by Jennifer Joy
He tread on shaky ground. Not everyone present knew their family secret. Elizabeth jerked her head in Mr. Collins’ direction, hoping he understood her hint.
Mr. Tanner's jaw clenched, as did his fists. He looked at Mr. Collins before returning to glare at William.
William took his hint and said no more. It was as clear as crystal that Mr. Tanner meant to keep their connection a secret … as well as his gift to his little sister.
Georgiana looked over her shoulder at William. "You should not say so, William, when she is perfect and you deserve my heartfelt gratitude for offering a gift which you knew would bring me the greatest happiness. There is nothing I like more than a good ride through open fields."
William balked, but one look from Mr. Tanner silenced him.
Mr. Tanner’s eyes softened considerably as he spoke to his half-sister. “How fortunate you are a guest here, Miss Darcy. The hills and fields surrounding the estate lend themselves perfectly to a pleasant ride.”
Lydia held back, grasping Chloe tightly in her arms to protect her from the large beasts. Father stayed at Lydia’s side. Mr. Collins, who liked to think himself proficient in all things relative to the Darcys, stepped too closely to Brutus, who showed his opinion of the gentleman by stepping firmly on his foot, holding him in place and showing no indication of budging despite Mr. Collins’ protests of pain and the attempts of the stable boy to dislodge him.
Mrs. Annesley stepped closer to William, whispering, "If Mr. Tanner does not want the details of your relation revealed, he has acted wisely in allowing you to take the credit for his gift. It would not do for him to give Miss Darcy the horse otherwise.”
What she said was true. Such a gift could only come from a family member or from a gentleman with whom Miss Darcy had formed an attachment.
William grimaced. "She ought to know the truth."
Elizabeth sided with Mrs. Annesley, taking advantage of Mr. Collins’ squeals of discomfort to conceal their conversation. "You know Mr. Tanner's feelings on the subject. If you wish to honor them, you must play your part in this farce. If you must, you can tell Miss Darcy later, but not right now. It would create too many questions from people who would not guard their silence." She looked at Mr. Collins, whose face contorted in agony until Mr. Tanner handed the filly's reins to Miss Darcy and the spare mare to William to attend to his mount and Mr. Collins’ flattened foot.
“I apologize, Mr. Collins. Brutus must have taken a liking to you to pin you to his side as he has,” said Mr. Tanner, shoving Brutus to the side and holding onto the injured man until a manservant reached them to assist Mr. Collins indoors. Elizabeth’s pity for him grew as he hobbled away. It had not gone well for Mr. Collins in Meryton. In fact, she wondered why any man of a rational mind would stay in a place after being poisoned, repulsed, and trodden upon as badly as he had.
William said, "Thank you, Tanner. I appreciate you bringing the horses here. Perhaps we may presume further on Mr. Bennet's hospitality by requesting a space in his barn."
"I asked the stable to send hay and oats. No sense burdening Mr. Bennet with feed for two more horses," said Mr. Tanner, continuing, "and, as you requested, the mare is only rented out until the end of the month for Miss Elizabeth to ride. Or … perhaps … Mrs. Annesley … should she wish to accompany Miss Darcy. She was the best choice from the lot at the stables. The mare … not Miss Darcy … or Mrs. Annesley.”
Mr. Tanner’s face turned beet red as he fumbled his words. Had she not felt Mr. Tanner’s humiliation, Elizabeth would have laughed at his endearing mistake.
Instead, Elizabeth said, "How kind of you, William," addressing her betrothed while watching Mr. Tanner.
He had thought of everything. Clearly, the way to Mr. Tanner's heart was through his little sister. That he would do anything to see to her comfort and pleasure was made evident by his selfless offering and the joy with which he presented his gift, allowing his younger brother all the glory. Mr. Tanner seemed content with the happy smile adorning Miss Darcy's fine face when he finally deemed to look up.
Miss Darcy handed the filly’s reins to the stable boy, and walked over to Brutus. Reaching her hand up for him to smell, she said, "And this is the hero who took a lead ball for my brother?"
