Chapter Eighteen
It was three days since Elizabeth had arrived with Georgiana at Rosings and she had never found time going so slowly. She was unsure who was more miserable, herself or Georgiana. She had never been in a household that was so lacking in joy. Even the servants seemed miserable. She wondered how they worked in such a place. Every mealtime was dominated by Lady Catherine, who seemed to be an expert in every subject. Occasionally she would stop her monologues and fire a question at one of them, though she rarely waited for an answer. She didn't even listen to her own daughter.
Anne de Bourgh was very different from her mother. She spoke little, even when encouraged to do so by her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson. She was always wrapped up in a great many shawls despite the warmness of the weather and she had a nasty cough. Elizabeth, who knew nothing about medical conditions, was sure Anne looked unwell because she rarely left the house. Elizabeth felt sorry for her.
Elizabeth fastened her bonnet. They were going to church. She only hoped that she would have the opportunity to see Charlotte. She had been slightly surprised that Mr. Collins had not paid a visit to Rosings soon after their arrival, but then Lady Catherine mentioned that her reverend was ill, which she found very tiresome.
Elizbeth took a quick look in the mirror. She was certain that Lady Catherine would not approve of her appearance. Since her arrival, Lady Catherine had largely ignored her but when she did address her it had been to issue some criticism.
"I wish we could stay at home," said Georgiana as Elizabeth collected her from her room.
"I am sure it won't be long."
"I'm sure it will be." Georgiana looked gloomy. "My brother told me that when he last stayed the service went on for nearly two hours and even my aunt was looking upset. I have heard the reverend is fond of his own voice."
That certainly rang true. Elizabeth felt almost as disconsolate as Georgiana. The thought of listening to Mr. Collins for a couple of hours was depressing indeed.
The church was in walking distance of Rosings, but Lady Catherine still insisted they travel in a carriage.
"I am looking forward to hearing Mr. Collins' sermons," said Lady Catherine. "I sent Mr. Collins a note as he has been unable to call and asked him to think about Psalm forty-one, verse one. Do you know it, Miss Bennet?"
"No, I do not," said Elizabeth, unflinching from Lady Catherine's critical stare. "There are few biblical texts that I remember."
"Indeed? It is God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. You have a lot to learn, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth smiled. "I don't think there's ever a time when one stops learning, do you, Lady Catherine?"
Lady Catherine's cheeks were puffing out in fury and Georgiana, Anne de Bourgh, and Mrs. Jenkinson all looked horrified.
"You are very forthright in your views, Miss Bennet. I am not accustomed to someone of your age speaking so freely."
"Are you not, Lady de Bourgh? Then I must apologise. My father has always felt it was important for young women to have an opinion."
Lady Catherine looked as if she was going to faint, but at that moment the carriage came to a halt as they arrived at the church, and they were all helped out. Lady Catherine swept ahead, leaving them all to follow.
Elizabeth suddenly saw a familiar figure hurrying towards her. "Elizabeth, oh my dear Lizzy."
It was Charlotte. The new Mrs. Collins was little changed since she had last seen her. Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised to see how cheerful she looked.
"It is so good to see you, Elizabeth."
"And you too, Charlotte," said Elizabeth.
"I don't think you have met Miss Darcy. She is Lady Catherine's niece. Georgiana, this is my good friend, Mrs. Collins."
Charlotte smiled warmly. "It is good to meet you, Miss Darcy."
Georgiana nodded though she didn't say anything.
"Mrs. Collins. Do you know this creature?"
Elizabeth bit her lip. Really, Lady Catherine was one of the rudest people she had ever met.
"I do, Lady Catherine," said Charlotte warmly. "Miss Bennet and I grew up together."
Lady Catherine did not look pleased at the news. "Mrs. Collins, now that you are married you must ensure that your time is spent with people who can advance your position."
Charlotte looked surprised. "Lady Catherine, I am always pleased to welcome someone from home."
Lady Catherine gave them a look of disgust. Elizabeth was learning that she was only happy when everyone was in agreement with her. "You have a generous nature, Mrs. Collins. I only hope that it does not disappoint you. Now I hope Mr. Collins has recovered from his recent cold. I have missed his visits. We must go in. Anne?"
"Yes, Mama."
"Take my arm."
Anne de Bourgh, who was looking paler than ever, did as she was told and Lady Catherine entered the church.
Everyone else followed.
