Smoky Dreams

by Jaeza Rayleigh

  Mary's skill at dancing improved quickly with all the practice and the help she received. Her playing improved as well with oversight from Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley and Miss Elizabeth. They took her back to some of the simplest music they had available, helping her learn to vary her pressure and the manner of her keying to use the ability of the pianoforte to produce a full dynamic range in her playing. Once she knew what to listen for, the difference astounded her. Miss Kitty watched the lessons, finding them interesting, and soon they were all helping her to learn the basics of playing as well.

  When he was not playing the dance master, Darcy could usually be found in Mr. Bennet's study. He and his host would each take a seat before the fire and read in silence for an hour or two. Sometimes they would play chess or backgammon. In the afternoons when Mrs. Bennet insisted on making wedding plans with Bingley and Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth often joined them and took her turn at playing the games with Darcy or her father. Sometimes the three in the study took up the topics of estate management, politics or military strategy. At other times they discussed books they had read.

  Darcy enjoyed the company more than he ever thought he would. Perhaps he was not such a solitary creature as he had supposed. He just needed the correct company to be happy. Better yet, Miss Elizabeth seemed to be warming to him a little more as each day passed. Their conversations were not sharp and argumentative like those when she had stayed at Netherfield. Now they exchanged information, and each became better acquainted with the views and interests of the other. It was the best kind of courtship whether officially recognized or not.

  Christmas came and went under the blanket of snow. It was too deep to make the two-mile trek to the church in the village. Instead they gathered Christmas morning, with all the servants of the house to join them, and Mr. Bennet read of Christ's birth from the Bible. He made no attempt at a sermon after the reading; he simply thanked all the household for their company and the servants for their good and steady work over the past year. The cook provided a feast that afternoon and everyone had a day of good cheer.

  Finally, on the morning of the 27th, the temperature began to rise, and the snow started to melt a bit. Instead of piling in light, fluffy drifts, it compressed into a slushy mass. The roads remained dangerous for travel by carriage, but a heavy cart or a man on a horse were safe enough if they used caution. On the afternoon of the 28th, Longbourn received the first delivery of mail or a newspaper for more than a week.

  "I hate to allow my sister to be the one to spread our good news, but I simply must tell her about Jane's betrothal," Mrs. Bennet declared after a servant arrived with a note from Mrs. Phillips with news of the village. She dashed off a note filled with expressions of joy to be carried back by the servant along with the more coherent notes written to their aunt by Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.

  Darcy and Bingley received their post as well. A letter came from Colonel Fitzwilliam wishing both his cousins a happy Christmas and giving a few generalities regarding his latest posting. He told them if all went well, he should be back in England by March at the latest. Both Darcys considered that cause for celebration.

  Bingley's letter from Hurst stated that he refused to ever ride in the same carriage with Caroline again. He confirmed their safe return to London before the worst of the snowstorm hit, but also had more to say.

  Your younger sister is a fiend, Bingley. There is no better way to say it without use of profanity. Louisa tried to calm her, but no words were of use to stem her anger. I planted myself next to the door once you closed us in, using my legs to block it as it seemed likely she might jump from the moving carriage to run back to Netherfield if given half a chance. It was only when we made the stop to rest the horses that I felt confident we were far enough away that we could descend and get something warm at the inn.

  As you suspected she might, Caroline tried to order the driver to turn back around. She claimed the weather was becoming too bad for the return to London, then she turned to insults and browbeating. Your man stood firm, reminding her he had explicit orders from you and we were already closer to London than Meryton, so if the weather was going to catch us it would be more likely if we turned around. I was still afraid I might have to bodily return her to the carriage for the rest of the trip, which would have been difficult given how much I had already consumed of that bottle you gave me, but she finally gave in. Nevertheless, she complained and raged the rest of the way to town.