Brutus lifted his head, holding it at a regal angle and bobbing it up and down. While the stallion held no tender regard for Mr. Collins (contrary to Mr. Tanner’s claim), he seemed to take to Miss Darcy well. But it was not until Mrs. Annesley stepped away from William and Elizabeth that he pulled against the reins, defying Mr. Tanner to hold him still.
Miss Darcy giggled, her laughter genuine and heartfelt as Brutus stretched past her to reach for Mrs. Annesley. It made Elizabeth and William smile at each other in relief.
"He has excellent taste in ladies, I see," Miss Darcy said as Mrs. Annesley moved closer. The stallion lengthened his neck to sniff the companion’s hair. She did not flinch nor retreat.
Mr. Tanner tried to hold him back, but Brutus had fallen in love with Mrs. Annesley's flaxen locks.
"He must like my perfume," commented Mrs. Annesley, reaching up and looping her fingers through his bridle. Effortlessly, she pulled him away, saying, "Now that is quite enough, young man."
Mr. Tanner's face was as red as a cardinal and he looked as skittish as a cat near water. "I apologize. He does not normally allow anyone near him."
Mrs. Annesley smiled. "He is only a bit rough around the edges, but I doubt he would harm anyone intentionally … unless they posed a threat to his friends."
Very much like his master. Elizabeth looked between Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley. A rough giant showing through his attentions to his little sister just how gentle he was at the core; and the beautiful, refined companion who could not be more his opposite.
Chapter 10
"You cannot allow such fine mounts to wallow lazily in their stalls. You ought to show Miss Darcy the countryside around Meryton once she has recovered from her trip," suggested Mr. Tanner.
"I would love to. There is nothing better after being jostled in a carriage all morning, is that not so, Georgiana? It will be all the more enjoyable if Elizabeth joins us on the mare…" William suggested without putting Elizabeth on the spot overly much.
He must think she did not know how to ride, which for lack of practice, was partly true.
The joy which had been present in Miss Darcy's face, melted away.
It saddened Elizabeth, but she could understand why a devoted, little sister would resent her company on her first day together with William after several months apart. Selecting what Elizabeth hoped was the best strategy, she said, "I must deny myself the pleasure of accompanying you. It has been too long since I have last ridden a horse, and I fear I would slow you down. Allow me some time to accustom myself to the activity before I join you."
"Nonsense. You cannot forget how to ride a horse once you have learned, and who is more qualified to show Georgiana around Meryton than you?" William insisted, not seeing her lack of equestrian skills as an obstacle.
It warmed her heart that William wanted her, but this was a battle she knew it best not to fight. Not this time. Unless she wanted to gain an enemy, Elizabeth knew it was the wiser course to back away until she could convince Miss Darcy she would rather be a friend than a foe. Judging from the look on Miss Darcy's face, that moment had not yet arrived. But it had better come soon. Elizabeth refused to become a martyr to satisfy the sensibilities of the young lady for a second longer than was absolutely necessary.
"You have more confidence in my abilities than I do, and I thank you for your faith in me. However, has it not been several months since you have seen your sister? I do not want to intrude when you have much to discuss."
For the first time, Miss Darcy looked at Elizabeth directly. It was, at least, a beginning of what Elizabeth prayed would turn into a sincere friendship.
William nodded. "You are quite right. Perhaps Mrs. Annesley and Tanner will agree to join us as they will
have much to add to our conversation, being much in our company."
Brutus loved the idea. He snorted his agreement and nudged Mrs. Annesley with his muzzle.
With a laugh, Father said, "That settles it then. The brute has spoken! What do you say to joining us at Longbourn to dine tomorrow evening, Mr. Darcy? And you, too, Mr. Tanner, if you are so inclined. You would be a welcome addition to our party and provide an even ratio of males to females at the table. I am told even proportions are of importance."
Elizabeth felt better she would not be forced to deny herself of William's company very long. And she intended to use her inexpert riding skills to her advantage. Perhaps William would agree to give her lessons….
The clatter of horses' hooves faded into the distance as the riders trotted away from Longbourn the following morning.
