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Chapter Twenty-seven -- Meeting Lady Catherine at Rosings Park

Posted on Monday, 7 April 2008

Trudging up the path towards Rosings for the first time, Elizabeth noted how fearful not only was Mariah, which for her age was quite understandable, but to have Sir William, a man as old as her own father, suffering the same affects, Elizabeth found quite amusing.

Trying to ease the girl's mind, Elizabeth whispered, "I am not aware of Mr. Collins ever mentioning that Lady Catherine actually bites, Mariah. You will be safe enough."

Mariah looked at her with eyes as big as saucers. "Oh, Lizzy, I believe I shall faint if she even looks my way!"

With a giggle, Elizabeth held her arm, encouraging, "I shall protect you, Mariah. Have no fear," adding with a smile, "But you mustn't swoon all over Lady Catherine's carpet. She will be very vexed indeed."

At first Mariah did not know whether to believe Elizabeth or not. However, when she shook her head and squeezed her arm, Mariah let out a stale breath. "Oh thank you, Lizzy, I know not how I will manage without your teasing me into better humor."

The already nervous Sir William was not so fortunate at having only Mr. Collins for guidance, and who was diligently instructing him on the correct way to address Her Ladyship in combination with a deep bow, held until she excuses you. Sir William was earnest in not causing offense to anyone as noble as Lady Catherine and so took his son-in-law at his word. The poor man was actually shaking visibly by the time they all entered the house the servants had trouble helping him remove his great coat and gloves. He was still in quite a state when they made their way into the main parlor where Lady Catherine sat in what could only be viewed as a throne chair situated to be in the center of the room.

To Elizabeth's satisfaction, Charlotte was not in error with her description of the great lady for she was tall, richly gowned in silks and brocades, and had a commanding presence to fill the entire room with her piercing eyes and frown. She condescendingly waited to be addressed in the manner that was her due. The two ladies seated on a settee nearby were pale and insignificant by comparison, the younger of whom must be the daughter while the other her companion. Both managed pinched expressions that amused Elizabeth in thinking it a permanent mien to Lady Catherine's disposition of meeting those lower in station.

Mr. Collins bowed deeply as he reached the center of the room before Her Ladyship. His eyes cast down in supplication before one of such nobility. How he knew she had nodded for him to move, Elizabeth could not fathom. "Your Ladyship," he muttered with such reverence it almost made Elizabeth break out into a fit of giggles.

Turning his head ever so slightly, Mr. Collins motioned for Sir William to move forward. He did so with the greatest respect as he bowed. Charlotte and Elizabeth followed with Mariah in between them in case she made good on her fear of swooning. They did their best to curtsey with all the respect due Her Ladyship.

When Mr. Collins said his cousin's name, Lady Catherine's frown deepened as she growled, "Miss Bennet."

"Your Ladyship," Elizabeth answered, arching her brow, not the least bit in awe. If anything, she found it almost comical at such hubris Lady Catherine displayed, thinking herself so high and mighty had not all the rest of the party played along with the ruse that she was very near a Queen. When Lady Catherine sensed her failure to intimidate Elizabeth who was clearly not impressed to such seriousness, the crease in her forehead deepened to now a gulley and her eyes narrowed into tiny slits.

Allowing her gaze to fall on the others, Lady Catherine ignored her completely and instead motioned for the rest to sit, asking Charlotte, "Have you taken my advice as to the management of your coop, Mrs. Collins?"

"Yes, Your Ladyship," Charlotte answered demurely, adding, "The poultry are producing a greater number of eggs since the addition of several younger hens."

Lady Catherine glanced again at Elizabeth, but chose instead to address Sir William. "And sir, how do you find your daughter? Is she not settling in well to Hunsford?"

"Y-Y-Yes," Sir William stuttered, nearly choking on his tea. "I am most pleased with her arrangement. Mr. Collins states that you had a great hand in adding to the accommodations to much of the house."

"Oh, yes," began Mr. Collins. "Her benevolence is unsurpassed-" before she cut him off.

Lady Catherine sniffed, "I did what was expected for one in my position, sir, and am glad Mrs. Collins is the type who knows her place in displaying her gratitude to such efforts."

"Oh to be sure, Your Ladyship," Mr. Collins groveled on. "We are always ever thankful for any and all you bestow on us as your humble servants."

He went on for another lengthy paragraph on why he and Charlotte should be grateful for all Lady Catherine's deference to them while Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from rolling her eyes at his continual effluence.

Glancing up at the great lady to see how she accepted as her due all his complements before those piercing eyes once more gained her attention. The almost smile was wiped away to be replaced by the creased frown again.

"Miss Bennet," she said in a much cooler tone, effectively cutting Mr. Collins off in mid-sentence

Elizabeth answered with a light air, "Yes, Your Ladyship?"

"Mr. Collins had informed me that you are one of five daughters and no sons?"

"A fact I cannot deny, Lady Catherine," Elizabeth said with ease.

"What possible reason could Mr. Bennet mean by having such a large number of girls, knowing his estate was entailed away from the female line?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I am sure the plan was for at least one of us to be born a boy, Your Ladyship." She laughed, "Had my father known before hand what fate would hand him, perhaps he would not have bothered trying at all! However," she added a bit more seriously, "I doubt any of my sisters would wish not to be born merely due to the inconvenience of their gender."

Lady Catherine gave her a withering stare, which was wasted on Elizabeth who merely returned a smile, and bypassed speaking further to her again. Instead, turning to the elderly gentleman, she addressed Charlotte's father. "Sir William, you have been presented at court. How long ago was that?"

The poor man was so discomposed at being singled out again by Her Ladyship that he completely forgot the year he had been bestowed his title. Elizabeth smiled, supposing that his mind was in such confusion she would wager with Mr. Darcy, had he been in attendance, that Sir William could not for the life of him state even today's date! She sighed.

Tis a pity my betting partner is so conveniently unavailable to take up my wager for, having known Sir William so intimately, I would have easily won the bet. Or perhaps Mr. Darcy would wager a counter bet on how long it would take Sir William to speak with any sort of sense.

Elizabeth was brought from her revelry when the poor man finally managed, "About...it was some ten years prior, Lady Catherine."

Lady Catherine nodded at this, "the ceremony must have little changed since the time of my own presentation. My sister and I were presented during our first season, before His Majesty's current malaise*, of course."

"Of course, of course, quite," Sir William sputtered out, thinking he would be too nervous to appear before a king who had become deranged.

"And there are none in your neighborhood that have experienced such ceremony?" Lady Catherine inclined her head toward Elizabeth indicating her father or mother.

Sir William made a blank expression before answering in the negative. "Er...no one that comes to mind, Your Ladyship."

Without missing a beat Lady Catherine then turned her attention to the youngest member of the assembly. "Miss Lucas, how are you finding Hunsford parsonage?"

