4th April 1812
On the following day, Darcy’s staff had everything prepared, and he and his valet departed just after sunrise. Some minutes later, his cousin, Richard, joined them when the carriage stopped in front of Darcy’s uncle’s townhouse some streets ahead.
“Good morning, Darcy. Morning, Wilfred,” Richard greeted them with his usual enthusiasm. “I cannot wait to see Aunt Catherine and… Anne. Do you not agree, Darcy? I believe you share my feelings…” he added, winking and laughing.
The valet bowed his head, and Darcy did the same, releasing a long breath. It would not do to start the day being baited by his cousin. Richard had always teased him about their aunt’s wish for Darcy to marry her daughter, Anne.
They left London and after reaching the main road, the carriage set a comfortable pace, despite the recent rains. After some time looking outside the window, Darcy turned and saw Wilfred dozing. Wilfred had been serving his family since before Darcy was born. His sixty years of age were now taking their toll on the old man’s disposition.
Turning to his cousin, Darcy found Richard staring at him. “Good Lord, Richard! What do you mean by looking at me like that? Are you trying to scare me? ”
“No, but I can see you have been unhappy about something. What is it?” Richard had been observing Darcy in the last weeks since arriving for his new assignment in London.
Wilfred snored and moved his head slightly.
Richard left his seat beside Darcy and sat in front of him, looking him in the eyes. “I know I have been a thorn in your side our entire lives, but you know I care for you like you were my brother.”
Darcy hated that Richard could read him so easily. Indeed, his cousin had been like a thorn in his flesh; and yet, to be honest, he would not change anything — though, perhaps he would change the long periods Richard had spent fighting on the continent. Thank God, with his new assignment, Richard would be allowed to stay in London for some time. Darcy had missed him. The respect and friendship they shared was one of the few things Darcy treasured in his life.
“I was thinking about going on a trip; perhaps to Scotland, or even Ireland,” said Darcy. “Somewhere far away. I think I need to… rest.” A pair of fine eyes invaded his mind, and he shook his head.
Bemused, Richard pursed his lips. “Fine. If you do not want to tell me, it is fine. But do not offend my intelligence. I know something is wrong — you keeping it from me or not.”
There was a long silence before Darcy spoke again. He cleared his throat. “I met a lady last October…” The words slipped quickly from Darcy’s mouth, as if he could change his mind about them.
Richard’s mouth fell opened. “Tell me. Everything.”
Despite himself, Darcy chuckled at his cousin’s childish behaviour. It did not matter how old he was, Richard would always be this playful character – especially regarding matters of the heart.
Darcy started his story with Bingley inviting him to visit a property his friend had planned to lease in Meryton, Hertfordshire, finishing with the disturbing dance at the Netherfield ball, his escape from the area on the following day, and Bingley’s decision not to return — without making any connections or mentioning any names. It would not do for Richard’s loose tongue to put Darcy in a delicate situation with his family. Richard was a trustworthy man, but could speak a bit too much, especially with pretty ladies were concerned.
“Are you in love with her?” Richard asked, amusement plastered on his smiling face. “Could it finally be that my fastidious cousin has at last succumbed to love?”
Darcy turned back to the window, remembering the ball at Netherfield. “Our interaction was somehow… disappointing. There were other inconvenient things to consider.”
There was silence again, and Richard arched his eyebrows.
“What?” Darcy whispered, glancing at his sleeping valet.
“You did not answer my question.”
“Well, perhaps this does, then. This lady questioned my honour about Wickham’s present situation, as if I was responsible for it. There, you see? How can I love, or even care for someone who thinks so ill of me?” He stopped, lowering his gaze to his joined hands. “I believe she has fallen prey to his deception.”
“And how on earth did she meet the miscreant?”
“You know he had joined the militia after... last summer. What you do not know is that they were camping close to Meryton at the same time I was there.” Darcy sighed. “It can only be a sign, can it not, Richard? Stay away from the lady. And that is what I am doing.”
“You said she was acting as if questioning your honour regarding that reprobate. But you are not sure she was, are you? Perhaps she was just… curious. You know. The female mind. You know sometimes you can overreact—”
“It does not matter anymore. Her family is not what we would consider proper. They are… objectionable. Besides, I am never going to see her again,” Darcy retorted. “I was just concerned for her safety. That is all. Nothing else.”
“If your concern is for this lady’s safety, Darcy, then fear no more. I have been tracking Wickham since last summer. He sold his commission in the Militia and left the area of Meryton last February. ”
Darcy looked back at Richard. This new information indeed brought some relief to him. At least she would…
A thought occurred to him. “Richard, you said he sold his commission and left the area. Do you know if he was alone?” A sudden trepidation took hold of his heart.
What if he had married Elizabeth?
“I am sorry, but I do not know. My informers in the Army did not add any other information. The truth is, after he left the Militia, I lost track of him. I do not know where he is now. What I do know is that he had debts of honour and was forced to sell his commission and use the money to repay his creditors.” Richard leant back. “You must know that some fellows are not as forgiving as you were.”