  She raged even more when she learned that what you had told her about your warning to the merchants was true. Even Louisa stayed well away from Caroline as she screeched and wailed about how ill-used she was. Several of those very ugly china figures she purchased last spring met their fate in the back of the fireplace. What a waste! If she had any sense, she could have sold them and used that to pay some of her bills. I made the mistake of saying so and suffered more of her rage before I could escape to your study with another bottle of something soothing. She also tried to sack several of the staff, but your housekeeper had your instructions that Caroline no longer had the authority to do so and refused to send anyone away. That was good planning on your part, but it infuriated your sister even more.

  A man would be a fool to take her now, despite the size of her dowry. If she cannot find someone on her own, you might have to sweeten the pot and even make an arrangement on her behalf with someone desperate enough to knowingly take on such a shrew. I hope it happens soon. For now, I will continue to hide from her and empty the contents of your wine cellar. Happy Christmas.

  Charles shook his head over the news, although it was nothing less than Darcy had expected. He was glad she had not delayed the Hursts so much they had been caught in the snowstorm. He knew Bingley had been a little worried since that evening, but there had been plenty of time before it hit. It had seemed likely they would be safe, and now they had the proof of it.

  "He is right about Caroline's marriage prospects, you know," Bingley told his friend after allowing him to peruse the letter. "Her money is her biggest draw. No one is going to marry her for her personality."

  "Not unless the man likes to be dominated by his wife. Give her a little more time to stew in town. When the weather improves, we can start checking with our acquaintances from school. Between us we are certain to find someone who needs her dowry for a better reason than to finance gambling or other vices. I can check with Richard as well. A second or third son who wants to retire from the military would get her the connections to the peerage she desires while her money could make her an acceptable bargain despite her temper."

  "I would rather she found someone on her own, but your suggestion is a good one. Something must change, and this time it will not be my happiness or Jane's that suffers."

  Darcy congratulated him on his attitude and offered whatever help he could give. He was certainly glad he would never have the same kind of problems with Georgiana.

  His sister was enjoying her time with the Bennet sisters immensely. She had thanked him several times for bringing her to Meryton and especially for the introduction to the Bennet and Lucas families. Miss Kitty was now trailing after Georgiana in much the same way she had followed Miss Lydia before. Often Georgiana brought Mrs. Annesley in on their conversations as they helped Miss Kitty understand the kind of behavior expected of a gentlewoman in society. Miss Mary joined them sometimes as well, her overly-pious attitude softening as she saw her younger sister trying to learn and improve. Miss Lydia pronounced them perfectly boring, but she often sat in the room with them all the same. Perhaps something they discussed would make an impression on her, or so Darcy hoped.

  ~*~

  Late on the afternoon of the 29th, the creaking rattle of an old cart could be heard coming down the drive through what remained of the snow. It had a trunk and a few large crates on it that looked almost as rickety as the vehicle and the aged donkey that pulled it. The driver brought the cart to a stop at the front door and handed Mrs. Hill a note addressed to Mr. Bennet. Sh
e quickly brought the note to the study, where Mr. Bennet sat in the last stages of a losing chess game against Darcy. Using the note as an excuse to end the game, he tipped over his king before unfolding the cheap and somewhat grubby piece of paper. He read the message aloud.

  Mr. Bennet,

  Lady Catherine de Bourgh bid me inform you of the death of your cousin, Mr. Collins. He had just started on his way to complete a promised visit with his betrothed when his horse and gig slipped on some ice causing him to fall from the vehicle, off a bridge and into the river. His body has been retrieved from the snag where it was caught, but Lady Catherine saw no need to go to the expense of sending it on to you. The curate laid him to rest in the Hunsford churchyard, taking the fees from Mr. Collins's effects. Her ladyship wishes to clear the parsonage for his replacement immediately and has ordered us to pack up his things and have them sent to you, as his only surviving relative, by the local carter now that the snow has sufficiently cleared. The cost of the drayage has also been taken from his effects. Lady Catherine desires no further communication with your family, so if you do not wish his goods you may dispose of them as you see fit. It is her understanding Mr. Collins's betrothed is known to you, so her Ladyship leaves communication to her of his death to your discretion.