Mariah, at being directly addressed by the great lady began to slump, attempting to accomplish the threatened, elegant swoon had not Elizabeth quickly pinched her on the back of her arm so as not be seen by anyone while distracting the group by fluttering her napkin with flourish of her mother as she picked up a biscuit from the plate. "Hmm, these are very tasty."

Elizabeth's well timed napkin flutter, diverting everyone's attention away from Mariah, gave the girl time to recover enough to hem and haw her way around a proper response. At her mentioning the welcomed additions bestowed to the household by Lady Catherine, she seemed satisfied for the moment.

Her Ladyship then came back to Elizabeth with, "And does your friends choice meet with your approval, Miss Bennet after familial duty led her to accept so advantageous an offer?"

"Yes, Mum," Elizabeth answered with rapidity, not allowing any pause to cause awkwardness to enter into the conversation. "I find that the house and gardens perfect for Charlotte. She has even pointed out several additional paths for my inspection during my morning constitutionals."

"You walk extensively then, as a rule?"

Mariah braved censure to actually join the conversation that thus far had been more a two way exchange. "Lizzy often takes long walks to Oakham Mount, Lady Catherine, a ramble of almost four miles!"

Mr. Collins, after being encouraged by his own wife to daily walk to and from Rosings to commune with his benefactress, became incapable of withholding his own opinion on the subject, expounding on the benefits of walking as he added, "I can attest to all my cousins' inclination to walk great distances, Your Ladyship, when I accompanied them on a walk all the way into Meryton and back." He could not have known it to be so short a distance as two miles or less.

Sir William, now more confident, inserted, "I believe I heard tell of Miss Elizabeth walking three miles to Netherfield to tend her ailing sister when she visited there." Elizabeth smiled.

At least he did not speak of my petticoats being six inches deep in mud!

It was not Lady Catherine's intention to have Elizabeth so admired by her guests. Frowning, she opined in great hauteur, "All that walking seems excessive, Miss Bennet," adding with a sniff, "I cannot think but it must be detrimental to the constitution of a true lady, to be scampering about the countryside."

"Not to mention clamoring up a tree," Charlotte whispered in Elizabeth's ear.

Lady Catherine continued, unabated as she removed an invisible speck of lint from her skirt, "Had Anne's health allowed it, she would have been permitted short turns in the gardens around the house, but no further."

"Of course she would," Elizabeth agreed, asking, "Perhaps now that the days are warmer, you would permit Miss DeBourgh to sit in the gardens when we next visit."

A squeaky voiced Mrs. Jenkinson worried, "Oh, but I would not wish for Miss DeBourgh to get chilled or overheated." She fussed with the young lady's shoulder wrap.

"Of course, we would safeguard that from happening," Elizabeth assured Miss DeBourgh's companion.

Her mother began, "I do not wish it, lest Anne become ill-"

"I should like that," Anne said in a rather feeble voice, which startled everyone in the room who had yet to hear her speak. "I should like being in the fresh air, Mother."

Elizabeth smiled, saying nothing further, but allowing Her Ladyship to sense their differing opinion on the matter.

"Perhaps, Anne, if it warm enough," Lady Catherine in a conciliatory tone to her daughter, but narrowed her eyes as another topic died a quick and untimely death at the hands of the hostess of Rosings.

Charlotte interceded at the pause by asking Elizabeth, "How did you find Jane in London on your way to Kent, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth smiled at thinking of her dear sister. "We found her quite busy with all my little cousins." She leaned over but spoke in a whisper loud enough for the whole room to hear. "I think your father wanted to join the boys in the park with their kites."

At this both Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson twittered as several of the rest giggled with the exception of Lady Catherine and therefore Mr. Collins. Sir William cleared his throat and mumbled, "I would have done so, too, had we the time, Miss Lizzy-"

Lady Catherine interrupted their exchange, asking, "How many of your sisters are out, Miss Bennet?"

"All of them, Mum," Elizabeth declared, knowing full well what such a response would garner.

Lady Catherine did not disappoint. "All! All out, before the first is married?"

"Yes, Mum," replied Elizabeth, quite unashamed of the fact.

Lady Catherine seemed askance at the notion as so Mr. Collins though he was by no means ignorant of the fact, having lived at Longbourn for nearly a fortnight. If either of the other ladies had an opinion on the matter, neither Miss DeBourgh nor Mrs. Jenkinson seemed able to make it known with Her Ladyship dominating the conversation.

Lady Catherine was never one to ask them before giving her own views on the matter. "I think it most unusual for your youngest sisters to be out, Miss Bennet. You cannot be more than twenty! Your younger sisters certainly are not old enough!"

"I admit that Lydia, being fifteen, is fair young to be out, while Kitty, two years her senior, is perhaps better equipped in age if not temperament to know what is to be expected of her. Mary is old enough, but has not much inclination." She went on, "When there are only sisters in a household, I think it unfair to deny the younger ones their share of society simply because they older ones have not the desire or opportunity to marry early."

"For one so young, you give your opinions most decidedly, Miss Bennet."

Lady Catherine did not mean to compliment, Elizabeth knew, but she would neither take offense nor back away from the intimidation created by such censure. "Your Ladyship must admit that some resentment would undoubtedly exist if sisterly bonds were not forged through common experiences that society provides. Surely you and your sister shared a similar bond through your together experiencing society after your coming?"

With the mention of her late sister, memories of their younger years of living with her family flooded back to Lady Catherine and her voice softened. "Yes, my sister and I were very close." She paused before adding, "So near in fact that we even wished for and arranged that our children carry on that closeness through marriage."

Sir William asked, "You arranged a marriage between your daughter to her cousin?"

"Yes, my nephew, Mr. Darcy," acknowledged Lady Catherine proudly.

This startling news took them all by surprised, none more so than Elizabeth. "Indeed? He made no mention of his being engaged! Should we all congratulate you, Miss DeBourgh?"

Anne, who seemed to have barely kept pace with the flow of conversation, made no reply. In truth, Elizabeth could hardly believe Mr. Darcy agreeing to such an arrangement, especially to one of such passivity bordering on inertia as was this Miss DeBourgh.

Lady Catherine frowned, pausing before finally admitting, "With the engagement being arranged while they were in their cradles, he has waited to make any announcement, but the decision was settled long ago."

What could any of them say after that statement? All murmured congratulations to both Lady Catherine and her daughter who barely acknowledged their presence, and who merely nodded as she finally lifted her eyes to stare at no one in particular. However, Elizabeth did notice Miss DeBourgh had not appeared as pleased as her mother at the declaration, and wondered as to her thoughts on the matter.

Perhaps Miss DeBourgh would rather have more of a say in her marriage arrangements.

There was no satisfying her curiosity for it was not long afterwards that Lady Catherine ordered the carriage for her guests, thus ushering and end to tea and their subsequent departure. Reminding them of their presence at dinner that weekend, Her Ladyship had her butler lead the way out of the parlor and into the front hallway where he then left them to the other servants' care.

