by Zoë Burton
The only dark spot on anyone’s mind during this period was Elizabeth’s continuing headaches. They seemed to appear when she was overtired, but also when she was distressed. Mr. Jones had prescribed laudanum, but Elizabeth refused to take it unless the pain was unbearable. Most of the time, she relied on a darkened room and cool cloths, or perhaps some willow bark tea, to relieve them.
Darcy took the time to discuss the situation with Mr. Bennet.
“What has Mr. Jones said?” Darcy paced the book room while Bennet remained seated behind the desk.
Bennet shook his head. “Only to continue the treatments. He offered to blister her head and bleed her, but she refuses to allow either.”
Darcy threw a glare in Bennet’s direction. “I am glad to hear it. I would not allow it even if she did.”
“She is not yet your wife, Mr. Darcy. If my daughter wanted to proceed, I would support her and you would have no say.”
Darcy paced away again, another glare aimed at Bennet as he turned. He breathed in deeply, exhaling through his nose. He stopped at the chair in front of the desk, gripping it with one hand. “I hate to think of her in pain at any time. Seeing it today was even worse. Clearly, her mother’s effusions have something to do with it.”
Bennet tilted his head in agreement. “Sadly true. You have a clearer understanding now of why my wife was not allowed in Lizzy’s sickroom when you first brought her home.”
Darcy rolled his eyes and looked away. When he thought he could speak without sarcasm, he addressed his future father-in-law again. “The other ladies have informed me that Elizabeth also suffers when she does too much.”
“Yes, I have observed that, as well. I have supported Mr. Jones’ continued strictures against walking alone for that reason. Elizabeth loves to wander the estate. I shudder to think what would happen should she be struck down so far from the house.”
Darcy’s lips flattened into a line. Stepping around to the front of the chair, he flipped his tails up and sat, then leaned forward, elbows on his knees and fingers laced. “I hate to see her struck down.”
Bennet carefully observed Darcy’s posture. He looked down for a moment, then back up. “I do, as well, but there is little to be done. We can only hope that with time, she is cured.” He paused. “I am heartened to witness your feelings displayed so freely. My mind is greatly relieved to see you beginning to care for my favourite daughter.”
“She will be Mrs. Darcy. It is my duty to care for her.” Darcy sat up, his indifferent mask coming down to cover his true feelings. “She deserves everything I can give her. She is not like any other woman I have ever met.” He shrugged. There were more words on the tip of his tongue, but he refused to give voice to them in front of this man he suspected of mercenary leanings. With a glance at his watch, Darcy rose. “It is time I returned to Netherfield. Bingley and I are to dine with the officers this evening.”
Bennet rose along with his guest. “Do you wish to send a message to Elizabeth?”
Darcy inclined his head. “I would. Tell her I will return tomorrow to escort her to church, if she wishes to attend.”
“I will do that.” Seeing Darcy hesitate, Bennet inquired after the reason. “Is there something else?”
Darcy paused for another moment, but then spoke. “Yes, there is. I know your heir is due to arrive in two days and I know you told Bingley you did not wish for my assistance in protecting Elizabeth and her sisters.” Darcy noted Bennet’s flattened lips and curt nod. “I beg you to reconsider. I believe it would put your daughters at ease if there were more footmen in place for them to turn to, should it be needed.”
“I appreciate your concern, especially for Elizabeth, but I have the situation well under control.” When Darcy tried to interrupt, Bennet raised a hand. “I will compromise with you. If Collins is worse than I believe him to be and is not as easily led, I will allow you to hire as many men as you wish. If, however, he is as stupid as I suspect and is easily thwarted, I will abide by my original plans.”
It was Darcy’s turn to flatten his lips. “If you are concerned enough about him to make a plan in the first place, surely he is evil enough that you should provide extra protection to your family.”
Bennet bristled. “That is just it, Mr. Darcy. They are my family, not yours. I will take care of them as I see fit. I do not wish the extra expense of feeding more servants, and I do not want this house filled with more people than I must have.”
