"I don't see any dragons, cousin," Elizabeth sneered with a sweet smile.
Mr. Collins looked confused. "Dragons? There are no dragons in the London zoo, my dear Elizabeth."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and involuntarily glanced at Mary. Whenever Mr. Collins uttered something stupid which was not unseldom she could discern a faint blush on her sister's face but in general Mary wisely did not hear. How she could tolerate the companionship of such a man was beyond Elizabeth's comprehension. Just a short five hours in the man's company had increased by tenfold her distaste for her sister's husband. Not only was the man an obsequious toad but the way he strutted about the parsonage displaying the good proportion of the rooms, the furniture and it fine aspects, it was patently obvious that he expected at least a few mournful sighs of regret for having refused his hand in marriage. She would not oblige him but instead took some pleasure in making sport of him. However he was such an easy mark for her irony even that small diversion was growing thin.
In the entrance hall while the servants assisted Mary and Elizabeth in removing their outer garments Mr. Collins hurried ahead impatiently anxious to bask in the imagined status he enjoyed as a man of the cloth. It would never enter his mind that a simple cleric was on the low end of the social strata. When they were all assembled at the head of the hall they were led down to the drawing room. Mary gave a non-committal look at Elizabeth's dress and followed her husband down the hall. Elizabeth brought up the rear.
The room was large and well-lit, the furnishings quite ornate but Elizabeth only had eyes for what she could only describe as a throne upon which sat a large homely woman. She stood silently and patiently waiting for Mr. Collins to finish his babbling before deigning to introduce Elizabeth. When he finally turned and saw her in all her finery his mouth dropped open and his face tightened in fury. Elizabeth regarded him placidly and waited for him to regain what little sense he possessed and get on with it. When he found his voice he made the introduction with no ceremony. "My cousin Elizabeth Bennet," he said,dismissively.
Elizabeth curtsied gracefully, "Lady Catherine," she said.
Lady nodded while her eyes took in Elizabeth's appearance. "Your cousin looks to be a pretty sort of a girl. You are Mrs. Collin's sister?"
"I am, Lady Catherine."
There was a long pause before Lady Catherine waved towards the settee and introduced her daughter, Anne, who stood and returned Elizabeth's curtsy with a friendly and slightly amused smile. "I'm truly delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet. We've heard so much about you."
There was no doubt in Elizabeth's mind that Mr. Collins had blabbed to everyone about their past history. It was in his nature. Elizabeth returned the greeting with her own amused smile, "and I, you, Miss DeBourgh."
Anne's smile broadened and she nodded imperceptibly.
Lady Catherine once more drew her attention and pointed towards a young lady, "My niece, Georgianna Darcy." Elizabeth turned and as her eyes fell on the young women she felt a jolt of panic and felt her pulse quicken. She immediately recognized the young lady who acknowledged the introduction with a gentle curtsy. Elizabeth's immediate reaction was to lift up her skirts and make a dash for freedom and not stop running until she reached the safety of her room in Hertfordshire. She wondered absently whether Lady Catherine would notice her departure. The next introduction was to her nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire. With trepidation Elizabeth lifted her eyes and held her breath as she curtsied to her phantom lover. In the darkened theatre she had not seen just how dark and penetrating his eyes were. Darcy acknowledge her curtsy with a brief bow then studied the floor as she curtsied to Colonel Fitzwilliam who was absolutely delighted to meet her and said so with a broad smile. "I do hope, Miss Bennet, that you'll enjoy your visit to Kent. There are many fine walks around and about the neighborhood if your predilection lies in that direction."
Elizabeth allowed a faint smile. "As it happens, Colonel Fitzwilliam, my predilection does lie in that direction."
Richard rubbed his hands together "good, good," he said. "I would be delighted to play your tour guide. We have a wonderful maze that I'm sure you'll love to explore."
Elizabeth dared a glance at Darcy who was now staring intently at her. She felt the color rise in her face and she turned away to see Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine glaring at her.
"Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine demanded, "do you play?"
"I enjoy a game of billiards, Lady Catherine, and though I must admit I can play whist, I prefer a game of chess and best of all a good book
Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes. "You shoot billiards?"
"Only when it rains, your Ladyship."
Lady Catherine was not amused. "Billiards is a man's game, Miss Bennet."
"I play by men's rules." At that point Elizabeth was sure that she was going straight to hell but she couldn't stop. Anger that had been building up for months was finally being unleashed.
