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The next morning, Miss Bingley awoke to the memory of all that had befallen her the night before. Her face felt sticky, so she stood shakily and walked over to the wash basin. While she poured the water, she caught a glimpse of her face in the looking glass, and she could see the stains from tears that had fallen for so many hours the night before. She slowly washed her face, neck and shoulders, enjoying the feeling of the cool, refreshing water against her skin. Then she walked over to the window and opened it, allowing the brisk morning air to tingle against her still damp skin. She felt light and free, as she never had before, as if she had shed a burden she never knew she was carrying. Last night she had allowed herself, no she had been forced, to feel emotions she had been suppressing for as long as she could remember. She had experienced in one evening possibly the full range of feelings known to human sensibility.
She realized now that she had not allowed herself to feel anything, for the longest time. She also knew that she had done it to protect herself. Whether this was the result of the deaths of both her parents in quick succession while she was very young, or because she had allowed herself to be in love at the age of fifteen only to be disappointed and mocked by the object of her affections, or because she had been raised to believe that money and position were all that mattered and that having feelings was merely one of the disadvantages suffered by the lower classes, she could not say. But, whatever the reason, she had wrapped herself in a cold mantle of apathy that, rather than protecting her, had detached her from the world of human emotion, turning her into a callous shrew. She could see now that she had been preventing herself from experiencing a natural and necessary part of her existence. She could no more stop feeling emotion than she could stop breathing, and any attempt to resist the former must be as vain as any attempt to resist the latter. She had not been above being touched by emotion, she had merely repressed and accumulated every natural feeling that should have been expressed. And, last night all of them had come rushing forth gaining their release at last.
When her maid entered, she dressed and asked for her breakfast to be sent to her room. She had to think and sort things out before she could face the others. She drew her chair by the open window and began to consider the events that had brought her to this point. Months ago, Mr. Wickham had awakened in her the idea that she could be liked, even loved, for herself. She had never considered such a thing in the past, much less deemed it desirable. Her thoughts pertaining to men and marriage had always revolved around the ideas of fortune, fashion, connections and social status, and she had considered her own desirability on the same terms as she had considered theirs. She knew she was desirable because of her fortune, because she was fashionable, and because her family had gained a favorable social position. She had been raised to have the grace and poise of a gentlewoman, and she had mastered the common accomplishments. She laughed to herself when she realized that she took little pleasure in playing the pianoforte, and she resolved to find something that she enjoyed doing.
The idea that Mr. Wickham might like her had been entirely new to her sensibilities, and she had found that it was both pleasing and desirable. But, instead of taking pleasure in it, she had resisted it, and when she had been separated from him, she had scarcely thought of him. It was not until she saw him again, months later, that her desire to be loved had been reawakened. She had not been in love with Wickham, she barely knew him. She had been feeling the effects of a long suppressed desire to be loved, and she had looked to him to fulfill that desire because it had been he who had awakened it in her. He had found love with Miss Lucas. Miss Bingley sill could not see why, but she now realized that was because she did not really know Miss Lucas. Undoubtedly, Wickham saw something beyond the facts that she was seven and twenty, plain, and had no fortune, which was all Miss Bingley had ever seen in her.
As she pondered her situation further, Miss Bingley realized that she had soothed her disappointment in learning that Wickham did not love her after all, by re-affirming the invulnerability of her heart and returning her efforts to the conquest of the man who represented the ideal of all the considerations she had previously valued united. She had pursued Darcy based on the assumption that he was guided by the same principles as she with respect to marriage. She had never loved him, she had never even tried to love him. Love had never entered into her consideration. She had merely tried to show him that she was an ideal candidate in all of the aspects that she had previously considered important, when, apparently, he had wanted to love and be loved. When her ideal fell out of the paradigm she had constructed, disappointing her yet again, she'd had nowhere to turn. Allowing her emotions to intrude (as she thought she had done) had not worked, and excluding them completely had failed as well. She had been lost beneath layer upon layer of discarded emotion, with nothing to grasp onto that would allow her to persist in her delusion that she could go through this world without feeling. The force of unfelt emotion finally became too great, and her mantle had been shattered, last night, by its powerful emergence upon her sensibilities.
Now, she wanted to feel everything; to give expression to every emotion that affected her. She did not need protection from feeling, it was feeling that she needed. She understood that by allowing herself to feel, she would be exposing herself to the possibility of experiencing pain and hurt, but she would also be able to experience real pleasure and happiness. She found that she welcomed the prospect of both. She wanted to love, to really love, and to be loved in return, (preferably by the same person). She suddenly realized that if anyone was ever to love her for herself, he would first have to know her, the real Caroline Bingley. She would have to be herself, and shed her previous affected manner. She also realized that she needed balance, lest she run off with one of her brother's footmen. She hoped to find love, but she could not completely discard those other considerations. Finally, she was able to be thankful that her situation was such that if she never found an appropriate combination of both, her fortune would support her quite nicely. She did not need a husband.
While Miss Bingley was engaged in finding herself, her friends and neighbors were carrying on with their lives oblivious to her enlightenment. Things were almost all in place for Mary's wedding and Mrs. Bennet had turned her thoughts to making a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Collins around Easter time to see how her daughter got on in her new situation. Mr. Bennet was hesitant to agree with the plan, but decided that he would speak to Jane and Elizabeth and if one of them would go with their mother, he would give his consent. With little left to arrange for Mary's wedding and with yet another daughter engaged, Mrs. Bennet, and all of Longbourn with her, soon began to bend their thoughts to the weddings of her two eldest children.
On the very morning following the rather unceremonious announcement of Elizabeth's engagement, Miss Lucas came to Longbourn to call on her friends. At the time of her arrival, Jane and Elizabeth had been discussing the possibility of having a double wedding. Neither of the two sisters could say who had thought of it first, but they were both delighted with the prospect of sharing such a happy event.
"I am not sure that Mama would approve the idea, Jane," said Elizabeth.
"No, I must agree with you for when I mentioned the possibility that I might marry on the same day as Mary, she insisted that I must have my own wedding day."
"Perhaps, then, it would be best to approach our father with the idea first. But Jane, you have been engaged several weeks longer than I, surely you would not wish to further prolong your engagement by waiting to get married on the same day as me."
"Oh, I was only engaged a few weeks before you. Anyway, I would not mind waiting a little longer if it meant that I could share such a joyous occasion with you."
Elizabeth then said teasingly, "yes, but will Mr. Bingley mind, do you suppose?"
Jane blushed a bit and smiled, "I think he will approve the idea very much."
"Then it is settled, we must talk to Papa today."
It was soon after this point in the conversation that Charlotte found them in the garden. When their friend approached, Elizabeth considered what she had just been discussing with Jane and then gave her sister a knowing glance. Jane simply smiled her understanding.
After the sisters had greeted their friend, Elizabeth said, "Charlotte, Jane and I have just been discussing wedding dates. Have you and Mr. Wickham set a date for your wedding yet?"
"No, not yet, so much has happened that we have hardly spared a thought for such details," she teased.
"Jane and I have just been discussing the possibility of sharing a wedding," said Elizabeth.
"That is a lovely idea," replied Charlotte.
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a glance, then Jane ventured forth, "Charlotte, you are our dearest friend, and Mr. Wickham is like a brother to Mr. Darcy," Charlotte's eyes grew wide with excitement and understanding as Jane continued, "and we would very much like you to share this occasion with us, if you would like."
