Saving Jane

by Martin Hunnicutt

  Darcy hurried above stairs and Elizabeth suggested that everyone retire to the parlour.

  “No!” Lady Catherine declared. “I shall not move from this spot until I hear from my daughter!”

  “Livingston, send for tea please to restore Lady Catherine,” Jane suggested but again Lady Catherine objected.

  “I am mistress here! Cease giving my servants orders!”

  It was only a few moments before Mr. Darcy returned to the entry hall with a sheet of paper in his hand. “I found this note in Anne’s room.”

  “Is it a ransom?” Lady Catherine demanded to know.

  “It is not a ransom note,” he explained carefully.

  “It is from Anne and she has...” Darcy paused before continuing, “Anne has eloped with Mr. Collins.”

  Lady Catherine was shocked and silent for a long moment as Mr. Darcy finished explaining the information from his cousin’s note, “Anne obtained a special license from the bishop through her solicitor and the couple went to Canterbury to marry.”

  Upon hearing the final piece of news, Lady Catherine fainted and once the maid retrieved her mistress’ smelling salts, Darcy used the bottle to revive his aunt. Sputtering loudly, she sat up and declared, “I shall have him defrocked and beheaded! He seduced my daughter!”

  Then she turned on Darcy again. “This is your fault!”

  “Aunt you will cease this useless noise immediately!” Darcy ordered the woman who was not nearly as hysterical as her behaviour indicated. She fell silent and continued to frown. Finally, she sighed and nodded her head.

  “Escort Lady Catherine to her room,” Darcy told the butler and footman. “Summon the apothecary and have him leave doses of laudanum for her ladyship should she become hysterical.”

  The company waited until the butler and a footman supported Lady Catherine as she was left the room.

  Then Darcy turned to Georgiana, Elizabeth and Jane. “Shall we step outside the doors?”

  Once they were away from the house and servants, Darcy turned to the ladies and sighed, “This is not the return I had planned.”

  He reached out a hand and drew Elizabeth to his side. “Your father was only mildly surprised at my petition for your hand and he granted his permission for us to marry this summer. Your mother was very surprised and pleased. I only remained long enough for tea before returning to London but your mother promised to write you at length in the next few days.”

  He pulled out a letter from one pocket that he handed to Elizabeth, “Your father sent you a note.”

  Then he took her left hand and slipped a ring on her finger, “And I have this ring as an engagement gift to tell the world that you are now mine.”

  “I do not require gifts, William!” Elizabeth insisted.

  “Nonetheless, it is my prerogative to bestow gifts and I shall not be denied.”

  “Surrender Elizabeth,” Georgiana urged. “My brother is relentless and cannot be denied.”

  “Very well,” she agreed. “Thank you, William!”

  “I want you all to return to the parsonage. Georgiana, remain with Elizabeth and Miss Bennet another night.”

  Darcy sent a footman to bring his horse to the house and he ordered his valet to follow later in another carriage.

  “Shall we give them a moment?” Jane suggested to Georgiana as she led the younger girl away from the front of the house.

  Finding themselves alone, Elizabeth allowed herself to be drawn into Mr. Darcy’s arms where he kissed her.

  “I am sorry my dear,” he whispered. “I returned this afternoon expecting to celebrate our engagement but I must venture to Canterbury in search of my cousin and her parson-husband.”

  “Hurry then! I do not wish to remain parted from you for long!”

  As soon as Darcy’s horse was brought to the house, he mounted and rode toward Canterbury, the seat of the archbishop. Elizabeth stood and watched until the figure of horse and rider vanished before turning to Jane and Georgiana.

  “Let us return to Aunt Gardiner,” Elizabeth said. “We have much to share with her.”

  The late afternoon was cool and the three walked purposefully though about half way back, Jane faltered and began to cry. Elizabeth quickly took her sister in her arms to comfort her.

  “Oh dear, are you much affected, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana asked when suddenly Jane began to laugh.

  “I shall be free!” Jane exclaimed. “I do not have to marry Mr. Collins!”

  Elizabeth shook her head as she said, “Poor Miss de Bourgh.”