The carriage jolted, and Wilfred straightened up, apologising for having been asleep. Darcy accepted his apologies with a grace which quickly vanished.
Damned Wickham! The man was like a ghost haunting Darcy’s life. Firstly, attempting to elope with his younger sister, and then, shadowing over Miss Elizabeth, feeding her with his lies and cheap charm.
With Wilfred awake, they did not have another opportunity to resume the conversation.
Darcy closed his eyes and tapped his head against the carriage seat behind him. This was much worse than before. How could he have peace of mind not knowing what had happened to Miss Elizabeth?
~ ? ~
After arriving at Rosings Park and changing their clothes, Darcy and Richard headed for the drawing room, where they were greeted by their aunt and cousin. Refreshments were ordered and the usual conversation took place; Lady Catherine talking as if alone in the room, Richard smiling and gesticulating to Anne, and Darcy lost in his private thoughts.
It was not until Darcy heard that Mr Collins had recently married that he gave some attention to what his aunt was saying .
“Mr Collins, married? I mean, um… I met him last November in Hertfordshire…” Darcy said.
“Yes, yes, he had mentioned it. He met his wife there, apparently after a ball…” Lady Catherine replied, sipping her tea.
This new information took Darcy’s breath away. He excused himself and walked to the window, rubbing his aching temples. How could he be so pathetic? First, he had been tortured by the dark idea of Elizabeth being married to Wickham. And now this maddening possibility that Elizabeth could, in fact, be the new Mrs Collins. He remembered the parson’s attentions towards her at the ball, taking her for the first set, and that the man was also the heir of Longbourn. It would make sense to marry him.
Lady Catherine, oblivious to Darcy struggles, continued. “Mr and Mrs Collins are already settled at the parsonage since last March. Today, a sister and an old friend of the new Mrs Collins have arrived to visit them. I was just waiting for them to rest before inviting them for tea.”
Darcy turned quickly, an idea coming to mind. “Excellent idea, aunt. I could go there, invite them for tea, and pay my respects to the new neighbours, especially considering I am already acquainted with most of them from my time in Hertfordshire.”
The truth, however, was quite different. Darcy neither cared enough for Mr Collins to pay his respects, nor was he concerned if they were resting. He could not wait one more minute before being sure that Elizabeth was really there — which would mean she had not married Wickham. Or, if she was there, whether she had married her stupid cousin or was the friend visiting. Mercifully, at least this satisfaction was within his reach.
“Richard, would you care to join me?” asked Darcy heading towards the door.
Richard raised his eyebrows, surprised by the invitation, but followed his cousin.
Before Lady Catherine could voice any objection, they had already left .
The walk to the parsonage was fast and silent. Darcy had his eyes fixed ahead of him; his mouth, a single and tense line. Richard did not ask anything. By the agitated state of mind of his cousin, he could only hope that Darcy would feel better after meeting this new Mrs Collins — or whoever was at the parsonage.
Richard paused his thoughts as an idea came to mind. Could this newly married lady be the one they were talking about earlier?
Once at their destination, Darcy knocked on the door with more strength than would be necessary, and after a short wait they were finally admitted into the house. In no time, Mr Collins was in the drawing room, greeting and welcoming them.
Darcy returned the greeting with impatience but was soon rewarded when three ladies finally entered the room. The first one, still wiping her hands on her apron, was followed by a younger one and a flustered Miss Elizabeth.
“Sir, I believe you are already acquainted with my wife, Mrs Charlotte Collins.”
Darcy froze, blinking a couple of times, slowly moving his narrowed eyes from Elizabeth to the new Mrs Collins.
Mrs Charlotte Collins .
Noticing that all the eyes in the room were now observing him, Darcy cleared his throat and forced a polite smile. “Indeed. How do you do?”
A heavyweight was lifted from Darcy’s chest. Elizabeth was neither married to Mr Collins nor Wickham.
They sat to partake from refreshments.
Elizabeth kept her eyes fixed on her fingers entwined on her cup. She did not seem happy to see him again.
Inhaling deeply a couple of times, Darcy decided there was only one path to tread. “I hope your family are in good health, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Hmm? Oh, yes. Yes, they are. I thank you,” she said, lowering her gaze to her cup again, clearly ending their short interaction.
Darcy was wondering about how much more awkward this situation could become, when he noticed Richard sitting at the edge of his armchair, looking at him with mirth. Foreseeing his cousin’s intention, Darcy stared back at him, pursing his lips and shaking his head.
Too late.
“Miss Bennet, what a pleasure to meet you at last. My cousin told me so much about Meryton and its inhabitants that I was seriously considering spending some time there in the future.”
“Oh. Indeed, sir? Considering?”