"Oh, I would like that very much," she said smiling. Then her face became more solemn as she observed, "though I do not know whether my mother will approve."
Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other and laughed. Elizabeth explained, "we were just discussing the probability that Mrs. Bennet will not even like the idea of the two of us sharing a wedding day. I suppose she would be even more opposed to a triple wedding."
"Perhaps suggesting a triple wedding will help expedite her approval of a double wedding," said Charlotte.
"No Charlotte," said Elizabeth quickly, "I believe we can all get married together. We were planning on speaking to our father about the matter before suggesting it to our mother. Perhaps, you could do the same."
"But what about the wedding breakfast," said Charlotte, "surely both our families will wish to host it."
"We can have a picnic in the gardens of Longbourn church," said Jane, "by the time of the wedding, it will be spring and the weather will be perfect. This way we will not have to have it at one house or the other, and our families can share the duties of planning and hosting it."
"Jane, that is a wonderful idea," said Elizabeth.
"Yes, but even if we could get our families to agree to it, will our mothers ever agree on the planning of it?" asked Charlotte.
All three girls giggled and Elizabeth said, "let us do one thing at a time. First, we must get them to agree to it. We shall speak to our father today."
"I will speak to mine as well, when I arrive at home later."
Meanwhile, in consequence of an agreement the evening before, Wickham called at Netherfield to discuss with Darcy the business of his career. The two gentlemen were soon afforded the use of Mr. Bingley's study, and once comfortably situated therein, Darcy began, "you may not recall, but on the day I returned from London, I told you that I had found a commission for you with a regiment of the regulars in Newcastle."
"Yes, I do recall that, is it still available?"
"I have not heard anything from the colonel of the regiment, so I must assume that it is. As we left things, he was to await word from me regarding your acceptance."
"I have not discussed it with Charlotte. I would like to do so before I agree to it."
"I understand. Will you see her today?"
"Yes, I plan to call at Lucas Lodge as soon as we have finished our business here. I will speak to her about it and let you know today. I am all but certain that I will accept the position. I do not anticipate that she would have any objection, other than it being so far from her family."
"But in Newcastle, Miss Lucas will be closer to Pemberley, and consequently to Elizabeth. I will be taking her far from her family as well, and I had hoped that she and Miss Lucas might both find comfort in being somewhat near to each other."
"Yes, and I am sure that we will be moving around quite a bit, so we might end up very close to here again sometime in the future."
"Very well then. Bingley and I are to call at Longbourn. We will be taking the carriage as Georgiana is to come with us. Would you like to join us there before going on to Lucas Lodge?"
"Yes, I believe I will, but only for a short time."
Thus, Wickham and Darcy collected Bingley and Georgiana, and they all proceeded to Longbourn. When they arrived they were greeted by Mrs. Bennet and Miss Mary. The former quickly told them that her eldest daughters were in the garden with Miss Lucas. When she offered to fetch the girls inside, Mr. Bingley was quick to save her the trouble by insisting that they would go out into the gardens and find the young ladies themselves. Mrs. Bennet could not but agree to such a scheme, and she sent a reluctant Mary along with the gentlemen and Miss Darcy.
And so it was that Darcy, Bingley and Wickham found their ladies with their heads together talking and giggling animatedly in the garden. When everyone had greeted one another, they all decided to walk to Oakham Mount together. Each of the couples walked together, while Miss Darcy walked with Mary. It was at this time that it was settled between Mr. Wickham and Charlotte that he would accept the commission in Newcastle. She did own that she was a bit disappointed to be going so far away, but that she knew they would be moving around a lot due to Wickham's career.
They also discussed the possibility of sharing their wedding with their friends. Wickham was pleased with the idea, and gave his beloved to know that he would agree to anything that would make her happy. The other two ladies discussed the matter with their respective intended husbands as well, and both were pleased to find the gentlemen's reception of the plan to be favorable.
With everything settled amongst the lovers, they returned to Longbourn with the purpose of bringing their hopes to fruition. Wickham returned to Lucas Lodge with Charlotte, where she had little trouble gaining her father's approval for the scheme. Her mother, was a bit more difficult to convince. However, in the end, her greatest priority was to have Charlotte married and off her hands. She had other daughters to think about and there would be other opportunities for her to give a wedding. She did not wish to go against her daughter's desires, particularly when so much economy was achieved by acceding to them.
Mrs. Bennet, however, was not won over so easily. Jane and Elizabeth had little trouble obtaining their father's agreement to the scheme, except for what trouble he chose to give them by teasing them and pretending to object to the idea. Once he was won over, however, they were relieved for they knew the matter was decided. Reconciling their mother to it was, nevertheless, a formidable task. It was certainly not the work of a day, but once Elizabeth was able to draw out Mr. Darcy's approbation of the idea in Mrs. Bennet's presence, she began to acknowledge the possibility of it. After several conversations in which both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley described their delight with the idea in progressively more ardent terms, she finally embraced the scheme. Indeed, a triple wedding was just the thing, it would be the event of the year, people would speak of it for miles around for years to come!
On the evening following the announcement of his engagement, after dining at Lucas Lodge, Mr. Wickham had returned to Netherfield to tell his friend that he would accept the commission in Newcastle. Mr. Darcy penned a brief letter to the colonel of the regiment advising him of Wickham's acceptance,, and one to his solicitor in London directing him to pay for the commission. Wickham expressed his surprise with this, stating that Darcy had only said he would find a position not that he would purchase it. Darcy simply smiled and replied, "it is done, Wickham," as he extended his hand to his friend.
Wickham shook his friend's hand as he recalled their previous conversation on the subject. Darcy had said he would be giving Wickham a gift on the occasion of his marriage and they had agreed that it would be the last. He said, "I appreciate all you have done for me Darcy; but, as I said previously, this is the last."
Darcy furrowed his brow and said, "I believe there must be some misunderstanding, I am bound both by honor and my father's will to provide you with every possible assistance in the furtherance of your career. That obligation does not end upon your marriage. The gift I spoke of on the evening you have referred to will be a monetary one, which I am also bound by my father's wishes to provide. We agreed that it would be the last gift of that nature."
Wickham looked at his friend with confusion. At last he said, "it is too much. You need not make me any further gift. Let the purchase of the commission serve as the gift your father wished to provide me upon my marriage."
"That, my friend, would be a breach of honor," replied Darcy, "you cannot ask it of me."
Wickham said nothing. He simply slumped back in his chair and put his face in his hands helplessly. At last he looked up when Darcy said, "who will be drawing up the settlement papers for your marriage?"
"I believe Sir William will retain Mr. Phillips for that service."
"Very well then, I will have my solicitor contact Mr. Phillips and arrange everything."
Darcy purposely refrained from disclosing the amount of his intended gift, as he knew Wickham would protest further. And, as the amount had been left to his own discretion, he could not so easily overcome his friend's objections by stating that he was simply following his father's wishes. He knew Wickham was in a difficult position, and he could not conceive how his friend must feel about the arrangement. He had trouble with what his own reaction would be if he was in the same situation.
Their business concluded, the gentlemen joined Bingley and the ladies in the drawing room for the remainder of the evening. Neither was in a humor to notice or question Miss Bingley's subdued manner.