Darcy gritted his teeth, but knew he could not press the other gentleman. “Very well. I will not bring it up again. However, if you wish for them, tell me at once and I will hire them immediately.” He bowed. “Good day.”
Chapter 13
The next morning, Darcy arrived at Longbourn as the Bennets were gathering in the entry hall to walk to the church. He smiled to see Elizabeth amongst her sisters, donning her gloves, a bonnet already covering her head.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Bennet beamed at her future son-in-law. “Elizabeth is looking very beautiful today, is she not?” The matron gestured toward her second child.
“She is, indeed.” Darcy bowed to Mrs. Bennet before making his way to his betrothed.
“Good morning.” Elizabeth smiled up at Darcy.
Darcy returned his betrothed’s smile. “May I escort you?”
“You may.” Elizabeth’s grin grew wider, her eyes twinkling. She tucked her hand under Darcy’s elbow, surprised at the sudden shock that zipped through her fingers and to her heart. She managed to not let go, instead clasping his arm more tightly, but the look in her eye became less flirtatious and more curious as she tilted her head to look up at him.
Darcy, too, had felt the zing of feeling when Elizabeth touched him. His heart skipped a beat, then began pounding harder than it had before. He rested his free hand over her fingers, smiling down at her and forgetting their audience.
“Well, let us be off, then.”
Mr. Bennet’s voice snapped Darcy and Elizabeth out of their captivation with each other. With matching blushes, they turned their attention to the rest of her family, falling into place behind Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as they proceeded out of the house.
The church buzzed with gossip when the family arrived a few minutes later. Darcy and Elizabeth followed her parents to the family pew, seating themselves without looking around.
Bennet leaned over his wife to speak to Darcy. “I believe your presence at Lizzy’s side this morning has set the village on its ear. Word will travel to Meryton before supper, I wager, and your reputation and that of my daughter will be restored.”
Stiffly, Darcy inclined his head, acknowledging Bennet’s words. “Would that our reputations had not been tainted in the first place.” He glared at Elizabeth’s father. “I will not be persuaded it is so until we are well and truly wed.” He sat back just as the choir began to sing the first song.
After church, Darcy remained at Longbourn for a visit and a bite to eat. When Elizabeth mentioned wishing to walk, he offered to be her escort if her sisters would chaperone. A few minutes later, they found themselves in the gardens.
“I would have you know that I spoke to your father about hiring footmen for your cousin’s visit. He declined again, as I knew he would. I wish for you to tell me, though, if this heir does anything untoward or that makes you uncomfortable. If it happens, I will push the issue with Mr. Bennet.”
“Thank you. I will. I will tell my sisters, as well, if I may?”
“Absolutely. Your happiness is tied to theirs, and their safety.”
Elizabeth squeezed his arm, which she had been holding. “Thank you.” A soft smile lifted the corners of her lips.
Darcy returned Elizabeth’s smile. “When does he arrive?”
Elizabeth looked at the path beneath their feet. “Tomorrow. He told my father to expect him at about four o’clock. I am sure you noticed my mother; she is all in an uproar over it.” She chuckled. “I am certain I heard her tell Mrs. Hill to hide the silver in the barn
.”
A laugh rumbled through Darcy’s chest. “I imagine she did. She does seem rather unsettled today.”
“We all are. Kitty and Lydia are gathering as many things into their rooms as possible to stave off boredom while they are restricted. Thankfully, they share a closet and can easily visit back and forth. I believe my mother has ordered our guests to be given rooms in the other end of the house.”
“Do the girls chafe at being restricted in such a way?” Darcy laid his free hand over Elizabeth’s and began absently stroking her fingers.
Elizabeth swallowed. She forced her mind to reply to Darcy’s question, rather than dwelling on the pleasant feelings evoked by his caress. “Yes, they do, but my father has frightened them enough that they are willing to obey.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I have told them I wish I were younger and could hide in my room for the week.” She lifted one side of her mouth into a half-smile.