Mr. Collins bowed with great flourish as he hustled through the ornate door of Rosings. It mattered not to him that Lady Catherine was no longer in the vicinity to see his obeisant display. The servants ignored him.

The talk during the ride back to Hunsford was one of only praise and deference for Lady Catherine's benevolence by all present save Elizabeth who merely nodded without commenting on their continued and unstinting flattery bordering on adoration.

Never did she think the five minutes it took to traverse the distance between Rosings and Hunsford by coach could seem so interminable a length with none but the subject of Lady Catherine's house, her sculpted grounds, her family and her honor on which to opine. It was to the point that Elizabeth was ready to leap from the window had the carriage not that moment come to a halt to allow her be the first to egress when the coachman opened the door even before either gentleman could descend first to hand her out.

Charlotte seemed concerned by her odd behavior, asking, "Lizzy, are you unwell?"

"On the contrary, Charlotte," she spoke with renewed calmness at finally feeling less confined by the carriage, adding, "Though I confess to being somewhat fatigued."

Mr. Collins nodded, knowingly, "As it should be, Cousin Elizabeth after so engaging an afternoon as you have had! Perhaps it was a bit much being in company, for the first time, with a member of the peerage as Lady Catherine!"

"Precisely," agreed Elizabeth, not without a trace of sarcasm in her voice, neglecting to point out to him that she had met both an earl and a countess during the Christmas season. Instead, she added quickly over her shoulder, "I think I will rest in my room until dinner," and hurried up the stairs before Mr. Collins wished to say more of the wondrous magnificence of Lady Catherine DeBourgh!

*The life of King George is an interesting read not merely for its longevity. Never mind the fact that he succumbed to ghastly disease that, among other things turned his urine blue!
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page111.asp
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddieseases/pubs/porphyria/index.htm

Chapter Twenty-eight - Dining at Rosings

Posted on Monday, 14 April 2008

The next few days Elizabeth made good on determining to explore those paths noted by Charlotte that wound around the grounds of Rosings. One especially Elizabeth favored that led her into one of the many groves of trees filled with blossoming spring flowers, their fragrance a balm to restore Elizabeth's humor. She even found a choice spot to sit and read beneath one of the larger trees where its low hanging bowers hid her person. The loveliness of the grounds made up for much of what Elizabeth had endured from its owner, and would, no doubt have more of the same when the Hunsford party returned to dine.

The two day respite from Lady Catherine enabled Elizabeth to wile away her lengthy hours apart from the parsonage and its curate by familiarizing herself with every seen as well as overgrown path throughout the grounds. This gave her a renewed gratitude that Mother Nature, being as formidable as that of Lady Catherine, would not be intruded upon more than by the manicured lawn and ornately shaped topiaries nearer the house. Elizabeth's spirit was blessed to see a natural landscape further away from the strictures of formal gardens of Rosings, much to her own enjoyment.

The wild water fowl returning from their lengthy migrations had nested along the banks of the ponds and estuaries surrounding Rosings. The aqueous scenes of fluffy little ducklings, goslings, and cygnets, all following dutifully behind their parents, charged with the care and safety of their broods gave Elizabeth leave to smile.

I am sure most parents would love for all their children to be as diligent in their obedience as are these baby chicks.

She heard the robins, and then noticed the adults flying frantically into the bowers of hidden tree branches, carrying worms and grubs to their always hungry and insistent clutch.

Now that is more true to form for a human family, children always asking for more from their poor, harried parents to provide.

Elizabeth knew she more than any of her other sisters had harried at least one of her parents. Smiling, she went back to reading her book, leaving the birds to their duties. The insects buzzed around her as she attended the pages of a most beloved author.

Hearing a hawk cry as he hunted from aloft, Elizabeth was reminded of the hour and made to rise from her perch beneath a now favorite tree. Brushing off loose blades of grass from her skirts, she reasoned that it was close to the dinner hour and began her journey back to the parsonage and the real world she inhabited. She knew the minute she was in view, her cousin would hurry her along to ensure they were ready for their evening at Rosings.

When thinking of Mr. Collins often saying, "Lady Catherine prides herself on punctuality above all else," Elizabeth laughed aloud as she doubted the great lady truly viewed it themost important trait in a person over that of keeping to one's station. Still, she hurried her steps down the rough path.

"No, above all else we must not be tardy with such stirring entertainment as Her Ladyship would provide!"

Dinner was highly praised by Lady Catherine's guests who, when remarking on a dish new to their palate, she nodded conceitedly at giving them the novelty. Contenting herself by asking more questions of the men about their dealings of the past few days, she then asked of Charlotte's daily activities to which Lady Catherine then commented on, suggesting various means as to their improvement.

Elizabeth noted that Mrs. Jenkinson tended to monitor how much or how little Miss DeBourgh ate while her charge ignored her along with everyone else.

As the dishes were being cleared away and they were removing to the parlor, Lady Catherine asked, "Miss Bennet, do you play and sing? Mrs. Collins once said she allowed you the use of her pianoforte whenever you visited her family."

"A little, Your Ladyship," began Elizabeth only to have the others of her family praise her abilities over her modesty.

"Lizzy plays and sings very well." Charlotte's boast that began in childhood, left Elizabeth blushing as she shook her head with a smile.

"Oh, well, then you must play for us sometime," Lady Catherine demanded as she had the card tables set up for casino and whist. While Charlotte and her father along with Mr. Collins made up the four at Lady Catherine's table, Elizabeth was seated with Anne, Mariah, and Mrs. Jenkinson, three very dull partners who hardly spoke a word among them for the whole of the hour of play.

After suggesting several topics of interest that drew none of them to respond, Elizabeth chose to emulate their recalcitrance to have the room nearly as quiet as a public library but for the occasional, "Oh, Mr. Collins," followed then by an apologetic, "I beg your pardon, what are trumps, again?" This was followed close by an exasperated, "Hearts, Mr. Collins, hearts!" Elizabeth could only smile at her cousin's consistency in his lack of gaming skills to the determent of those at his table.

Finally, being quite put out by the deficiency of her parson's abilities at cards, Lady Catherine ordered the tables removed only to then turn to Elizabeth for some diversion, ordering, "Miss Bennet, I would have you play for us."

As Elizabeth and Charlotte stood in the middle of the room, Lady Catherine settled herself on her elevated chair surrounded by the other settees upon which the rest of the party gathered as her audience.

Elizabeth sighed at the command while Charlotte led her over to the instrument. Shuffling through the sheet music to find something familiar, Charlotte wished to be of use to her friend by turning pages. Elizabeth fingered the keys in easy arpeggios to get the feel of the instrument. She smiled.

It is in perfect tune. Perhaps this mightn't be such a torture after all.

