if it might be time to settle myself," Darcy mused absentmindedly. Lady Aubrey clenched her chest with both hands.
"Oh, I would love that. Next to my own sons, your and Georgiana's happiness is foremost in my mind. You are five and twenty with an estate who needs an heir. Besides, Georgiana needs a sister before she is to have her come out. The right lady would be of immense help during the first trying days."
She looked imploringly at Darcy. Willing him to succumb to the temptation of the benefits to married life.
"I could set you up with some of the debutants from this season. You have not been introduced to either of them with all your flicking about." She saw Darcy's face fall, understanding dawned on her. "You already have someone in mind, do you not. A highland fling?"
His aunt was just too perceptive, he would have to finish what he had started.
"Sort of..."
Georgiana beamed, she immediately understood who he was talking about.
"Anyone I know?" His aunt inquired.
"I doubt it. She is the daughter of a laird but her clan is small. Her mother is a Campbell though." He omitted the fact that she was the daughter of the blacksmith, not the laird.
"Lord Matlock has mentioned the Campbells to me. The Campbell Argyle Militia was instrumental in defeating the Jacobite's at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, were they not?"
"They were... We have to leave now aunt. Thank you for assisting Georgiana in her quest for beautiful gowns. I am certain you are of much greater assistance in this endeavour than I ever could."
"That we may agree upon, Darcy. I will see you on the morrow, Georgiana."
The Darcy siblings waved their aunt goodbye and rode to the MacBingley's townhouse. The knocker was up, despite it being their honeymoon so Darcy deemed it safe to visit. If it had been himself, he might not have been quite so sociable.
"Darcy! Georgiana! How nice to see you." One might think Charles had not seen his friend for months, let alone a few days but that was his way. His disposition being happy go lucky, most of the time...
"Have Elizabeth finished her shopping yet?" Georgiana inquired but Jane looked like a question mark.
"Shopping? Did you make an appointment with her when you delivered her in Gracechurch Street? She did not mention it to me..."
"Not exactly. I overheard her aunt mentioning that they were assigned with buying her new gowns from your father. I thought you might have gone shopping with them. I wondered because I am renewing my wardrobe before the seminar and I would not mind some company."
"I have not seen nor heard from Elizabeth. She insisted on staying with aunt and uncle for the first week in London and not bother us, as she called it."
Jane blushed which alerted Darcy to the nature of this agreement. He wondered if he should mention the rest of what he had overheard but could he trust Jane or was she a part of Elizabeth's estrangement from home? He could not say and opted to err on the safe side but he still needed to get a private audience with Elizabeth. He preferred to make his sentiments known to Elizabeth alone, giving her an option to decline that she might not be afforded if he approached her more publicly. How was he supposed to accomplish that if she did not visit her sister?
"Perhaps I could send her a note," Georgiana mused, more to herself than the rest of the room.
"A note was delivered, mam, for Miss Elizabeth. Should I give it to her or..."
Mrs Campbell interrupted her maid. "No, I am on my way to her room now. I can take it with me and for future notes, I will approve of them before she is to receive them. Do you understand?"
The maid nodded and scurried away. There was something off in the Campbell household. She could not quite put her finger on it but the atmosphere had altered and not for the better.
Mrs Campbell unfolded the brief note. Georgiana Darcy inquired if Elizabeth wanted to attend her at Madame Amélie or another Bond Street Modiste of her choosing, the next morning. She would pick her up in the Darcy carriage. The invitation extended to herself but it was the last sentence that made the mature Mrs Campbell almost giddy. Lady Matlock would accompany them.
What harm could it do? Meander through Bond Street with lady Matlock and Miss Darcy in broad daylight, perhaps have a cup of tea and some pastries at Gunther's? Mrs Campbell decided to add some of her own funds to be sure. It would not look good to Lady Matlock if they had to turn something down because their funds were too low. She considered it an investment in her husbands business. She was forming important connections here, that might become valuable in the future.
She had talked herself into accepting the invitation and therefore she went in search of Elizabeth, to give her the note. Elizabeth was delighted by the invitation and readily accepted. Mrs Campbell added a little invitation at the end of the note.
The shops on Bond Street was of another quality than Elizabeth was used to and so was the clientele. There was no squealing over a particular fine ribbon, there was very little show of emotion in any form, Elizabeth noticed and moulded her performance thereafter.
Lady Aubrey kept a keen eye on her, perhaps she was anxious that a Highlander did not know how to comport themselves? Elizabeth decided that she would not give the grand lady any reason to be embarrassed. She knew where she was.
They had a cup of tea, midday, but nothing substantial. Mrs Campbell had invited Georgiana and Lady Aubrey to Gracechurch Street when the fashionable hours were over.
At four o'clock, their party removed to Gracechurch street.
The ladies were having an enjoyable afternoon. The four Campbell children, ranging from ten to two in age had been allowed an audience at the expressed wishes of their guests.
Elizabeth had a wonderful time. If not for the threat of an unwanted marriage looming in the back of her mind, she would have been truly happy. The society ladies had treated her well, a compliment to Lady Aubrey but still.
