"In the whole round of human affairs little is so fatal to peace as misunderstanding." - Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
Chapter 23
Darcy's anger and disappointment could not be contained after he watched Elizabeth run off in tears. He rose and stormed back to Rosings yet did not dare enter the great house. He saddled his own horse, not wishing to wait upon the stable boy, and left again for a punishing ride across the estate. His mind would not calm and the vision of her face would not abate.
He returned to Rosings after several hours but locked himself in his room with instructions that he was not to be disturbed and would not be joining his family for the meal that evening. Lady Catherine was quite put out but did not press her nephew. Colonel Fitzwilliam was concerned but hoped that Darcy would confide in him when he was ready.
The day passed slowly for Darcy with only his regrets and a bottle of spirits to keep him company. After some time, even the bottle abandoned him as the last of its amber contents slipped down his throat. He was unaware of how much time had passed when he heard his cousin inform Darcy's valet that he would not be needed and could retire for the evening.
"Well, you are in a fine state." The Colonel said sympathetically.
Darcy did not bother to respond or move from his slouched position in the chair that he had occupied all afternoon. He raised his eyes to his cousin briefly before looking away again. Colonel Fitzwilliam lazily walked toward his cousin and picked up the bottle on the table.
"What's this? You didn't even bother saving some for me? Bad form, Darcy, bad form."
Although the Colonel was attempting to lighten the oppressive mood, Darcy could not help but stir at the rebuke.
"Yes, yes, I have determined to make all possible poor decisions today Fitz! The bottle was only my latest victim." Darcy mumbled.
"Hmmm." The Colonel said no more as he sat in the chair next to his cousin.
"Would you care to regale me with all of these 'poor decisions' that you have made today, cousin? I confess to being intrigued."
Darcy suddenly turned toward his cousin and leaned in.
"Certainly, Fitz…would you care to hear how your responsible cousin was taking in by a fortune hunter?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam was shocked by the wild look in his cousin's eyes.
"Would it amuse you to hear that I fully intended to be engaged by this evening when I awoke this morning? It is absolutely absurd considering my current state but I thought myself the happiest man in England this morning! Yes, yes, it has been an eventful day. The Master of Pemberley brought to his knees by a woman of no standing. I, the man who has successfully evaded all of the great matchmakers of London, falls for a country girl with no fortune and relatives in trade!"
Darcy slumped back down into his chair before continuing in a lowered voice.
"She accuses me of not acting as a gentleman and, yet, even now my heart threatens to break. If I close my eyes, I can see the betrayal on HER face! What have I become?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam could not keep quiet any longer.
"It is obvious that there has been some sort of misunderstanding. You are referring to Miss Bennet as a fortune hunter? What has led you to believe this?"
"She knew of Wickham, Fitz! She did not deny it!"
The Colonel's brow furrowed at this.
"You mean to tell me that Miss Elizabeth Bennet admitted to being in league with that scoundrel?"
"When I mentioned his name, there was recognition in her eyes! When I questioned her, she did not deny knowing him. How could this happen? How could I be so completely blinded…Again! Even Aunt Catherine was able to see her scheming…"
Colonel Fitzwilliam abruptly cut off his cousin.
"What do you mean that Aunt Catherine saw through her scheming? Darcy, do not tell me that you allowed our aunt to influence you against the woman that you clearly love!"
"Aunt Catherine expressed her concerns that Elizabeth was attempting to make a great match. I was blind to Elizabeth's true motives…just as I was with Mrs. Young. I have failed my sister and almost doomed myself to a marriage to a woman who does not love me but only my fortune. Yet, her face, her every look indicated that I wounded her." Darcy said dejectedly.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had heard quite enough.
"Darcy, I care for you as a brother but I must tell you that you are a damned fool! From your drunken ramblings, all I can say with certainty is that our aunt has successfully swayed you from offering for the woman of your choice."
"But Wickham…"
"Come now, Darcy! You cannot truly believe that Miss Bennet would have any dealings with Wickham. Why, she is a gentleman's daughter! Did you even give her an opportunity to explain why she recognized his name?"
Darcy scowled but did not respond.
"I believe that you need a good night's rest to sleep off the contents of that bottle and then should make your way to the parsonage at first light. If you truly love this woman, then you owe it to both of you to clear up any misunderstandings. Do not drive away your happiness due to assumptions and the poison that our bitter aunt has planted in your head."
Although Darcy did not respond, Colonel Fitzwilliam could see that his words were working upon his cousin's mind. He stood up, and laid a hand on his cousin's shoulder.
"You are a good man, Darcy. Tomorrow will be brighter."
Darcy was still staring into the fire, but nodded his head. With that, Colonel Fitzwilliam left his cousin to his thoughts and retired for the evening.
Few hours and little sleep later, Darcy awoke regretting his indulgence the day before. Unwilling to fully believe the worst of Elizabeth and bolstered by the words of his cousin, he set out for an early morning ride.
Realizing that it was too early for even Elizabeth to be out walking and much too early to call on the parsonage, Darcy could not resist directing his horse in that route.
While he was still quite a distance from the Parsonage, he was surprised to see a carriage waiting in the lane and what appeared to be several servants loading contents. A feeling of dread filled him even as he urged his horse to pick up the pace. Slowing his horse to a stop upon reaching the parsonage, Darcy dismounted and walked towards Mrs. Collins who was directing the servants.
"Good morning, Mrs. Collins."
"Good morning to you, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Collins responded with a small smile and glance towards the garden.
"I was out for my morning ride and recognized my aunt's carriage. I was unaware that Lady Catherine had already arisen when I left this morning. I hope that all is well, madam?"
Mrs. Collins could see the obvious confusion upon the gentleman's face. She was curious to see his reaction upon hearing her explanation.
"Lady Catherine has not graced us with an early morning visit, sir. However, she was so kind as to offer her carriage and Miss de Bourgh's companion to my friend."
Seeing that this only caused further confusion, Mrs. Collins continued.
"I apologize, Mr. Darcy, but I assumed you had been informed at dinner last evening. My friend, Miss Bennet, became quite home sick yesterday and expressed her desire to return home sooner than originally planned. When my husband mentioned this development to Lady Catherine yesterday, she quite benevolently offered to make all of the arrangements."
"I see." Darcy's face became gravely serious as he realized the implications of his aunt's benevolence.
Mrs. Collins stood awkwardly watching the stern countenance of the man before her. After a moment, she said, "If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy, I should return to the kitchen to ensure that the basket I prepared for Elizabeth's journey is not forgotten."
The mention of her name finally broke through Darcy's stormy thoughts.
"Is Miss Bennet within, madam? I would like to take my leave, if possible, since I am here."
Mrs. Collins paused only a moment before coming to a decision.
"She is walking in the garden alongside the house, sir. Good day, Mr. Darcy."
With a quick curtsy, Mrs. Collins turned to return to the house hoping that she did the right thing in sending the rich gentleman towards her friend.