“Forgive me, Charlotte. I was not thinking, speaking so in front of the servants.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes and picked up her sewing. “It will inevitably be repeated to Lady Catherine.”
“Yes, but surely you championing her cause will also be conveyed?”
“I am certain it will. Elise is a dutiful servant to Rosings, but she and I have formed a unique bond. She will only use the conversation to elevate me in our patroness’s estimation.”
“And to, unfortunately, lower me?”
“Most likely.” Charlotte grinned. “I am uncertain if you could descend any lower. She is still smarting from Mr. Darcy’s declaration when he awoke.” Her voice trailed off as she raised her eyes from her sewing to look at Elizabeth, whose focus on her own needle became more intense. “Is there anything you care to impart?”
“I am not at liberty to speak on his words or reasons for them. He had been unconscious for several days. Most likely, the sound of my voice was familiar to him, and he was…muddled. Nothing more.”
Charlotte clucked her tongue as she reached for a new bit of thread. “Possibly. But you have been very quiet since our guest was removed to Rosings…”
The question in her voice made Elizabeth’s cheeks warm. Although she willed it to stop, the gentle laugh from Charlotte indicated she had failed. “Lizzy. You have nothing to fear. Your secret is safe with me.”
“Charlotte Collins! I have nosecret!”
“Lower your voice, Lizzy. Elise is loyal to me, but she knows what information will pay her well at the big house.”
They both waited to assure there was no sound outside in the corridor before Elizabeth said, “It is true, I grant you, Mr. Darcy and I have…reconciled our differences. But there is nosecretbetween us.”
“None?”
“No, not at all. I will say that I do have a better understanding of his character, but that is all.”
“Hmm…” Charlotte worried her lip as Lizzy attempted to maintain her equilibrium.I must stop this silliness before she believes me to be like Lydia.“Truly, Charlotte I––”
The women were interrupted by the sound of a carriage and soon after, Lady Catherine charged into the room. “Mrs. Collins. I am departing for London at once. Youand Miss Bennet will follow in my carriage. Your maids will pack your trunks, but you must make haste.”
“Lady Catherine! Of course, but what is––”
“There is no time for questions, girl! That parson of mine, your husband, has made quite a cake of things in London and cannot follow the simplest of directions. Girl,” Lady Catherine called to the maid, “pack your mistress’s things and Miss Bennet’s.”
“But Lady Catherine. My aunt and uncle are away from London until the end of the week. I will have nowhere to stay.” Elizabeth felt she had been knocked over by the demands placed upon her, and Charlotte appeared to feel the same.
“I am grieved, Lizzy. It appears you must cut your holiday short. I cannot have you reside here alone.”
“That would be scandalous,” Lady Catherine said, jaw clenched. “No, you will deposit Mrs. Collins in London, then continue on to your father’s estate.”
With a glower, she challenged Elizabeth before demanding Charlotte prepare for their imminent departure.
In five minutes, the house was cleared of the matriarch, and Charlotte was barking orders at her servants while Lizzy sat staring out the sitting room window with the sound of Lady Catherine’s retreating carriage rolling into thedistance. She was unsurprised to note that her tea was still warm.
Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth’s trunk was packed and her traveling clothes donned. She had assured herself nothing had been left behind, most notably Mr. Darcy’s letter which she clutched in her reticule as she stood on the steps of the parsonage.
“Lizzy, this is a most unusual occurrence. I hope you will not allow the telling of this part of your stay to color the enjoyment you had at Hunsford.”
“Of course not, Charlotte. Your husband has a very powerful patroness. One must accept the eccentricities of the very rich.”
Hearing another carriage pull up in front of the parsonage, behind the carriage being loaded for London, she picked up her copy of Shakespeare. “My only regret is that I could not take my leave of Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh.”
“And no one else?” The tease in Charlotte’s voice made Elizabeth blush. “No, of course not.”
They proceeded toward the London bound carriage, only to be met by Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss de Bourgh.
“Miss Bennet, we were to understand Mrs. Collins is departing for London and you will remain here alone until her return.”