“The time will pass quickly, I am certain. I will visit as often as I can, though I expect a letter from my solicitor very soon, calling me to town.”
“Yes.” Elizabeth sighed softly. “I wish you did not have to go, but I know it will smooth the way for our wedding to proceed. Not that we have chosen a date yet, of course.”
Darcy looked down at his betrothed. “We can set a date, if you wish.”
Elizabeth looked out into the distance, then down at her feet before looking briefly at Darcy. “We have gotten to know each other much better than we did, I grant you.” She sighed. “Allow me to think about it. It might be better to do it now so Mama can make firm plans.”
“There is no rush.” Darcy spoke softly.
“I suppose not, but we cannot be engaged forever, either.”
Darcy chuckled. “No, we cannot.” He paused. “Is there something specific that holds you back?”
Elizabeth was silent for a while, considering the matter. Eventually, she shrugged. “Nothing that has not already been addressed.” She flashed Darcy a weak smile. “I cannot tell you why I hesitate. It could be that I will need to simply make a decision to set a date and do it.”
Darcy lifted the corner of his mouth up into a brief smile. “There is no rush. When you are ready, we will marry, and not a day before.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then, she turned the conversation to other topics until it was time to return to the house.
~~~***~~~
The next afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Collins arrived precisely on time. Elizabeth, who had done too much on Sunday and woke with a headache, remained abovestairs with Mary while Jane and their parents gathered in the drawing room to greet the guests. As previously ordered, Kitty and Lydia remained in their chambers.
“I was told you have five daughters, Mrs. Bennet.” Mr. Collins turned out to be a tall, heavy-looking gentleman in possession of formal manners and a tendency to look down his nose at those around him.
Mrs. Bennet, whose previously-held dislike was cemented by Mr. Collins’ arrogance and his complete disregard for his wife, sniffed. “I do. My second daughter was injured recently and is in her chambers with a bad head. My third is with her. The youngest are full young and are not permitted to mix with company such as yourself.”
Collins was not deterred by his hostess’ frosty demeanour. “I fully intend to meet them, madam. As the heir to this beautiful estate, it will fall to me to care for them once Mr. Bennet is gone and I must assess their persons and skills-.”
Mr. Bennet interrupted. “My daughters are well taken care of in my will, Mr. Collins. You will not have to worry about them, I assure you.”
“I am certain you have, Cousin. I am certain you have. However, as a clergyman, it is incumbent upon me to look after their souls, however, and an interview is the best method of doing so.” Collins glared at Bennet, but his attention was distracted by the artwork on the walls. “A tour would be just the thing, do you not agree, my dear?”
Mrs. Collins, who had sat stiffly beside her husband without looking up, nodded with a murmured agreement.
“Then, we shall have one.” Collins stood.
Bennet joined him, his countenance severe. “Not tonight. You have only just arrived. I will have Mr. Hill escort you to your rooms. You may refresh yourselves and rest, and we will call you when it is time to dine.”
Collins glared at his host, his brows coming together to form a solid line as his narrowed eyes attempted to pierce Mr. Bennet’s resolve. After a moment, when it was clear that Bennet was not to be swayed, he acquiesced. “Of course, Cousin.” He bowed and pivoted, striding toward the door. “Come along, Mrs. Collins.”
~~~***~~~
As he and his wife followed Mr. Hill up the stairs and to the right, Collins was grumbling in a low tone. Caught up in his anger, he did not at first notice that none of the rooms they passed were occupied. It was not until the servant had opened one of the doors at the end of the hall that he realized it.
“I say, this is not the family wing. We should be in the family wing.” Collins glowered at Mr. Hill.
Hill bowed, his eyes glued to Collins’ waistcoat. “I apologize, sir. Mrs. Bennet assigned this room to you because there are no empty rooms in the family wing.”
“What do you mean? My father was clear that there are ten bed chambers in each wing. There are seven Bennets, which leaves three unoccupied rooms.” Collins’ ears turned red as his demeanour became more haughty.