Reading the title across the page, she glanced over at her friend who blushed. The etude was a favorite of both. Delicately Elizabeth began to play, quickly being drawn into the beauty of Mozart, his usual cheery tones restoring the humor of the player. She even closed her eyes to play without the benefit of the page since she knew the piece by heart. The strains filled the room with a lofty air only made discordant by the voice of Lady Catherine who, after listening attentively for no more than four measures found it necessary to talk during the remainder of Elizabeth's efforts.

At the closing few notes, the room was quiet. Then, Sir William and Mariah clapped at her effort. Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne made an effort to do likewise. Lady Catherine nodded her head, but said, "Miss Bennet, you will never excel if you do not take the time to practice more."

As Elizabeth ignored her and began to play another easy piece by heart, Lady Catherine actually rose and came before her to watch. It was not long before she commented, "You have a good notion of fingering though your taste is not that of Anne's. You would benefit from instruction of a London master as much as using your time to improve your skills, Miss Bennet. And if you were inclined, you could come to practice on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. You would be in nobody's way there."

As Elizabeth continued to play, Lady Catherine continued remarking on her performance with a mixture of instruction on execution and form, which Elizabeth received with the forbearance of civility, finally asking, "Are you accomplished at the pianoforte, Your Ladyship?"

Lifting her chin, Lady Catherine sniffed, "As a young girl, both I and my sister were instructed for several years by one of the best masters in London."

Elizabeth immediately ceased playing. "Oh, then we must have you play for us, if you would," Elizabeth said, quickly vacating the bench.

"No," Lady Catherine just as quickly refused, rubbing her hand rather longingly on the fine wood of the piano top, adding, "It has been too many years and my sister was the one who excelled, which is perhaps why my niece is more attuned to the instrument."

"You do not consider yourself a proficient, Your Ladyship?"

"I...do not."

"Nor I, Your Ladyship, but merely play for my own enjoyment rather than for those around me, which you have already professed, I would improve with practice."

Charlotte asked, "Is not Miss DeBourgh accomplished as well?"

"Had her health allowed it, Anne would have been a true proficient, Mrs. Collins, unlike Miss Bennet who seems not disposed to taking advantage of an opportunity when presented to her."

This barb Elizabeth let slide owning that she had admitted as much if indeed Lady Catherine was still speaking of practicing the pianoforte and not another topic. They continued to talk of inconsequential subjects until the carriage was readied for their departure. This journey home gave Elizabeth a few minutes to listen as the others talk of their surprise at Lady Catherine learning the pianoforte as a young girl. Elizabeth could guess why the great lady would not honor them with a rendition.

If it could not be perfect, it was not worth her effort.

The thought put her in mind of the differences between Lady Catherine and that of her sister Mary's constancy at the instrument, never to achieve to play more than adequately, but still striving nonetheless. Neither performance would be perfection but at least one still makes the effort to improve while the other had given up on the dream of it. Elizabeth knew which of the two she admired more.

"Late the next day Charlotte found Elizabeth alone in the small parlor, writing a letter to Jane.

"Am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all," Elizabeth smiled, stopping her pen. "What is it?"

"I have already told Father and Mariah," began Charlotte. "Mr. Collins has received another invitation for all of us to dine at Rosings on Saturday next."

Elizabeth shook her head at such news. "After the previous dinner I am sure not to be a favorite of Lady Catherine due to my lack of unwavering veneration toward what she has come to expect of many in the neighborhood."

Charlotte pointing out, "There are few estates in the near vicinity the equal of Rosings, Lizzy, and of their owners, fewer still who cared for Lady Catherine's company, therefore-"

"My being included in the continuing invitations to tea and to dine must mean I am to be tolerated for no greater purpose of than to give Her Ladyship amusement and diversion over the tedium of only her family as company?"

Charlotte nodded with a giggle. "I would seem so."

In truth, neither could blame Lady Catherine for wishing some form of diversion. Elizabeth herself had failed to gain even a semblance of meaningful conversation from either Mrs. Jenkinson or Anne. Indeed from the latter she could not elicit a sentence that constituted more than a syllable or two.

"Please say you will come, though I know in comparison to your father's intelligence, there is little to be had of titillating debates."

Elizabeth giggled, but refuted, "If nothing else, Lady Catherine does have some wit about her even if our opinions differ."

Their differing opinions were rather more entertaining than conversing on topics well worn by now by both of her traveling companions. Little did Elizabeth realize when next they dined, Her Ladyship would give her more than she bargained from in their previous conversations.

It had all begun quite with seeming innocence over the final course of dinner. There had begun a discussion of the kinds of marriages prevalent for the time with Lady Catherine espousing, "Arranged marriages have always been for the benefit of the family. I am sure even you, Sir William would agree to that."

The poor man was completely out of his depth with the likes of Her Ladyship steering the debate. "Why, I would say...in general...most arranged marriages turn out for the best."

Mariah asked, "Father, was yours and Mother's arranged by your parents?"

Sir William turned to his youngest child, clearly his favorite, and smiled loving down at her. "Actually, yes, child, it was, and I am ever grateful for having gone through with it those many years ago. Your mother and I have grown very fond of one another."

Charlotte offered, "But there is something to be said for marriages that come by way of chance."

Mr. Collins looked adoringly at his spouse, saying, "More by Providence than chance, my dear," his syrupy voice made Elizabeth's skin crawl. She noticed that neither Mariah nor Miss DeBourgh felt comforted by him either.

At least I am not the only one.

Lady Catherine acknowledged their words, "Yes, we must always give credit to a person for having sense enough to take advantage of a good match when it is before them." She gazed from her parson and his wife over to Elizabeth, adding, "And for the consequences that could befall a person who does not."

Mr. Collins, pompously thinking she meant his choosing a wife whom she approved, began, "But, of course, when a person weighs all the circumstances surrounding such a momentous decision, one can only make the best choice..." His voice trailed off as he lost his train of thought as to what she meant by the second part of her statement.

When Elizabeth merely arched her brow over the fact that he had first asked her to wed, but made no reply, the rest of the party seemed at sea as to Her Ladyship's true meaning. Charlotte asked in oblivion, "I do not understanding your meaning, Lady Catherine."

"Only that those persons who choose not to recommend themselves to others might be left out in the cold when calamity strikes from the unforeseen occurrence."

Gazing from Elizabeth to Mr. Collins and then back to Lady Catherine, Charlotte surmised, "You speak of a future time when Mr. Bennet is no more?"

Lady Catherine smirked as she nodded. "Surely, you do not expect to share Longbourn with the Bennets when that tragedy occurs, Mrs. Collins?"

Charlotte gasped. "I...had not...thought much upon so unlikely a happenstance, Your Ladyship."

"My dear," began Mr. Collins, ""You must realize that I cannot have them remain at Longbourn after I come into it."

Here he turned to Elizabeth with that same smiling face of insincerity and voice that gave her such unease. "Cousin Elizabeth, had you been more amenable to your mother's wishes, perhaps this unfortunate circumstance would never have been the likely turn of events, but surely you see the necessity to have you all gone when the event of your father's demise takes place? After many discussions with Lady Catherine, she and I came to a concurrence of opinion most heartily."

