Mr. Darcy's Decision: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Page 12

  Mr. Collins went on, speaking fast and barely pausing for breath. “Confidentially, sir, I have, in the past, had reason for resentment, but my natural integrity and that demanded of me by the church dictate that any previous grievance on my part has resulted only in forgiveness. If that were not the case, I could not be so benevolent as to offer myself thus. It is my belief that every child is deserving of the full advantage of God’s recognition, it is a sad fact that this vital ingredient of a proper upbringing can often be overlooked even by the most dedicated parents.” He stopped briefly for breath and smiled smugly.“It is part of my crusade as a minister to ensure that these oversights are amply compensated for.You see, I take the view that should I christen the Darcy child, I should thereafter devote myself as much as possible to making its spiritual development my own mission.”

  “Well, I wish you the best of luck,” said Sir William who meant what he said with complete sincerity, for should his son-in-law happen to secure such an involvement in Derbyshire, he himself would be relieved of the intrusion of the odious man’s presence at Lucas Lodge.

  Charlotte met her husband’s idea of taking it upon himself to visit Pemberley with a little astonishment. “I think you should write, as Mrs. Bennet suggests, to enquire about making a convenient appointment, would it not be considered discourteous that you offer no announcement of your arrival?” she said with concern.

  Her husband gave her a condescending look. “My dear Charlotte, so often you seem to forget the very particular rights offered to clergymen. Certain rules and guidelines that apply to society on the whole do not always restrict a man of the cloth, I may travel where I see fit, when I see fit, for I believe that the Lord guides me to go where I am most needed.”

  Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “But the news from Pemberley does not hint at crisis, all is well I believe, I urge you to await a proper invitation.”

  Mr. Collins looked flustered. “Charlotte, though it always does damage to my affections for you when you find occasion to disagree with me I fear I must defy you in matters where I have the greater understanding. I shall make my arrangements to travel to Derbyshire tomorrow afternoon, if you are prepared to accompany me willingly then you may use the opportunity to visit Elizabeth, I am sure, now that she also is married that you will find you have a great deal in common.”

  “Indeed, it would be my greatest pleasure to see my friend again,” his wife conceded, “but are we not imposing ourselves too readily, the birth of the child is some way off, the baptism more so. Would it not be prudent to avoid visiting prematurely?”

  Mr. Collins showed further agitation at his wife’s persistent questioning and his words of protest were heightened by the effect of his face becoming flushed and his speech more urgent. “Charlotte,” he said nervously, “it is not too soon to offer our gracious felicitations, from which I shall divert matters to the question of the necessary blessing of the child. I must implore you to try to comprehend that, in this, I cannot be too hasty. The matter, if left unattended, could result in an alternative, and dare I say, less worthy appointee taking charge. No, my dear, it is your place to accept the wisdom of my decisions without protest, if you resist then I shall sadly have to consider making my journey alone. I feel I must caution you that this would be a poor indictment of the sanctity of marriage.”

  Unable to accept the adverse reflection on herself and her choice of husband that her absence might imply, Mrs. Charlotte Collins consented to accompany Mr. Collins to Derbyshire despite her innermost feelings that her husband was making a grave mistake.

  CHAPTER 17

  “I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,” said Darcy.

  News of Anne de Bourgh’s improvement was gratefully heard by Darcy and Elizabeth. Lady Catherine, with a tone of disproportionate gravity, informed the latter that her daughter’s health, although far from restored, was steady enough for the party to consider returning to Kent before the sixteenth.This came as glad news for Elizabeth whose spirits were further lifted by an express that arrived from Netherfield for Caroline Bingley informing her that her sister Louisa requested she return to Hertfordshire as Mr. Hurst was in very poor health and her presence would be a great comfort.To be rid, almost in one instance, of all disagreeable guests was fortunate indeed.

