by A K Madison
“Very well, then, Miss Bennet. I have come to offer you one more opportunity to call off this travesty of a union with Mr. Darcy. It is my plan to petition the court in London to be made your guardian and trustee. It is patently obvious that those entrusted with your care are not competent to look after your interests. As your nearest male relative, I am entitled to influence and control all your nearest concerns. I am therefore contacting a prominent solicitor who will file the necessary papers to request a hearing.” He paused and mopped his brow. “It should not take longer than a week or two, giving us ample time to prevent the marriage.”
“That should be interesting, Mr. Collins. There are many courts in London. Will you file the petition in the Chancery Court?”
“You needn’t worry your empty, pretty head about that, Elizabeth. It will all be taken care of.”
“So, you plan to try to set aside my father’s last will and testament, in which our uncles were appointed our guardians and trustees. My father was of sound and disposing mind when he made his will, and we have plenty of witnesses to swear to that. You will have a difficult time getting it set aside, especially now that you have informed me of your plans. I certainly hope you have a good attorney, for we have access to several of the best.”
“It is no concern of yours, Elizabeth. Now, I would suggest that you and your sisters and your mother begin packing. You will shortly be moving to a cottage on my property. Do not distress yourselves. As your guardian, I will charge you a reasonable rent, although I understand your mother has a fortune of some four thousand pounds. It is only right that she pay her fair share, especially in light of the fact that I intend to take control of her fortune and invest it on her behalf.”
“My gracious, Mr. Collins. Your sources of income are virtually limitless! How unfortunate for you I have passed my twenty-first birthday. You’ll not derive a farthing’s worth of profit from me.” Elizabeth turned around.
“Not so fast, Elizabeth. I dislike your tone and your manner, and I have disliked them for quite some time now. It shall be my pleasure to correct them both, and I believe I will start now.” He reached out and seized her shoulder, grasping it hard enough to cause her pain.
“Here then!” Jerome was swift to intervene, and Collins found himself on the ground. In the meantime, Mary and the younger girls had emerged from the house, and Jerome gave Elizabeth’s hand to her sisters.
“You assaulted me!” cried Collins as he attempted to pick himself up. “I will have you up on charges!”
“And I’m prepared to answer them, sir.” Jerome looked toward the door to the house. “Miss Lydia, would you kindly ask Mr. Hill to go to Netherfield House for Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy?” Lydia went in immediately, and when the gentlemen arrived minutes later, Jerome had the man helpless with an arm twisted behind him.
Jerome told the story in a very few words, ending with, “Mr. Darcy, I believe he may have injured Miss Bennet.” Darcy went to her immediately. He found the ladies in the back parlor with Mrs. Hill and Susan in attendance. Elizabeth, seated in an armchair, was pale. Her hair was down, and she was holding a glass of wine.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy!” Mrs. Bennet’s shriek was ear-splitting, but she stopped. Darcy saw her take a deep breath, and she continued in a normal voice. “No, I will not have one of my spells. Mr. Darcy, that man has laid hands on my daughter. She has a bruise on her shoulder that bears the imprint of his fingers.”
“Thank you.” Darcy nodded and knelt beside Elizabeth, taking her hand. “Can you tell us what happened, Elizabeth?”
“I was waiting for you. Jerome was just inside the door. He came and overrode Jerome’s instructions to leave, insisting that he would speak with me. Whether I was right or wrong, I told him to go ahead but that Jerome would stay.”
“Go on when you are ready.”
Elizabeth took a sip of wine. “What he plans is ridiculous, Fitzwilliam, at least as far as I am concerned. He says that he plans to leave for London to file papers in what he refers to as ‘court’ to have himself declared our legal guardian. He asserts that he is our nearest male relative, which of course is untrue. He instructed me to have our mother pack because she would be moving back to some cottage at Longbourn which he would rent to us for a reasonable sum, although he is aware of her fortune of four thousand pounds. He plans to confiscate it and invest it on her behalf.” Elizabeth took another sip. “I am afraid I upset him when I pointed out that I am of age. I turned my back on him, he took hold of my shoulder viciously, and Jerome intervened and knocked him down.”
