Page 8 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)
Chapter 7
No More Foolishness
Law Offices of Hamilton Phillips, Esq., Meryton, Hertfords hire
24 September 1812
L ydia had to escape the house for a little while. Her mother was unbearable with all the wailing and calling out to no one for smelling salts. Kitty was a giggling fool and always running off to see Maria Lucas. Do not even ask about Mary. She had not so much as looked at Lydia since the day the physician confirmed she was with child. How had everyone she had ever known and loved turned on her so quickly? Her mother always bemoaned their entailed estate and instructed the Bennet sisters to marry as soon as possible. On the day she left Brighton, Lydia really thought her mother would be proud of her for eloping with Wickham. He was handsome, had an officer’s position in the militia, and wanted to take Lydia with him for an immediate marriage. To be married before any of her older sisters would have really been an accomplishment. But Lydia was no longer naive.
When Wickham first took her to his bed, she was totally ignorant of the marital relations between men and women, including that it was the physical act that resulted in pregnancy. She understood now why so many older women bemoaned their wifely duties. It was embarrassing, uncomfortable and sometimes, downright painful. Wickham had at least never tarried long, and rarely came to her more than twice in one week. It was more often when they were alone in London, but still not every day, thankf ully.
By the time her father burst into their dreadful room, the grime of their accommodations and Wickham’s evening activities had begun to wear upon Lydia. However, she had stayed hopeful that the London interlude was merely a detour, and their life together would soon be filled with parties and frolicking, with Lydia as the envy of all the young women vying for the attention of the officers. When he demanded ten thousand pounds for a dowry, and refused to marry without money, the situation and Lydia’s thinking changed immediately. She had been thoroughly shocked! He was supposed to be an officer and a gentl eman.
The next morning, Lydia had followed both men to that unassuming field an hour north of London and watched the duel which eventually cost both men their lives. Watching Wickham bleed out on the field had been traumatic, but trying to get her father back to the Gardiners’ residence and find a doctor to tend his wounds still gave Lydia nightmares. However, Lydia had maintained, even after the whole family had been turned out by Collins because of her foolish behaviour, that she had done nothing truly wrong in the decision to elope. Now, in the week since the confirmation of her condition, Lydia had been forced to face the fact that, as an unwed mother, she would be the complete ruination of all her fa mily.
Especially her sis ters.
Jane and Elizabeth were getting to be old for women without a dowry. At 22, Jane was nearly a spinster, but she was extraordinarily beautiful and serene; perhaps there was hope. Elizabeth would be 21 in a few short days. She was attractive in her own way, but slight of build and without the curves most men appreciated. She was also too intelligent for her own good. Their father had always treasured her intelligence and wit, but their mother had warned her repeatedly that her sharp tongue would be the end of all her chances for a hus band.
Elizabeth would probably never m arry.
Lydia hung her head and a few tears fell from her eyes. She had never been close with her second oldest sister, but she did love all her sisters. Elizabeth had always been the strong one of the family. Whenever their mother was overcome with some nervous fit, and their father retreated into his library, Elizabeth made sure Kitty and Lydia were reading their books and behaving. Elizabeth always took the younger girls out into the garden to play games when their lessons became too much a bore.
After years of hearing their mother’s daily complaints about Elizabeth’s bookishness and impertinent tongue, Lydia came to believe them. Elizabeth was too headstrong and would never be attractive to a man. She should read less and pay more attention to her ribbon trims. Lydia and Kitty had laughed and laughed at Elizabeth’s rejection of Collins, saying how stupid their intelligent sister was for refusing the only offer she would likely ever rec eive.
In the immediate aftermath of their father’s death, as they were forced to leave their home, Lydia had joined in with their mother’s verbal abuses of Elizabeth. If only she would have married the ridiculous Collins, they could have stayed in their home. Lydia had joined in cursing Elizabeth, complaining about how unfair it was that Uncle Edward was taking her to London to have all the entertainments available in town, and to introduce her to eligible young men.
