At Rosings’ breakfast table, Mr. Darcy was forced to bear a good deal of commentary regarding his conduct the previous night. Lady Catherine started in at breakfast. “I am frankly astonished at you, Darcy. Your behaviour last night! Whatever can you mean, making up to that Miss Bennet in such a way?”
The Colonel stepped in on his behalf, saying that Mr. Darcy had been happy to greet a young lady whom he regarded as a dear friend.
“She seemed rather less happy to see you than you were to see her,” was his aunt’s tart observation.
Again, the Colonel stepped in, saying, “Young ladies have their moods, as we know, Aunt.”
Mr. Darcy finished his breakfast as soon as he could and made his escape. He encountered Anne on his way up to his room, and it was then her turn to speak. “I believe that our conversation as to the rationality of a love match was well-timed, Fitzwilliam.” She was smiling as she spoke.
“It was; I thank you, Anne, for explaining it to me so very well.”
“So it is Miss Bennet?”
“It is; I am astonished to find her here, but wish to take advantage of my opportunity.”
“As well you should. I will do everything in my power to aid you, cousin, though I know not what I might do.”
“Might you not accompany me to the parsonage? I would like to call on Miss Bennet; your presence would make it less remarkable.”
“I am happy to do so. I cannot walk that far, though, cousin.”
“Can we not take your little phaeton? I promise not to crowd you in it! May we leave soon?”
“It is too early for a call, Fitzwilliam.”
“I would like to avoid having Richard accompany us.”
“Did I hear my name?” The Colonel was now striding up the stairs.
“Richard,” Mr. Darcy growled.
“I am not wanted, evidently,” the Colonel said, genially.
“When you are present, she is able to avoid me,” Mr. Darcy retorted. “I need some time with her, time when you are not there to provide her with a ready distraction.”
“She is clever; if she wishes to avoid you, then she will do so.”
“Perhaps. But I would be very much obliged if you would not join us.”
The Colonel sighed theatrically. “Very well, Darcy; I will be occupied elsewhere.”
***
When they had waited until Anne felt comfortable paying a call at the parsonage, Mr. Darcy and Anne de Bourgh climbed into Anne’s little phaeton. Mrs. Jenkinson had been persuaded to stay at Rosings Park, though she had required a good deal more persuasion than had the Colonel.
Finally, Anne said, in some exasperation, “If I am not safe with my cousin, when might I ever be so?” Mrs. Jenkinson finally relented.
“It is wearying to have my steps constantly dogged,” Anne confessed. “If you marry Miss Bennet, you truly must host me for a Season.”
“I should be delighted, and I am certain Miss Bennet would as well.”
“You have a good deal of work ahead of you, if you hope to persuade her to marry you.”
“I cannot understand it. She was so warm, so welcoming to me when I was in Meryton.”
“Did you give her any indication that you might marry her?”
“On the contrary; I was very clear that I was to marry a young lady of wealth and breeding.”
