Page 39 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)
As Mr. Collins performed the introductions, Elizabeth observed the other guests.
The first lady, she presumed, must be a companion—an assumption that was confirmed as the introductions proceeded.
The final occupant surprised Elizabeth most. Miss Anne de Bourgh glanced up when her name was spoken, and to Elizabeth’s astonishment, she noted the young woman had a red wine stain, not unlike her cousin’s, spreading across half her forehead.
The mark extended down over one eye and was of deep crimson.
The appearance did not shock her; in fact, Elizabeth could see past it easily, having had much practice with the lady’s cousin.
It was plain to her that the heiress of Rosings Park was a handsome young lady, if a little timid.
Miss de Bourgh offered only a brief nod to each guest before turning her gaze to her lap once more.
“So, you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I understand you are Mrs. Collins’s particular friend.” Lady Catherine quirked a brow and gave Elizabeth a cursory glance. “You seem to be a genteel, pretty sort of girl.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Mrs. Collins and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. She is an excellent lady. I am pleased to be a guest at Hunsford Parsonage.” Elizabeth cast a glance at Miss de Bourgh, who did not stir. “Your grounds are most lovely, madam,” she continued.
“Yes, no other estate may compare with Rosings Park, save perhaps Pemberley. And as the two estates are soon to be united, there is scarcely any difference.” Lady Catherine sniffed.
Miss de Bourgh shifted slightly. So, she is listening, Elizabeth mused.
I wonder what she would say if she knew her cousin had categorically denied being engaged to her.
Not that it mattered to Elizabeth. Perhaps after he left Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy made some arrangement to marry his cousin.
The thought struck her with a pang, and she struggled to master the tears that stung her eyes.
“You must take the time to tour the park before you take your leave,” Lady Catherine directed Sir William.
“I understand from Mr. Collins that you will not remain longer than a sen’night; therefore, it is imperative for you to seize the opportunity while you can.
Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lucas are welcome to walk the grounds as often as they wish during their stay. I am very liberal in that way.”
“Yes, thank you.” Sir William seemed uncertain how to respond, but his usual affable manner soon asserted itself.
He began to speak to their hostess of his knighthood.
Lady Catherine, to her credit, listened with attention, occasionally offering remarks on how such matters ought to have been conducted when he was first presented at St. James’s.
After fifteen minutes, during which the rest of the party listened in silence to their exchange, dinner was announced.
Elizabeth found herself seated near Lady Catherine, and thus underwent an interrogation from the moment the first course was served.
“You are the second of five daughters?” the lady inquired.
“Upon my word, your mother must have been a slave to your education. And your poor father! How he must suffer, having no son. I cannot imagine he hears much sensible conversation.”
“My father would agree with you, madam. Save for myself and Jane, he declares his daughters to be among the silliest girls in all England. My eldest sister is soon to be married, and I dare say he does not look forward to the loss of one less sensible companion in the house.” Elizabeth took a sip of her soup.
“Married? That is good for your family. Tell me, is he wealthy? Will he provide for you once your father is gone? Your father’s estate is entailed upon Mr. Collins, is it not?
It would behoove all your sisters to take that into account when accepting proposals.
” She sniffed delicately and signaled the butler for the next course.
“Mr. Bingley is a fine man, your ladyship, and his temperament is a perfect match for my sister’s.
I am certain they will be incredibly happy together.
” Elizabeth refrained from answering the lady’s probing questions directly, bristling slightly at the implication that only fortune mattered when considering one’s future.
“Such a fine gentleman!” Sir William interjected.
“He leased the largest estate in the area—Netherfield Park. Mr. Bingley is affable and courteous, a desirable guest at any house in Hertfordshire. His arrival caused quite a stir. Many young ladies sought his attention, but it was no surprise when he settled upon Miss Bennet. She is one of the jewels of the county and a rare beauty.”
Lady Catherine nodded imperiously. “Miss Elizabeth is a pretty sort of girl. Of course, it follows her elder sister possesses the same beauty. Such things are usually passed down in families. ” She turned to her daughter, who seemed to wilt under the scrutiny.
“It is a good thing Anne’s future is secure. No one would want her otherwise.”
A slow burn of anger rose within Elizabeth.
How could a mother speak so meanly of her child?
She began to wonder whether Mr. Darcy was subjected to similar hurtful remarks from his aunt.
That would certainly explain why he only comes only once a year.
I should not wish to spend more time than necessary with someone so…
unkind. She made it her aim to befriend Miss de Bourgh while in Kent.
The lady deserves to receive some kindness in her life.
Lady Catherine dominated the evening, with only Sir William inserting a word now and then.
Maria remained silent, likely too nervous to speak.
Mr. Collins replied whenever his patroness spoke to him, but otherwise confined his conversation with his wife and his guests.
Elizabeth noticed Charlotte touch his sleeve several times—a subtle signal, it seemed, to temper his abundant remarks.
Upon returning to the parsonage, all retired directly to bed. Elizabeth lay awake for a time, meditating on the events of the past two days. As sleep finally overtook her, she had it in mind to take a long walk on the morrow in hopes of clearing her head.