Mr. Collins clearly disapproved, but he had no time to oppose the gentlemen further as Dawson announced another unexpected visitor.
Dr Rease entered with a pleasant air of apology for the intrusion. After a few moments of bewilderment, Mr. Collins hurried to welcome him with effusive, formal reverence.
“Dear Dr Rease, what an honour for our humble home! Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam and now you — three most extraordinary young gentlemen at the same time! Who would imagine?”
“Mr. Collins, please do not trouble yourself. I am sorry I interrupted the visit of Mr. Darcy and the colonel. I only wished to call in briefly to keep my promise to you.”
“It is no interruption on our part, I assure you,” Mr. Darcy replied. “I hope you found Anne a little better this morning.”
“She is improving by the minute,” the doctor answered briefly.
“What happy news!” Mr. Collins exclaimed. “And it is no trouble on our part either. Please, please come in, Doctor! Allow me to offer you a drink. I was telling my family about your bravery just yesterday.”
With far more words than were necessary, Mr. Collins finally managed to make the introductions. The ladies curtseyed, he bowed, and Elizabeth noticed once again his easy manners and pleasant countenance.Yes, he might suit Jane very well indeed.
“Mrs. Collins, Miss Lucas, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. And I am exceedingly pleased to see you again, Miss Bennet.”
He smiled but Elizabeth frowned, casting desperate glances at her cousin as well as at Mr. Darcy. A ripple of surprise passed through the company, and enquiring stares scrutinised her.
“See her again, sir?” Mr. Collins exclaimed. “How did this come about? I had no notion of such an acquaintance.”
Elizabeth’s face burned as she struggled to maintain her composure. “It was nothing of consequence, Cousin. Dr Rease and I chanced to meet two nights ago during my evening stroll inthe garden. I mentioned it to you, if you recall — the evening my headache prompted a brief turn in the fresh air.”
Mr. Collins appeared puzzled, his disapproval plain upon his features. “Yes, I remember, as well as my disapproval of a stroll in the garden at that hour. Since we are honoured by the presence of Lady Catherine’s nephews, I must express my strongest disapprobation for such a habit. It is hardly proper for a young lady to wander alone after dark, even close to the house, exposing herself to who knows what dangers. In truth, I fully disapprove of the habit of a young lady wandering out alone, at any hour!”
“Whilst I cannot disagree with you in regard to the potential danger, Mr. Collins,” Mr. Darcy interjected, “I hope you will agree that Rosings Park is one of the safest places in all England. I know Miss Bennet enjoys taking long walks in Hertfordshire. Surely you do not consider she is in more danger at Rosings.”
Mr. Collins panicked, paled, and stared at Mr. Darcy, mumbling an answer.
“N-no, of course not! Quite the opposite! I was just saying…my cousin is under my roof, and I am responsible for her safety— Not that she would be in any danger at Rosings, of course!”
His pallor was replaced by a violent redness, and he cleared his throat a few times, then gulped from his glass.
Dr Rease stepped forwards with a ready address.
“Pray, let us not allow this matter to distress any of you, Mr. Collins. I assure you, Miss Bennet conducted herself with perfect propriety, and she was very close to the house. As for her habit that you disapprove of, I know many members of the most important families in town who are accustomed to taking nightly strolls for their health — even those members, I might venture, of the Royal Family itself. It is a most refreshing practice when sleep proves elusive.”
Mr. Collins’s panic increased even more, as if he were trapped and could not escape.
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam exchanged a brief glance before the former confirmed with easy gallantry, “Quite so. I have heard the same.”
“Furthermore,” Colonel Fitzwilliam added, “there are rumours that the Prince Regent himself favours a turn in the gardens under the moon when the cares of state weigh heavily. Miss Bennet’s habit does her credit, rather than otherwise.”
The colonel’s words, delivered with his characteristic good humour, should have eased the awkwardness, but Mr. Collins looked even more desperate. The notion that Lady Catherine’s nephews both disagreed with him seemed to be a difficult burden to bear, and Elizabeth took pity on him.
“In truth, I am deeply grateful to my cousin and to Charlotte for their care. Mr. Collins’s diligence in his position as the head of the family is commendable. I am well aware that very few young ladies share my pleasure in walking, and not even my sisters are among them.”
“We are happy to have you here, dear Eliza,” Charlotte said.
“So are we, I assure you,” the colonel added sincerely, causing Elizabeth to blush and smile.
The conversation soon began to flow more easily, enriched by the colonel and Dr Rease’s conversational skills and with faithful support from Charlotte. Mr. Collins chose to remain more silent than usual. Elizabeth listened to the two amiable army men with genuine delight, and engaged with them at every opportunity, but could not fail to notice Mr. Darcy’s thoughtful gaze resting upon her.
The afternoon thus passed in agreeable discourse, until the gentlemen, all three of them, took their leave. Dr Rease promised to call again when time allowed.
In the entrance hall, Mr. Darcy glanced out and suddenly said, “I hope the weather will improve by tomorrow as I plan to take a ride before breakfast.”
Elizabeth’s heart began to race, and she cast a quick glance at him.
