“My brother mentioned you frequently in his letters from Hertfordshire when Mr. Bingley first took Netherfield. Indeed, I harboured some hope for a time that we might be sisters.”
“Did you?” Elizabeth’s voice was small and childlike. She cleared her throat. “I am certain, being a young girl with only a brother, having a sister was a desire you held for some time.”
Miss Darcy tipped her head to the side. “Perhaps, but William had never spoken of a lady as he spoke of you.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Of course, it was a difficult time for me. I had suffered a loss and I may have yearned for an older sister to guide me through it.”
“That must have been it.” Elizabeth set her empty cup upon the tray. She had a great desire to end the visit but did not want to appear rude. Her mind was still searching for the correct words when Miss Darcy spoke again.
“You are well admired, Mrs. Collins. Even Lady Catherine speaks highly of you, if a bit begrudgingly.” Her eyes twinkled with humour before she became serious once more. “I believe my brother would listen should you speak to him. He has the highest respect for you.”
Elizabeth’s mouth went dry and she suddenly wished she had not finished her tea so quickly. “And what would you have me say, Miss Darcy?”
“Why that it is time for him to take a wife.” Miss Darcy placed her cup upon the tray and stood. “As I stated, I fear he will be led astray if he does not marry soon. Mrs. Collins, please say you will advise him to turn from the past and seek his future.”
Though in a bit of shock, Elizabeth also stood and agreed that she would do what was within her power. Miss Darcy thanked her and said her goodbyes. As the door closed behind the young lady, Elizabeth leaned her forehead against it.
“I have tried, dear girl, but your brother is far more stubborn than you know.”
***********
“William, you must understand that our situation is hopeless. You must take a wife.” Elizabeth hoped he did not hear the tremour in her voice.
“What I understand,” Darcy said as he slipped his arms about her, “is that my little sister has greatly overstepped.” He laid a row of kisses from her ear to her bare shoulder. “Can you imagine if I wed and you suddenly found yourself free? What fresh torture I would suffer.” he whispered causing shivers to run the length of her body.
“We do not …”
“I know.” He silenced her with a kiss. “I cannot hold another in my arms while I still love you, Elizabeth.”
“And you will never stop loving me while you are still able to hold me.” She pushed away from him, turning her back so she could not see the pain in his eyes.
“What are you saying?”
He spoke softly still, and she felt him take a step toward her. If she leaned back, she would be embraced by him again. She took another step away. “We cannot be together any longer.” He did not respond, and she was afraid to turn to look at him. “I believe your trips to Kent are being noted and they must stop before we are exposed.”
This brought him to her side. “I do not care.”
“But I do.” She turned her head to look at him. “I am the rector’s wife. I have a son whom I do not wish to expose to disgrace and scandal.”
He flinched but held his ground. “I could take you and William away.”
“No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “We both know that you would not do that. You must think of Miss Darcy.”
“Georgiana be damned,” he muttered as he ran a hand through his hair.
His head fell forward and Elizabeth could no longer keep her distance. Placing a kiss upon his cheek, she slipped her arms about his waist then laid her head on his shoulder.
“I want you, Elizabeth, more than I have ever wanted anything or anyone in my life. Fate has played a cruel joke upon us.” His arms closed about her. “You cannot ask me to leave you.”
“I must.” She choked back a sob. “Please, William, do not make this more difficult for me.”
*CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE*
“Mrs. Collins!”
Elizabeth closed her eyes and inhaled slowly while Mr. Collins continued bellowing her name as he made his way toward her parlour. He was just returned from his Tuesday visit to Rosings. Obviously, something he considered to be of great import had occurred.
The door opened revealing the man’s reddened face. “Mrs. Collins, you … are needed … at once,” he panted. “Miss de Bourgh … has taken ill.”
“Anne?” Elizabeth asked as she jumped up, dropping her needlework upon her seat. “Sarah!” she called as she moved past the rector and into the hall. The maid met her by the front door. Elizabeth lowered her voice. “Send word to Mrs. Genie that Miss de Bourgh is ill.” She pulled her pelisse and bonnet from the closet and was halfway down the front steps when Mr. Collins called from the doorway.