Her aunt had not mentioned nor had she tried to introduce her to any potential candidates yet which made Elizabeth wonder if it had been some kind of tasteless jest from her aunt. If not for the extensive additions to her wardrobe, she might have believed her own musings.
The knocker resounded downstairs and the door was opened by the Campbell's manservant. A maid came into the parlour and announced Mr Darcy was there to escort his ladies home.
"Take your leave of Lady Aubrey and Miss Darcy, Elizabeth. I will escort them to the door."
Elizabeth did as she was told but wondered why she could not say goodbye at the door as she usually did.
Mrs Campbell had gotten over her first misconception that Mr Darcy was a married man. The clandestine looks and obvious ease between her niece and the illustrious landowner during supper had made her apprehensive. Not that she was concerned about anything of the matrimonial constitution but there were other forces of nature that a gentleman might entice and bestow upon a fanciful young girl.
The connection between them was undeniable, she was merely making sure that it did not develop into something more dangerous.
Mr Darcy had heard Mrs Campbell's suggestion to Elizabeth. He was not pleased, what could the lady be about? Surely she did not mind a wealthy gentleman like himself, wooing her niece? It was exactly what she had set out to accomplish.
Something smelled of foul play, much like his mood when he was denied even the merest glimpse of Elizabeth. He had a moment of enlightenment...
"Mrs Campbell, I wondered if you and your family would like to join us for dinner tomorrow? I have invited my aunt and uncle as well. Do you think your husband has some time to spare? I have a business proposition I would like to discuss with him and Miss Darcy would have the opportunity to say goodbye to her new friend. She is leaving for her seminar next week and will reside at my aunt's, the countess of Matlock until her day of departure. I will return to Pemberley in a few days which does not leave much time for negotiations..."
Mr Darcy let the implication hang in the air while he watched the emotions of benefits versus his detriments, battle over Mrs Campbell's countenance. In the end, her mercenary side won out which told Mr Darcy everything he needed to know about Mrs Campbell.
"We will be delighted, Mr Darcy. We have no prior engagements." She would have liked to come up with an excuse that would make Elizabeth stay at home but she surmised that she could come down with a headache on the morrow.
Mr Darcy's gaze flickered above her head, she was about to turn around when he spoke.
"Is your husband at home, Mrs Campbell?"
"No, I am afraid he is still at his warehouse."
"Ah, a diligent man is he?"
"Oh very, Mr Darcy. He works tirelessly day and night to make sure his clients are served whatever they need."
"A commendable trait, Mrs Campbell. Goodbye." Mr Darcy bowed and escorted his aunt and sister to the carriage that awaited them by the curb.
"I was not aware you were having a dinner party tomorrow night, Darcy?"
"I am sorry to spring this upon you on such short notice. If you cannot attend, I completely understand."
"Of course, we will attend. I would not miss it for the world."
Darcy took his aunt's hand and squeezed it in appreciation. Not only was she willing to aid him but she also approved of his choice. It would not have mattered in the outcome but he was still alleviated.
He would have to bite the sour apple and enlist the aid of Mrs MacBingley. Hoping he had not mistaken her character.
Elizabeth would have to come along to Darcy House. Jane had sent a note that she would stop by to see her sister that evening. In the choice between two evils, Mrs Campbell chose the least threatening. She knew Jane's fierce protectiveness towards her sister would throw a spoke in her wheels. She had an influential husband who could create some real havoc to her plan. It was of the utmost importance that Jane did not get an idea of what was going to happen before it was too late and they had already married.
Darcy House was much grander than both Elizabeth and her aunt had imagined. Mr Campbell was less surprised. As a businessman, he had more understanding of how wealthy Mr Darcy was. He was eagerly anticipating making the connection and to haul the deal ashore.
After meeting Mrs MacBennet, Darcy was pleasantly surprised with his first impression of Mr Campbell. Although the relief that flooded him when he caught sight of Elizabeth, surpassed every other emotion. She had come, it might have taken some subterfuge but she had come. He eagerly awaited the moment when she would notice his surprise. He had done all he could to prove his worth to her. Introduced her to his family, at least, the ones he was proud of. He had shown her his homes and the comfortable life they would lead and he had a surprise in store.
Expertly he guided himself to her side and offered her his arm. She took it gingerly and they led the way through the foyer to the parlour.
"Jane!" She released his arm and flew to her sister. They hugged, laughed and chattered over each other. "I did not know you would be her! I hope you have had a long and solitary sojourn at the MacBingley townhouse because I am ready to visit. I will come tomorrow, as planned."
Mrs Campbell looked none too pleased, although she tried to conceal it as she and her husband were introduced to the Earl of Matlock himself.
Darcy had meticulously planned the seating arrangements. He could not surpass his aunt and uncle at the head of the table with him. He had Mr and Mrs Campbell at the other end, bless Georgiana who did not mind. He seated Elizabeth next to Lord Matlock, she could hold her own and he would have the pleasure of resting his eyes upon her. He still needed an opportunity to speak to her in private, a few ideas churned around his mind how he was to accomplish it. He would have to be alert and grab whatever recourse that presented itself.