  Now Georgiana laughed. “Do not feel sorry for my cousin. She loves Mr. Collins – she has for several months and lost heart when she met Miss Bennet. But your aunt’s encouragement gave her hope and she decided to make her own future.”

  “She loves Mr. Collins?” asked Elizabeth, disbelieving Georgiana’s words.

  “He is kind to her and listens to her. He speaks frequently and Anne enjoys his praises.”

  “I am happy for them,” Jane insisted. “And I have the opportunity to find happiness as well.”

  To say the conversation at the parsonage that evening was animated was an understatement. Mrs. Gardiner insisted that they prepare letters to send to Mr. Gardiner and to Longbourn in the morning by express.

  ++**++

  Chapter 32.

  Mr. Darcy’s Return to Rosings

  The next day, Mr. Darcy appeared at the parsonage just after noon. It was obvious to the ladies that the man was tired as well as dirty. Jane went to the kitchen to obtain food and drink, while Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth, and Georgiana led him into the dining room and made him sit at the table.

  “Did you find them, brother?” Georgiana asked.

  “Did you get any rest last night?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

  “William, you are filthy!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Did you sleep in a barn last night?”

  He grinned and shook his head as Jane laid a plate of beef and bread before him and then poured a mug of hot tea for him. Elizabeth took the sugar and cream to prepare his tea in his preferred manner.

  “Thank you, Miss Bennet, thank you Elizabeth,” he replied but then he turned his attention to his sister. “Georgiana, I am unhappy; you were aware of Anne’s plans to elope with Mr. Collins! Now that they are husband and wife, he controls all of Rosings – there is no settlement that establishes what he can and cannot do with her estate.”

  “Cousin Anne knows that – Lady Catherine ignored the marriage settlement when she married Sir Lewis and Anne believes that she can manage Mr. Collins as well as her mother did her husband,” Georgiana explained.

  “I hope that in the future she does not come to regret that,” he said. “I have worked very hard to keep Rosings from the creditors for years and I worry that Mr. Collins will make poor decisions.”

  “Anne trusts the steward and she will convince Mr. Collins to listen to the man and follow his direction,” Georgiana assured her brother.

  “I am sorry for your distress,” Elizabeth said as she laid a hand on his shoulder.

  “Thank you my dear,” he replied before he glanced toward Jane and her aunt. “Mrs. Gardiner, I believe that you should send for your husband and tell him to bring my solicitor.”

  Now Darcy spoke to Elizabeth, “Cousin Anne has saved Miss Bennet. When Mr. and Mrs. Collins return this afternoon, Mr. Gardiner can force Mr. Collins to sign over the entailment to Miss Bennet to prevent a suit for breach of promise.”

  Mrs. Gardiner hugged Jane as Elizabeth and Georgiana grinned. Elizabeth explained, “We sent an express to London from Hunsford this morning. My uncle will receive his letter today and we expect his company with the attorney tomorrow.”

  “Come Georgiana, we must go to Rosings and tell Lady Catherine the news.”

  Too pleased with the news to pay attention to propriety, Elizabeth Bennet kissed her fiancé in front of her sister, aunt and future sister-in-law. Mr. Darcy welcomed the kiss but he blushed and she turned bright red realizing what she h
ad done.

  “Mr. Darcy, would you and your sister care to join us for supper tonight?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.

  Darcy grinned but sighed. “I believe I must be at Rosings this evening – the uproar will require my presence to contain Lady Catherine.”

  Georgiana asked, “Brother, may I remain at Hunsford? Lady Catherine will bring down the roof with her rants.”

  He smiled and nodded, “I think that it will be best for your peace of mind, Georgie.”

  ++**++

  Chapter 33.

  Mr. & Mrs. Collins’ Return

  Before late afternoon, the de Bourgh carriage appeared once more at the door to Rosings Park. The staff joined Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy outside the door to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Collins. But before the new husband and wife could take three steps toward the door, Lady Catherine launched into a tirade.

  “How dare you sir! You pollute Rosings with your presence!” she told Mr. Collins who shrunk back before his wife stepped forward and turned her full attention on Lady Catherine.