“Mrs. Collins!” He stumbled down the steps and grasped her elbow. “I shall accompany you.”
“Mr. Collins,” she sighed, “it is good of you to do so, but have I not been summoned? You have done your part in rushing home, but in doing so you are now unable to hurry back to Rosings. I am certain I could arrive much faster should I go alone. You may follow me.”
“But I should be there to lend support to Lady Catherine.” His brow creased as he considered the situation.
“And you will, sir, but her Ladyship will be most displeased if I do not arrive timely.” Elizabeth attempted to pry her elbow from his grip.
Mr. Collins frowned, but released her and nodded. “You are correct, of course, my dear. Go, I will be along directly.”
Not waiting for him to reconsider, Elizabeth hurried down the lane. The summer sun broke through the branches sporadically as she made her way toward the manor. The heat was oppressive to-day, enough so to cause her to forego her weekly visit, and she wondered if it had brought on her friend’s poor condition. She had noted a decline in Anne’s wellbeing on especially warm days like they had been experiencing this year.
Mr. Kite stood at the front door as she came in sight of the house. She began removing her pelisse as she climbed the stairs.
“Is there any ice? I believe it might help revive your mistress,” she said without formal greeting while he accepted her outerwear.
“I agree and it has been sent to her,” the butler replied, “but we have yet to see an improvement. We are expecting the doctor any minute.”
Elizabeth nodded and climbed the stairs to the upper floors. Though Anne was now Mistress of Rosings, she had chosen to keep her previous suite and allow her mother to do the same. Elizabeth saw Lady Catherine exiting her daughter’s bedroom as she reached the top step.
“Good,” the lady said brusquely. “Anne will be pleased you have arrived.”
“I have sent for Genie also,” Elizabeth replied as she moved toward her friend’s door.
Lady Catherine crinkled her nose but said nothing. Since Anne had come into her inheritance, she had welcomed Genie to Rosings on several occasions. Mrs. Abernathy would have been invited as well, but the woman was simply unable to journey even such a short distance in comfort. For this reason, Anne normally travelled to Abernathy House instead.
The door opened to reveal a darkened room. Elizabeth took a step inside but was stopped by the oppressive heat. “Why is it so warm in here?” she asked.
“She cannot have drafts,” Lady Catherine began but Elizabeth stopped her.
“I fear drafts are precisely what she needs, your Ladyship. It is the heat which is weakening her.” She moved toward a distant window and pulled the curtains to the side before opening the window as wide as she was able. Remembering that Anne sometimes suffered megrims, she moved to the bedside before opening more curtains. “Anne,” she whispered.
“Lizzy?” Anne’s voice was dry and raspy.
Elizabeth found a glass of water on the bedside table and helped her friend to drink. “Here, this will feel good to your throat. May I open more curtains?”
Though Anne nodded, she c
lutched Elizabeth’s hand. Instead, Elizabeth motioned to the maid who stood nearby twisting a cloth about her fingers. “Is that a cool cloth?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” the girl said as she brought the rag and a bowl of water forward.
Elizabeth nodded for her to set the bowl upon the table and took the cloth. “Open the other windows as wide as you are able.” The girl hesitated and glanced toward the door but did as she was told while Elizabeth dipped the rag into the cool water and wiped it over her friend’s forehead and cheeks. “Is that not better?”
A soft moan was the only response, but Anne’s grip seemed to loosen. Elizabeth lowered herself onto the edge of the bed and continued her ministrations.
“Were you outside yesterday?” she asked.
“It was so lovely,” Anne whispered.
“It was also quite hot. This July has been remarkably warm. Did you keep to the shade?” Elizabeth rewet the cloth and, after lifting her friend’s hair, laid it upon the back of her neck.
“I was in the front gardens.”
Elizabeth tsked. “There is little shade there, my dear Anne.” She turned toward the maid who stood nearby, clearly uncertain what was expected of her. “May I have another cloth, and could you ask Mr. Kite to send up more ice.”
The girl dipped a curtsey, handed Elizabeth a handkerchief, and scurried from the room.