Father remained in the drawing room, no doubt to share the burden of Mr. Collins' company with her instead of alone in his study where Mr. Collins felt no hindrance in following him — even with his injured foot, which he propped up on the table in front of the settee.
Mr. Collins only allowed Father one brief reprieve from his presence when Mr. Bilford visited the house to discuss estate matters. Both the steward and Father parted in good humor, so Elizabeth was left to conclude all was well.
Now, Father read the newspaper while Mr. Collins studied a book of sermons, occasionally reading aloud the passages he felt they would most benefit from his sharing.
When he had interrupted Father's reading one too many times, Father finally folded the newspaper and set it on the table beside him. "Mr. Collins, I thank you for reading to us the passages which extol the virtues of communication on subjects influential to the edification of a family in the sobriety of spirit and witless devotion."
Not hearing the mockery in Father’s voice, Mr. Collins said, "I find the sermons of Fordyce to inspire the upright sentiments you extol, and appropriate given the female population in your home. I am pleased you find them to your liking."
"I would not go so far as that, Mr. Collins, however you can rightly say they have inspired me to bring up a subject which has been on my mind of late." Father took in a deep breath.
"However grave the matter weighing on your mind may be, it would be an honor for me to offer whatever counsel and guidance I might humbly bequeath. As you know, in my position as the rector of Hunsford, I am often called upon to share what wisdom and insight I possess." Mr. Collins set aside his book, cocking his head to the side, his vision intent on Father.
Elizabeth imagined the headline in tomorrow’s newspaper, Mr. Collins — The Fount of Wisdom, and had to clamp her teeth down on the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing.
Father cleared his throat and removed his spectacles, fiddling with them in his hands. "You made it clear to me some time ago in a letter that your intention in visiting Longbourn was to make a favorable impression on my daughters, one of whom you would choose to make your wife."
Mr. Collins nodded gravely, his gaze flickering over to Elizabeth, who did her best to look intensely involved in her novel.
"Do you think it appropriate to speak of the subject in the hearing of Miss Elizabeth?" he asked.
Elizabeth held the book steadily, pretending to be as immersed in its pages as she was in the conversation before her.
Father cleared his throat again. "As you can see, Mr. Collins, she is too engrossed in her novel to listen to us. And she holds no illusions of becoming the next mistress of Longbourn, being engaged to Mr. Darcy with a much finer property in Derbyshire. I doubt she holds any interest in the subject."
Ha, thought Elizabeth.
"Indeed," agreed Mr. Collins in a low tone.
"Going back to the point of my communication, I seek to inquire if your intentions remain the same or if, due to circumstances beyond your control, they might have changed."
Elizabeth heard the hopeful tone in Father's voice. He would love it if Mr. Collins would change his mind about Mary. Then he would not be obliged to say anything at all. He could go back to his newspaper and the comfort he had grown accustomed to instead of defending the wishes of his daughter. Elizabeth respected him for addressing the subject, knowing how disagreeable it must have been to him, but she held no illusions that Father would resolve the issue with the strength of decision it required.
"On that charge I may lay your concerns to rest, Mr. Bennet. My intentions, though postponed temporarily due to my obligations to my esteemed patroness, remain the same. I aim to ask Miss Mary for the honor of her hand in marriage, thus ensuring the security of the females in your household who otherwise stand to lose their home upon the sad event of … my inheriting."
"I appreciate your delicacy in not referring to my death directly, but I have it on good authority — from the lady herself — that you have already made your intentions clear by calling frequently at Mr. Philips’ residence."
Elizabeth heard the cushions shift around Mr. Collins. She imagined him squirming, but dared not peek around the page to see.
"That is true. Miss Mary's tastes suit my own, and I had assumed you would admit to the brilliance of the match. Mrs. Philips hinted that my offer would benefit Miss Mary, as well as the rest of the family, by taking the weight of uncertain futures off your shoulders, which are heavily burdened with grief and the demands of the estate."
Father interrupted him. "Mary has not yet reached her majority. She is not free to accept your hand unless I give my permission."