Bingley came in that moment, cast an anxious look at Elizabeth, and said, “Jerome has him subdued. What should be done with him?”
“Well, I suppose I could contact the justice of the peace—that would be Sir Henry Martin—and ask him about preferring charges. But poor Charlotte! She was here earlier today, and she is expecting her first child. How will she manage if he is languishing somewhere?”
Darcy pressed her hand and stood. “Bingley, let us go with Jerome and escort the man off your property with a warning that if he returns, he is trespassing. If he feels he needs to communicate with any of us, he may do so through Mr. Philips. Elizabeth, I fear such a ban must also include Mrs. Collins. Perhaps you could communicate through her mother or sister.”
“I understand.”
“I should like to bring all of you up to the house to stay,” said Bingley, who was angrier than anyone had ever seen him. “This fellow has a great deal to answer for.”
“Charles, you and the others have worked so hard to give us a home. You have taken Rose Cottage from being virtually a ruin to being a lovely, peaceful haven.” Elizabeth’s voice was thick with emotion. “If we allow this man to chase us out, to gain any advantage at all over us, or to disturb our peace, we might as well sign the deed over to him now, for he will have won.” She sighed deeply, and those watching could see that her shoulder hurt. “If we give him an inch, he will take an ell.”
“Of course, you are right, Elizabeth. Darcy and I will throw him out.”
“And Emerson,” said that gentleman from the door where he had just entered. “I heard the commotion and brought my man. We might as well give this clodpoll a show of force.”
“Elizabeth, I will return here to ensure that you are all right before I return to Netherfield,” said Darcy. “But do not wait up for me. I can inquire of the servants or of one of your sisters.”
Elizabeth nodded and smiled at him, but his eyes were full of concern.
Collins was quick marched down the lane by the two servants. Bingley, Darcy, and Emerson followed in silence. When they reached the end of the property, Bingley stepped forward. “Collins, if you are found on my property again, I will have the law on you.”
The man wove off in the dim light with as much dignity as he could summon. The silent group watched until he rounded a bend in the road before they started back up the lane toward Rose Cottage.
Bingley frowned. “Sir Henry Martin is our man if we need to have the law on Collins. He is an old friend of the late Mr. Bennet’s and a friend of Sir William Lucas as well. I should imagine Mr. Philips would also be of help. And there are two parish constables in Meryton. Now, Darcy, you go and see to Elizabeth. I’ll have a brandy ready for you when you get back to Netherfield.”
Darcy knocked softly and was admitted by Mr. Hill. Jerome took up his place by the door again, and Darcy went through to the parlor, where he found Elizabeth waiting with Mary. “Lizzy, I shall be in the library.” Mary smiled at Darcy and took herself off.
Elizabeth made room for Darcy on the sofa, and when he had seated himself, he took her hand. “I am so angry, Fitzwilliam. So very angry. What is he about?”
“I believe he is still trying to gain the approval of my aunt. She, alone of all my family, remains irrationally opposed to our union.”
They shared not one kiss, but several, and when Darcy rose to leave, he grew serious. “Do not let that man anywhere near you. I am
sure we shall be redoubling the guard. In any case, I shall call after breakfast tomorrow.”
After Darcy had bid goodnight to Mary, they parted. Elizabeth dreamt that night of being surrounded by the strong bulwark of Darcy’s arms. But Darcy dreamt of warding off something dark and menacing.
Chapter 21
The morning after Collins’ attack, a note arrived from Jane, brought by a stout, tall footman and inviting Elizabeth’s presence at Netherfield. The same note promised the carriage and an equally stout footman to carry Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls to Meryton to visit the shops. This would provide Mary with a welcome respite to practice her music or attend to her neglected studies.
Elizabeth was soon on her way, and she was delighted to find Jane waiting for her when she arrived at Netherfield. The two embraced and settled in the parlor.
“Mr. Darcy will join us shortly,” said Jane as she seated her sister with a cup of tea. “Have you decided what is to be done about Charlotte? I received a note from her inviting me to tea at Longbourn, and it gives me reason to believe she has no idea what her husband has done.”