  Bertha Norris

  Cook, Hunsford Parsonage

  Mrs. Hill had waited while her master read the note. He shook his head and then turned to her.

  "Have the goods taken from the cart and stored in the barn. It is getting rather late in the day, so you may offer the driver a meal and a place to sleep, as well as stabling for his beast." He waved her off and the housekeeper left to complete the arrangements.

  "Mr. Collins is dead?" Lizzy said in surprise as he reread the note aloud for the other two.

  Darcy shook his head in disgust. "That is just like my aunt. I expect she dictated the contents of the note even if she would not lower herself to communicate directly with the family of her parson or do the courtesy of paying his burial fees. And then to expect you to tell Miss Lucas of his death! At least you will do it with more sensitivity. Lady Catherine should have done better by all of you as it is probable that he was making the visit on her orders, despite the bad weather. I doubt he would dare visit without her approval and direction."

  "My cousin did seem to worship Lady Catherine and live his life by her dictates," Mr. Bennet agreed. "Well, it is a sad thing the man is dead, although I expect there will be few who truly mourn his loss. I will not be too troubled about whatever goods he left behind, and I see no reason for any additional communication with Lady Catherine."

  "He was betrothed to Charlotte. Would it be acceptable to sell whatever of his goods you do not want and give the money to her to add to her dowry as compensation for the loss of a potential husband and home?" Miss Elizabeth asked. "I expect he had some books that might be of interest to you, but you certainly cannot use his clothes or shoes."

  "True enough. We can look through his things later and make the arrangements. I suppose we must tell your mother and make at least a show of mourning, although for a second cousin we do not have to do much more than acknowledge the death."

  "A week is proper, Papa, although I daresay we can make do with simply wearing black shawls in public while you wear an armband."

  "I suppose I can, although with all the snow the week had already passed before we even received the notice."

  "Papa!" Miss Elizabeth said. "Show at least a little decorum."

  "Very well. I can manage a black armband if we go out in public this week."

  "We received a request to join the Longs for dinner on New Year's Eve, so I will hold you to that. Now, I think we still have enough sunlight left that I can venture to Lucas Lodge and give Charlotte the bad news before she hears from anyone else."

  "You should not go alone, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy said. "I wish to accompany you, if I may."

  "Are you certain? You were very ill, and it is still damp out even if the weather has warmed."

  "I am. My boots will protect me from the damp and my greatcoat from the cold. I expect Georgiana may wish to go as well. She has been longing to speak with Miss Maria again. Perhaps Miss Kitty or Miss Mary might wish to join us. Then we can take the attention of Lady Lucas, and Sir William if he is present, so you can find a gentle way to break the news to your friend."

  "That sounds reasonable," Mr. Bennet agreed. "We will wait to tell Mrs. Bennet until after you return. Off with you both, now, and be sure to dress warmly."

  He began to put away the chess pieces as Darcy and Miss Elizabeth rose to leave the room. They found Georgiana, along with Miss Kitty and Miss Mary in the music room. All three agreed to make the walk, although they did not yet know the purpose of the trip.

  Soon after, the warmly wrapped group of five walked along the shortest path to Lucas Lodge through the rapidly thinning layer of snow. As they went, Miss Elizabeth told the girls of Mr. Collins's death and asked that they allow her to speak privately with Miss Lucas before speaking openly of the news. Miss Mary was charged with distracting Lady Lucas if Sir William was present, otherwise Darcy might take on that task. Miss Kitty and Georgiana would chat with Miss Maria, a task to their liking even if the news of Mr. Collins did put a slight damper on their mood.

  Lady Lucas greeted them all with pleasure despite their arrival being a bit late for normal visiting hours. She quickly called for tea and they were all soon settled in the warmth of the sitting room to enjoy it. They divided into small groups according to their plan. Lady Lucas started their conversation by thanking Darcy for his consideration in having his men stop at Lucas Lodge on their way into town for provisions before the second snow storm.

