“Very well,” Darcy replied, suppressing a yawn he could not entirely conceal. “I did not exaggerate below. I ride daily, but rarely for fourteen miles.” He moved towards the door. “I shall make enquiries in the morning and hope that something suitable presents itself. You know I have long wished to see you settled nearer home.”
“I know,” Fitzwilliam said quietly. “I am obliged to you.”
They parted soon after, each retreating to his chamber. But though exhaustion weighed upon him, Fitzwilliam lay awake far longer than he had intended, his thoughts divided between Jane Bennet and the possibility—once unthinkable—of laying down his commission.
Fitzwilliam was notthe only one restless that night.
Mr Collins withdrew to his chamber at Longbourn in considerable agitation. His cousin had not merely discouraged but expressly forbidden any further mention of a union with his eldest daughter, even threatening his removal from the house should he persist. He had nearly skipped the meal, so agitated he had been by his cousin’s refusal to listen to reason, but he had been far too hungry. Instead, he had sat quietly, not giving his cousins the benefit of his wisdom during the meal.
Several times that afternoon he had attempted to enlist Mrs Bennet’s support, even before Cousin Jane was returned, but she had likewise refused him, declaring with unexpected firmness that her daughters were not ruined and that, if he wished to marry, he ought to select the second. Jane Bennet, she insisted, was destined for better.
He crossed to the hearth and stirred the embers with unnecessary vigour before setting the poker aside. The indignity of it smarted.
“Better,” he murmured once, scoffing as he loosened his cravat as though the word itself constricted him.
Who, he demanded inwardly as he resumed pacing the length of the chamber, was better than he—the heir of Longbourn and rector under the distinguished patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh? That his motives—purely dutiful, wholly benevolent—should be so misconstrued was scarcely credible. He had sought only to preserve Miss Bennet’s reputation after so unfortunate an occurrence as had transpired that day and instead found himself treated as though he were an opportunist.
He paused before the small mirror above the washstand, straightened his waistcoat, and surveyed his reflection with grave consideration. To be redirected towards the seconddaughter—however devout—was not merely disappointing; it was imprudent. A union so plainly advantageous ought not to be set aside without due reflection.
Mary Bennet, moreover, was not only plain of feature but distressingly inclined to correction. On more than one occasion she had ventured to amend him during a recitation, alleging an inaccuracy in his quotation of Scripture. Worse still, she had presumed to question certain observations of Lady Catherine’s which he had faithfully repeated for the improvement of his cousins.
A more useful thought began to take shape.
He turned from the mirror and moved towards the writing desk, fingers already aligning the quill and paper.
This was not a matter to be left to the limited judgement of those who resided at Longbourn.
Lady Catherine must be informed.
The conviction settled upon him as he adjusted the candle and drew his chair nearer. Her ladyship possessed discernment and authority. Moreover, given the involvement—however indirect—of her own nephews, she could not but feel a proper interest in the proceedings. It would be negligent, even disrespectful, not to apprise her of developments so intimately connected to her family.
There was, moreover, the matter of Mr Darcy’s recent attentions to that other Miss Bennet—the orphaned cousin residing at Longbourn. Her guardian was advanced in years—five-and-sixty at least—and a young lady so situated might reasonably stand in need of direction. Nor could it be entirely proper that she should exert undue influence over Mr Darcy.
At every gathering to which they had been invited—few though those occasions had been—he had observed the pair much engaged in one another’s company. If he understood correctly, they were now both residing at Millwood Cottage, an arrangement that struck him as decidedly imprudent.
Yes; a full and accurate account of recent developments must be conveyed.
With a firm inclination of his head, Mr Collins seated himself at the writing desk and dipped his pen in ink, already composing in his mind those expressions which would most clearly exhibit his restraint, his loyalty, and the injustice he had sustained.
Lady Catherine,
It is with the utmost concern and astonishment that I acquaint your Ladyship with an event of the most alarming nature. My two eldest cousins were this day seized against their will and conveyed some miles distant by a most unprincipled officer of the militia until he was apprehended at a country inn and the ladies restored to their family.
Their return was effected in part through the exertions of your Ladyship’s distinguished nephews, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy. I did not fail to express my gratitude for their timely interference in an affair which, though not immediately their own, must naturally engage their interest, given my connexion to your Ladyship and the regard in which the Bennet family is held through me.
In consequence of so distressing an occurrence, and from a sincere desire to preserve my cousin’s reputation from even the slightest shadow of impropriety, I considered it my Christian duty to offer her my hand in marriage. To my great surprise, my proposal was not merely declined butexpressly forbidden from further mention by my cousin, Mr Bennet, who has enjoined me to silence upon the subject upon the threat of physical retribution if I do not obey.
I cannot but believe that your Ladyship will perceive the prudence of my intentions. Although the ladies were absent only a few hours and were taken together, I tremble to think how readily malicious tongues may distort even the most innocent circumstance.
I understand that your nephews are at present residing in Hertfordshire as guests of a gentleman styling himself Mr Grant, whose granddaughter—of an age near that of my eldest cousins—also resides there. Miss Darcy is likewise in the party. They are all residing at a place called Millwood Cottage, and although my cousins have not allowed me to join them on the daily visits, I can only suppose it is because the cottage is too small to house many guests.
I have observed that Mr Darcy appears particularly attentive to Mr Grant’s granddaughter, who is said to possess a dowry proportioned to her father’s consequence. Indeed, there is some suggestion that the recent abduction arose from a confusion regarding which Miss Bennet stood in expectation of such fortune.
Given the delicacy of these matters, I venture to hope that your Ladyship may see fit to offer such guidance to your nephews as your superior judgement deems appropriate.
I remain, with the greatest respect,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient and humble servant,