"When I asked you if you played, I meant the Pianoforte, Miss Bennet."
"I play occasionally, Lady Catherine, for my own amusement."
"For your own amusement? I've never heard such a thing. You were instructed so you could entertain others."
"Forgive me, Lady Catherine. I was not aware there were rules governing why we learn. In any case, I'm self taught which means that I need only entertain myself." Elizabeth spoke so sweetly with such an angelic smile on her face that she was sure the occupants of the room must think her an imbecile to be speaking such rubbish. Her mother had often chastised her not to run on in that wild manner. She should have listened. Mercifully, the butler called them to dinner at that moment and Richard hastened to Elizabeth's side. Darcy hissed at him, "your cousin Anne!" Richard immediately reached out to Anne and to his delight, escorted both beautiful ladies to the dining room while Darcy was left to do the honors for Georgie and Lady Catherine. Mr. Collins and Mary followed.
The dinner was delicious and uncomfortable. Lady Catherine monopolized the conversation leaving little room for any social intercourse between her fellow diners though there were various attempts when occasionally Lady Catherine drew a breath. Elizabeth found it astonishing that the woman could ask and answer her own questions. No one at the table seemed to find this odd or annoying. They simply ignored her or grunted agreement when appropriate. Of course Mr. Collins tried his best to insert various compliments to his hostess but was invariably silenced with a venomous glower by his esteemed patroness. Elizabeth did her best to look interested and thus polite, but it was exhausting and she was much relieved when the ordeal came to a close. It was disquieting to sit in so near a proximity to Mr. Darcy. Whenever their eyes locked, she felt her cheeks flush, for the reality of the man far surpassed her chaste imaginings. According to the novels she read, he was the standard by which every hero should aspire to. He was exceptionally tall with a shock of dark curly hair framing his perfect features. His profile was as finely chiseled as a Greek god. She found herself musing on what it would feel like to touch him. Would he feel like cold marble or would he be soft and warm to the touch? She felt the heat of this last thought and prayed that no one at the table could guess at the thoughts that were swirling through her mind. And why did Georgianna keep stealing glances at her? Probably wondering when she would forgo the silverware and start eating with her hands. Would the evening ever end?
After dinner she was allowed to drink a cup of coffee before the expected command came. She sighed, "what would be your pleasure, Lady Catherine?"
"Beethoven, I think,"
Elizabeth approached the instrument, her mind running through all the Mozart she knew. She settled on a Sonata, opened the lid and began with a variation. As usual, the music transported her and she closed her eyes in pleasure allowing her mind to float away to a far off place. She imagined herself barefoot walking through white-hot sand on the edge of a brilliant blue sea, her hair unloosed, her long skirts billowing behind her. It was Greece. She had always wanted to visit the Grecian Isles. So many Greek statues in Greece. All of them naked. Her eyes flew open at the thought of all those naked statues and found two penetrating eyes staring at her with a quizzical air. She dropped her eyes to the keyboard and willed herself to think of the white-washed houses clinging to the high cliff; of the soft sea breeze cooling her fevered brow for fevered it was with all those thoughts of unclothed life size nudes with their dark penetrating stares. Her ecstasy ended sharply with the harsh sound of Lady Catherine's voice announcing how no one in England appreciated the nuances of Beethoven more than she. Elizabeth finished the Mozart, slid into some Bach for good measure, then finally allowed the music to still. Her fingers lingered on the keys. It was a fine instrument and was torture to play for the sounds it made were so sweet and Mr. Darcy was surely the answer to a maiden's prayer. She would find it difficult to ever again sit down at the piano at Longbourn without remembering the feelings he engendered in her.
"You must practice more, Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine admonished her, "and concentrate on your fingering."
"Indeed, I should, Lady Catherine. No matter how hard I try, my Beethoven always comes out sounding like Mozart."
When Anne and Georgianna reached Anne's room after the guests had returned to the Parsonage they both collapsed on the bed laughing so hard they were in pain. "Have you ever?" Anne managed.
"Never!" Georgianna shouted.
"I swear Georgie," if Miss Elizabeth Bennet were a man I'd ask her to marry me."
"She's wonderful, I agree, Anne. But you don't know the half of it. All night I had the feeling I had seen her somewhere, but it wasn't until she started to play that I put it together. She was at the theatre last week when Wills and I attended."
