“Are you with child, my dear?”
“I believe so, Papa. I have not experienced many signs of the condition as yet, but I suffer from severe fatigue. I shall know more once I have spoken with my mother.”
Thomas Bennet fell silent as he considered all that his daughter proposed.
“Will his patroness permit him to absent himself one week each month?”
“Yes, sir, I believe they will. The Fitzwilliams are my close friends, and they wish for my marriage to succeed. They are pleased with the service Mr. Collins has provided to the parish. If our neighbors see him from time to time, they will be less inclined toward gossip.”
Mr. Bennet considered this.
“If I take him through the shops at Meryton, and introduce him to the tenants and neighboring families, I believe we may carry this off, my dear. I will speak with your husband. I doubt the man fully understands what there is in his manner that others find disagreeable, but we may at least attempt to mend matters.”
And so, it was settled.
Thomas Bennet remained closeted with his son-in-law for two hours while they discussed the arrangement and worked through every detail.
Thomas would send his carriage each month to collect Mr. Collins, and at the end of the week, it would return him to Hunsford in time to conduct Sunday service. The Fitzwilliams approved of the arrangement and also informed the rector that they expected to remove to London within a week or two.
The following day, Mr. Collins bid farewell to his father-in-law and his wife.
Mary had feared he might treat her with resentment or anger, but he behaved kindly. Indeed, he appeared desirous of repairing their difficulties, and she took what comfort she could.
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana sat with Elizabeth while she awaited her father’s arrival.
“My darling, we return to London after the burial. It shall not be long now. Dr. Miller has cautioned that my aunt has only a few hours left.”
“Yes, sir.”
Georgiana threw her arms about Elizabeth’s neck. “I shall miss you, Lizzy.”
“We shall meet again in London very soon, my dear. Jane and her husband travel to Longbourn in three weeks to celebrate a belated wedding breakfast. They will visit for only a week. I shall send you a note once I arrive in town.”
The young girl dried her eyes and blew her nose. “May I write to you?”
Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “Yes, we shall write to one another.”
Anne descended upon her husband’s arm and took Elizabeth’s hands. “Lizzy, I remain grateful for all you have done. I wish you might remain with us.”
“I would dearly love to, but Papa declares it improper now that Mr. Darcy and I are betrothed.”
“I understand. I shall visit you once you are settled in London.”
Drake entered the room. “The Bennet carriage has arrived, sir.”
Darcy escorted Elizabeth outside, with the others following behind. He bent his head and, in a lowered voice, said, “Elizabeth, I wish I could go with you.”
Her eyes filled at his confession. “Sir, I wish the same.”
Mr. Bennet’s voice was firm. “Come, Elizabeth. We must depart.”
Darcy pressed her hand while assisting her into the carriage. She watched him through the window until they rounded a bend and the grove concealed him from view. Elizabeth settled against the squabs and fought the loneliness tightening her throat. Then her father’s voice broke through her misery.
“Do you miss your husband already, my girl?”
Mary pressed her handkerchief to her eyes and sniffed. “No, sir. I weep from relief. Mr. Collins’s presence weighs heavily upon me, like a burden. At this moment, I feel as though that burden has been lifted.”
“Burden?”