Now, however, Lydia could not be upset with Elizabeth. Collins would have made her sister miserable, and he might have thrown the rest of the family out of the house anyway, due to Lydia’s folly. In the last week, her mother had turned on her. Mrs. Bennet would not even look at Lydia without yelling about how stupid she was and how terrible a thing she had done. Funnily enough, her mother’s censure, experienced for the first time, was the eye piece that finally brought her entire life into focus. Elizabeth and Jane had frequently been embarrassed by their mother, and now Lydia could see why. It was, in fact, probably their mother’s outlandish pursuit and loud vocalizations of the impending marriage between Jane and Bingley that had caused the gentleman’s hasty departure from Netherf ield.
Mrs. Bennet was also not a good parent. Lydia had been totally unprepared for the real world. She was told to flirt, be silly, chase after men, and snatch one as quickly as she could. Lydia had followed her mother’s instructions to the letter. And now, she was ruined. If only she had listened to Elizabeth more.
Eventually, Lydia’s thoughts turned to how much she wished to apologize to her second oldest sister and to ask the most intelligent member of their family what she should do now. The last time she had seen Jane and Elizabeth, she was crying and pouting about being left behind in boring Meryton. Elizabeth had come to say goodbye and to give her a kiss on the cheek, but Lydia had turned her head and walked back into Uncle Phillips’s house. Oh, how she wished she could take back the hurtful things she had said! After musing on how she could ever adequately word such a letter, the object of her mind walked into the room carrying a tray of fresh tea and sweet br eads.
“Lizzy!” She jumped out of her chair. “Whatever are you doing here? Is everyone alright in Lo ndon?”
Elizabeth put down with tray and held out her hands to her youngest sister. “Yes, Lydia. Everyone in London is doing fine. I have stopped here on my way north to see our mother, and discuss something of import with you, specific ally.”
Lydia ushered her sister into the chair she had been occupying and pulled up a new seat from their uncle’s desk. Then, she poured tea for both of them, a courtesy she had never before performed. “Whatever you have to say, I am sure I will be delighted to hear it. I have been sitting here in the quiet thinking about all of the wise things you have said in the past, to which I should have paid much more atten tion.”
To say that Elizabeth was stunned would be a gross understatement. “I’m glad to know that someone welcomes my presence. I fear mother’s reaction when she learns I am in the house. But, tell me sister, are you well? Have our mother and uncle been treating you ki ndly?”
Lydia folded her empty hands in her lap and hung her head. “I would not say that my recent behaviour merits anyone treating me kindly, but they have not been cruel. Our mother is quite upset with my condition, and I am at a loss as to what to do to ease the situa tion.”
Placing her cup and saucer on the tray, Elizabeth took both of Lydia’s hands in her own and bent down to catch her sister’s eye. “This is what I have come to speak to you about. I hope you will not be angry. Uncle Edward and I have been making plans for you, but they will require you to be very b rave.”
Lydia looked up, her wide eyes brimming with tears. “Lizzy, if you have come with a solution for my situation, I will be b rave.”
“I know you will, sister. You have been through a lot recently and I do not want to add to your worry, but both Uncle Edward and I feel it would be better if you were removed from Mamma and our connections here in Hertfordshire. Mr. Darcy has recently invested a significant sum with our uncle’s imports business and, in the interest of protecting his investment, he has taken a position of support for our family. He and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, whom I met while visiting Charlotte in Hunsford last spring, have procured a forged marriage license for you and Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy explained all the complicated legalities to Uncle and me, but simply put, your having participated in a churched wedding ceremony combined with your pregnancy, will now make you Mr. Wickham’s w idow.”
“But, Father was not there to give me away, and I am underage. Also, they both died in duel! How is anyone to believe this?”