An argument Papa used liberally of late, thought Elizabeth, though she had to admit it was suitable in Mary’s case.
Mr. Collins sputtered unintelligibly. "I thought … oh dear … I assumed…"
In a softer tone, Father continued, "I have invited you to my home, so you must know I am not against the idea of you marrying one of my daughters. At least, I was not at the time we exchanged letters several months ago. However, our circumstances are vastly changed, and I must now insist you follow proper formalities where my daughters are concerned. It is Mary's choice whether or not she accepts your hand. I will not influence her one way or the other, but I ask that you respect her choice once it has been made and, perhaps, give her some time to mourn the death of her mother before asking her to make a life-altering decision."
Well done, Papa! Elizabeth gripped her book tightly, nearly pressing it to her nose in her effort not to drop it to applaud him. Turning a page, she peeked over the top of her novel.
Mr. Collins smiled, his red face shining. He seemed rather pleased with himself, which was not the reaction Elizabeth had expected at all.
"How considerate of you to say as much, Mr. Bennet. It is as it should be and I thank you for your approval."
When had Father expressed his approval? Elizabeth looked at him before hiding behind her book again to disguise her expression, but he looked as perplexed as she was, staring at Mr. Collins with a gaping mouth.
Mr. Collins continued, "I have every reassurance my proposal shall meet with a favorable response. It is the fashion for a refined lady to make certain of a declaration before accepting, and Miss Mary is as fashionable as a lady of the highest circles. One would not think it possible, being cut off from most society and without the advantage of the association with such fine families as the de Bourghs in Kent, but I shall do my best to ensure Miss Mary does not feel uncomfortable amongst her superiors."
Elizabeth was sorely tempted to fling her book at Mr. Collins head. Forcefully. How hard would she have to throw it to knock sense into the man? Was such a thing possible?
Fortunately for Mr. Collin's skull, Father said, "Just remember Mary has not yet reached her majority. She will need my permission to marry, and I will not give it unless she wishes it."
Mr. Collins, too confident in his irresistibility for a maiden to refuse his hand, said, "Then I am fortunate, indeed. I will give Miss Mary some time to ponder the advantages of a union with me. She is a sensible young lady, one of the qualities which appealed to me alm
ost instantly upon my arrival to Longbourn as one which will reflect well on a gentleman in my humble profession. I am certain she will see how the whole Bennet family stands to benefit from a holy partnership with me."
There simply was no reasoning with the man.
Father grabbed his newspaper, retreating behind its pages rather than attempt to correct his presumptuous cousin again. At least he had attempted to defend Mary. It was something.
Elizabeth departed from the room. She could not stand to breathe the same air as Mr. Collins until she had calmed herself. She still wanted to throw something at him.
Going out to the hall, she met Mrs. Hill.
"Miss Elizabeth, a question, if you please," she said.
"Of course." Elizabeth always had time to spare for their elderly housekeeper.
Mrs. Hill dropped her voice and drew away from the drawing room door. "I want to ask your opinion of the dessert for the dinner tonight. Cook is beside herself and I thought I could make her load lighter by making my gingerbread. However, was that not the very dessert used to poison Mr. Collins? Do you think he might object?"
It was perfect. Especially if Mr. Collins objected. "What a wonderful idea. Your cake is famous in Meryton, and I am certain Miss Darcy will agree it is the best gingerbread in all of England. We cannot allow Mr. Collins to harbor bad memories of your famous dessert. Another cake will put him right."
Mrs. Hill's chest puffed as she inhaled Elizabeth's praise. Patting Elizabeth's hand, Mrs. Hill said, "This shall be my best yet! Thank you, Miss Elizabeth," and bustled toward the kitchen.
Take that, Mr. Collins! It was a small jab, but it would have to be enough. Elizabeth was too much of a lady to do anything more.
Sometimes being a lady was such a bother.
Chapter 11
Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley returned from their ride with glowing complexions and eyes bright from the exercise. How Elizabeth would have liked to have gone with them, but staying behind was a small price to pay if it got her private lessons with William.