During the days that followed, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth received responses from their family members who they had informed of their engagement by letter. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were delighted with the match, and looked forward to meeting Mr. Darcy again at Mary's wedding. Mr. Darcy's family, however, was not so easily won over, as it might be said by some that his bride was the only one who would gain anything from the match. His uncle, the Earl of ____ wrote that he was somewhat concerned with Darcy's choice. After writing at length on the importance of considerations other than affection in choosing a bride, he ultimately gave his blessing. Lady ___ wrote separately to tell her nephew that, although she joined in some of her husband's concerns, she was pleased to know that he was happy and she looked forward to meeting Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Both of their sons, Mr. Darcy's cousins, wrote of their surprise with the match. The eldest echoed some of his father's concerns, but sent his congratulations. The youngest, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy's closest cousin, was the most surprised by the announcement and he expressed that he was delighted with the match. He was very pleased that Darcy had chosen to marry for affection, as he believed his own choices to be a bit more limited by monetary concerns and he had always feared that Darcy would marry solely for considerations of fortune and connections. He stated that he was already disposed to like Miss Elizabeth very much based upon Darcy's description of her and he was most eager to make her acquaintance.
Mr. Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was not at all pleased with the match, and was the only one who expressly refused to give Darcy her blessing. This, of course, was in consequence of her desire that Darcy marry her daughter, Anne. Lady Catherine's letter to Darcy consisted of a vehement exposition on his duty to his family, the breach of honor that he had perpetrated by entering into such an engagement, a reminder of his mother's wishes, and her daughter's disappoint over the match. Her letter also contained some allusions to her assessment of Miss Elizabeth Bennet's motivations, but its primary focus was on Darcy, his family, and Miss de Bourgh. Having never met Elizabeth and thinking very little of her, Lady Catherine was not so abusive of her as to cause Darcy to disconnect himself from his aunt altogether. In fact, he had anticipated her response, and he hoped that by making his usual visit to her home at Easter, she would see that he wished to continue their good relations, and he hoped to reconcile her to his choice at that time. Likewise, Lady Catherine was eager for her nephew to visit in the hopes of persuading him to break this ill-advised engagement.
After Mrs. Bennet's approval of the triple wedding was finally granted, there was little to do but fix a date for the grand affair and begin the planning of it. Thus, a date in the first week in May was fixed on. Mr. Bennet had judged it wise to refrain from asking one of his daughters to accompany their mother to Hunsford until after the matter of their own weddings was decided. Indeed, he found them much more amenable after it was all settled than he might have during the preceding days while their mother's nerves had been so adversely affected by the proposed scheme. He also had some difficulty deciding which of his daughters to send on this grand adventure. At last, he recalled that Mr. Collins' noble patroness was related to Mr. Darcy, and he decided that Elizabeth would benefit more from having the honor of making that noble Lady's acquaintance. Having decided this much, he summoned her into his library.
"Elizabeth, as you know your mother plans to impose upon the Collinses so soon after their marriage as April. I have decided to allow her to go but I wish for you to accompany her. I believe I will gain a much more accurate report of Mary's situation if you have witnessed her domestic felicity. I also believe it wise to have someone with sense about your mother when she becomes acquainted with your future relations at Rosings. It will also behoove you to have the earliest opportunity of making the acquaintance of the right honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, though I do not believe she will take kindly to the constant reminder that her nephew has chosen the sister of her parson's bride!"
Elizabeth sighed, she did not wish to leave Mr. Darcy, and she thought it ironic that she should be in company with his aunt while he was at Netherfield. But she could see that her father was determined, and she also wished to see how her sister would be getting on in her new home. Ignoring her father's closing remarks, she agreed to the plan readily, and it did not occur to her until some time later to wonder whether Darcy could possibly plan to visit his aunt around the same time.
It was the following day, during a walk in a private part of the garden, that Darcy decided to tell Elizabeth about his plans to leave Hertfordshire for part of their engagement, and about his family's reaction to his engagement. Hesitant to bring up Lady Catherine's disapproval of his choice, and eager for Elizabeth to know that he would soon have the opportunity to change his aunt's mind he began by saying, "Elizabeth, I will be leaving Netherfield for some time this spring. I must go to Pemberley and then to Rosings to visit my aunt, Lady Catherine, as I do every year, for Easter."
Elizabeth was visibly disappointed when Mr. Darcy began this speech, but her countenance brightened when he came to the end of it. He noticed her smile and said, "are you happy that I shall be going away?"
"Not at all. It is just that my father asked me to go to Hunsford with my mother over Easter. We will see each other in Kent."
Darcy's countenance betrayed the disturbance of his thoughts. "Elizabeth," he replied, "I must tell you that I have received a letter from my Aunt Catherine in response to the announcement of my engagement. She was not pleased, she wished for me to marry her daughter, and she refused to give her blessing."
"Then I am glad you will be there when I meet her."
He touched her cheek and said, "perhaps it is for the best. I do believe that becoming acquainted with you is just the thing she needs to reconcile herself to the match. Once she knows you, she will not be able to help but love you."
Elizabeth smiled and averted her gaze, "and what of your other relatives?"
"My uncle and aunt Fitzwilliam have both given their blessings. My cousins, also, have said they are happy for me. You will meet the younger of the two, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in Kent as well. He accompanies me there each year."
"I look forward to it," she replied.
Activities far more pleasant than talking ensued between the two before they returned to the house.
Mary's wedding was accomplished in late February, and the happy couple left for Hunsford immediately following a brief wedding breakfast. The Darcys removed from Netherfield in mid-March; and within a fortnight, Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth departed for Kent, spending one night in town with the Gardiners before being welcomed at Hunsford parsonage.
Darcy arrived at Rosings the day before Elizabeth's arrival at Hunsford. He was greeted coolly by his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who, having learned from the Collinses that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was to arrive on the morrow, was most seriously displeased that said young lady would make such an attempt to insinuate herself into Darcy's family by coming here, particularly during Darcy's visit to Rosings.
Darcy explained to his aunt that she was visiting her sister and that the timing of their visits was, in his opinion, fortuitous, as he would have the opportunity of presenting his future bride to his relations at Rosings.
Her reply was characteristic, "let me be rightly understood, Nephew, this match to which this young lady has the presumption to aspire shall not occur. I have not lost hope that you will be made to see reason. I refuse to give my blessing and you shall not marry without it."
"Aunt Catherine, I too must be understood, I do not wish to marry without your blessing," Lady Catherine smiled in triumph, "but I assure you that I will, without hesitation, if you persist in your refusal to give it. I have already received the sanction of my uncle, the Earl of ____, and the head of this family. But believe me when I tell you that I would have married her without the approval of any of my family if I had to. Miss Bennet and I will be wed."
Lady Catherine was shocked by this speech, "I have never been suffered to bear such insolence! You would discard your duty to your family, to Anne, and dishonor your mother's own wishes for such a one as this Miss Elizabeth? Do you think me a fool, Darcy? I know what has happened here, you have been drawn in by her arts and allurements."
"Tread carefully, Aunt," he warned, "you speak of my future wife."
"That is not yet a certainty."
"But it is, I have entered into an engagement with her, I have sought and received her father's consent, it has been formally announced, and all the terms have been decided; there is naught left to do but publish the banns." Then he tried a different tactic, "you speak of honor, Aunt, would it not be a breach of honor for me to cast off this engagement now, after all this has been done?"
"And what of your breach of honor to Anne?"