Elizabeth placed a comforting hand on Lydia’s arm. “Sweet sister, in truth, your elopement is not so surprising to our friends and family. If Mr. Darcy and his cousin, the Colonel, say there was a wedding ceremony, even a deficient one, most people will take them at their word.”
“But everyone here in Meryton dislikes Mr. Darcy so, and it is well known that you and he are not on good terms. Why should they take his part?”
“Because he is rich.” Elizabeth shrugged and picked up her teacup again. “And also because he is such a proud and aloof person, who is not known to take the part of another readily. Perhaps if someone like Mr. Bingley or Sir William Lucas were to insist, many would roll their eyes behind flapping fans and say that he was just being naive. But in this instance, Mr. Darcy’s proud manner and direct speech works much to our advan tage.”
“Do not forget his large p urse.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Heaven forbid we forget that. So, even though the elopement would be a slight scandal, no one will care for long. The license is dated August 2, the day after you left Brighton, and says the marriage was celebrated in Croydon, south of London. We do not want too many unanswerable questions, so it would be better if you were not around to have to face the inquisition from our connect ions.”
Lydia stood and wrapped her arms around her middle, moving to stare out of the window. “Where am I to go? I do not know if London is the best place for a confinement, and our Aunt Gardiner is so busy with her children. I cannot impose this on them.”
Placing her cup on the tray, Elizabeth looked at Lydia with new eyes. She was impressed that her most selfish sister was finally thinking of others before herself. “Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have a great -a unt , the Lady Gwyneth Fitzwilliam, who lives in a comfortable home in Scarborough. She is willing to take you into her home and help you through your confinement. She has twin sons herself who are twenty -t hree years old. She also suffered from the deceit of a disreputable man. Her husband was a bigamist and took her twenty -t housand pound dowry after only six months of their invalid marriage, leaving her pregnant and penniless in Scotland. Mr. Darcy has never been to Scarborough, but Colonel Fitzwilliam says it is lovely, and Lady Gwyneth lives on the side of the cliff near Scarborough Castle. I am told that one can see the sea from the breakfast parlour. They will protect you and your child, I promise. It may also be possible for you to keep the babe, if that is your choice, after he or she is born. If you choose to place the babe with an adoptive family, we can discuss that arrangement after you both are chur ched.”
“Move all the way to Scarborough?” Lydia was shocked at the length that Darcy and his family were willing to go to support an investment with Gardiner Imports. “Just how much money did Mr. Darcy invest with our u ncle?”
“A considerable amount, for sure. In addition to your new living situation, Mr. Darcy is showing society that he supports our family by hiring me as the social debutant companion for Miss Georgiana Darcy. That is why I am here. The Darcys are relocating to Pemberley for the winter and I have already taken my position in their household. You will travel with us until we reach Mr. Darcy’s estate in Derbyshire. Then, Colonel Fitzwilliam will escort you the rest of the way to Scarborough. I know this is a lot to consider all at once, but do you believe this plan to be one with which you would be willing to cooperate? It is you who has to relocate most of the way to Scotland and live with people none of your family has ever before met. What are your feel ings?”
Lydia stared at her sister with mouth agape. To think of the cost and inconvenience so many people had incurred because of her selfish stupidity. Her uncle was even worried about the reputation of his business. And to be welcomed into a stranger’s house on nothing more than the word of her great -n ephews ? But worst of all, Elizabeth had taken a position. She was no longer a gentlewoman, but a servant. Granted, companions and governesses were in the highest class of servants and were often gently bred, but she was a servant nonethe less.
Now Elizabeth would never marry. It was nearly written in s tone.
Lydia would be able to present herself as a respectable widow, while her older, wiser, compassionate sister would live her life as a servant. Once Georgiana married, Elizabeth would find a new family to serve and so on, probably staying with one family for only five years before moving on again. Hopefully, the connection with the Darcys would ensure she always found work with the most respectable fami lies.
The tears filling Lydia’s eyes spilled over, and when she spoke her voice was barely above a whisper. “Lizzy, how can you ever forgiv e me?”