  Caroline was not properly impressed by the news of Mr. Hurst’s ill-health; her feelings for her brother-in-law were of an unremarkable kind but she was not loathe to leave Pemberley either once she heard the news of Lady Catherine’s imminent departure. For what would the place hold for her now other than the cruel and constant reminder that Darcy was most definitely impervious to her charms? She had endeavored, on several occasions, to test her allurements and his susceptibility to them, but found him unmoved by her leaning in close to him or looking at him in a way she thought beguiling. Her esteem depended on his attention, for she was that make of woman who judged her worth by the success of her flirtations. She was attractive and elegant to be sure, certainly not devoid of feminine charm but Darcy was too smitten with Elizabeth to notice Caroline’s teases and too honorable a man, if ever he did detect them, to respond.

  There lay the matter, with Darcy going about the world in apparent ignorance of the strength of Miss Bingley’s desire for him. Elizabeth could not help but be made aware of Caroline’s craving and although she could not claim to like Miss Bingley or admire her personality, on this point she consented to understand her. For who could avoid, on close and repeated acquaintance, becoming besotted with him when it was, it seemed, an involuntary result of knowing him? She pitied Caroline.Wretched being! Poor animal indeed! What torment to have the pleasure of looking at him, of hearing him, but never touching his hair or feeling the warmth of his embrace. The agony that must come from watching him talk, seeing his mouth move and fix into one of his reluctant smiles and only know his kiss and affections in dreams.The lovesick covetous cat would steal him away if she only could, I shall wave her goodbye with civility but I am not sorry to see her go, thought Elizabeth.

  And so it was that Darcy and Elizabeth were quietly pleased to be ridding themselves of the most tiresome of their guests, they spoke nothing of their sentiments openly but they anticipated the departures eagerly.

  “We shall have some peace at last,” said Elizabeth quietly to herself that night and how she longed for it, depended upon it for the full restoration of her character. Oh, to exist again with the unguardedly natural, uninhibited way that so defined her.

  To birdsong and light she awoke the next morning making the joyous calculation that another day heralded the departure of Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley. It had been impossible to remain indifferent to their abuse. But in knowing that they would soon be gone, she was better able to tolerate them than ever she had been; for all troubles and ailments are infinitely more endurable when their relief is in sight and even the sourest of folk are made, in retrospect, so much more acceptable, if not faultless, by their absence. It soon seemed to Elizabeth that alleviation of any kind was to be short-lived, for before she had the chance of enjoying respite from her unfavored guests’ departure, she was forced to endure the arrival of unexpected visitors, Mr. and Mrs.William Collins.

  She was naturally happy to see Charlotte, her behavior in every way affirmed this, but even so, the Collins’s unforeseen arrival made her wary. Mr. Collins, whose confidence in the success of his plans had inflated somewhat during the journey from Kent, found all his overblown feelings of assurance quickly deflated when he learned that Lady Catherine was still present at Pemberley.

  “Resist the urge to reproach me for this oversight, Charlotte, I had surmised from my last correspondence from Mary that the de Bourgh party would be returned to Rosings over a week ago,” said he.

  His wife was quick to reveal what she had learned from Elizabeth. “Reliable though Mary is, Anne’s constitution is not, that explains the extension of their stay. Thankfully their departure is imminent, I for one do not look forward
to reacquainting with Lady Catherine, I shall avoid it if I can.”

  Avoidance of Lady Catherine proved impossible, it had not escaped her notice that Mr. Collins had arrived and she deemed it a necessary part of her duty to summon the clergyman and his wife for a discussion. She observed the pair with a harsh expression in her eyes. Presently, the examination complete, she concluded that the deterioration of their character, since losing her patronage, was markedly obvious. Finally she spoke. “Mr. Collins, I dare not imagine that you contrived to visit Pemberley in order to orchestrate your way into my path.”

  In Lady Catherine’s company Mr. Collins quickly lost sight of any sense of pride and reverted without hesitation to his former subservient style of address. He bowed his head in an attitude of apology.“Indeed no, your ladyship, I was unaware of your presence here.” He made an attempt at commiseration. “May I take this opportunity to say how very sorry I was to hear that Anne was taken unwell?”