"I was never engaged to Anne."
"Not formally, but you knew it was expected of you. You knew it was your mother's dearest wish, as well as hers. You knew that we planned the union while you were in your cradles. Yet you have disregarded all of this and you speak of honor. Perhaps you feel bound by honor to keep this engagement, but you have made an error in judgment Darcy, and it is your place to correct it, for your sake as well as Miss Bennet's."
"For her sake?"
"Yes, she would do better not to quit the sphere in which she has been brought up."
"I am a gentleman, she is a gentleman's daughter, so far we are equal."
"But who is her mother? Who are her uncles and aunts? Do you think me ignorant of their condition simply because you did not disclose it? I have learned all about this girl from Mr. Collins."
"Oh yes, Mr. Collins, he is a veritable fountain of knowledge and information. One would think that his own recent connection to her family would cause him to speak more judiciously of them, but perhaps he is a bit short-sighted. Has it not occurred to you Aunt, that Mr. Collins had reason to speak bitterly of my future bride?"
"If she'd had any sense, she would have accepted him."
Darcy was astonished by the revelation that Mr. Collins had made his rejection known to Lady Catherine.
"Mr. Collins' account cannot be trusted."
"Do you deny then, that she has an uncle who is an attorney in the village near her home, and another who is in trade and lives in Cheapside?"
"I have no wish to deny it."
"The gentility, as you call it, of her family will not endure. Even her father's estate is entailed to Mr. Collins."
"And her sister is Mr. Collins' wife. Her other sister is to be the wife of Mr. Bingley. Three of Mr. Bennet's daughters will be married to gentlemen, I believe the gentility of his bloodline will certainly endure. But these arguments are futile. None of this matters. I will marry her and that is an end of it."
"Marrying a respectable gentleman will not change who she is: a young woman without family, connections or fortune. Her manners, by all reports, are coarse and ill-bred."
"All reports by Mr. Collins, a man who has been disappointed by her? There was a time, I can assure you, when he spoke quite highly of her. And, I wonder, if he now thinks her so ill-bred that he would have chosen her sister, who is quite of the same breeding, for his own wife."
"Mr. Collins knows his place, surely he can marry into such a family. And his wife, I understand, is very different from her sister. Mrs. Collins is well mannered and well studied. She is a bit preachy, but she is learning to pay deference where it is owed. That you would choose your wife from the same source as his is an abomination."
"It is commendable that Mrs. Collins is devoted to keeping her vow of obedience to her husband. Although I believe if a woman makes such a vow she should first assure that the man she intends to obey is one of sense and education. Miss Elizabeth has shown a remarkable degree of intelligence in making just such a choice."
"She may be intelligent, she obviously was clever enough to capture you, but that does not change who and what she is."
"You are perfectly right. She is a lovely, charming young lady, and I am confident that once you meet her you will like her."
"Even if I could like her, Darcy, I will never approve of your marriage to her."
"Then I regret that I shall have to marry without your approval," replied Darcy, before leaving the room abruptly.
Dinner was an uncomfortable affair that evening. Lady Catherine was still displeased by their prior conversation. She had expected to use these weeks during Darcy's visit to work on him with the result of convincing him to break his engagement. But she now understood that she would not be able to do that with the young lady herself, at the parsonage. Miss Bennet had spoiled her plans. The girl must be a manipulative shrew to have orchestrated a visit to her sister's home while Darcy was at Rosings. As Lady Catherine was meditating on how she could best go about convincing Darcy of his error while the girl resided in such close proximity, the gentleman in question addressed his cousin, "Fitzwilliam, I intend to call at the parsonage tomorrow afternoon. I believe Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bennet will be arriving by midday. Will you join me?"
"No, he will most certainly not join you. And I see no reason for you to be running over there on the very day of her arrival. She should await an invitation to see you here."
The gentlemen exchanged glances that expressed their mutual understanding that if Darcy waited to see Elizabeth until his aunt extended her an invitation, he would never see her during her stay at Hunsford.
"To the contrary Aunt," said Fitzwilliam, with a smirk, "I think the proper etiquette is for us to pay a welcoming call to our neighbors' guests." While his aunt glared at him for daring to instruct her on proper etiquette, he looked at Darcy and said, before his aunt had a chance to give verbal expression to her disapproval, "yes, I will join you. I have desired to meet your Miss Bennet ever since I received your letter announcing your engagement." Then turning to Miss de Bourgh, he said, "would you like to join us, Anne."
"Anne will not join you," said Lady Catherine. "I will not have her exposed to further disappointment by watching her cousin fawn over this inferior Miss Bennet"
Anne turned red and looked steadily into her lap. Darcy said nothing for the rest of the meal, and only stayed with the ladies a quarter hour after tea, before retiring to his rooms for the evening.
Elizabeth was relieved to see Darcy at Hunsford cottage on the very day of her arrival there. He brought his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, with him. Elizabeth liked the colonel and got on very well with him. Mrs. Bennet, of course, appraised him as a possible match for one of her remaining two daughters, and was soon extolling the virtues of Kitty and Lydia.
"Oh, I knew I should have brought my younger girls with me on this visit. I did not see any reason why Elizabeth should come. She would have been quite content to remain at Longbourn and prepare for her wedding with Jane. And goodness knows she will be visiting at Rosings itself often enough after she is married. Kitty and Lydia were in need of some diversion, though, and they would have very much liked to meet you, I am sure, for they do delight in the company of officers. Mr. Bennet would not allow them to accompany me, though I do not understand why. Well, to own the truth, they did not wish to leave the neighborhood and the company of their friends, particularly the officers, but I am sure they would have liked to make your acquaintance sir."
"Thank you Madame, I am sure they are delightful girls."
"Oh indeed, they are such dear girls and both of them quite pretty. I know they are my own daughters, but I only speak what has been told to me by everyone. Do not you agree, Mr. Darcy, that Lydia and Kitty are very pretty?"
"Indeed they are Mrs. Bennet," said Darcy.
"Your friend Mr. Wickham was quite taken with them, I believe, before he settled for Charlotte Lucas. Are you acquainted with Mr. Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
"Yes I am. I understand he has found a bride in Hertfordshire as well."
"He is to marry our neighbor, Miss Lucas. And Mr. Bingley is to marry my dear Jane."
Fitzwilliam chuckled, "first Mr. Collins, then Bingley, Wickham and even my own cousin, Hertfordshire certainly seems the place to get a bride, Mrs. Bennet," he said playfully.
"Oh yes, you must come for a visit. I am sure we can find a nice young lady for you as well," she returned in the same teasing manner.
Mrs. Bennet then went on to discuss in detail her plans for the upcoming triple wedding. Thus, while Colonel Fitzwilliam was left to be entertained by Mrs. Bennet and the Collinses, Darcy and Elizabeth walked into the garden where he informed her of his conversation with his aunt the day before. Elizabeth was sad that she had been the cause of any discord within his family. Darcy reassured her that she was not the cause of it, and it was all due to his aunt's desire that he marry Anne. The gentlemen returned to Rosings in time for dinner, after making a promise to call at the parsonage again on the following day.