Anne hugged herself. "Tell me!"
"Remember how I told you how restless Wills has been lately? Well at the theatre he was worse than ever. During the second act he got up and stood at the back of our box and was staring off at something to our right. I never gave it a second thought until tonight. There were three people in the box next to ours. An older couple and a young lady dressed in lilac silk." Georgie stared at Anne. "Do you see where I'm going?"
"Not exactly, Georgie. Are you saying that they know each other?"
Georgie shook her head. "No, I know they met for the first time tonight. But didn't you see the way he kept staring at her all night?"
"Sorry, Georgie. I was more interested in the way Richard kept staring at her all night."
Georgianna laughed at the expression on Anne's face. "Don't worry Anne. Richard is safe. He couldn't afford Miss Bennet. But didn't you see the way Miss Bennet tried not to stare at my brother?" Georgie stood up and twirled about the room. "Will's in love, Anne. I just know he is."
"Georgie, do sit down. You're making me dizzy."
Georgie obeyed. "Oh Anne I'm so excited for him. He's so terribly lonely. It's the first time I've ever seen him look at a woman the way he looked at her tonight. "
"Hold on, Georgie, let's not get ahead of ourselves. If what you say is true, what do you suppose he'll do about it?"
Georgianna was puzzled. "Marry her, of course."
"He would have to court her first, Georgie." Anne replied with a gentle smile. "And what do you suppose the family would have to say about it? Miss Bennet is adorable but poor. She has no title and she is the sister-in law of my mother's idiot clergyman."
Georgianna felt deflated. "But surely, Anne, love conquers all."
"Only in books, dear heart. But don't despair. Darcy has us on his side and I'm sure Richard will help. If he really is in love, we will convince him that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the woman for him. I hope."
On the other side of the manor Darcy stomped into the library and poured himself a large brandy and with a withering glare at Richard he dropped heavily into a chair and drained half the glass.
Richard poured a goodly portion of brandy and sipped, eying Darcy over the rim of the glass. Steadfastly he kept his silence waiting for Darcy to speak. His cousin had something in his craw but Richard was clueless as to what offense he might have committed.
At last Darcy could not contain himself. "Do you like to walk, Miss Bennet? Does your predilection lies in that direction?" he shouted. "What kind of hogwash is that? And rubbing your hands and leering at her like she was a leg of lamb? And I suppose you hope she'll get lost in the maze so you can rescue her? You're a disgrace to the uniform! I've never been so...so...I've never been so...Oh, never mind what I've never been. You get my meaning!"
Richard threw his head back and roared with laughter. "I've never heard you spout such tripe. You sound more like Charles when he goes into one of his hysterical dithering modes."
"Nonsense!"
"You must admit that Miss Bennet is lovely."
"Tolerable."
Richard eyed Darcy thoughtfully. Tolerable? Miss Bennet was a beautiful woman, clever and bright and Darcy hadn't been able to keep his eyes off her for most of the night. "She's a bit cheeky, I must say."
"Utterly disgraceful," Darcy agreed.
"She certainly made Aunt Catherine look foolish."
Despite himself, Darcy smiled. "Impertinent filly!"
"It would take a master horseman to tame her."
"Think of that poisonous parson laying his greasy hands on her thinking she would marry the likes of him. Maybe I'll horsewhip him."
"Brilliant idea! Let's drink to that."
At the Parsonage Mr. Collins was furious. "My dear cousin how could you dress like that? I distinctly told you that Lady Catherine likes to keep the distinction of rank preserved. And do you think we are all blind not to see you flirting with Mr. Darcy? He is to marry Miss Anne DeBourgh. All your arts and allurements will not change that. You must go to church in the morning and pray that Lady Catherine will forgive me for bringing such a sinner into her house."
"I will do no such thing, Mr. Collins. You instructed me to wear any dress which was superior to the rest. I did what I was told. As for flirting with Mr. Darcy, that is a bold lie. I did no such thing. I know my place. He is in a social strata far above me and I am well aware of it."
"I hope you realize that, cousin. It's bad enough your younger sisters bring disgrace to your name, I will not have you sully my name."
Elizabeth's face drained of blood. She glanced at Mary but immediately realized that her sister would offer no help. Mary sat quietly with folded hands on her lap staring off into space seemingly oblivious to the scene taking place. "I will write to my uncle in the morning and ask if they will send their man to come and fetch me. Or better still, if you will loan me your carriage and a servant, I would be happy to leave in the morning."