"Of course you would," Elizabeth said, trying to keep the sarcasm from her tone.

Lady Catherine then offered, "Surely your governess has given you and all your sisters the means to make your way in the world, Miss Bennet."

Mariah replied, "But the Bennets never employed a governess."

Her Ladyship was appalled. "What? No governess, with all those girls!"

Elizabeth acknowledged, "No, Mum."

"Then your mother must have been diligent with your education."

"I am afraid that was not the case either, Your Ladyship," Elizabeth admitted as the party removed to the evening parlor.

Sitting on her throne and directing the servants to serve the coffee, Lady Catherine remained shocked to know that with five daughters Mr. Bennet had not seen fit to hire someone to teach them. "Then, how did any of you ever learn elementary skills in your formative years, Miss Bennet?"

"My father and mother were quite good at teaching us the basics, and with my father's extensive library, we were encouraged to read in whatever our abilities took us. Jane and I preferred histories and the classics while Mary chose to read more religious tracts while my younger sisters preferred novels to the exclusion of other works of literature. If you force me to choose a single genre, I would have to say I rather like poetry."

"So, Mr. Bennet would rather have extended his bookroom than have a proper education for his offspring? Typical."

Elizabeth defended her father, saying, "He wished for all his children to benefit from the written word, but realized early on that differing temperaments of each of his children would necessitate a varying form of education."

Lady Catherine sneered. "Where each child is denied what will be expected of them by not being required to study."

"My father never forced us to learn, rather gave us the choice."

Having taken so long to make her point, her ladyship was becoming displeased as she accused, "Had your father not given in to his children inclinations to neglect their studies by providing a governess, perhaps you would have received something more than so spotty an education."

Remaining calm in the face of Lady Catherine's growing pique, Elizabeth countered, "I do not feel that what I learnt at my father's knee was any less than I would have gotten from a more conventional one, Your Ladyship."

"Surely you cannot deny that the benefit of a strict governess would have given you a more thorough preparation for the future."

"I cannot say one way or the other of what might have been. I can only attest to what has been my purview to witness."

Mr. Collins, no longer able to control himself, felt he must inject his opinion into the conversation that was nothing more than parroting her Ladyship's views, "It has always been my contention that a formal education is vital to the upbringing of children, and-"

Lady Catherine continued, unabated, "But what of your sisters? Have they not been deprived by the lack of a formal setting?"

"Though I will concede to the point that perhaps my younger sisters may well have benefited from a stricter attitude toward learning, in general, I believe they have learned as much as is required of them to succeed in life."

"You do not feel that either yourself or your siblings could have been more accomplished had your father thought better of his duty to educate his children before his indulgence to his own pleasure of filling his book shelves?"

Elizabeth gave her opinion, "Except for some higher learning in languages and mathematics, I do not feel I have been denied of what was needed for my benefit. I could always enter my father's library and take up any of his books if I desired more."

At this Lady Catherine paused, brushing off the few crumbs from her lap, finally saying, "For such a small estate, your father must keep an extensive library, then?"

"Yes, Your Ladyship. My father and uncle prided themselves on acquiring many first editions to fill the shelves."

Turning her attention to Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine stated, "When you take over the management of Longbourn after Mr. Bennet's demise, you should take an inventory of his bookroom. With such a collection as Miss Bennet professes at your disposal, they should fetch a handsome price when you put them on the block. There are many in London and abroad who would pay good money for first editions."

Mr. Collins bowed, accepting any notion of his benefactress as gospel. "Y-Yes, indeed, Your Ladyship." His smile at such a cache coming to him with the sale of such a hoard of books sparked avarice in him he had as yet unknown. He rationalized his decision by thinking that he would never have the inclination to read such inappropriate books due to his pious upbringing reinforced by his seminary education.

Why not sell off the rest to those who have not the same values as myself?

He could not concede that it had more to do with his lack of mental capacity, which he would vehemently deny existed between himself and his elderly cousin. Feeling the need to repeat his assertions, he sputtered out, "Your Ladyship is absolutely correct, of course. Whenever I am returned to Longbourn, I will make a list of those volumes that should be eliminated."

Both Charlotte and Elizabeth stared in astonishment at the audacity of the two of them, speaking of dissembling a collection that had taken Mr. Bennet and his predecessors' lifetimes to acquire.

Elizabeth could not hold still for such disrespect. "I beg your pardon, but many of those books have been in the family for generations. They are practically heirlooms, and-"

"Oh, I am sure Mr. Collins will be generous enough to allow you and your family to take whatever you deem is yours by right, Miss Bennet."

"Absolutely, Cousin Elizabeth," Mr. Collins cooed with insincere apology. "I will allow your and your sisters to take whatever you wish," Mr. Collins confirmed, although neither Charlotte nor Elizabeth believed anything of the kind after his learning the momentary value of such a collection.

"You are all kindness, Sir," Elizabeth said demurely, though she was staring defiantly into Lady Catherine's eyes.

The great lady merely smiled, arching her brow at her perceived triumph as she ordered the card tables be put away as preamble to the close of the evening. When she left them at the foyer, she noted Miss Bennet said very little.

Now she begins to know what would most likely befall her now that she chosen to quit the sphere in which she has been brought up.

The carriage ride home was more subdued, with Mr. Collins quiet for once, trying to decide what manner of price he could obtain from the countless shelves of books within Mr. Bennet's bookroom. Mariah had overindulged in one of the dinner dishes containing a great deal of stuffing, leaving her nearly lethargic and in no mood for conversation. She leaned against her father's shoulder who, had himself been in a state of fatigue due to the rich dinner.

Charlotte and Elizabeth exchanged glances that silently spoke of the mortification both felt by Lady Catherine's suggestion to break up the Longbourn library. Charlotte shook her head, patting her friend's arm silently expressing she would never allow it were it in her power.

All Elizabeth could do was to nod her discontentment for she knew Charlotte would hold little sway over Mr. Collins should he wish to disassemble several generations of effort. If it ever came to that, none of the Bennet ladies would have any say in the matter either. They would have their own troubles to contend at Mr. Collins ordering their expulsion from Longbourn on the heels of Mr. Bennet's death.

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Unexpected Visitors at Rosings

Posted on Monday, 5 May 2008

Elizabeth had been grateful to Charlotte for pointing out the many paths meandering through Rosings grounds, promising Elizabeth a lengthy stroll. After the discussion during dinner at Rosings, her mind was in such turmoil that she found herself in dire need of solitude and peace that only unfettered nature could bring. Up and dressed at first light, she found herself walking onward without any notion of where the path she had chosen at random would lead.

It matters not, so long as I can be out of sight of either Hunsford or Rosings.

Wishing to hear nothing but the birds and forest creatures for hours on end she walked through countless meadows and groves, not stopping until she had traveled several miles at least, attested to by her now tired feet and panting breath, all the while thinking on what had transpired the previous evening.