The next few days were strained at Rosings. Each morning, Darcy asked his aunt whether they were expecting guests that day, and she invariably responded that Anne's health was not equal to receiving visitors. Darcy and Elizabeth saw one another every day, sometimes at the parsonage and sometimes out walking through the grounds of the park. Usually Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied his cousin. He and Elizabeth became fast friends during this time, and after every meeting with her, the colonel reaffirmed his approval of Darcy's choice. This continued reassurance by his cousin gave Darcy some fortification against his aunt's continued disapprobation. The lovers also often found moments to be alone together. Darcy used this time to apprize Elizabeth of the state of things at Rosings, as well as for the purpose of engaging in other, more pleasant, pursuits. Elizabeth found comfort in Darcy's continued expressions of affection for her. She had feared that his aunt's vehement refusal to give her consent to the engagement might shake his conviction in his choice, but it only seemed to strengthen it.
At the parsonage, Mrs. Bennet was growing puzzled and concerned by the lack of attention of her ladyship. Mary had said that they had been favored with invitations to tea or dinner at least twice a week since her marriage. Yet, there had been no invitation forthcoming since the Bennets had arrived at Hunsford. Mr. Collins was, of course, well aware of the reason for the lack of invitations; and although, he was disappointed to lose the opportunity to boast of Lady Catherine's attentiveness towards himself, he could not help but approve her ladyship's course of action. He walked to Rosings to wait on Lady Catherine and her daughter nearly everyday, should they be in need of spiritual guidance. Lady Catherine gleaned much information as to the goings on at the parsonage from Mr. Collins on these occasions, including the details of the calls made by her nephews and the doings of a certain young lady in residence there.
As the end of the first week of their visit arrived, Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bennet were finally able to cast their eyes upon her ladyship at church on Good Friday. Mr. Darcy sat with his aunt, and dutifully attended the lengthy sermon, but as soon as it was over he would not lose the opportunity to introduce Elizabeth and her mother to his aunt, whether the latter liked it or not. The introduction was made, with Lady Catherine scarcely inclining her head to acknowledge the two ladies and then quickly scurrying with Anne into their carriage. She waited a moment before giving the order to drive, looking expectantly at her nephews. When they both communicated their intent to walk back to Rosings, she drove off most seriously displeased. Mrs. Bennet did not know what to make of the encounter. As she and Lady Catherine were soon to be relatives, she could not take the Lady's behavior as any kind of personal slight, so she decided that there must be some very good reason that Lady Catherine had to go home quickly. Mrs. Bennet was aware that Miss de Bourgh was of a sickly constitution and reasoned that the girl must not have been well today.
On Saturday, Lady Catherine was vexing herself by ruminating further over her disappointment with Darcy's choice of wife. She could not, however, resign herself to the match and persisted in her resolve to change his mind. Then it occurred to her suddenly that perhaps it was not his mind that required changing. He had spoken of honor. Certainly, as a gentleman, he could not break an engagement. But the lady certainly could do so. Keenly aware as she was of what an excellent match the marriage would be for the young woman in question, she knew it would not be easy to persuade her to renounce the engagement. Yet, her nephew was immoveable and her choices were few. Perhaps Miss Bennet could be made to see reason, to understand that it was within Lady Catherine's power to make her life miserable if she married Darcy. Lady Catherine knew the details of Miss Elizabeth's upbringing from her inquisition of Mrs. Collins on her first visit to Rosings. Miss Elizabeth was a simple, uneducated girl who would be easy to intimidate. To succeed in her plan she would first have to get to know Miss Elizabeth Bennet a little better. So it was, that the following morning, after church, Lady Catherine, to the amazement of her nephews, invited the Collinses and the Bennets to tea that evening.
Mr. Collins presented such a mixture of pride and humility in response to being thus noticed that Elizabeth could not contain her amusement. He was humble enough to acknowledge the beneficent condescension and affability shown by Lady Catherine in extending the much awaited invitation. And in his eyes, that she would do so in spite of Elizabeth's presumption in becoming engaged to her nephew showed a quality of mercy and goodwill that was not commonly seen. He was at the same time boastful of his own worth in meriting such notice, and in his own mind his sense of worth was augmented by the fact that he was the recipient of her ladyship's kind invitation while harboring a treacherous, mercenary vixen as a resident in his own home.
After listening to her cousin's reminders of the kindness being extended to them by Lady Catherine and his tips on how she should comport herself at tea, for most of the day, Elizabeth could no longer tolerate his nonsense. She walked out and was happy to meet Darcy in the lane on his way to call on her. When she described her cousin's constant effusive discourse on the upcoming evening, he listened with a sympathetic ear. He then told her the purpose of his intended call.
"I was afraid you had been misled to believe that this invitation means that my aunt has changed her mind about our engagement. I do not know why she has finally invited you and your mother to tea, but she has not given us her blessing."
"Perhaps she has changed her mind, but only wished to tell you this evening with me present."
"I am afraid not, Elizabeth. You must be prepared for her disapprobation. If you do not wish to go, I will understand."
"Of course I will go. Perhaps I can make a favorable impression on her."
He touched her cheek, "I can scarcely conceive that anyone could ever have an unfavorable impression of you, my love, but I believe your hope for this evening is in vain."
"Well, I shall do my best."
"I appreciate it, my dear. I am pleased that you are not so easily intimidated."
"I must face her sometime, Fitzwilliam, and with your support I know I will not falter no matter what happens."
"That you shall have," he vowed before kissing her briefly and walking her back to the parsonage. After a short visit there, he returned to Rosings.
Elizabeth approached the great house with no small amount of trepidation, though her anxiety had nothing to do with her cousin's admonitions. But for her engagement she might have approached this meeting with a much lighter heart, and with an anticipation of cataloguing the many follies she was sure to encounter. As it was, however, she did not wish to disgrace her future husband or widen the breach that had occurred in his relationship with his aunt as a result of his engagement to her.
Mrs. Bennet was also anxious. She had never been in a place so grand, and was equally in awe of the house and its mistress. Elizabeth hoped that such a circumstance might serve to check the vulgarity of her manner.
They were shown into the drawing room where they were presented in turn first to her ladyship then to Miss de Bourgh. The gentlemen greeted them less formally, and Darcy immediately directed Elizabeth to sit next to him and near his aunt. Colonel Fitzwilliam began a quite conversation with Anne, while Darcy, unwilling to wait for her ladyship to begin a conversation, made civil inquiries of Mrs. Bennet and the Collinses. Meanwhile Lady Catherine meditated on how best to begin to work on Miss Elizabeth. Then, she noticed how Mrs. Bennet marveled at her surroundings, though she had not spoken.
Mr. Collins had described Mrs. Bennet as talkative, yet now she was quiet, out of deference and awe for Lady Catherine's person. She was the daughter of a village attorney, perhaps she could be made to see the disparity in the match better than her daughter could. She was obviously not possessed of great intelligence, which would make her easy to manipulate and intimidate. Yet, it would be no easy task to convince Mrs. Bennet that her daughter should not enter into this marriage, particularly when all the benefit in the match was on her daughter's side. And, even if she could be persuaded, how useful would that be in ultimately swaying her daughter? Miss Elizabeth had defied her mother's wishes when Mrs. Bennet had insisted that she marry Mr. Collins, there was no reason for her to listen to her mother now, should she ask her to break her engagement to Mr. Darcy. Nevertheless, Lady Catherine resolved that she would test the waters with the mother first, then move on to the daughter.
"Mrs. Bennet," began Lady Catherine, regally when Darcy paused in his speech, "I understand that you have five daughters."
"Quite so, Lady Catherine."