Elizabeth moved to the window where Lydia was still standing. “Lydia, come now. Mr. Wickham promised to marry you and our mother has always said that marriage was of the utmost importance. I could never blame you for that rogue’s dishonesty. Come here, dear, it will all be right in the end.” Elizabeth reached for Lydia to give her a comforting hug, but Lydia put up her h ands.
“No, Elizabeth, I will not let you take all of the burden for this. I was foolish. I was selfish. You and Jane tried to tell Kitty and me that we were not behaving properly nearly daily, but I never listened. And now, you have taken a position, degrading yourself while I am elevated to the position of widow. I may remain a gentlewoman and go to live with the daughter of an Earl, while you are reduced to merely a gently bred servant. I do not believe I will ever be able to repay you this kind ness.”
Elizabeth thought for a moment and considered what to tell her baby sister, so grown up in this moment and so close to having a baby of her own. She gently took Lydia’s hands and guided them both back to their seats. “Lydia, tell me truly, what has happened to you? Who has been un kind?”
A look of shame took over Lydia’s face. She looked away, refusing to meet Elizabeth’s eyes. “Do you remember Benjamin Mil lner?”
“The haberdasher’s son?”
“Yes.” Lydia played with a frayed spot in the seam of her sleeve. “He and I have always been on good terms, since I love ribbons above all else, and we are of an age. Well, the other day he asked me if I would… come to his r ooms.”
Before Elizabeth could contain her fury enough to even gather herself for a response, Lydia conti nued.
“He also offered to give me some of the best silk ribbon in any colour I fancied for my time. He said that I would have to consider how I would now support my child. But the worst part is, I sat on the bench outside the churchyard and actually thought about his offer.” She furtively met Elizabeth’s eyes, then looked once more at the fraying fabric. “He is not wrong that I will need to support myself and this child. And I am unfortunately familiar with the act of intimacy, as distasteful as it may be. If I leave and break from the family, perhaps Mr. Collins will be kinder to Mamma and my sisters. Maybe someone will marry Jane.”
Elizabeth gathered Lydia into her arms and they both sat in silence for several min utes.
“Lydia, I cannot promise you much in this world. You are already facing the consequences of flirtation with Mr. Wickham by bearing his child, but I will do absolutely everything in my power to save you from that fate.”
“No Lizzy, you have to think of yourself now. How long can Miss Darcy need a companion? You must distance yourself from me if you are going to be able to make a life beyond Meryton. I appreciate all that you and Mr. Darcy have done for me, but is this wise? What if he regrets the association and dismisses you?”
Elizabeth debated telling Lydia about her planned marriage to Darcy. No matter what decisions were made today, she was going to first birth then perhaps raise a baby. There were never certainties in childbirth. She may not survive. A few well -p laced words from Elizabeth could relieve her conscience and help her move on to a more peaceful life.
“Lydia, I am going to tell you something, but first you must promise never to repeat it. Not to Mary, not to Kitty, certainly NOT to Mamma, and not even to Colonel Fitzwilliam or Lady Gwyneth, if you choose to go to Scarborough. Can you make that pro mise?”
Lydia’s eyes widened at Elizabeth’s tone, but she nodded her head.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I love Mr. Darcy. I have for some time. He is the best of men. He made me an offer of marriage in April that I refused, based in part on lies from Mr. Wickham and my own misinterpretation of his character during his stay at Netherfield. We have mended our mutual miscommunications and come to an understanding. It is our intention to marry as soon as our sisters are secure. Uncle Edward has already signed the marriage settlement contract and Mr. Darcy applied for the special license before we left London. You need not worry about my welfare. I do all this to protect you, Kitty, Mary, Jane, and my newest sister, Georgiana. I will see all my sisters happy and secure before Mamma takes the grey trim from her last widows’ f rock.”