  "It was only the neighborly thing to do, Lady Lucas," he replied. "You are practically on the way and I could not see leaving you to fend for yourself when we had such a simple way to assist."

  "All the same, it was a most gentlemanly thing to do, Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet's note yesterday mentioned you became ill after the dinner at the Gouldings. I hope you are fully recovered now? We should not like you to suffer a relapse for the sake of a visit."

  "I am greatly recovered, I thank you. The Bennet family and their servants took very good care of me, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Hill."

  "Oh, yes, Mrs. Hill is known for her soothing drinks and healing touch. I am glad you were not stranded on your own."

  "Yes, it was pleasant to have such lively company and to be a guest over Christmas."

  "I understand your friend is now betrothed to Miss Jane Bennet."

  "Yes, he is a very happy man. I believe she will make him an excellent wife."

  "Well, of course. Jane has been trained to manage a household properly, just as I have trained my Charlotte. Although, of course, Charlotte also has the practical experience that will allow her to manage the parsonage at Hunsford with aplomb."

  Darcy began to feel uncomfortable with the line of conversation. He did not wish to lie, but he also did not want to pass on the information about Mr. Collins before Miss Lucas had time to hear it.

  "I am certain Miss Lucas will grace any household where she has the opportunity to be mistress," he said.

  "Yes, of course. If someone must displace Mrs. Bennet when the unfortunate time comes, at least it will be someone she can trust with the household."

  Darcy had no idea how to answer that. Apparently, Miss Elizabeth had finished her communication, however, for Miss Lucas spoke up.

  "As it turns out, Mother," she said quietly, "I shall not become mistress of either Longbourn or Hunsford Parsonage. Eliza has just brought me word of the news her father received less than an hour ago. Mr. Collins suffered an accident on an icy bridge last week and did not survive."

  Lady Lucas looked at her daughter, dumbstruck. Then she looked from Darcy to Miss Elizabeth and back again. Her mouth opened as if she would speak, but nothing came out.

  "Mother, are you well?" Miss Lucas asked.

  Her mother con
tinued to stare at the three of them for another minute complete before she gasped out, "Dead?"

  "Yes, Mother," Miss Lucas replied. "Or so Lady Catherine reported by way of Mr. Collins's cook."

  "But he had not married you yet."

  "I am aware of that, Mother. Now, he will not be able to do so."

  "But…oh, dear, this is all so sudden."

  Darcy stood, and the others followed suit. "It is a great deal to take in," he said soothingly. "We shall leave you to recover. While the news is not good, I am certain there will be some better situation for your daughter in her future."

  He bowed to Lady Lucas while Miss Elizabeth embraced her friend. Miss Maria offered her thanks to the others for their visit. Within minutes the little group from Longbourn was outside, and on their way back in the rapidly fading light. Even as they walked, Darcy was already thinking about which of his acquaintances might be a good match for a woman as sensible and practical as Miss Charlotte Lucas.

  Chapter 18: Mistaken Impressions

  Darcy found himself walking through the corridors of Pemberley. At least, he knew it to be Pemberley, although nothing seemed familiar. The paintings on the walls were wrong and there were no windows in sight. He was looking for the library because Miss Elizabeth was there waiting for him, but he did not know which corridor to follow. A nameplate identified each closed door, but the words were smudged and covered in soot. All he could make out on each was a bar of music. As he searched ever more frantically, he heard familiar voices, although he could not quite place them. The words become gradually more clear and finally he made out.

  "Follow the music."

  "You must dance."

  "The steps are chosen for you."

  "Dance to my tune." This final voice he knew to be his aunt, Lady Catherine. He shuddered and struggled, trying to get away from her, but now he was not a man, but a child's toy – a wooden top. Instead of one string wrapped around him to make him spin there were several, each heading away from him in a different direction, all pulling and tugging, so he could not spin away as he was supposed to do.