  Lady Catherine turned immediately to Charlotte.“Your husband seems unable to conceive that I do not intend to accept his sympathy or any offer of a renewal of our acquaintance. Is he so foolish as to misunderstand the reason for my demanding your presence?”

  Charlotte replied, “No, ma’am, I am sure he is not, indeed, would not make such a presumption, we came here merely to offer congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy on their glad news, I can assure you we will make every effort to avoid inconveniencing you while you are here.”

  “I have endured inconvenience enough from my acquaintance with you, I do not intend to suffer further insult. It is most unfortunate for me that our paths have crossed once again, though I see no reason why they should.” Now she turned her gaze on Mr. Collins. “On what grounds do you reconnect yourself with your cousin Elizabeth? I imagine notions of personal advancement govern you.”

  Mr. Collins swallowed hard and made an attempt at composure, but he felt at that instant that the woman had read his mind and could see his strategy. “Madam, whatever your opinions of me, as a worshipful woman you will understand that I come purely to offer my blessings on this happiest of occasions.”

  Lady Catherine was unimpressed. “You have no permanent position with the church as yet, I understand? You should know, Mr. Collins, that I am greatly respected by my nephew, if you are thinking of trying to win his approval for your own advantage I shall ask you now not to attempt it.You will merely be wasting your time. I have considerable influence over family matters.” Before Mr. Collins could make any further comment Lady Catherine demanded that he and his wife, discomposed by embarrassment, take their leave.

  Elizabeth learned this latest of Lady Catherine from Charlotte, but she was not surprised by it, she smiled at her friend’s grave expression. “Do not worry yourself unduly, Charlotte, Lady Catherine’s influence is not so powerful as she claims.” She spoke playfully to cheer her companion,“After all, I am mistress of Pemberley, am I not? That she could not prevent although I believe her efforts to do so were unrelenting. No, let me urge you not to be worried, for what privileges can Lady Catherine take from you?”

  “You are right, Lizzy, we have long since lost her patronage.”

  “Then you see, Charlotte, she cannot take what is already gone.”

  Charlotte thought for a while. “I hope you do not mind us coming here unannounced, I feel it was so inappropriate.”

  Elizabeth laughed.“Indeed it was! I was surprised I admit, but I am not insensible to the fact that it was not the way you would have it.”

  “Oh, Lizzy, you know Mr. Collins too well for his own good,” said Charlotte wistfully, and, looking at her friend in earnest, she said,“and that is why you could not marry him.”

  Elizabeth tried to hide her concern. “I could not have married anyone but Fitzwilliam.”

  “You are indeed happy, Lizzy, I can see it.”

  Elizabeth smiled and wished she could feel the same or at least say the same for Charlotte but it was impossible.

  Darcy greeted the news of Mr. Collins’s arrival with resignation and his discourse verged on resentful.“Are we to have court jesters appear next, Elizabeth?” he protested. “I can hardly think that Pemberley is an inadequately appointed house, but it lately feels overcrowded with all the comings and goings.” He sat by Elizabeth who was becoming ever more sensible of the fact that, once more, the improprieties of her family might result in making her husband wary.

  “I agree, it seems we have had little peace, and little chance to enjoy Pemberley for ourselves.”

  Darcy smiled fondly. “The tranquillity of the earlier weeks of our marriage was a blessing though, Elizabeth.” He ran his finger gently across her cheek. “We will have such times again, my love,” he said, his voice was as determined as her feelings were unsure.

  By noon the following day, Mr. Collins had requested an address with Mr. Darcy who was reluctant to indulge the man but saw fit to oblige him as a means to ensure his imminent departure. Elizabeth consented to attend the address and sat quietly with the intention of allowing her husband control of the discourse. In every way that Darcy was handsome, Mr. Collins was ill-favored. Where one man’s features were fine, the other’s were markedly undefined and weak. It was not a contrast that went unnoticed by Darcy and, although he rarely consciously called on his much admired physical attributes for gain or playfulness, he did not resist the temptation to stand at his full height when he addressed Mr. Collins. Darcy’s correct, elevated air was further enhanced by Mr. Collins’s own stooped and subordinate bearing and it afforded him the advantage of looking down at the clergyman when he spoke to him.