Lady Catherine had found it necessary to end the evening with a reminder of what the future held for the Bennet family when her father passed from this life and Longbourn fell to Mr. Collins. Putting the problem in the guise of aiding her family Her Ladyship offered aid in their seeking employment whenever the unfortunate event occurred.

This suggestion had only furthered Mr. Collins' comments on the gracious benevolence of his benefactress, but left Elizabeth with nothing more to say at such audacity than to thank Her Ladyship for such kindness.

Bolstered by Elizabeth's tactful lack of opinion on the matter, Mr. Collins went on, "Since you cannot remain at Longbourn after I come into it, Cousin Lizzy, perhaps your family should likewise already be looking for other lodgings to accommodate."

Charlotte entered into the conversation, offering, "I am sure we would give them ample time to vacate, Mr. Collins."

"But of course, my dear," came back Mr. Collins' reply, however insincere it sounded. "Her Ladyship and I have often discussed that topic on numerous occasions with her of the opinion that a week or two would suffice. I concurred with that notion."

"Of course you did," Elizabeth said attempting to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

Charlotte gasped. "But that cannot be enough time to make provisions for the removal of the household items and-"

"Before anything can be disposed of by the Bennets, my dear, a complete inventory must be made," Mr. Collins corrected his wife, "As stipulated in the entail." He bowed at Lady Catherine who smiled in approval.

When the rest stared at him without apparent understanding, Mr. Collins continued in his superior tone, "As to the future of your mother and all your sisters, just as Lady Catherine suggested, if your father has yet to provide for your family other than by tending to his library," here he smirked. "But since that was not the case, it seems employment would be your only means of preventing destitution. Lady Catherine has generously offered her assistance to that end."

To her credit, Elizabeth succeeded in hiding her indignation of what, on the surface, seemed an offer of aid but in truth was a form of pompous arrogance meant to place Elizabeth and her family even lower in rank than that of the gentry.

Much to Lady Catherine's chagrin and that of her plaguy parson's repetition of her offer, Elizabeth had remained poised. Instead, she deflected any assistance by stating, "My father seems in excellent health, without the appearance of any visible malady to worry his family at present." She looked directly at Lady Catherine in a defiant gaze.

Mr. Collins admonished Elizabeth at not taking Lady Catherine up on her offer of helping the family. "One never knows how soon illness can strike, Miss Bennet. With my being the more educated member of our family, I think it is within my prevue to be the judge, Cousin Elizabeth." He smiled, adding, "And I think that perhaps you should allow Her Ladyship leave to begin making inquiries on yours and your sisters' behalf."

"And I think," Elizabeth spoke with so an insistent tone to startle even Mr. Collins into silence, Elizabeth added while holding her gaze steadily on Lady Catherine, "at this stage, such endeavors would be too premature to be of any use. I would wish Your Ladyship not to bother on our behalf." Her adamancy would brook no denialswhen she continued, "But should the time come when we have need of aid, I thank Your Ladyship for any kindness you can bestow."

Lady Catherine could see she would get nowhere with her current direction of thought and said merely, "I am very attentive to such matters, but I will refrain for the time being, if that is your desire, Miss Bennet."

Keeping all sarcasm from her tone, Elizabeth answered firmly, "It is, mum, but on behalf of my family, I thank you for the thought."

Completely fooled by her words Mr. Collins beamed, thinking his cousin was finally showing his benefactress the veneration she so rightly deserved.

Lady Catherine nodded her head upon hearing this news, but, unlike her parson, was not in the least blinded by the words of the younger woman. Rather, she thought Elizabeth more at odds with the offer of guidance than not, but for the moment held her tongue. She would remind Miss Bennet of this discussion at a later time should the need arise to once more put her in her place.

As the Hunsford party entered the carriage, Charlotte hid her own eye roll at such an awkward conversation to end an evening. All the way back to Hunsford Mr. Collins refused to allow them rest, making superfluous statements of praise of Her Ladyship for such condescension towards those below her rank.

Elizabeth could not keep her private thoughts from wishing to inflict a barrage of angry retorts toward what she considered nothing more than Her Ladyship's high handedness bent on reducing Elizabeth and her family to a rank even lower than the sphere in which they were accustomed, but for Charlotte's sake, Elizabeth refrained from voicing those thoughts.

In was in that moment that Elizabeth began counting the days until her visit came to a thankful and merciful end, allowing her to be on her way to commiserate with Jane in London. The extreme distance, Elizabeth was sure, would enable her to find some humor in being ostracized by such a haughty individual.

Now in the light of the next morning, Elizabeth begrudgingly admitted the truth in Lady Catherine's statements.

She said nothing that could be construed as false about the situation in which all of us would descend upon Father's death.

It was common knowledge that without connections or any advantageous matches by at least on of them, none of the Bennet sisters would fair well. Just the subject their mother had always worried over and had been most vocal about. Elizabeth could not deny the inevitable near destitution of her family should no means of support come to pass.

What she found objectionable in Her Ladyship's offer had been her dismissive smugness at having the Bennet sisters lowered in rank, which left Elizabeth in less than a charitable attitude toward the woman. Such discomposure took Elizabeth the greater part of the morning ramble to come to terms with her own feelings on the matter.

Though it rankled to think of her father's book collection, so lovingly acquired over his entire lifetime as well as that of his father and his father before him, she could not deny its eventual ownership due to their acquisition from the profits of the estate. The thought of Mr. Collins gleefully dismantling it without an inkling of its true worth, and a spiteful Lady Catherine encouraging him onward was almost more than Elizabeth could bear at the time of their discussion.

As she walked, Elizabeth realized that if Mr. Collins ended up inheriting Longbourn and all its contents, there was nothing within her power to prevent their sale save one or two treasured volumes. The best she could do would be to recommend to her Uncle Gardiner to offer for the collection if he could afford such a purchase. She exhaled in exasperation.

With my cousins to care for, perhaps Uncle would not view the acquisition of an entire room of books as something he could manage.

She did not wish for him to think of sacrificing his ability to care for his own family merely for the benefit of her father's lack of forward planning for his wife and children. She sighed.

Lady Catherine was right in thinking all of us will have to make our own way in the world.

Elizabeth could envision Jane perhaps finding employment as lady's companions or perhaps a governess. She could even see herself in a similar role because of her greater knowledge of books. Mary, she thought, got on well enough with Aunt and Uncle Phillips to live with them until, at some future time, either Jane or herself could see clear to take Mary in.

As for Kitty, with her art talent, perhaps she could make some small living as an illustrator with a printing company. Uncle Gardiner had encouraged her in that direction and with more confidence Kitty might wish to attempt such a career and allow him to make inquiries.

Thinking of her youngest sister, Elizabeth could see that even Lydia, with all her flightiness, had talents that might be of use to the family should the need arise. She exhaled with her family pride emerging.