"And, I understand that your husband's estate is entailed upon Mr. Collins."
Mr. Collins bowed in silent deference to Lady Catherine for having bestowed upon him the great favor of mentioning his humble name.
"Yes, a most unfortunate circumstance to be sure," replied Mrs. Bennet, becoming more easy, "particularly after we despaired of having any sons. But thankfully, that is all resolved most happily now," she finished nodding towards Mary.
"You should be grateful that Mr. Collins was kind enough to choose a wife from among your daughters."
Another grateful nod was dutifully bestowed by the vicar, who looked as if he was about to speak but was foreclosed by his mother in law.
"Oh yes, I was delighted to learn that his purpose in visiting us last fall was to take one of my girls away with him. I could not be more pleased that Mary has done so well for herself, and will succeed me as mistress of Longbourn. I certainly did not expect her, of all my daughters, to be the first to marry, but, I dare say they are all of them good girls and Mr. Collins has made a happy match as well."
There was no nod of deference for Mrs. Bennet from her son in law to mark his reception of this civil observation.
"Oh yes, your Mrs. Collins is a very good girl. She has done her duty by her family," here she paused to glare at Darcy, "and you must appreciate her all the more for it." Elizabeth then glanced at Mary, who simply sat placidly by as if the weather was being spoken of rather than her marriage. Lady Catherine continued without pause, "I know how satisfying it is to have an obedient daughter. My Anne is dedicated to honoring her family whenever possible. I can only imagine how wretched it must be to have a child who is selfish and disobedient," finished she, giving Elizabeth a pointed look.
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged a worried glance. Under any other circumstances they might find this dialogue humorous. In spite of the hostile turn the conversation was taking, however, neither was inclined at present to attempt to come between the two women, perhaps out of curiosity and perhaps out of an understanding that neither woman could be reasoned with.
"Ah yes, but children do make mistakes, my dear Lady Catherine, and must be forgiven. Particularly when things work out so well in the end."
"I always believe that a good governess is crucial to raising obedient and dutiful daughters. I understand that you did not deem it necessary to employ one, it is quite a shame," as this was said she glanced again at Elizabeth, "good young girls are often ruined by the neglect of their parents in providing adequate instruction. My dear Anne had the most delightful governess, a Miss Eyre, who came to me with the highest of recommendations. And, of course, she has had only the best masters in every endeavor she has undertaken. Sadly, her ill health has prevented her from excelling at music or drawing, but she would be quite proficient in even the most demanding accomplishments had her health allowed it."
"I am sure she would be, but I found that my girls did quite well without the benefit of a governess. The masters that passed through Meryton from time to time taught them to play and sing and dance quite well enough, as it turns out. My eldest three have already done very well for themselves, and I have no reason to expect anything less for my younger two daughters with such connections as they will soon have," as she said this, she glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam. "So, in the end, I am pleased that I did not waste good money on a governess or on any special masters. It is indeed a pleasure to have daughters with such beauty and natural charm that accomplishments are scarcely needed for getting them well married," finished Mrs. Bennet smugly.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and drew in her breath. For his part Darcy, though acknowledging the lack of manners displayed by both ladies, could not help but be cognizant that it was his aunt who had undertaken the offensive. Darcy's eyes then met Elizabeth's and they shared a look of incredulity at this apparent competition in ill-breeding between his aunt and her mother. Yet, Elizabeth could not help feeling some pride in her mother's ability to meet Lady Catherine blow for blow, though she doubted Mrs. Bennet had any idea of her ladyship's malicious intent.
"I understand that all of your daughters are out, Mrs. Bennet, and that they have all been out for quite some time, before even Mrs. Collins was engaged. I must say that I was surprised when Mrs. Collins informed me that you had five girls all out at once, and the youngest only fifteen years old. I believe it is prudent to have the elder girls married before allowing the younger ones to enter society. That is how things are done in the most upper circles."
"I can understand why you would be of that mind, having only one daughter. But as the mother of five, I believe I can speak with some authority on the subject. To deprive the younger girls of their fair share of amusement and company simply because the elder ones have not yet got themselves husbands is a cruelty I would not wish to inflict on my girls. I would not have their beauty wasted on the four walls of Longbourn's parlor. After all," she added suggestively, "how would they find husbands if they were never allowed out?"
"Thankfully, some young ladies have no need to dangle for husbands."
"And it is a good thing for a girl to have an independent fortune, particularly if she is not graced with natural beauty and a sweet temperament."
Elizabeth quickly looked to Anne, her face burning with shame, but thankfully she was engrossed with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary, who had joined them across the room. The trio did not seem to be following the conversation between Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet at all. Elizabeth's usual inclination to quietly scold her mother or appeal to her sense of propriety at moments like this was tempered by her greater unwillingness to give Lady Catherine the satisfaction of seeing Elizabeth publicly reprimand her mother's behavior. They two women had not yet descended to a level of direct incivility, after all, and Darcy seemed to have as little inclination to intervene as herself.
It was evident that Mrs. Bennet had made an enemy of Lady Catherine with her last remark, but, the latter seemed determined that her discomposure would not show. "Mrs. Bennet, I do not expect you to understand the importance that the higher levels of society place upon preserving their family's wealth and dignity by making advantageous alliances. Beauty and disposition have little to do with it."
"Apparently they have everything to do with it," replied Mrs. Bennet, glancing triumphantly at Elizabeth and Darcy. It was at this point that Elizabeth began to doubt whether her mother was truly oblivious to Lady Catherine's thinly veiled insults.
Lady Catherine would not be outdone. "Perhaps, from time to time, there are those who make poor choices, but unless such choices are rectified, they risk losing the notice and attention of their valued connections. Defiance must have its price, Mrs. Bennet."
"Ah well, Lady Catherine, in the end, we must let the young people have their way, or I dare say they would refuse to take care of us in our old age," Mrs. Bennet laughed lightly, "Elizabeth defied me once and it seems that she certainly knew what she was about then."
"Of that, I have no doubt, Mrs. Bennet."
At this time, Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke up, "have you finally agreed on something then?" he asked jovially. Then turning to Elizabeth, he said, "did you not promise to play for me some time ago, Miss Bennet? I long for some music. I will turn your pages if you will oblige me."
Elizabeth happily moved to the instrument, hoping that some music would put an end to all conversation. Colonel Fitzwilliam seated himself next to Elizabeth, while Darcy remained near the two older women. "He appears as though he is intent upon keeping the peace. Does he not, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
The colonel laughed at her characterization as he picked a song for her to play. "He does indeed, Miss Bennet. To own the truth, I was surprised that the two of you let them go on for so long."
With that, she began to play the song he had chosen. Lady Catherine listened to half of it and then talked to Mr. and Mrs. Collins throughout the remainder of the performance. When Elizabeth was finished, Lady Catherine saw that she and her nephew were talking quietly together. It was time to begin with the daughter. "What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What are you talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is," she called to them.
"We are speaking of music, madam," said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply.
"Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. It I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?" The last was said in an apparent attempt to contrast her niece's superior playing with Elizabeth's mediocre performance.
Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister' s proficiency and then added a compliment for Elizabeth's playing.
"I am very glad to hear such a good account of Georgiana," said Lady Catherine; "and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel if she does not practice a great deal."
"I assure you madam," he replied, "that she does not need such advice. She practices very constantly."