  “I will get straight to the point by asking the purpose of your visit, sir,” said Darcy. His voice was measured and calm, with an undertone of superiority.

  Mr. Collins held his hands together as if in prayer, had he maintained this posture it would have fared better for him but he could not contain the inner feelings of expectation that fueled his thoughts and began to rub his hands together as if anticipating some reward or favor. Darcy noted the man’s affectations with derision and impatience. “Mr. Collins,” he said firmly, “I must tell you I have many pressing matters of business that demand my attention.That I am affording you this address in turn means I am depriving other matters of my concentration, please do not repay my generosity by wasting my time.”

  Mr. Collins smiled. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, sir, that was not my intention at all, my procrastination stems only from a desire to convey, in a manner of utmost reverence, my deepest felicitations to you and your wife on the news of your happy forthcoming event.”

  Mr. Collins looked at Elizabeth, and seeing her catch his eye, gave her a sheepish smile.The dissimilarity between the two men could not escape her attention. Her thoughts briefly settled on the startling realization that had she been a girl more influenced by her mother’s wishes she would have been in the unhappy position to be married to the unhandsome man that stood before her, a man who repulsed her fiercely, instead of the distinguished and desirable man who had won her heart. She was no longer truly listening to the conversation but observed the two men in discourse. Darcy’s excellent features seeming more so now to her than ever. Mr. Collins’s appearance was shown, in the company of such superiority, to be a curious mix of hideousness and stupidity.

  When at last Elizabeth emerged from her reverie, she found that her husband was addressing Mr. Collins once more. “I speak for myself and my wife when I say we shall not be considering your proposals, Mr. Collins. Matters of this kind are traditionally dealt with by the longstanding members of the clergy affiliated to my family. It would be remiss of me not to point this out to you at this earliest opportunity, my doing so, I hope, will have saved you a great deal of trouble. There can be no reconsidering the subject; any children of mine will be christened at St. Giles. It is historically known to be the case. I am surprised you were not aware of it.”

  Elizabeth was all astonishment. Mr. Collins cannot seriously have thought he would be appoint
ed to baptize the Darcy heir! The clergyman’s embarrassment was clear; his face was flushed and flustered. Lost for words and altogether fully aware that he had been rebuked he stood to leave the room but his departure was halted by Mr. Darcy’s saying, “I am most grateful for your offer of congratulations on the anticipated arrival of our child, Mr. Collins, please do convey my thanks to your good wife.”

  Mr. Collins nodded as graciously as a red-faced, rejected man could and departed without further comment.

  Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at her husband, her spirits lifted. “You could not have spoken plainer, I admire you for it, but Fitzwilliam I confess to feeling a small measure of diversion at your reproaching my cousin and I am ashamed to admit to relishing it. He is such a silly individual!” she cried. “Oh, if I could only be as good as you. I confess I should not have thought to thank Mr. Collins for his good wishes, that you deigned to do so humbles me.”

  “Good manners were made a priority of my upbringing, Elizabeth, but one cannot thrive on courteousness alone, I often wish less attention had been paid to the honing of acceptable conduct and more study made of nurturing my compassion.”

  Elizabeth knew too well where he was leading; she was accustomed to her husband’s habit of berating himself for any previous harsh behavior. She knew that it concerned him that his past conduct might be viewed as cold and he was always eager to display to her the dramatic changes in his character that had taken place. She looked at him with affection. “I find nothing lacking, you speak as if you had a cool heart or an unfeeling temperament, but I know this is not the case.Those that matter to you know of your generous and loving nature, you must not compare your own dignity with my freedom of spirit. Such comparisons do not bear scrutiny, I fear one or both of us will come out seeming deficient if we make too severe an examination of either of our characters.” She swiftly put her hand to his cheek in a playful manner.“Besides which, I believe our opposed histories and personalities make for a particular kind of exhilaration in our relationship.”