The service wasn't quite as cheerless as Elizabeth thought it might be, but still Mr. Collins did rather drone on expounding on the verse that Lady Catherine had chosen. It wasn't that the message was dull, but Mr. Collins thought so much of himself he acted as if all the congregation were sinners (except for such esteemed ladies as Lady Catherine). Elizabeth was delighted when a little after an hour and a half they were back out in the sunshine.
Mr. Collins was talking to Lady Catherine which gave Elizabeth the opportunity to talk to Charlotte.
"Lizzy, I know it will not be easy, but will you come to the parsonage and see me?"
"Charlotte, I would be delighted to, but I am not sure whether I will get the opportunity. Lady Catherine likes to ensure that I fulfil my duties."
"She is very attentive to be sure, but now that Mr. Collins has recovered from his bad chest he will resume his daily visits to Rosings. I'm sure Lady Catherine will not be so interested in what you are doing. Come with Miss Darcy if need be, but I would like to see you."
"I will come, I promise," said Elizabeth quickly. She was curious to see the conditions in which Charlotte lived. No more was possible between them as Lady Catherine had finished her conversation with Mr. Collins and was now in a hurry to get back to her carriage. People who were standing talking on the path moved aside as she swept imperiously past, calling to her daughter to follow.
Elizabeth gave a small wave to Charlotte as she followed with Georgiana in Lady Catherine's wake.
"So what progress have you made on the will?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam of his cousin as they mounted horses to ride around Greenwich Park.
Darcy looked very disconsolate. "None at all. Everyone I have consulted says there is nothing that can be done." He squeezed his thighs and urged his mount forward.
"Are they certain? It seems so unfair."
"They are certain. I have consulted Sir Lawrence Selkirk. He is the most eminent barrister in the county and he agrees with Billingsworth that the will is sound." Mr. Darcy adjusted the reins in his hand. He was grateful to be on a horse, but he missed Valiant his own favourite steed housed in the stables at Pemberley. "In truth, Fitzwilliam, I'm not. I am angry with myself. I have left myself with little time. This was too important an issue for me to have ignored it."
"Darcy, you cannot blame yourself. There were other matters that you have been preoccupied with."
"If you mean Georgiana, that should never have happened."
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked guilty. "I am as much to blame. "
"No, you are not. I am her brother. I know we are joint guardians but I should have been more careful with her."
"Darcy, you are too hard on yourself."
Darcy sighed. "The fact is I do not understand her. She has grown resentful, argumentative even. What has happened to the sweet girl we both knew?"
"Darcy, you must not berate yourself. Georgiana is not a girl. She is a young woman finding her place in the world. One day she will be the person you remember."
Darcy shook his head. He knew his cousin spoke wisely, but he was not so certain. He was concerned about Georgiana. He had told her never to talk about her doomed relationship but he wasn't so sure that he had done the right thing. He had done it to spare her more heartache… but…
"Darcy, what is it? You seem so melancholy. Is there anything else that is worrying you apart from the will?"
"Our visit to Kent," said Darcy.
"Agh… I am not surprised. You know our dear aunt is looking forward to seeing you. I suspect she is hoping this summer to announce an engagement between yourself and Anne de Bourgh."
"Heaven forbid," growled Darcy. "You know I feel nothing for Anne… she is…"
Richard raised his eyebrows as Darcy's words went unfinished. "I feel rather sorry for her. I think she has a difficult life with our aunt. It would solve your problem, Darcy. If you do not wish to marry, then marry Anne. I am sure she would offer you a quiet life."
"Quiet? I do not want quiet." Darcy urged his horse to trot.
Colonel Fitzwilliam followed. "So what do you want? Tell me what is your idea of the perfect woman?"
Darcy pulled on the reins and brought his horse to a stop, swinging it around in a half circle to face his cousin. "You are being foolish, Fitzwilliam. I have no ideal. However, they should be well educated, able to oversee a household, entertain, dance, hold a conversation…"
"I think you yearn for too much," said the colonel. "I only look for a woman who can make me happy."
Darcy looked slightly contemptuous. "If you demand so little you will surely be disappointed."
The colonel was a little defensive but determined to make his point. "No, Darcy, I will not. You have no woman in your life because you are far too fussy."
Darcy said no more. He had no woman in his life because he did not want one. His parent's marriage had been a very happy one, but was abruptly curtailed when his mother died in childbirth. He still remembered the trauma his father had suffered and it was then that he had decided he never wanted to be in a similar position. He decided it was better not to love at all than to love and lose someone in such tragic circumstances. This will of his father's was troubling him greatly. He did not want to lose Pemberley and yet he did not want to marry.