Lydia giggled behind her handkerchief in a moment reminiscent of the silly child she had been. “Truly, Lizzy? You love Mr. Darcy, and he wants to make you his wife? Will you be happy as Mrs. Darcy? Not as mistress of Pemberley with jewels, and furs, and fine carriages, but as Mrs. Darcy, who warms Mr. Darcy’s bed and speaks of nothing over morning coffee? Will he buy you books and share them with you as Papa did? Will he allow you to walk in the morning dew and become brown skinned from refusing to wear your bonnet in the sun? You were right to refuse to Mr. Collins. That man would have made you miserable. I do not want you to sacrifice yourself to a more financially advantageous match simply to buy a solution to the problems I have cre ated.”
Elizabeth smiled and took Lydia’s hands between her own. “Lydia, William and I truly love each other, and we enjoy each other’s company. Yes, I believe William will share his books and intellect with me and not mind one bit if I wish to walk bare headed in the sun. And I hope that we will always have important nothings to discuss over our morning co ffee.”
Lydia re -f olded her handkerchief and smiled through drying tears. “I am glad. You have eased my mind, considerably. I shall now be more than content to pack my things and travel to parts unknown, going to live my new life as a widow with distant cousins by marriage. When do we l eave?”
Longbourn, Hertfords hire
24 September 1812
While Elizabeth spoke with the Bennet women, Darcy rode up to Longbourn house and requested an audience with William Collins. It was difficult to come calling on the Bennets’ old home. It might seem odd, since Darcy spent so little time in this house while visiting the area last fall, but the manor felt empty to him without the boisterousness of the Bennet family. A quiet parlour was not at all what Darcy had anticipated and it caused him to shudder a li ttle.
Hardly a minute after being shown to the east parlour, Charlotte Collins walked into the room carrying a beautiful tea service from which he remembered Elizabeth serving guests previously. Seeing the pained look on his face, Charlotte easily interpreted his discomfort. “Please, Mr. Darcy, have a seat and I will pour you some tea. I know it is a bit disconcerting to be in this house when all is quiet, but I assure you it will become easier with time. Milk or s ugar?”
Darcy recovered his composure and joined his hostess in a chair near the side table. “Two sugars, please. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Mrs. Collins. It is a pleasure to speak with you again. I trust you have heard that Miss Elizabeth is in town for today and visiting her family. Though you would likely rather be visiting with her, what I have to discuss with you and your husband is of great importance, and I appreciate you taking the time away from your good friend.” Darcy was about to thank the heavens for his good luck to find Charlotte alone, when Collins walked through the parlour door.
William Collins was the distant cousin of Mr. Bennet and, as the next closest direct line male relative of Mr. Bennet’s grandfather, who started the entail, he became owner of Longbourn upon Mr. Bennet’s death. He was also an ordained minister in the Anglican Church, with a rather inflated opinion of himself. Oddly, his self -i mportance did not overcome his extreme sycophancy. When Lady Catherine de Bourgh appointed him as the rector for Hunsford Parsonage, he transferred all his loyalty to that lady and her family. In Collins’s opinion, no one was more learned, more generous, or more worthy of praise than Darcy’s heartless aunt and her exalted relations. Perhaps not even the master a clergyman was supposed to serve, Ch rist.
Darcy said a silent prayer for patience and hoped that Collins would continue to take everything he said as near go spel.
