“Thank you, Ruby. I shall come directly.”
Elizabeth took up her bonnet, slipped Mary’s letter into her book, and hastened in to greet her father.
“Elizabeth, I am pleased to see you. You look very well in your new traveling gown, my dear.”
She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. “How did you leave Jane, sir? She has not written to me of late.”
“Your sisters are well, Lizzy. Both are excited because there are rumors that Netherfield Park has been let at last.”
Father and daughter passed the next hour discussing all the latest news from Meryton.
They made good time. From the carriage window, Elizabeth saw field upon field lying in stubble after the harvest, and others where the sheaves were set in orderly stacks to dry.
“Look there, Elizabeth. Above the treetops, you may see the manor rising.”
Elizabeth caught sight of the great house to the right, its upper stories rising above the surrounding trees. As they drew nearer, the carriage turned into a narrow lane and then into the drive of a pleasant cottage.
Before the carriage had fully stopped, Mr. Collins and her sister stood waiting at the entrance. The rector hastened forward to greet her father and took his hand in welcome.
Mary embraced Elizabeth warmly and held her fast. When she withdrew, Elizabeth saw her sister’s eyes were bright with emotion, and the sight troubled her, for Mary was not inclined to sensibility and was seldom moved.
Mr. Bennet presented his second daughter, and Mr. Collins observed, “They bear a strong resemblance to one another, sir. You are to be congratulated on so handsome a family.” Mr. Collins fixed his attention upon Elizabeth for longer than propriety allowed, though none observed it but Elizabeth.
They followed Mr. Collins into the house. She took her sister’s hand, drawing it into the crook of her arm. “I am glad to see you, sister. How does Mrs. Jenkinson go on?”
Mr. Collins heard the name and paused, turning back. “She is very ill, Cousin Elizabeth. Old Rogers, the physician, believes she will not survive the week.”
Mary added, “She was Miss Anne de Bourgh’s companion for twenty years, and the young lady is greatly distressed over the loss.”
Mr. Collins continued, “Lady Catherine says Miss de Bourgh has lost her appetite and spends many hours at her companion’s bedside, weeping.”
Elizabeth’s brows drew together. “I imagine Miss de Bourgh regards her companion more as a relation than as a servant.”
Mr. Collins inclined his head. “I believe you have understood the matter correctly, cousin. I have not witnessed such grief in all my life. To observe her, one might suppose she is losing a beloved mother.”
Mr. Collins then conducted them upstairs, and when Mr. Bennet was shown to his room, he declared he would rest for an hour before dinner.
Collins turned to Elizabeth. “My dear sister, for such you now are, allow me to show you to your chamber.”
He crossed the hall and opened the door to a pleasant room filled with the light of the waning afternoon sun. The curtains were of a sheer white fabric, and the drapes were of a fresh green, like new grass in spring.
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with pleasure. “This is a very pretty room. I am quite charmed.”
Mr. Collins appeared gratified, then he moved to open the closet door. “Her Ladyship condescended to visit and advised I addshelves here.” He indicated them with satisfaction. “What do you think, Miss Elizabeth? Has she not done me a service?”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Indeed, sir. Between you both, the house is in excellent order.”
Mary asked, “Lizzy, would you wish to rest for an hour before dinner, or would you prefer to take the air?”
“You know me too well, Mary. I long for a walk, and the grove of beech trees beyond is well suited to a warm August afternoon.”
Mary said, “Mr. Collins, I shall step out with my sister to ensure she does not lose her way, if you have no objection.”
Elizabeth thought his smile carried a trace of condescension, and his eyes were too bold. “I believe I shall join you, my dear, for a walk is most beneficial,” he said.
Elizabeth spoke before Mary replied. “Brother, I had hoped to study one of your sermons this evening when I retire. Would it trouble you to remain and select one that might improve the mind of a young lady?”
“Certainly, sister. I have several suited to that purpose.” He said to his wife. “Miss Elizabeth would enjoy the east walk through the grove. The rise there is gentle. I shall be in my study and will choose two or three sermons for her perusal during her visit.”