"So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies that no excellence in music is to be acquired without constant practice. Miss Bennet, for example, will never play really well unless she practices more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome to come to Rosings and practice on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way in that part of the house. Mrs. Collins practices there quite often while her husband is in conference with me regarding his sermons."
Mr. Collins gaped in astonishment at his esteemed patroness following her delivery of this most undeserved stroke of civility.
"We are quite indebted to you, I am sure Lady Catherine, for I know how much Mrs. Collins enjoys playing," said Mrs. Bennet, "but it does not signify now what level of excellence Lizzy achieves in her playing. I am sure she will have little time for such pursuits as mistress of Pemberley."
"Mr. Darcy is very fond of music Mrs. Bennet," said Colonel Fitzwilliam mischievously. Both Elizabeth and Darcy stared at him for adding fuel to the fire, and apparently enjoying it.
"Then it is quite lucky for him, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that his sister is so proficient," replied Mrs. Bennet sweetly.
"Proficiency aside, I would be greatly surprised if he did not take at least equal pleasure in Miss Bennet's playing."
Darcy took his cousin's cue and said, "I cannot deny it Fitzwilliam, I take great pleasure in listening to Miss Bennet play. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing her can think anything wanting." As he finished, he looked to his aunt, almost challenging her to contradict him.
Mrs. Bennet smiled her approbation while Lady Catherine's look turned sour.
Elizabeth relinquished the instrument to her sister and sat down again next to Mr. Darcy, while Colonel Fitzwilliam remained to turn the pages for Mary. Lady Catherine attempted to engage Elizabeth in further conversation, and while Elizabeth responded civilly, she would not be provoked; instead, she diffused each of Lady Catherine's intended affronts until Darcy was able to turn the conversation to a neutral topic and maintain it. On any subject, however, Lady Catherine offered her advice and instruction liberally.
The remainder of the evening was spent thus, until her ladyship's carriage as ready to take them all home. As soon as they were alone in the carriage, Mrs. Bennet began to say what a lovely evening she had passed, and what delightful company Lady Catherine had been. Meanwhile, Lady Catherine had begun abusing Mrs. Bennet as soon as she had left the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy removed themselves from her company, to play billiards until bedtime. It had been a very long evening.
The following morning, Elizabeth intended to go into Hunsford Village with her mother and sister, so Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam spent the morning riding through their aunt's extensive property. They ended their ride at the parsonage, and by the time they approached it Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Collins had returned from the village and, leaving Mrs. Bennet at home, Elizabeth had gone out for her daily walk while the Collinses made some calls. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam overtook her on her way back to the parsonage, and upon discerning her in the road, they had dismounted and joined her walking. They discussed the previous evening and each described their matriarch's reaction to it. Surprisingly, both ladies were reportedly in good spirits that morning, and had not mentioned the previous evening at all.
When they arrived at the parsonage, the three walked in together; and upon entering the drawing room, they were shocked to see Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet enjoying tea while talking and laughing together amiably, as if they had been life long friends. The former had come just before the Collinses had set out, with the intent of continuing her efforts from the previous evening. Thus, she insisted that she would not detain the Collinses from their outing and had come to call upon Mrs. Bennet with whom she would be satisfied to visit over a cup of tea.
When Elizabeth and Darcy saw the two ladies, they exchanged a worried glance while Colonel Fitzwilliam suppressed a chuckle and all three eyed the elder women warily. "Ah, there are my wayward nephews," said Lady Catherine. Then looking at the two young men she said, "and what have the two of you to say for yourselves, abandoning me before dawn to seek companionship elsewhere?" She emphasized the word elsewhere, and gave a less than subtle sideways glance towards Mrs. Bennet who was refilling both their tea cups.
Before either man could reply, Mrs. Bennet said, "oh Catherine, do leave the young people be. Will you and the gentlemen be joining us for tea, Lizzy?" As she asked the question, the last drop of tea fell from the tea pot into Lady Catherine's cup. "Would you look at that, Catherine, we've gone and run out again. Do ring the bell, Lizzy, we'll need more tea."
"Oh yes, Fanny, more tea would be just the thing," added Lady Catherine, then turning to Elizabeth she said, "and do ask for some more of those delicious cakes as well. I am afraid we have quite run out." She held up the empty plate as if to prove there were no more cakes, while she winked at Mrs. Bennet, and the two laughed lightly.
Neither Lizzy, nor Darcy, nor Colonel Fitzwilliam knew what to make of the scene before them. Lizzy rang the bell as she was told, and when the maid appeared she ordered her to bring another pot of tea for the ladies and another plate of cakes. The maid took away the tea pot and plate and returned with them refilled as well as a second tray of tea things for Elizabeth and the gentlemen who had, by now, found seats.
"That Sofie is a good girl to bring a separate pot of tea for them," said Lady Catherine as she waived her hand towards the young people, "I recommended her to Mrs. Collins myself, chosen from the very kitchen staff at Rosings, and she has been an absolute treasure. Mrs. Collins has thanked me for her more than once."
"Oh, yes, what a dear thing she was to think of it, two pots of tea, a happy thought indeed," chimed in Mrs. Bennet, "I confess I was rather vexed when they," a glance at the young people, "arrived, by the idea that we would have to share ours." The two ladies giggled.
"Indeed," added her companion, "I have never had better tea than this. I see Mrs. Collins must have taken my advice. I am very particular about the type of tea I would have her buy, and she must store it just so, to preserve the flavor. I am so pleased that I was able to assist her in the arrangement of her cupboards."
Meanwhile Elizabeth had poured out the tea for herself and the two gentlemen, giving them something to do at least, while they continued to witness the spectacle before them.
"You are such an attentive neighbor, Catherine," said Mrs. Bennet, "Mrs. Collins has told me so in every one of her letters, I am sure. If only I had such a neighbor. But alas, I must contend with those artful Lucases."
Lady Catherine put her hand over Mrs. Bennet's in a gesture of sympathy, "I can scarcely believe the way their eldest daughter stole that lovely Mr. Wickham right from under your nose. Though he was only the son of my brother's steward, I always remember him being a dear boy and quite a friend of Darcy's. I could never approve of their connection, of course, but I dare say he would have done very well for one of your girls; and if I had been in your place he would not have been lost to them, for I would not have allowed it. I dare say I know just how you feel. The very young man I had in mind for my Anne was stolen from me as well, and he was my own nephew. Really, Fanny, you should not feel so slighted, Mr. Wickham had no obligation of loyalty to you."
Elizabeth and Darcy shared a look of alarm, but all three of the young people were so transfixed by the scene unfolding before them that they were speechless, though Colonel Fitzwilliam's inclination was tending towards laughter.
"Ah well, there is nothing to be done for it, I suppose. At least we can commiserate together. And though your loss has been my gain, I understand how you must feel." This time it was Mrs. Bennet who gave Lady Catherine a sympathetic pat.
Then Lady Catherine looked at Mrs. Bennet strangely and said, "good lord, my dear, I nearly forgot that it was your daughter who stole him from me!"
There was a moment of suspense, in which the mood of the room seemed to stand on the edge of a knife. Elizabeth and Darcy held their breath. Then, Mrs. Bennet said, "my dear Catherine, I do believe you have had too much tea," and both women broke out in laughter again.
Just then Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy exchanged a glance as if both had just had a revelation.