But Collins didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Mr. Darcy, how delightful that you have chosen to visit our humble estate! I hope you have not been waiting long. I was out in the garden; you will remember how much I enjoy the activity from your visits to our modest parsonage. When your express arrived requesting an audience, I hurried to make myself presentable. I do hope that your family is well, especially your esteemed aunt and cousin de Bourgh. I have sent Lady Catherine several dozen communications since taking on my new position as a landowner, asking for her advice with certain matters, and she has condescended to respond twice. I have also taken her advice regarding my wayward family, setting them aside from the estate, but not completely without means. My dear Charlotte has been able to improve the efficiency of the house in a substantial way, which allows us to send my pitiable cousins some money annually, for their needs, and in hopes of attracting some form of husband. It is unlikely any gentleman of land would ever consider them now, but some of the shopkeepers in Meryton are yet unmarried, and of course, their Uncle Gardiner has connections within the merchants and tradesmen in London. Perhaps someone will find Miss Bennet’s serene beauty compensation enough for the family’s poor connections. Miss Elizabeth is much too strong willed to ever make a good wife, but I believe Mr. Gardiner could find her a position as a governess. Miss Lydia is, of course, worse than dead, and as your aunt has wisely advised, we do not acknowledge her in public as a fallen woman. Charlotte, did you ring for a fresh pot of tea? I’m sure Mrs. Hill could also bring some of her lemon cakes.” Darcy was finding it difficult to maintain his composure. He wanted to throttle the ridiculous little man for saying such terrible things of his Elizabeth, but only detached propriety would suit his purpose today. Thankfully, Darcy was a man practiced in hiding his true feelings from all but the most proficient of obser vers.
Charlotte was one such observer. She moved to quiet her husband with tea and allow Darcy an opening to begin his discourse. “Yes dear, I have tea and shortbread here on the side table. Please, sit, and we shall hear what Mr. Darcy has come to dis cuss.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I have indeed come to speak of a matter of great importance, which centres on exactly the topic of Miss Lydia, or I should say, Mrs. Lydia Wic kham.”
“What?” Collins nearly dropped his teacup. “She is married? Who…? Wait. Is not Wickham the man she eloped with from Brighton? But they were never married. My cousin Bennet found them living in great sin in London without the benefit of a churched wedding! Is that little harlot now trying to pass herself off as a respectable widow, since she can no longer hide the reality of her shame? Well, I will not have it! I am sorry you have had to be privy to such outlandish lies…”
“Mr. Collins, will you sit down!” Darcy was finally at the end of his patience and used his most commanding voice several notches louder than usual. Collins sat heavily on the chair he had recently vacated. Taking a deep breath, Darcy continued. “I am sure you will agree with me regarding Mrs. Wickham once you hear what I have to say. It is not she who is distributing the truth of her marriage, but, in fact , me.”
“I do not understand. Why would you do such a thing?” Collins’s red face looked as if he were about to explode, and he was holding enough breath inside his lungs to make him look quite r ound.
Setting his best stare upon Collins, Darcy explained. “There are a number of reasons for this, but the first one is that it is absolutely true.” Though deception of any kind was an abhorrence to Darcy, he and Richard had discussed the necessity of keeping the forged license as quiet as possible. If they were to restore the Bennet women’s respectability, everyone must believe it was true. “You see, my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is very well connected in both the regulars and the various militias around London. When he heard that Wickham had deserted his post from Brighton, he became involved in the search for him. Richard was not as fast as Mr. Bennet, unfortunately. However, he was the one to retrieve Wickham’s belongings and remains after his death. Richard looked through Wickham’s papers and found the common marriage license issued by a minister in Croydon. Apparently, Lydia Bennet and George Wickham participated in a church marriage ceremony on the second of August in Croydon. That is, the day after the couple fled Brig hton.”
Collins smashed his teacup into the saucer with such force, it was astounding that both were still intact. “This is an outrage! Neither was a resident of that place. What kind of vicar would sell a common license to two persons of such unknown chara cter?”
Charlotte patted her husband on the hand. “I know this pains you, but many such men, when provided with ready coin, would marry two young people professing to be in love.”