“That may well be,” replied Elizabeth. “She was with me yesterday morning bemoaning the poor state of the congregation at Longbourn. She seems to be unaware that her husband has taken control of the church illegally. I had not the heart to enlighten her. And it is entirely possible that she has no inkling of his shocking behavior last night, nor of our reaction to it. I am at a loss.” Elizabeth sighed. “And to think I was looking forward to her return to the neighborhood.”
Darcy came in, greeting Elizabeth with a smile and accepting a cup of tea from Jane. “I hope you slept well, Elizabeth. Any lingering discomfort to your shoulder?”
“No. Susan says I have a bruise consisting of his fingerprints, but I cannot see it, and it does not hurt. Jane and I were just discussing the awkwardness of having Charlotte here. What should have been an enjoyable prospect now seems fraught with trouble and consequences.”
“Mrs. Collins always seemed like a sensible, decent person to me. Perhaps you need only explain to her in a very matter-of-fact way, what her husband has done and why it will be difficult for you to see her. I understand your mother and Lady Lucas have been friends for years. That will be difficult as well.”
“I know it is perfectly dreadful, but I have been thinking all morning that if I just ignore it, it will go away. Of course, we all know that is unlikely to happen.” Elizabeth sighed and set down her teacup. “What have you been doing this morning?”
“I have been working on endless correspondence regarding the living at Kympton. I hope to have some news shortly. That and a letter to my uncle have kept me occupied all morning.”
Mr. Randall came into the parlor shortly thereafter without Dr. Price. “He is still lying down, ma’am,” he informed Jane as he accepted his tea and settled his lanky frame into an armchair.
“Do you have any news?” asked Darcy.
“There has been a letter from the bishop, and I can share most of it,” replied the minister. “First, he accepts Dr. Price’s request for retirement with sincere regret but with thanks and so forth and so on. The usual platitudes. Second, he holds little hope out for me. My salary was arranged among the three most substantial landowners in the parish, and with one of them dead, my prospects are dismal. Ordinarily, it would be the responsibility of Dr. Price to employ the curate, but he is far too poor. The bishop has nothing available in the way of a position for me at present, but he will have me notified if any opportunities arise. He hates to lose me, and that is all he says.” Randall sighed. “I should not allow myself to become disheartened. But it is disheartening. Suitable disciplinary measures will be undertaken against Mr. Collins, who has after all usurped the rightful place of the lawfully appointed vicar. I could stay, take part in whatever actions will be undertaken, and possibly—or probably—secure the parish for myself. But do I wish to put the congregation through that? It may be better, in fact, it will be better, for them to have a new man.”
“Very compassionate of you, Randall. The people of the parish have experienced a great deal of turmoil and upheaval,” said Darcy. “What are your immediate plans?”
“I will trespass on Mr. and Mrs. Bingley’s hospitality for a little while longer. I had thought to escort Dr. Price to his daughter’s home before going on to my own home in the north.”
“It is no trespass but rather a most welcome visit,” said Jane. “We are pleased to have you and Dr. Price as visitors for as long as you wish or need to stay.”
“Mr. Randall, you probably already know that the entire neighborhood is devoted to Dr. Price,” said Elizabeth as she stood to leave. “Your concern for him and for the parish will be known and appreciated.”
Darcy stood as well and offered her his arm. “May I have the honor of seeing you home?”
“Of course.” Arrangements were quickly made for the Bennet ladies to take a family dinner at Netherfield that evening, and Darcy and Elizabeth strolled off arm in arm.
“I feel as though I hardly get to see you anymore,” said Darcy as they left the house. “I miss our walks, our rides, all the time we were able to spend together.” He put his hand over hers. “I find I want to kiss you, but even more, I wish to know how you are feeling about all of this, and if you are getting any rest after the move, and if you are frightened of this buffoon who has invaded your peace.”
Elizabeth stopped where she was and laid her head on his shoulder. She could feel his heart beating, warm and steady, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I am tired,” she said. “And I miss you, too. I grow afraid sometimes that my mother and sisters and all our problems are too tedious and too burdensome for one person.”