From the top of her teacup, Elizabeth gave Mr Darcy a meaningful glance. “Mr Darcy is all politeness, but it seems he was not very convincing, or you would not have any doubts. Perhaps he found Meryton just tolerable and not pleasant enough to tempt him. ” She took another sip of her tea.
“Lizzy!” Charlotte admonished, elbowing her friend.
From his side of the room, Richard did not miss Mrs Collins chastising her friend. But what surprised him was Miss Elizabeth’s witty reply. He never more curious. “I am sorry, Darcy. I think I have put you in a delicate position.” He turned to her again. “Miss Elizabeth, you are quite right. My cousin always has some difficulty in finding any other place as beautiful as his birthplace in Derbyshire. I would wager he has never admired the beauty here in Kent. We usually come to Rosings Park more to help our aunt with the maintenance and finances of her estate rather than to enjoy ourselves, especially considering the short length of our stay.”
Elizabeth turned her inquisitive gaze back to Mr Darcy. “I can understand, Colonel. In our short acquaintance, Mr Darcy has revealed himself as the perfect gentleman to offer his assistance in people’s personal affairs.”
Her double meaning was not lost to Richard. What had his cousin done to cause her such annoyance?
“Allow me to disagree, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy intervened, a little stung by her words. “I would rather say I agree to assist than offer my assistance. I am always glad to assist my friends and family when they ask for my help.” Darcy made a great effort to remember anything he had done in her presence to create such an impression. He could be guilty of pride, but meddling? Was she talking about Wickham?
“Would you say then, sir, that it would not be your custom to offer help, even when you see your family or friends, are making a mistake?”
Well, not Wickham then. Darcy paused. It seemed she was referring to Bingley in some way, but he could not grasp how. He decided to answer honestly. “I would say you are correct, Miss Elizabeth.”
Mr Collins asked the colonel how he was finding Rosings Park this time, distracting Richard from his cousin’s conversation.
Taking advantage of the respite, Elizabeth pondered about Mr Darcy’s reply. Could it be that he was not responsible for Mr Bingley’s desertion after all? She needed to find it out.
As he kept his intense gaze on her, she gave him an enigmatic smile. “Well, it seems I have had the wrong impression after all.”
“I would be happy to oblige you, Miss Elizabeth. It would be my pleasure to clarify any… misunderstanding,” he responded in the same tone, hoping with all his being that he could do exactly that.
Elizabeth bit her lip and lowered her gaze to her empty cup. To her eternal vexation, she was tempted by the chance of having Mr Darcy explaining himself. During that fateful evening at the ball, she had provoked him to do exactly that. His answers, however, were… elusive. He did not admit or deny anything.
She turned back to him and wondered what he would say given the opportunity. Something in his eyes encouraged her. She smiled. “I would be delighted, sir. How long do you intend to remain in Kent?”
Darcy blinked. He could not believe the sudden change in her attitude and felt pleasantly… confused. He decided to be cautious. For the life of him, he could not understand what she was about and decided to keep his strategy of honesty, as it seemed to be working. Taking a deep breath, and choosing well his words, he replied, “We usually stay for two weeks, but we are always inclined to spend the necessary time to accomplish our obligations.”
“I am glad to hear it. And I hope you and your cousin have time to enjoy your stay this time. The over prolonged winter we just had, forced the daffodils to a late blossom. It is so wonderful to see everything starting again.”
Darcy held his breath, wondering if he had understood her correctly. Was she offering him an opportunity to explain and… make amends? God help him. He smiled back. “I will try to keep that in mind, Miss Elizabeth.”
After the appropriate time for the visit was over, Darcy and Richard extended their aunt’s invitation for the eventual dinner, thanked their hosts and bade their farewells.
Elizabeth blushed effusively when Darcy bowed over her hand. “I hope to see you soon, Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps we could talk more about the… spring and… daffodils.”
He kissed her hand and left.
Their reencounter had been much better than he had anticipated.
~ ? ~
Richard and Darcy made their way back to Rosings in silence. Darcy was feeling that same tingling in his stomach he felt back in Hertfordshire and held back a smile. He must be mad for just considering what she was offering him. Could they… start fresh?
As they approached the great house, Richard took Darcy’s arm and pulled him close. “Tell her.” Widened eyes started back at Richard. “Tell her about your feelings and what happened with Wickham,” Richard said exasperated, then paused. “Why do you insist on insulting my intelligence? Goodness, Darcy! Even a blind person could see she is the one you told me about. Your eyes! They had betrayed you much sooner than any of your words. Do you think I did not hear all that mumbling about harsh winters, spring and daffodils, and starting again?”
Darcy had the decency to avert his gaze.
“She is a jewel,” Richard said, putting his hands on his cousin’s shoulders. “And in the little time we were together, I believe the two of you would be perfect for each other. For once in your life, forget about the others, forget about inconveniences and whatever other excuse you can think of, and think about you and the gift of being genuinely happy with a wife you can admire and love.”
Richard walked towards the front door, then turned back. “Do it, Darcy, and do it soon,” he said closing the door after him.