Darcy cleared his throat and continued. “Yes, well. My cousin also knew that before we learned of Mrs. Wickham’s elopement, I had made a significant investment in Edward Gardiner’s imports business. Now that the young lady is with child, the shame will reach every member of her family. And I do mean EVERY member. You would do well to consider your own reputation as we continue this discussion.” Collins turned instantly white, when a moment ago he was so red. “If it became known that one of Gardiner’s wards was so wholly ruined as to have a child out of wedlock, his business would suffer, and my investment would be in jeopardy. When word of Mrs. Wickham’s situation reached myself and Richard, we sought out Gardiner to provide him with the marriage license and any additional support he might need. Mr. Bingley also invested at the same time as I, and we both are interested in helping salvage Mrs. Wickham’s reputation in order to secure our money. So, I have come here to inform you about the plans that Gardiner, Bingley, and I have made for the Bennet women. I would very much appreciate if you would consent to promoting the truth of Mrs. Wickham’s marriage. As I said, it would be in your best interest as well, since you are so closely connected with the ladies. You wouldn’t want Miss Lucas or any future daughters you may have to be tainted by such pernicious go ssip.”
“How does this change her position? She is still sixteen and pregnant, without a hus band.”
Charlotte sighed. “Mr. Collins, were you not listening? Lydia is a widow, not a fallen woman. Granted, an elopement is not the most propitious of actions, but it was an act of young love. The remaining Bennet sisters are marriageable, and the child Lydia carries will be a legitimate of Lydia and Mr. Wickham’s marriage. Mr. Darcy, you have saved us all!” Charlotte’s eyes were shining with unshed tears. Hope, so far from any reality Charlotte could have imagined before Darcy walked in, was beginning to grow. Perhaps Jane and Elizabeth could find happiness with the men who loved them. If Bingley and Darcy were investing in Gardiner Imports, they must have a desire for the connection and an excuse to visit their business partner at his home. Unfortunately, Darcy’s next words froze the smile on Charlotte’s face.
“I, of course, would not want to see Gardiner Imports suffer from the foolishness of a sixteen - y ear -o ld child and a rake. Additionally, to show my support for the family’s respectability, I have taken Miss Elizabeth into my household as Miss Darcy’s social companion. My sister’s debut will be in the spring, and she will need a chaperone and friend during her many social engagements next se ason.”
“Mr. Darcy, are you sure you have adequately thought through this decision?” Mr. Collins blustered. “Miss Elizabeth is a quality young lady to be sure, but she is much too opinionated for superior society. Why, you observed her behaviour in your aunt’s parlour. She voiced her mind as if she was capable of having such thoughts, even as a woman of low birth. She did not even have a governess! I am sure that your cousin, Miss de Bourgh, would be a much better companion than Miss Elizabeth. Once you are married to Miss de Bourgh, she will be able to perform as Miss Darcy’s chaperone with ease. Perhaps it is time to solidify your relationship, as your aunt wishes, and prepare both Miss Darcy and the new Mrs. Darcy for the London season toge ther.”
Charlotte had been too wrapped up in thoughts of her poor friend moving into the position of paid employee to stop the foolish words coming from her husband. It was obvious that Darcy loved Elizabeth but now considered her much too tarnished for marriage. It was more obvious that neither Darcy nor Anne de Bourgh wished to m arry.
Darcy was done being polite. He stood, handed his teacup to Charlotte, straightened his waistcoat and levelled a glare at Collins. “Mr. Collins, I have said my piece about Mrs. Wickham. I will repeat, it is in your best interest to get in line with the events as I have stated them here. I have also already sent a communication to my aunt about the matter so she may include the most relevant details of their hasty marriage when she visits with her circles. Before I take my leave, I will give you one last piece of ad vice:
“I rarely listen to my aunt or do as she bids, because Lady Catherine is foolish. She listens to no one and believes only what she wishes, despite all evidence to the contrary. I have no desire to marry my cousin, nor does Anne desire to marry me. In fact, my cousin does not even like me all that much. I am not now, nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be, engaged to my cousin. You should start thinking for yourself and listen to the advice of your intelligent wife over the ridiculous things my aunt chooses to say. Good day.” He nodded curtly. “I shall show myself out.”