The curtains swayed from the light breeze. Though it did little to lessen the heat, it did lift the few curls which had slipped from Elizabeth’s cap and gave the illusion of refreshing her. “Would you like to move closer to the windows, Anne? Perhaps the fresh air would strengthen you.”
Anne did not reply. Her eyes had drifted closed, but her chest seemed to lift easier. Elizabeth laid a hand upon her forehead and found her to be a bit cooler. She was about to refresh the cloth on Anne’s neck when the door opened, and the doctor entered followed closely by Genie. Elizabeth stood and met them a short distance from the bed.
“Miss de Bourgh is resting,” she said in a soft voice. “Her temperature is lower, and her breathing is not as laboured.”
The doctor nodded and went to his patient’s side. Elizabeth and Genie held hands as they watched him take Anne’s thin wrist between his fingers. After a minute, he lowered it and laid a hand upon her forehead. Anne’s eyes flickered open. She gave the man a weak smile when she recognized him, then went back to sleep. The doctor continued to examine her for a few minutes longer before motioning the other ladies toward the windows.
“Mrs. Collins, your care of your friend has made all the difference. I would prefer that Miss de Bourgh move to a cooler climate during these hotter months, but she refuses to leave Rosings.” He shook his head. “If only we could convince her to take a sojourn to the seaside, she might see some improvement; but she will not have it.”
“Anne is nothing if not stubborn, Mr. Bartholomew.” Elizabeth turned to look back toward her friend. “Perhaps if someone offered to accompany her.” She and the doctor looked to Genie.
“Though I would love to do so, I am unable to leave Mother.” Genie turned to Elizabeth. “You have nothing that requires you to remain in Hunsford and I am certain little William would enjoy the seaside.”
“I agree, Mrs. Collins,” Mr. Bartholomew said as he nodded. “I have noticed you have also appeared pale recently. The holiday would benefit you both.”
“But is Anne well enough to travel?” Elizabeth glanced once more toward the bed.
“I am certain she will be by the time arrangements can be made.” The doctor looked at her beseechingly.
Elizabeth sighed. It would be nice to get away from Hunsford and the memories that haunted her here. “Then I suppose all that remains is convincing the patient and choosing a location.”
A smile spread across the doctor’s countenance. “Mr. Darcy has already secured a home for Miss de Bourgh in Ramsgate. It has only waited upon her agreement to travel thither.” His brow arched with amusement. “I will leave that part in your capable hands, ladies.” He bowed and left the room.
A thought crossed Elizabeth’s mind and she eyed her friend suspiciously. “Have Anne and I been manipulated?”
Genie blushed but hid it quickly as she moved toward Anne’s side. Elizabeth followed closely but did not say more. Anne was resting peacefully so they took a seat on the settee a short distance away yet still in sight of the patient to determine any change in her condition.
“How long has this been planned?” Elizabeth asked in lowered tones. She pursed her lips when her friend appeared about to deny any subterfuge.
“If you must know, Mr. Bartholomew has attempted to send Anne away from Rosings every summer since she first became ill. Lady Catherine took her to Bath once which was far worse than Kent what with the society crowds and those horrible waters. After that, Anne refused to leave her home.”
Elizabeth nodded. “We spoke of Bath once and she voiced her disgust with the place, but that is not what I asked you, Genie.” She squared her shoulders. “How long have you, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bartholomew been plotting to remove Anne and me from the area?”
“Honestly, Lizzy!” Genie shook her head and laughed. “You make it sound as though we were conspiring against you. Indeed, we have thought only of Anne’s and your wellbeing. You have not left Hunsford since you were wed other than to attend your sister’s wedding. Nearly two years have passed since then.”
“Lady Catherine should be the one to accompany her daughter.” Elizabeth protested.
“She will leap at the opportunity to be queen over Rosings for a period of time,” Genie snorted. “Though I am certain Anne will leave clear instructions that no permanent changes are to be made in her absence.”
“But Mr. Collins …” Elizabeth began weakly.
“Will be pleased that his wife could be of such assistance to the daughter of his great benefactress.” Genie crossed her arms before her as though she waited for another argument to be as easily dismissed.