Whatever life we choose, we will manage without the benevolence of Lady Catherine DeBourgh!

Determined, Elizabeth walked on less fettered by a sour disposition through all the loveliness of the untamed grounds of Rosings.

Upon Elizabeth's return for the midday meal, Charlotte informed her that after being received at Rosings that morning, Mr. Collins returned with news of a cessation of invitations from the great house that coincided with the week's activities leading up to Easter Sunday services.

Elizabeth arched her brow, asking, "And how is Mr. Collins taking the loss of society?"

Pouring tea, Charlotte replied, "He busied himself with his upcoming sermon to think of much more." She added cautiously, "Knowing that he will see Lady Catherine at Sunday service has sufficed him for the moment. Likewise, we will be quite busy with our own preparations."

Never did I imagine Mr. Collins' attempts at sermon writing would be the means of my reprieve.

Sipping from her cup, Elizabeth merely nodded, hoping Her Ladyship's household remained as busy with Easter preparations as well. She giggled while avoiding either Mariah or Sir William's curious glance as they joined them.

When Mr. Collins managed to make his appearance for the luncheon, his more supercilious nature was in evidence. He wished to recite aloud various phrases of the virtues he planned to expound on during his Sunday sermon. Neither Elizabeth nor Mariah could extricate themselves to escape the meal. All three ladies along with Sir William patiently listened for a half hour before Charlotte reminded her husband of his appointment with one of the parishioners in the village in an effort to relieve her guests. Her father declined, saying he wished to enjoy the pleasantry of her quiet parlor. His daughter smiled, knowing he meant to nap in the comfort of the overstuffed chair by the fire, and wished him well.

After the previous evening's escapade, Elizabeth had at first been leery to be alone with the man, especially at Sir Williams' planned departure that afternoon, but she noted that Mr. Collins had suspended his lascivious staring at her person in favor of espousing the felicity of his marriage. Elizabeth could think of no reason behind his altered behavior save one.

I wonder if Lady Catherine had inadvertently influenced him to correct his behavior.

Remembering the speech at Rosings dinner regarding the types of marriages and how Lady Catherine has deemed approval of her parson's match, perhaps Mr. Collins had also gotten the hint to leave off his glowering of what he had planned in his refused proposal to her over what he had instead gained in his marrying Charlotte. Having likewise ceased his admonishment of such bad judgment on her part aided her in the endeavor to tolerate the man.

This departure from his previous mien put both Mariah and Elizabeth more at ease in his presence, which was not to say that their limits were not sorely tested at his pontifications when he found either a captive audience.

Perhaps Charlotte had been correct when stating that I would slowly grow accustomed to Mr. Collins, especially with his altered behavior.

Nonetheless, all that week Elizabeth made a point to rise early, free each morning to wander though the passages leading into the grounds and groves without having to account for anything more than to relate at meals what wonders of the natural beauty around Hunsford she found during her rambles.

Exploring so many, Elizabeth was fast growing almost as familiar with the labyrinths of paths as those surrounding Longbourn and Netherfield. The emerging colors of the season gave her a much needed respite from the strictures of the society she presently found herself. Her purpose to commune with nature was also intended to keep her out of the way of the parson a great deal of the time.

It was only due to the infrequent uncooperative weather that prevented Elizabeth escaping into the expanse of Rosings Park when she found great comfort in adopting her father's philosophy. Trying to be amused by Mr. Collins, when taken in small doses made her visit to the parsonage begin to be one of more pleasant than annoying experiences.

The same could not be said of Rosings. It seemed an impossible task for Elizabeth to befriend Lady Catherine, who did not seem appreciative at having her opinions challenged by anyone. Nor was she amused when asked for further explanation as she deigned to sermonize on various subjects. For one so young to be quite as knowledgeable as herself on a myriad of subjects disconcerted the elder lady no end.

It was especially so of this particular young woman who dared a prior acquaintance with her nephew as though thinking herself worthy of a higher rank in society. To those aspirations Lady Catherine was determined to end.

Saturaday morning after Charlotte had taken care of her usual household duties, instructing her servants about the preparation for their Easter meal that weekend, she suggested a walk down one of the paths along the border of Rosings. With both Mariah and Elizabeth accompanying her, they began a peaceful ramble in the lane toward one of the many wooded paths leading to the groves. Mariah skipped ahead. "Be careful of the tree roots, Mariah," Charlotte cautioned her.

Charlotte gazed at her silent friend. After the conversation from the last dinner at Rosings Charlotte realized that over the course of visits the previous weeks, the derogatory nature of the innuendos promoted by Lady Catherine as helpful hints directed at Elizabeth and her family were meant to sound less complimentary. Sensing how the escalating insults were beginning to grate on Elizabeth's humor, she stated, "You are not happy, Lizzy. I fear that my wishing for your company has put you in conflict with Lady Catherine."

Elizabeth shook her head, trying to assuage her friend of any guilt, "Tis not your fault that Her Ladyship finds me less companionable than others of her acquaintance. I am solely to blame for fueling her discontent with my audacity to voice a differing opinion."

Charlotte giggled, "I am almost at the point of suggesting you plan a headache when next we are invited to dine with Her Ladyship."

Laughing at her friend's attempt at subterfuge, Elizabeth hugged Charlotte's arm. "I shall keep that in mind, though I doubt she would relieve me of the burden of her company at so paltry an excuse?"

"For myself, I doubt my own veracity to pull it off, but you might be able to manage it, though I would, for your sake make the attempt."

At such an accusation followed closely by the offer, Elizabeth continued to laugh, citing, "Oh my dear friend. You take such prodigious care of me."

As it happened at that very moment events were unfolding to cause further consternation to Elizabeth's already perturbed mind. Before they could speak another word Mr. Collins ran up the path, overtaking his wife and his cousin, to confront their peaceful stroll.

Charlotte seemed quite concerned with her husband's flushed, sweating face. "My dear, what has gotten into you to run all this way?" At his lack of ability to speak, she thought his news dire. "Is all well with Lady Catherine and Miss DeBourgh?"

Motioning his head in the affirmative, Mr. Collins took several more deep breaths while Elizabeth stepped back to avoid breathing in his odious fragrance made worse by his profuse sweating. Finally, wiping the beads of sweat forming on his upper lip, he professed, "You will... (pant)never guess... (pant) who is about to descend upon our humble abode, my dear."

Both Charlotte and Elizabeth stared at him, waiting for his further reply for neither could fathom a guess from so meager a supply of information. He did not keep them in suspense long and blurted out, "Why Mr. Darcy is to visit his aunt in company with his cousin, a Colonel Fitzwilliam who happens to be the second son of the Earl of Matlock! They join her at Easter every year. Is that not a worthy attribute for her nephews, Cousin Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth tried not to smirk. "Indeed," she admitted, lest she have to endure a lengthy epistle of family obligation from Mr. Collins, for in truth that would be the only reason she could think for anyone to visit with Her Ladyship and a daughter incapable of holding a conversation though both Charlotte and Elizabeth had diligently attempted it.