"I will have the carriage ready for you at six. That would be best. Then I'm sure that Lady Catherine would find it in her heart to forgive my unfortunate connection to you for she is known for her affability and condescension."
Mr. Collins continued to ramble on about his patroness but Elizabeth had left the room. She climbed the stairs to her room, feeling that her heart would break.
As she undressed and put her lovely gown away she was sure in her heart that she would never wear the dress again. She had worn the gown twice and twice she had seen Mr. Darcy. In her mind it was a bad luck dress reminding her of her station in life. She could never aspire to the likes of Mr. Darcy and she felt her heart grow bitter.
She was about to blow the candle out when there was a light tap at her door. She opened the door and was surprised to see Mary who stepped in quickly. "What is it Mary? Your husband has decided that I shouldn't even spend the night under his roof?"
"Mr. Collins makes no decisions unless I allow it, Lizzie. Did you really think I'd let him send you off like an errant child? You will stay here until you wish to leave. I ask only that you tone it down a bit. Lady Catherine is as dense as Mr. Collins but Miss DeBourgh isn't. I would not like you to play her for a fool."
"I don't know what got into me, Mary. I do apologize" Lizzie responded sincerely.
"I'm sorry you're so unhappy, sister. I would give anything to ease your pain. But Rosing's Park now has four sensible people that I'm sure you will enjoy talking to. Make the most of it Lizzie. Now, get a good night's rest and I'll see you at breakfast."
After a sleepless night Lizzie dragged herself out of bed which she was too disheartened to face but knew she must. The thought of breaking fast with Mr. Collins caused her stomach to lurch. At least the day had dawned bright and sunny and she looked forward to a long walk which she hoped might lighten her mood. She knew she had acted reprehensibly the night before and it had to stop for Mary's sake.
When she entered the breakfast room Mary quietly greeted her. Only muffled sounds came from her cousin as his mouth was so crammed with a variety of foods that he was incapable of coherent speech.
When she sat down, Mary pushed a letter across the table to her, "this came for you a short while ago."
Lizzie saw at once that the letter had been written by Anne DeBourgh and she frowned wondering what on earth the heir to Rosing's Park had to say to her. She opened the letter and had to read the letter twice before she could comprehend the contents. Apparently, she had been invited to share a picnic with Miss DeBourgh and Georgianna Darcy that afternoon. When she conveyed the news to Mary Mr. Collins was still chewing his mouthful of food and almost choked as he tried to swallow, no doubt to add his tuppence.
"Oh dear," Lizzie addressed Mary, "that sounds like such fun. Unfortunately, I have to spend the day at church praying for my salvation."
This remark was too much for her cousin who managed to get most of the food out of his mouth and sputter, "my dear cousin. You will do no such thing. Do you have any idea of the honor they have bestowed on you? The daughter of my esteemed patroness has made you an offer you cannot refuse. It would be an insult that would be intolerable. You must reconsider!"
"Then, I have your blessing, cousin? You think my salvation lies in a picnic and not in prayer?"
William Collins responded by shoveling more food in his mouth eying her with distaste.
A different scene was taking place at Rosing's Park. The four cousins were happily breaking their fast without the annoyance of listening to Lady Catherine. "A picnic you say?" said Richard. "Wonderful Idea."
"Ladies only," Anne replied.
"What? You would keep the lovely Miss Bennet to yourselves?"
"Miss Bennett is funny and smart and Georgie and I want to become better acquainted with her without you falling over your feet practicing your overwrought gallantry."
Richard grinned broadly, "I'm insulted!"
"She's the most interesting woman we've met in a very long time."
"She's also a very angry woman," Darcy said.
The three cousins stared at Darcy, "why do you say that, Brother?"
Darcy regarded his sister, "Miss Bennet was extremely rude to her hostess. She made Lady Catherine look the fool she is. And it isn't in her nature." Darcy stood up abruptly, "I'm going for a ride. Join me Richard?"
Once the two men left the breakfast room Anne and Georgianna eyed each other. "What do you make of that, Anne?"
"Have you ever known your brother to excuse rudeness?"
"Not even with Caroline Bingley whom he despises. Not even George Wickham whom he loathes. What does it mean?"
Anne smiled. "Maybe he really is smitten."