His butler, Mr Gilbert, announced that dinner was served. He offered his arm to Lady Aubrey and was pleasantly surprised when his uncle offered his to Miss Elizabeth. It was not strictly proper as her sister Mrs MacBingley should have taken precedence as should Georgiana. He guessed one could do as one pleased at a small dinner party when your title was the one of an Earl.
What he enjoyed less was his uncle domineering the conversation. He could not get a word in while Lord Matlock questioned and debated with his Elizabeth.
Darcy was drawn out of his musings by a commotion in the hall. By the sound of it, it was approaching the dining room and there was more than one voice speaking at the same time.
"I assure you, Mr Darcy will not be unhappy to see me. We are acquainted and share the benefits of a connection to the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park in Kent."
"Out of the question. He is entertaining a dinner party. If you could show me an invitation, I will be happy to oblige you."
"Nonsense, I am not here to see Mr Darcy but my betrothed. In my eagerness to see my heart's desire after a lengthy separation, I came a day early. You cannot blame a young man, violently in love, coming to see his fiancée, can you?"
Darcy was quite sure his butler could handle the matter until the door flew up and tall and heavy man, stumbled through the door.
"Elizabeth! I could not wait another day to see you."
The buffoon was holding out his arms as he was expecting someone to fly into his arms.
"Why?" Elizabeth answered dryly in that lazy drawl she used before she scorched her opponent with her acerbic wit.
"Why? Because I could not wait any longer. Surely you have finished your trousseau by now. You have had plenty of time to acquire many fine gowns. Albeit not too fine, I hope. Lady Catherine likes to preserve the distinction between rank. Although I do understand there are certain adjustments made to the neckline of the gowns of a married lady compared to an innocent maiden."
Darcy had had enough.
"Of which there are several in the room, including my sister. You forget yourself, Mr Collins. Why are you here?" Mr Darcy thought the ignoramus did not deserve his civility, therefore he offered none.
"Why? Because Lady MacBennet wrote to me that there had been a terrible misunderstanding. Elizabeth had not refused my offer, she had simply not understood what I meant due to her awful headache that morning. She had come back from her revitalising walk and had been dreadfully upset that I had left without giving her the opportunity to clear our misunderstanding.
She offered me a substantial compensation for the inconvenience it had created. I decided to do the Christian thing, forgive and accept, suitable for a man of the cloth. It is my understanding that Miss Elizabeth has spent the last week with her aunt and uncle to complete her trousseau as befitting a bride of a clergyman."
"What compensation," Elizabeth demanded to know. Her meagre dowry of a thousand pounds could not be accessed before her mother passed.
"A mare and her stallion foal. I suspect I can get a good price for them at Tattersall when the foal has been weaned. I will change the name first though. Fitzfitzwilliam is a ridiculous name for a horse."
Elizabeth gaped and clutched her chest.
"Kelpie and Fitzfitzwilliam is my horses, they are not my mother's to give." Elizabeth was furious. Her eyes shot daggers at the interloper and her fist clenched and unclenched as she fought to maintain control over herself.
Mr Collins looked at her indulgently. "All that is yours will be mine when we marry tomorrow. It does not signify one way or the other."
"That will never happen!" Elizabeth voice trembled with rage but she kept it a bay by the edge of her teeth.
"I am afraid it will, Elizabeth. Your mother was quite specific and your uncle has the consent your father signed. It will be delivered to the parson who will wed you at nine in the morning on the morrow at church St Mary-le-Bow."
Elizabeth glared at her aunt, what utter nonsense was this? She had other options.
"I will remove to Jane and Charles townhouse tonight then."
"You will do no such thing, Elizabeth. Lady MacBingley was quite clear in her letter that if Charles took you in, all his allowance would be cut, he would lose his position in the MacBingley company and not be welcomed in any of their homes..."
"I need some air. I feel a headache coming on." Elizabeth rose from the table and walked serenely to the French doors, leading out into Darcy House' enclosed garden.
Silent tears ran down Jane's cheeks as she watched her sister progress in utter despair.
"I will talk some sense into my betrothed." Mr Collins managed a few steps in the right direction before a large hand on his shoulder, halted his forward motion.
"Let me try to talk to her. Sometimes it is better to talk to someone who is not involved in the conundrum..."
"Certainly, Mr Darcy. I have the utmost respect for you. Lady Catherine says there is no better man in all of England. Just the other day she..." It was futile to toady up to a man that was no longer listening. He watched Mr Darcy's back delve into the long shadows of the night.
"Well, that was certainly entertaining," his Lordship mused. "I wonder what my sister meant by Darcy being the best man..."
That little comment unleased a long tirade of nothingness to retract his words from Mr Collins, his bride utterly forgotten.
*Information about the Campbell clan's contribution to the Battle of Culloden is procured from Wikipedia.