“That person would be you, Lizzy, not I. What I do, I do because I love you, and that makes it no trouble at all, but rather a pleasure.”
He kissed her gently, and they walked on through the dappled shade of the woods. As they approached the lane that would take them to the cottage, Elizabeth stopped. “Fitzwilliam, let us agree that we will always take time for each other, every day. Life can get busy so quickly. I watched my parents grow apart. Please, let us never do the same.”
“It takes practice to become a true proficient. Let us never neglect to practice.”
As they approached the lane, Darcy steered them away from it and uphill through a lightly wooded area. After only a few steps, they came to a tiny clearing where a tree had fallen. “Our own small wilderness, convenient to both the house and the cottage,” said Darcy as he seated Elizabeth on the fallen trunk. “I thought you might like this.”
“Indeed, I do. It feels a thousand miles from anywhere.” The tiny clearing was sunlit but secluded, with a protected aspect that was welcoming and restful. Elizabeth moved over to make room for Darcy, and the two sat.
Darcy took Elizabeth’s arm and put it through his own again, clasping her hand as he loved to do. “I should be kissing you, Lizzy. But instead, I want to take advantage of your wisdom and counsel.” He smiled down when he saw her surprised, expectant look. “What is your opinion of Mr. Randall?”
“I have a good opinion of him. He seems to have many excellent qualities. He is well-educated, he seems to be a decent man, as is proper for a clergyman. No one here could speak ill of him, I am sure. He was kind and compassionate to us in those dreadful days when papa had just died. He writes his own sermons, which I much prefer. And Dr. Price thinks the world of him.” She paused and frowned. “I could tell this morning that he wishes to play a part in driving Collins out and saving the parish for himself. That is only natural, but he has set those feelings aside for the sake of the parishioners. That seems to me to show greatness of mind. He is also charming in company and is blessed with happy manners and a sense of humor. I quite like him.”
“I am glad to hear you say it. As you know, the living at Kympton has fallen vacant, and under sudden and tragic circumstances. Mr. Maury was a fairly young man, unmarried, thank Go
d, and he fell ill with some sort of fever and wasting disease. It was only a matter of days before he died.” Darcy looked thoughtful as he continued. “I had thought that, once appointed, he would serve ably for many years. I liked him. In the normal course of things, he would doubtless have taken a wife, settled in, and raised a family. The rectory is large enough to boast its own small farm, and the living is generous. Now that he is gone from us, I am faced with the necessity of finding another incumbent.”
“And Wickham is circling around like an ill-mannered vulture.”
“Precisely. Ordinarily I would interview several men, solicit the advice of the bishop, and proceed with care and caution.” Darcy rested his chin on his fist. “But I tell you, Elizabeth. I like Randall. He strikes me as a godly man, and no one in the neighborhood finds any ill to speak of him. Your Dr. Price chose him as curate, and look at the way he is caring for the old man in this disaster. Furthermore, it is important to fill that vacancy as quickly as possible so that Wickham does no damage.”
Elizabeth gave him a serious look, then smiled. “Well, you honored me by asking for my advice, so I will give it to you. Why not ask Dr. Price? Describe the parish and the situation, give him your impressions of Mr. Randall, and ask for his opinion. I suspect Dr. Price will applaud and support the idea. I can predict that he will agree with the rest of us that Mr. Randall is a good and godly man.”
Darcy looked down and gathered her more closely to him. “Excellent advice, and wise. I will speak with him this afternoon.” He kissed her. “How I look forward to sitting like this with you after we are married, talking over some problem or other and listening to what you say about it.”
“I look forward to it, too.” She smiled up at him. “And you are so fortunate that I work for kisses.”
Sometime later, they found the lane and were at the cottage in moments, seated on the bench in the front garden. Elizabeth had no more time to worry, for the carriage which had taken Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls to Meryton drew up almost immediately. Elizabeth was surprised to see her uncle Philips leave the carriage first, followed by Lydia and Catherine. Mrs. Bennet was the last, and she stumbled as she descended. Mr. Philips caught her, and assisted her into the house, helping her to settle on the sofa in the family parlor.