  The new Mrs. Collins announced, “Mamma, you will move to the dowager house today.”

  “I shall do no such thing! This marriage will be annulled and Mr. Collins transported to Australia!”

  Taking Mr. Collins hand, Anne addressed her mother directly, “Mamma, you will speak respectfully to my husband. According to my father’s will, upon my marriage, I am mistress of Rosings Park. I return today a married woman and if you no longer wish to reside in Kent, you may live with your brother in town and the estate will provide you with an allowance once it is on a stable footing once more.”

  “Live in London? I despise town!” Lady Catherine exclaimed.

  “Then the dowager house is much more appealing to you,” Anne said.

  ++**++

  Before noon the following morning, the Gardiner carriage appeared at the parsonage with Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy’s attorney. The attorney bowed to Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces; the three ladies he recognized from the meeting in February.

  Mr. Gardiner kissed his wife’s cheek and said, “Well my dear, it appears fortune has saved Jane.”

  “I believe we are expected at Rosings for tea,” Mrs. Gardiner told her husband as the Gardiners escorted their nieces and the solicitor to the carriage after the gentlemen had time to refresh themselves.

  The party at the parsonage left the children with Nanny and hurried to the great house. When Livingston ushered them into the parlour, they were greeted by Mr. Darcy.

  “Welcome, Gardiner!” Darcy greeted the guests. “Ladies, you are certainly welcome this afternoon.”

  The atmosphere in the parlour was congenial until the door was opened for Lady Catherine.

  “What is the meaning of this? Who invited these common people into my home?”

  “Aunt Catherine, my friends called at my cousin’s invitation,” Mr. Darcy responded.

  Lady Catherine frowned, “I do not appreciate the casualness with which people appear to over my home!”

  “Mother, this is no longer your home,” replied Mrs. Collins entering the parlour.

  “No,” Lady Catherine sneered. “I shall not be run out of my home by your meek husband!”

  Hearing her mother’s continued disparaging remarks concerning Mr. Collins, Anne stepped to the door and summoned three footmen. “Escort my mother to the front door and close it behind her. If she chooses to remain outside the front door for the entire day, I am content.”

  Looking at her mother, Anne Collins inclined her head. “Or you may assist Lady Catherine into the carriage and escort her to the dower house where her maid, cook and housekeeper await her with tea and her clothing.”

  Frowning, Lady Catherine was led toward the carriage waiting at the front door but she made no further protest – Anne had proven to be her mother’s match since her marriage.

  The party waited in silence for a few moments until the arrival of the man of the hour, Mr. Collins – the husband of Anne de Bourgh and the new master of Rosings Park.

  “Ah, good afternoon, my dear,” Mr. Collins greeted his wife. Then he turned to the assembled guests. “Welcome! Welcome this glorious afternoon! Rosings Park is most glorious this afternoon with my beautiful wife in attendance.”

  Anne smiled and stepped forward to stand close to her husband. With her hand upon his arm, she turned to her cousin. “Darcy, what was your urgent matter to be settled today?”

  Motioning with his hand toward Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy explained, “Cousin, the matter of Mr. Collins breaking his engagement with Miss Bennet can be settled very easily without involving the courts. All that is necessary is for Mr. Collins to sign over the entailment to Miss Bennet.”

  “Will that satisfy the law and her father?” Mrs. Collins asked.

  Darcy smiled as he said, “The papers drawn up by my attorney make Miss Bennet – as the former betrothed of Mr. Collins – the beneficiary of the entailment. Mr. Bennet is bound to deliver the whole of the estate to his eldest daughter upon his death.”

  Mr. Collins looked as though he would argue signing over his rights to the entailment before his wife announced, “My husband will certainly sign the agreement. We wish only the best for Miss Bennet and her family who were so kind to us both.”

  Mrs. Collins looked directly at her husband who immediately hastened to sign the document. Once he affixed his signature, he turned back to her and was rewarded with a bright smile that drew him to her side. To complete the settlement, the attorney indicated that Jane should sign the document and then he asked both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner to sign as witnesses.

