"Friends are God's apology for relations." - Hugh Kingsmill
Chapter 20
The following week found the occupants from the parsonage once again invited to Rosings. It was a lovely day and Lady Catherine felt generous to share the beauty of her grounds with the parson and his family for afternoon tea. Although Colonel Fitzwilliam had informed his aunt that he had business correspondence to attend to, Darcy entered the parlor in time to greet their guests.
Soon after tea, Lady Catherine suggested that the party adjourn to the veranda to enjoy the splendors that Rosings offered.
"How kind, Lady Catherine!" gushed Mr. Collins.
"Come, Mrs. Collins, Cousin Elizabeth." The stout man demanded as he ushered the ladies out the door.
Mr. Darcy moved to follow but was interrupted by Lady Catherine.
"Darcy, do not rush off in such a fashion. You must assist your cousin Anne." The elder woman stated with a smile as she gestured in the direction of Miss de Bourgh. That young woman did not raise her eyes to meet her cousin's gaze but only sighed as though it was a chore to join the party outside.
"Yes, aunt." Darcy replied.
Lady Catherine gave a nod of approval before continuing.
"I believe that I will remain in the parlor."
Darcy stopped to look back at his aunt with an expression of displeasure but only bowed in response before continuing outdoors with his cousin.
Not long after, Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the parlor.
"Good Afternoon, aunt. I see that I am too late to enjoy our company for tea."
"Yes, you most certainly are tardy. It is quite rude to abandon your relatives while visiting. Perhaps your mother failed to mention that when teaching you etiquette." Lady Catherine said with a huff of annoyance.
"Yes, well, I am bound by my vow to the Crown and dare not put off correspondence with my commanding officer. Even for you, Lady Catherine." Col. Fitzwilliam replied with a smile.
When his aunt did not reply to this little speech, he asked, "Where is Darcy?"
"Oh, he and Anne are enjoying the afternoon on the veranda with our guests from the parsonage."
Upon hearing this, the Colonel stepped towards the doors.
"Hmmm…yes, I can see that Darcy is quite enjoying his afternoon."
Something in his voice caught the attention of Lady Catherine but the Colonel quickly turned back towards her.
"I am surprised to find you remaining indoors while your guests are being entertained on your grounds." Colonel Fitzwilliam said alluding to his aunt's earlier reprimand of his tardiness.
If his aunt heard the slight note of accusation in his voice, she did not address it but chose to don a look of contentedness.
"Darcy and Anne are tending to the guests. It shall only allow them to become more accustom to what their duties will be once they are wed."
With a look of exasperation, Colonel Fitzwilliam endeavored to brooch the delicate subject.
"Aunt Catherine, I wish that you would accept that Darcy is his own man. When it comes to choosing a bride, I believe he shall follow his own counsel."
"Nonsense! Darcy knows what is expected of him. He shall not defy the wishes of my late sister. He has remained unattached all of these years in order to allow Anne the time to mature and prepare for her role as Mistress of Pemberly." Lady Catherine said with a knowing look to her recalcitrant nephew.
Colonel Fitzwilliam thought it best to only plant the seed that disappointment may be in his aunt's future. He walked towards the door to the veranda and paused a moment.
"Or, perhaps, he had not met the right young lady in all of those years."
The Colonel walked out of the room. His words carried a sound of warning to them that affected Lady Catherine. She rose and slowly walked to the window. She saw that the Colonel had just joined Mr. and Mrs. Collins at the table. She was surprised to find that Anne was also seated at the table playing with the fringe of her lap blanket. Wondering why Darcy had abandoned his post at her daughter's side, she glanced over towards the rose garden.
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed as she watched her normally staid nephew laughing, truly laughing, with Miss Bennet! Her mouth set in a thin line, she quickly turned to exit the room telling the footman to inform her guests that she was retiring to her rooms for an afternoon rest. She required time to ponder how best to deal with a certain young woman from Hertfordshire.
A/N: Another short chapter but the next two will be full of action. To my stateside readers, Happy Independence Day! As always, thank you for the wonderful reviews. I love to hear your thoughts on the story. Also, this is one of my favorite quotes so far…what is your favorite?