Elizabeth sighed. “How are we to convince Anne?”
“Leave that to me.” Genie lowered her arms, reaching out to pat Elizabeth’s hand. “It will be good for all of you. You will see, Lizzy. You have not been yourself since Darcy left after Easter.”
Unwilling to respond, Elizabeth stood and crossed to Anne’s bed. Her friend did appear improved. Her complexion was no longer so pale, and her skin was not clammy to the touch. Anne’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled up at her friend.
“Lizzy, you came.”
“Of course, dear Anne. There is nothing I would not do for you.” She felt a hand upon her shoulder. “Genie is here also. Shall I request some lemonade? We could sit by the window while we enjoy it.”
“That would be lovely.” Anne closed her eyes once more and Elizabeth moved toward the door.
“Anne?” she heard Genie call. “We must talk, dearest.”
Elizabeth closed the door behind her and turned to find Mr. Kite standing silently at the top of the stairs. He bowed as she approached.
“Lady Catherine, Mr. Bartholomew, and Mr. Collins are in the drawing room, Madam.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kite. Will you have lemonade sent up to Miss de Bourgh’s room? Oh, and a footman to move the settee closer to the window.” Elizabeth turned toward the top of the stairs but noticed the butler had not yet moved. She turned back to him and laid a hand upon his arm. “She is much improved.”
The older gentleman’s eyes glistened. “Thank you, Madam. The staff will be pleased to hear it.”
Elizabeth descended the stairs and knocked on the drawing room door. Upon hearing Lady Catherine’s imperious command, she entered and curtseyed to all present.
“How is my daughter?” her ladyship demanded before Elizabeth had completely straightened.
“She is feeling better, Madam. I have requested lemonade be sent to her room and Mrs. Martin and I will remain with her.”
“Good,” Mr. Bartholomew declared. “I have been explaining the plan to her lad
yship and it is agreed that you and your son will accompany Miss de Bourgh to Ramsgate for a fortnight. If these unnaturally warm days continue, you will remain beyond that time.”
“My nephew, Darcy, will accompany you,” Lady Catherine added. “You are to allow Darcy and Anne to spend as much time together as possible, Mrs. Collins.”
Elizabeth felt the blood drain from her face as she attempted to formulate a response. “Mr. … Mr. Darcy? Is that necessary? Surely Anne and I are capable of travelling such a short distance without …”
“Nonsense!” Lady Catherine tapped her cane on the floor to emphasize her point. “This is a perfect opportunity for the two of them to spend time together. You will be busy with your son and they will be able to speak without interruption or distraction.”
“Yes, well,” Mr. Bartholomew took up his bag and bowed toward her ladyship. Elizabeth suspected he was rolling his eyes by the tone of his voice but saw nothing improper in his posture. “I will write to him immediately and finalize the arrangements. If you will excuse me, I shall be about my business.”
He bowed again to Elizabeth and quickly left the room. Though she wished to follow him and demand answers regarding Mr. Darcy’s part in this scheme and precisely how long the man intended to stay with them, she heard Lady Catherine listing her expectations for their holiday. She could feel Mr. Collins’ eyes upon her, watching to see if she would show the smallest amount of disrespect. Elizabeth forced a smile upon her lips as she nodded her agreement to the lady’s plans, but all the while her mind raced over how she should react when she saw him again.
***********
Anne smiled wickedly at Darcy as the carriage slowed and finally came to a rest in front of the parsonage gate. Though improved, she remained pale and the effort of entering the equipage had tired her. That, however, did not diminish her amusement at his situation.
Darcy wiped his gloved hands upon his thighs, as though that might remove the sweat from his palms and stepped out of the carriage once the footman opened the door. Mr. Collins had just descended from the house and was hustling toward the gate while spewing his annoying civilities. Darcy doubted there was a man he hated more, though the parson’s only sin was marrying Elizabeth. Well, perhaps it was not his only sin, after all the man was boorish, proud, and high-handed; but it was the one that raised Darcy’s ire.
Mrs Collins' Lover Page 27