  “We wish you all the blessings of a happy marriage,” Mrs. Gardiner told the newlyweds before she ushered her nieces from the room. The gentlemen bowed and followed behind, leaving the couple to enjoy their afternoon in a peaceful house.

  Mr. Darcy sent the attorney back to London in his own carriage to get the settlement papers filed and copies made to send to Mr. Bennet and back to Mr. Collins. That evening, he and Georgiana would dine at the parsonage to give the newlyweds privacy for their honeymoon.

  ++**++

  In the parsonage, Jane spoke gently with the maids and cook, letting them know she would be leaving the next day and that Mr. and Mrs. Collins would find a new parson to fill the vacancy at Hunsford. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner enjoyed the late afternoon in the garden with their children.

  “We shall pack tonight and travel to London tomorrow,” Mr. Gardiner told his nieces. “Elizabeth and Jane shall return to Longbourn the next day.”

  “Mr. Gardiner, I wonder if Elizabeth and Miss Bennet would care to ride to London with my sister and I in our carriage tomorrow?” asked Mr. Darcy. “Your carriage will certainly be full of your family and Nanny.”

  Glancing at his wife, Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat and said, “I believe it will be perfectly proper for Elizabeth to ride to London with you Mr. Darcy since Jane and Miss Darcy will be there to chaperone your conversation.”

  “Everything will be perfectly proper, Mr. Gardiner,” Georgiana promised.

  ++**++

  The journey to London passed too quickly for Elizabeth and Darcy, and their goodbye at Gracechurch Street was sweet but also short. The next morning, they were bundled off to Longbourn in the Darcy carriage with Mr. Darcy as an escort. The journey into Hertfordshire was unusually long though Jane assured her sister the miles were the regular distance.

  “Elizabeth, how long of an engagement will you require before the wedding?” Darcy asked when the carriage approached Meryton.

  Smiling brightly, the lady replied, “A month at most – I must have a trousseau fitting of your wife when we arrive at Pemberley.”

  Now the sombre Mr. Darcy smiled, “A month then, but no longer.”

  “Our mother will wish for a longer engagement to have more parties before the day but remain firm,” Jane warned the couple. “And Lizzy, I shall need your assistance.”

  “Certainly, Jane.”

  “Once Mama grow
s calm after celebrating your engagement, I fear she will be difficult regarding my position as heiress. Our father will reconcile to my being his heir but he will not find me accepting of things as they once were. I intend to require improvements to the pastures and rotating fields that he has ignored before.”

  “As his recognized heir, he must listen to your wishes,” Elizabeth said. “You may find Mama to be of assistance in dealing with our father. She has always managed to talk him into carpets and gowns. Surely you can talk him into improvements with the pastures and crops.”

  “Yes, but how do I deal with Mamma?”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Do not allow her to speak of inviting young men to call. If she does, tell her of Mrs. Collins moving her mother to the dower house and ask her how many maids her dowry will allow her hire when she moves to the cottage.”

  “Mamma must know that I shall make my own choice of husband,” Jane announced. “And she will not gossip on my situation with Aunt Phillips – I shall not be the subject of stories and tales across all of Meryton again.”

  Looking out the carriage window, Jane said, “I shall make my own arrangements for marriage.”

  ++**++

  The Bennet family enjoyed a quiet beginning to summer at Longbourn and Meryton. Mrs. Bennet enjoyed the preparations for Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Darcy though she was confused by her daughters.

  True to her word, Jane gently but firmly refused to allow her mother to make any matches and Mrs. Bennet found herself continually perplexed – Jane worked with her father and the steward on improvements to the estate and made no effort to find a husband, while studious Elizabeth poured her full attention into her trousseau and wedding gown.

  With only four weeks to prepare for the wedding, Elizabeth required her mother to accompany her to the dressmaker in Meryton practically every day to order and be fitted with new gowns, coats, bonnets and a grand wedding dress. Mrs. Bennet had never known her second daughter to care about her gowns as much as she did that summer preparing for her wedding.

  When Mr. Darcy was not in residence, Elizabeth worked with Kitty and Mary to sew marvellous dresses for each of the sisters to wear at the wedding.