Charlotte asked, "And what has that to do with us, my dear?"

Almost exasperated beyond belief that she could not see the connection, Mr. Collins again blurted out, "Why they heard that we have guests from Meryton and are to call upon us this very day! We must ensure the house is readied for their visit. Make haste! Make haste!"

He motioned his arms in a gesture elicited to get them to hurry along very much like a shepherd with his sheep, but the two ladies shook their heads at this nonsensical demand of actually running up the path. He turned then and hurried along toward the parsonage as fast as his pudgy body could traverse the ground to order tea for his illustrious guests. Coming across Mariah, he motioned her, willingly allowing him to hurry her along before him. Elizabeth and Charlotte continued at a more leisurely pace lest they too arrived in damp clothing and hair disarrayed.

Charlotte leaned close to say, "This is all because of your presence, Lizzy," adding, "It is doubtful that either gentleman would deign to call upon me or my family."

Elizabeth countered, "No, I am sure you are mistaken, Charlotte. Mr. Darcy was acquainted with your father and sister while residing at Netherfield." She teased conspiratorially, "With only Lady Catherine and Miss DeBourgh as company, perhaps he and his cousin merely wished to have the privlege of a more varied society."

Charlotte giggled, but shook her head. "True enough, but you knew them both more intimately than I or my family as well as Mr. Bingley, Lizzy, having been frequently in their company while in town with the Gardiners." Without an understanding of her friend's seeming ambiguity, Charlotte asked, "Are you not eager to renew the acquaintance?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "Having received no word of them since we left town, I have no opinion on either gentleman."

Charlotte smiled. "That is...remarkable."

Charlotte glanced curiously over at Elizabeth, disbelieving the pronouncement from her friend who normally had strong opinions on a great many things, thinking, much to Lady Catherine's consternation.

To have Elizabeth refuse to opine on this matter, Charlotte suspected that Elizabeth felt more deeply about the slight of neglect toward her than she would openly admit.

Indeed, when the ladies arrived at the parsonage, the two gentlemen in question were already sitting in the parlor with Mr. Collins' effluence in great supply, repeating, "How you have honoured us, kind sirs, as nephews of the most honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by your condescension in visiting my humble abode."

That they had deigned to call upon his humble abode and hearing again ‘what an honor it is' had it not been for the Colonel's amused request for Mr. Collins to introduce his family, Mariah would have stood in place for the entire visit.

"Of course, you are quite correct, Colonel. I have been inordinately remiss, and beg your great pardon for such an oversight, and-"

"Yes, of course, Mr. Collins. Now to the introductions...?"

Still flustered, the parson stuttered, "Oh, quite right, sir. Again, I must beg pardon..."

Elizabeth saw Darcy fight to keep his exasperation from reaching his eyes at the man's ineptitude even at so simple a task as that of introducing his family. Then his eyes fell upon her, leaving him incapable of movement or speech. Neither spoke.

Finally, Charlotte took matters into her own hands. "Mr. Collins, is this the famous Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine's nephew?"

"Yes, my dear, you are quite correct and-"

Extending her hand, she curtseyed. "I am Charlotte Collins, lately of Hertfordshire. This is my sister, Mariah." The girl bowed and curtseyed, but remained in silent awe. Charlotte continued, "It is good to meet you at last. I have heard so much about you."

Richard released her proffered hand, smiling in his usual charming way. "All good news, I hope?"

"But of course, my husband could not say anything but good of a relative of his benefactress. Is that not so, sir?"

Mr. Collins beamed "Absolutely! Lady Catherine is benevolence itself, and...and..." confirmed Mr. Collins, trying to remember more of his ‘unstudied phrases' he constantly practiced in his book room for just such an occasion as this. With his memory having failed him at present, he stood with his mouth agape to have Charlotte again come to his rescue.

"And good day to you, Mr. Darcy," Charlotte greeted him cheerfully. "I hope you had a pleasant holiday," adding, "You did not return to Netherfield before my marriage to Mr. Collins."

"You are correct," Darcy said curtly. Bowing, he added, "Let me now congratulate you and wish you both felicities."

"You are too kind and, er..." at a loss for words, Mr. Collins bowed lower than was necessary.

"Well, let us all sit for tea," Charlotte continued, motioning for all to find chairs. Mariah followed close behind her sister and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth chose to be the last before the now quite reserved Darcy. They both lowered themselves into available seats without further speech, sitting as far away from one another as the room could accommodate.

Darcy frowned at Elizabeth taking up a sampler from the sewing basket and beginning to work on it. Knowing her aversion to the task that she would rather do nigh on anything other than sew, the only advantage Darcy could see to the activity was that it required her to avert her eyes from him, and thus occupied, kept her from the intervening conversation.

Charlotte and Richard carried much on their own with Mr. Collins trying to include himself with his brand of effluence. Whenever they tried to encourage Mariah or either Darcy or Elizabeth into speaking, they were rewarded with one or two words in response. Mariah could not add much to the conversation, being rather in awe of their illustrious visitors.

Darcy and Elizabeth simply refused to speak on anything of interest except for a mutual attraction to the groves that surrounded Rosings to its financial benefit. When Elizabeth spoke of a central tree Darcy almost smiled, confirming< "I know exactly the one you mean."

With only two out of the six people contributing to talk, tea concluded rather more quickly than Mr. Collins would have preferred. He mentioned his frequency tending his gardens and modest apiary, hoping to give a tour. Darcy had no intention of repeating any occurrence with bees if it could be helped, and rose by way of a signal to his cousin that he wished to depart. Noting his cousin's unease, the Colonel rose to make his and Darcy leave only after Richard assured the party of Lady Catherine soon extending an invitation for them to dine at Rosings in a day or two hence.

Mr. Collins thought the visit a great success with Mariah nodding in quick agreement. As they exited the parlor, all talked of their eagerness of the opportunity in attending the coming dinner.

Elizabeth remained in her chair, sighing as she pitched the offending sampler in the sewing basket. Shaking her head as she listened to them all wishing to be more in the company of the two gentlemen, she pondered instead on why both had acted contrary to their normal mien to which she had witnessed in London prior to Christmas. Even the Colonel's usual charm seemed almost contrived, and Mr. Darcy, who could never be regarded as overtly social, had actually refused to open his mouth to say a word of what had kept him and his friend from returning to Hertfordshire.

Perhaps this awkwardness is due to his determination not to renew my acquaintance only to find me visiting the parsonage at the same time he had come to Rosings. Well, if that be the case, I am determined to simply stay out of his way as much as I am able until one or the other of us departs the area.

With her mind made up, Elizabeth did not relish the upcoming dinner as did those others in the parsonage still eagerly speaking of the event, but resolved that she would endure it with as much civility as she was capable.

Continued In Next Section