Mr. Darcy did his best to satisfy Richard’s curiosity, and Richard’s laugh rang out several times.
“You sound positively delighted,” Mr. Darcy commented. “He is your brother, you know.”
“And you well know what our relationship has been like. Daniel has never let me forget that he was the heir, that he would inherit everything and I nothing. He always said that he would marry well, that he would have nothing less than one of the diamonds of the Season.”
“He might have, in truth, had he behaved better.”
“Well, enough of that. This is your annual journey to help Aunt Catherine, I understand. And I suspect that I am invited along only to see if I find Anne tolerable enough to marry her.”
“Your father seems adamant that a second son should leap at the chance to marry an heiress such as Anne.”
Richard sighed. “I like Anne, I do. But to marry her? And suffer Aunt Catherine’s presence for however many years she has left on this earth? I had rather be in France.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled. “I told your father that at least in France, you could kill the enemy.”
Richard laughed. “Very good, Darcy. Did he appreciate the humour?”
“He did, as a matter of fact.”
“I am glad yourbon motwas not wasted.”
“So Anne has no chance with you?”
“Likely not, but I appreciate the chance to enjoy our aunt’s hospitality and your company.”
“As I shall enjoy yours. I am grateful to have someone to talk with other than our aunt and cousin. Ah, I must remember to pay a call on the new Mrs. Collins at some point.” He did not necessarily look forward to seeing Mr. Collins, but the chance to hear something of Miss Elizabeth was irresistible.
“Mrs. Collins? The parson is married?”
“Oh! Did I not tell you? Yes, he is married to the middle Bennet sister.”
“Mary, is it?”
“Yes; she is now Mrs. Collins. It would be rude not to call on her.”
“An odd coincidence that her husband is Aunt Catherine’s parson!”
“Indeed.”
***
They arrived at Rosings Park that same afternoon. The sky had grown dark and raindrops had begun to spatter down as the carriage pulled up in front of the mansion. The butler appeared with umbrellas, which Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam accepted gratefully.
They were escorted into the formal drawing room, where Lady Catherine sat in state in her preferred chair. Anne sat on the sofa closest to the fire, with her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, beside her. The three ladies rose when their guests entered the room, and greetings were exchanged.
“I expected you earlier,” Lady Catherine began. “It is quite late.
“Truly, Aunt?” Mr. Darcy answered, mildly. “I thought we made very good time.”
His aunt waved the comment away. “No, indeed, but here you are at last! And here is Anne! Her health is much improved, as you can see. Take your shawl off, Anne, let your cousins see you.”
“That is not necessary, Aunt,” the Colonel put in hastily, as Anne blushed and began to obey. “We can see that she is in good health.”
Anne threw a grateful glance at Richard.
“You would like refreshments, I imagine,” Lady Catherine said, pulling a cord to summon the maid.
“We would be grateful, yes,” Richard replied.
