“Very well; but I shall have another word with Cousin Elizabeth on the subject.”
Chapter Nine
They walked with Miss Bennet for a time and then all three of them went to the parsonage.”
Lady Catherine’s brows drew together. “And how long were they there?”
The gardener replied, “They were in the parsonage for about an hour.”
“You will tell me if you see them meet again.”
“Yes, your ladyship.” The gardener bowed and left.
***
At dinner that night, Lady Catherine said, “Darcy, I did not see much of you today.”
“No, you did not,” was the succinct reply.
“And I do not think you spent time with Anne. Anne, did you see Darcy today?”
“Not until tonight in the drawing room, Mother,” Anne grumbled.
“What did you do all day, then, Darcy?” Lady Catherine’s tone sharpened.
Darcy was now presented with a quandary. Did he lie to his aunt? Or tell her the truth? He was silent, wrestling with his conscience.
The Colonel came to his rescue. “Darcy and I walked out of doors for a time and came upon Miss Bennet. We then escorted her, as good manners dictated, to the parsonage, where Mrs. Collins welcomed us and provided refreshments. We then returned to Rosings, where we changed clothes and came down to dinner. Is there anything else you wish to know, General?” And he leapt up to salute his aunt, palm out. His tone was too sarcastic to be mistaken.
“Insolence! Bad manners!” was his aunt’s furious response, as she rapped her stick on the carpet.
“I could not agree more,” the Colonel answered, sharply. “Are we expected to account for every minute of our time here, Aunt? Darcy and I have been to Rosings many times over the years, but we have never before been interrogated in such a manner. Are we to expect a daily repeat of this unpleasant experience?”
Lady Catherine sputtered, unable to formulate a response.
“Will we see the parsonage party again here at Rosings?” the Colonel asked, innocently.
Lady Catherine’s eyes sharpened. “Why?”
The Colonel replied, cagily, “I enjoy the company of Miss Bennet and Mrs. Collins.”
“Anne and I are here to provide you with company.”
“Does that preclude us from enjoying the company of others as well?” the Colonel asked.
“Let us stop this nonsense at once,” Lady Catherine said, with a thump of the stick. “Darcy, when will you propose to Anne?”
“Is this really a discussion for the dining room?” Mr. Darcy finally managed to speak. With a nod, he indicated the footmen, who were clearly straining to catch each word.
“Very well,” Lady Catherine acquiesced with bad grace and snatched up her wine glass.
***
When dinner was finally over and the company was assembled in the drawing room, Lady Catherine again accosted her nephew. “Well, Darcy? What are you waiting for?”
Mr. Darcy took a deep breath. “Aunt, must we have this discussion in Anne’s presence? Surely this is in very bad taste.”
“Surely it is appropriate to discuss her future in her presence,” Lady Catherine insisted.