They both moved to get up simultaneously as Mrs. Bennet went on to say, "but you must tell me now whether you have set your cap on your other nephew," glancing at the colonel, "for your dear Anne. I promise that if you have I will not introduce him to my other two girls." Colonel Fitzwilliam froze in his place, stalling the progress the gentlemen had been making towards the elder ladies.
The gentlemen stood still, awaiting Lady Catherine's pronouncement of Colonel Fitzwilliam's fate. "Good heavens, Fanny, will you never be satisfied? I dare say your past accomplishments have given your ambitions an air of greatness! But it is one thing when there is fortune on at least one side, as in Darcy's case. Fitzwilliam's situation is a different matter entirely. He is only a second son and, I fear, your daughters would not do for him. As for Anne, I still have reason to hope that she will make a more fortunate alliance." Both gentlemen were now gaping at their aunt, who ignored them.
"Perhaps a season in town would be just the thing for getting her well married, then," suggested Mrs. Bennet. "I dare say she would do very well next winter under the chaperonage of Mrs. Darcy. And, it is the least Lizzy can do for Anne after depriving her of Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth blushed heavily.
"Oh yes, your Miss Elizabeth is certainly indebted to Anne, and she has proven her ability to catch a wealthy husband. While I am sure she would be happy to impart that knowledge to my daughter, though, Anne has a fortune of her own as sufficient inducement, and has no use for such arts."
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth who seemed a little discomposed by the discussion, and resumed his seat next to her to give her some comfort. Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to awaken from the shock occasioned by the recent discussion of his prospects, now that he was no longer being talked of; and, seeing Darcy preoccupied, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Remembering his purpose, he resumed moving towards the ladies, with his usual deliberation, but was forestalled by the entrance of the Collinses.
Upon entering the drawing room, Mary immediately greeted the two ladies, and did not seem the least bit surprised by their behavior. She asked how they had enjoyed their visit and whether the tea had been to their liking.
When their raptures over the visit and the tea and the cakes and Sofie's conscientious service were at an end, Mr. Collins took over the conversation and Elizabeth took Mary aside and said, "do you not think Mama and Lady Catherine are behaving oddly, Mary?"
"Not at all, Elizabeth, I am pleased to see them getting along so well."
"And do you have any notion of what may be responsible for the transformation in both of them from their behavior towards one another last night?"
"Perhaps it is due to the special care Sofie has taken in preparing their tea."
"What special care, Mary?" asked Lizzy impatiently
"Why Lizzy, I instructed her to put a nip of brandy in it, that is all."
Elizabeth was aghast, "Mary, how could you?"
"They were in need of something to put them at ease with one another. I dare say the effect has been good. Do not you see how well they are getting on?"
"Whatever made you think of such a thing Mary?"
"I learned soon after I married that a bit of brandy helps put me at ease when my husband desires my company in the evenings."
Elizabeth shuddered at the thought. She turned away from Mary and, seeing Sofie in the hall, asked her how many pots of tea the ladies had consumed.
"That is the fourth, ma'am," she said as she nodded towards Lady Catherine who was emptying the tea pot into Mrs. Bennet's cup.
Sofie moved to walk towards them when she heard Mrs. Bennet say something about ringing for more, but Elizabeth stopped her, "I think they have had quite enough of your special tea, Sofie."
Mary and Elizabeth returned to the drawing room to witness Colonel Fitzwilliam sniffing the tea pot suspiciously and then giving Darcy a knowing look. Elizabeth confirmed Darcy's suspicions by whispering to him, "Mary told Sofie to put brandy in their tea."
"So we've discovered," said Darcy dryly, "I can say, I have never been more impressed with your sister than at this moment."
The two elder ladies saw Darcy and Elizabeth whispering together and Mrs. Bennet called out to them, "Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, of what are you talking? I must have my share in the conversation."
"Pay them no mind Fanny," said Lady Catherine, "for they are surely talking in secret about us, but we care not."
Before Mrs. Bennet could reply, the gentlemen began to suggest that they accompany their aunt back to Rosings, and both ladies responded by lamenting their impending separation. They scrupled not in maligning the young people for intruding on their delightful visit and forcing them apart. The scene ended with Lady Catherine extending an invitation to her dear friend for dinner and once it was accepted, adding, "the others may come also, if they will," with a dismissive waive of her hand in their direction. Then with many fond expressions, flutterings of handkerchiefs, and affectionate handshakes between the two ladies, to mark the forthcoming separation of a most lengthy three hours, the Rosings party left the parsonage.
Darcy returned to the parsonage alone about a half hour after they had departed. He reported that his aunt had decided to take a nap before dinner and Elizabeth stated that her mother was doing the same. As they walked in the garden, they expressed their concern that the ladies' good rapport might not survive once the brandy had worn off. Neither looked forward to the evening with any hope of pleasure, and both had every expectation that the bitterness of the previous evening would resurface between the ladies.
To the surprise of everyone, except Mary, the ladies greeted one another with the same affectionate cordiality that had marked their separation earlier in the day. The dinner was pleasant, and the time spent after dinner was quite comfortable. The two ladies chatted and laughed together as old friends and Lady Catherine seemed completely reconciled to her nephew's match and even spoke lightly of the ruin of her prior expectations. Fueled by Mrs. Bennet's enthusiasm, she began to speak fondly of the possibility of Anne being presented at court the following winter.
To the bewilderment of Elizabeth and Darcy, the relationship between the ladies remained thus for the duration of Mrs. Bennet's and Elizabeth's stay in the country. It had been soon settled that Lady Catherine and Anne would attend the triple wedding to be held in May. Mrs. Bennet would not hear of Lady Catherine staying at Netherfield, and would not be satisfied but to have her dear friend under her own roof. Lady Catherine was happy to oblige Mrs. Bennet by agreeing to stay at Longbourn where she could be of service in seeing that her copious advice pertaining to the wedding was being followed and to be available should any matter, not the smallest of which was beneath her notice, should require her attention. Mrs. Bennet felt confident that with such an ally, not to mention the greater claim that two of the three brides were her daughters, she would prevail on any last minute disagreement about the arrangements for the wedding that might occur between herself and Lady Lucas. Mrs. Bennet could not conceive of Lady Catherine coming later than a fortnight before the wedding, but with the protestations of her nephews Lady Catherine was convinced that she could not be spared from Rosings for more than a week, and so it was planned that she would be at Longbourn one week before the wedding was to take place. Elizabeth made sure to express her gratitude to both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam for their assistance in resolving this matter, after this conversation took place. She was, perhaps, a bit more diligent in expressing her thanks to Darcy than to his cousin.
On the morning of the departure of Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine accompanied her nephews to Hunsford. Colonel Fitzwilliam had accepted Bingley's invitation to come to Netherfield directly and stay through the wedding, and both he and Darcy were to ride alongside the carriage to London with the Bennet ladies, where they would stay at Darcy's townhouse for two days while the ladies stayed at Gracechurch Street. After two days in town, they would then accompany the ladies to Meryton. Mrs. Bennet, who could not help but believe that the prospect of meeting her two youngest daughters had been Colonel Fitzwilliam's inducement in coming to Hertfordshire, was greatly pleased by the arrangement. The entire company now bore witness to the effusive lamentations of their parting and the promises to write faithfully for the two weeks they would be apart, accompanying the farewell shared by Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine. At length the two Bennet women were handed into the carriage and the gentlemen took their places beside it as they departed Hunsford.