Chapter 4

The party departing Rosings did not finish their descent down the stairs before the subject of that evening's events was ceremoniously commented upon by her ladyship's most ardent supporter. "My dear Charlotte, do you not think it uncharitable of me to depart prior to providing solace to Lady Catherine and offering counsel to her nephew."

"Mr. Collins, I daresay we ought not endeavor to insert ourselves into such matters as we do not yet know the outcome," said his wife, hoping to impress upon him that her ladyship was not at liberty to dictate such affairs.

He gaped at her, utterly insensible to any reasoning that contradicted his patroness' exclamations. If she declared something was to be; soon it would be done. "My dear, you cannot mean to say that anything other than what ought to happen shall. I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding. It does not appear to me that her hand is unworthy of his acceptance. She is the jewel of the county. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. Why, even the other day, I was telling Lady Catherine.."

"My dear," replied Charlotte, losing patience with his condescending tone, "I cannot help but to think however deserving Miss de Bourgh is, the matter is left entirely in Mr. Darcy's hands, we cannot then know…"

She was then interrupted, "You cannot mean to say her nephew will contradict her ladyship," he said incredulously.

"If I may so express it, I think we may find even Lady Catherine's decrees are not followed on occasion."

"I must insist that you refrain from saying such things! Surely her ladyship will have her way in this matter, as she ought. It is her nephew's duty, the dearest wish of his own mother! It would be highly reprehensible and disrespectful to her very memory, to even consider an alternative course! He is bound by familial duty to promote and establish the excellent lineage of the subsequent generations of both his line and hers. Perhaps I ought to have demeaned myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship and thus inserted myself into his objections. Surely he will come to his senses once he is made aware of how highly commendable it would be to honor the decisions of his elders and his betters; he will be ready to make every possible amends for his outburst."

Charlotte, concerned for the outcome and uncharacteristically losing patience with his perception of her understanding, thus replied, "Do you not think that her Ladyship's ire may very well turn to you if your endeavors are unsuccessful? As Mr. Darcy is not well enough acquainted with you sir, to have confidence in your excellent reasoning, perhaps the more compelling arguments will come from his aunt."

Mr. Collins fearing the wrath of his patroness above all else replied, "You scruples do you justice, my dear. I will make myself available to her Ladyship if I am needed, I would not have her think her plight has been overlooked. It is my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence, my aim may be best achieved by restricting my efforts to her Ladyships service."

"That is an excellent idea, Mr. Collins," Charlotte replied, encouraging him down the prudent path. She was happy enough to ignore the obsequiousness and senselessness that so marked his behavior when it did not present a threat to their comfortable situation - but this was a real threat to their tranquility. Life at the parsonage would be beyond endurance if he inserted himself into the matter at hand.

Elizabeth, in the meantime, made her way ahead of the group; she had no patience for Mr. Collins at present. She could not keep herself from further taking up Miss de Bourgh's case.

What right did he have to rob her of what remained of her health and youth with his indecision? Lacking any sense of urgency or consideration for her, knowing full well, that in the end, Rosings was his, if he wished it. He was utterly unfeeling towards her plight; wasting away, lacking any society or amusements aside from Mrs. Jenkinson and her overbearing mother. It had even been said that she had been without a season, not only due to her health but due also to her attachment, which rendered it unnecessary. This young woman ought to know one way or the other, in order that she might get the most out of what remained of her life. Especially if she was as sickly as was reported. The poor girl, to be left in this permanent state of waiting. She ought to have the freedom to make her own acquaintances, to see to her health in Bath or perhaps another spa town if she preferred it. But instead, she was in this perpetual state of waiting on him, entirely under her mother's thumb.

It was perfectly believable of Mr. Darcy, in her opinion, that he was biding his time to see if an opportunity for a more suitably advantageous acquisition through matrimony came along. Women were no more than a bargaining chip to elevate one's status to him; it was evident in his treatment of Jane and even more reprehensible in his treatment of his cousin. He was devoid of every proper feeling, she thought.

As she made her way over the threshold she told the staff that she was not to be disturbed. Her headache had become blinding and she was in desperate need of rest. As the rest of the party arrived and her message was conveyed. Charlotte felt the disappointment of not being able to inquire as to what had prompted her to incite such an uproar but thought it for the best. If her friend had sufficient time to cool her heels, perhaps then she could be reasoned with. Whatever Mr. Darcy had been about, she was certain his attentions to her household were not due to her or her husband - she had long suspected that look of his was not disapprobation for Elizabeth. He must have done something in the last four and twenty hours to have Elizabeth and such rare form, she was one to laugh off an insult; whatever he did must be significant indeed.

I've finally gotten my Facebook page up for my pen name -Pemberley Darcy, Author. I'll be releasing exclusive content through that page down the line. For example, a free short story on Lydia & Parker's Married Life (A Frankness of Character). I'm also thinking about doing a short story for Georgianna there as well...she'll tie it into this story. PemberleyDarcyAuthor/

Thanks for all of your help with grammar, spelling, and thoughts. I appreciate you!