Page 24

E lizabeth hurried back down the path from the woods. Dawlish had kept closer to her today; perhaps he had sensed her caution.

Suddenly she had felt that things would be changing, and a sense of no longer belonging had unsettled her.

She watched from the edge of the woods as Mr. Darcy rode away from Longbourn. What had he wanted to say to Papa?

As soon as she was home she knocked on the library door. “I’m sorry to intrude so soon, Papa, but I am curious as to what transpired.”

Papa extended his hand to her. “Would you like to order tea before you sit down and I tell you everything?”

She nodded and rang the bell. “Will I have to go to town?”

He nodded silently, and she tried to hide her grimace. “Before the ball?”

Papa nodded again. “It is not that you have been discovered, though.” He stopped to watch as the tea tray was brought in, and nodded his thanks at Mrs. Hill.

“No. Mr. Darcy had received a letter from his aunt about Collins. Imagine, the woman has decided that, to control his baser instincts, he ought to marry, not only a cousin, but a strong character who will control his lecherous ways, and her enquiries have led her to you.”

Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “What sort of enquiries could she have been making, to discover what she thinks of as my character, but not have understood that I will not be a party to … to allow her to chart the course of my life in such a dreadful direction?”

Papa motioned her back into her chair. “Calm yourself, Lizzy. Lady Catherine, by virtue of her position, will be well used to ordering the lives of those she considers beneath her — indeed her letter showed complete confidence that she was right in her decision.” He huffed a laugh.

Elizabeth looked at him levelly. “And did you ask him why he requested the supper dance while disapproving of me so fiercely?”

For the first time, she saw him hesitate. “I did, Lizzy. He was quite insistent that he felt you ought to have the opportunity to enjoy the supper at the ball and this would give you the opportunity to sit with Jane and Bingley.”

“Oh.” She supposed it made some sort of sense, as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley would sit together.

“Mr. Darcy also assured me that he has no intentions towards you.” Papa gazed at her levelly. “He assured me he would not take advantage of your flirting manner and was sorry if he had raised your expectations.”

She was on her feet again. “I haven’t flirted with him!”

“Sit down,” Papa sounded firm. “I have told you before that your teasing manner might sometimes be misconstrued, and now we have evidence of it. On another day we might, perhaps, have discussed it further.”

Elizabeth dropped into the chair, and reached for her handkerchief. “Don’t be cross with me, Papa. Not today, I couldn’t bear it.”

“I’m not cross with you, Lizzy,” his voice was gentle. “It is as well that he has assured me in the strongest possible terms that he must follow his family expectation when he marries.”

Papa using her diminutive name calmed her a little. When he had started calling her Elizabeth instead of Lizzy, she had mourned the increased distance between them. But today, his reverting to Lizzy comforted her.

“I still think asking for the supper dance, especially in front of everyone, was not fair, Papa. As soon as Mama thinks about it, she will start getting excited as to his pursuit.”

Her father shook his head. “I don’t think she will. She’s got it into her head that you will save Longbourn by marrying Mr. Collins, and I don’t think her mind is changed as easily as that.” He turned away slightly.

“Now, I must send my letter, as you know, and with the news there is within, I will have to send it express.” His sudden smile was mischievous.

“However, given the early darkness at this time of year, he is unlikely to receive it until the morning, so you at least have another day or two. Use them well, my little Lizzy.”

She got up and dropped an affectionate kiss on his forehead, her heart breaking. “Is it time to tell the family?”

He shook his head firmly. “No, definitely not. At least, not until I have been assured that suitable steps have been taken to assure your safety in town.” He got up, and took her hand. “Be composed; we knew this time would come soon, and you ought not to blame Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth was startled. “But I don’t.” She frowned when she saw his expression. “Well, perhaps a little.” Then she laughed. “All right, I shall turn my ire on Mr. Collins.”

Papa’s chuckle followed her from the room. She did wish she could confide in Jane, although she knew it would be too difficult for her sister with the depth and complexity of the secret to be kept.

The next morning brought a trial of another sort. Elizabeth had thought her mother’s excitement of Jane’s betrothal would give some respite of being pushed constantly at Mr. Collins. But she had not expected the man himself to decide to make his move.

She was alone in the sitting room before breakfast, writing to Aunt Gardiner to tell her all about Jane’s betrothal, when Mr. Collins came in and closed the door behind him.

She jumped up. “Mr. Collins! Open the door at once! You must know an unmarried lady ought not to be in a room alone with a man.”

“Not at all, Cousin Elizabeth.” His oily smile sent a cold feeling down her back. “There are occasions when privacy is necessary, and this is one of them. After all, you will soon be betrothed, like your sister, and more allowances will be made. You are the most fortunate of ladies.”

Elizabeth grimaced, and retreated to the other side of the table. “Have you spoken to Papa?”

Mr. Collins seemed in an exalted mood. “Of course not. I will first gain your joyful consent and then I will tell him what I have decided.”

“You over-reach yourself, Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth let the disdain show in her voice. “I have not yet attained my majority, and therefore you must gain Papa’s consent to importune me. And he will not give his consent.” She moved round the table away from him as he approached her.

“No, Miss Elizabeth, you are quite wrong. I must tell you that I am the happiest of men, and my reasons for marrying.” Mr. Collins dropped heavily on one knee in front of her, his forehead shining greasily.

Fortunately, Elizabeth could now reach the door, and hastened through it, hoping Papa hadn’t gone through to the dining room. She was fortunate.