“I apologize, sir, but one of the rooms has been turned into storage and two into sitting rooms for the misses. The only available bedrooms are here in this wing.” Hill bowed again, his face a blank.
Collins looked the servant up and down, examining his mien carefully. He narrowed his eyes, but Hill did not appear to be intimidated. With a sniff, Collins dismissed him. “I will take the matter up with your mistress. You may go.”
With a bow, Mr. Hill turned on his heel and marched down the hall, his back stiff. Collins watched him turn to descend the staircase before entering the sitting room assigned to him and his wife. He looked around, taking in the tasteful, if slightly ostentatious, decorations. With a scowl and a frown, he began opening doors, finding the door to a dressing room and bedchamber on one side of the room, and the same on the other. He strode into the clearly feminine room his wife was exploring and shut the door behind him.
“Mrs. Collins, what do you think you are doing?” Mr. Collins advanced on his wife, fists clenched and countenance red.
Harriet Collins turned, her eyes wide. She clasped her trembling hands in front of her. “I was examining this lovely dressing table.” She gestured to the finely detailed item to her left. “It is lovely, is it not?” Her voice trailed off.
Collins barely glanced at the piece of furniture. “Why did you not take part in the conversation downstairs? How many times must I tell you that as the wife of a clergyman, it is up to you to create as much good will as possible wherever we go?”
Mrs. Collins swallowed. Her reply, when she opened her mouth, was disjointed and stuttering. “I-, I am s-sorry. You-, they-.” She swallowed again. “I could hardly get a word in edgewise.”
Collins grabbed his wife’s wrist, gripping it tightly as he pulled her toward him. He lowered his face to within an inch of hers. “Enough! You will obey me or I will know why. Do you understand me?”
Her eyes still wide and frightened, Mrs. Collins answered her husband the only way she could. “Y- yes, I do.”
Collins released his wife, shoving her backwards so that she stumbled, tripping over the hem of her gown and falling. She landed beside the bed, one arm gripping the mattress to ease her fall. She said nothing, keeping her eyes glued to the floor until she heard her husband leave the room. She did not move until she heard a second door slam. Then, she crumpled, allowing the tears that had gathered behind her eyes to fall briefly.
~~~***~~~
Later in the day, the Collinses joined the Bennets, those that were allowed downstairs, in the drawing roo
m before the evening meal. Collins wasted no time in appealing to Mrs. Bennet to change his room assignment.
“My dear lady, it appears your servants have erred in preparing rooms for my beloved wife and I. They have placed us in the guest wing, when I know very well there are a plethora of available rooms in the family wing, which is where we belong. We are family, after all.” Collins bowed, attempting to show himself respectful and humble while still pushing for what he wanted.
“I assure you there has been no mistake.” Mrs. Bennet drew herself up to her full height, lifting her chin. “There are no empty rooms in the family wing, and I will not put my daughters out to accommodate anyone, much less strangers they have never met before.”
Collins stiffened. “I am family, madam. I should not be relegated to the far end of the guest wing. I belong in the bosom of my family.”
Mr. Bennet stepped in before his spouse could say more. “My wife told you there are no available rooms and she is not a liar. You will accept the rooms you have been given or you will leave. They are the best rooms in the house.”
Chapter 14
Collins’ chin rose and he looked down his nose at his cousin, his posture rigid and unyielding. He glared into Bennet’s eyes. When all the other gentleman did was stare implacably back, he lifted his nose another notch and cleared his throat. “Very well. We will remain in the rooms you have so graciously given us. For now.”
The housekeeper chose that moment to announce the meal, and with a sniff, Collins turned toward his hostess. Seeing that Bennet had already claimed that lady’s arm and proffered his other to his daughter, Collins held his out to his wife. The group proceeded into the dining room, hosts first and guests second.
Bennet seated his spouse at the foot of the table and Jane to her right. He strode to the head of the table and stood behind his chair. “You may seat yourself to my right, Mr. Collins, and your wife to my left.