The Colonel’s colour rose, and he was silenced.
She continued. “You see how awkwardly I am situated here. I must be careful to predict what she will think and how she will react, for she has control, complete control, over my life.”
“But you are of age!”
“I am, yes, but where would I go? What would I do? If I am honest, I am waiting for you or Fitzwilliam to marry and offer to host me for a Season!”
“I do not doubt that you would attract suitors,” he said.
“I wish to attract the right kind of suitors; I will not marry just to escape my mother. If I cannot be happy in marriage, I prefer notto be married at all. Eventually, I will inherit Rosings, so I will not lack for funds.”
“That is a very clear-eyed approach to life, I must say, Anne.”
“I have had a good deal of time to think on it, cousin,” she returned.
Mr. Darcy returned to the room, and the two left the drawing room, headed to the stables. The Colonel began, “I just had a surprisingly interesting conversation with Anne.”
“Did you, indeed! I did as well. There is more to Anne than I had imagined.”
“She hopes that one of us will marry and host her for a Season in Town.”
“Yes; she mentioned that to me as well. I had rather hoped that she had found someone she liked here in Kent, but as she said, she goes nowhere and sees no one.”
“I feel quite sad for her,” the Colonel mused.
“Sad enough to marry her?” Mr. Darcy enquired, one eyebrow lifted.
“Not quite that sad.” But his tone was less than certain.
Mr. Darcy shot his cousin a quick look, but said nothing.
***
At the parsonage, Elizabeth had finally decided on a simple green gown for dinner at Rosings. There was no point in enhancing her appearance in order to attract Mr. Darcy; indeed, she would show her lack of interest by wearing this rather plain gown. She had more elegant gowns that she might have chosen, but she felt it was important to demonstrate – to herself, at least – that she need not impress anyone. Mary raised her eyebrows when Elizabeth descended the stairs, but said nothing.
The three of them walked to the big house, Mr. Collins exclaiming excitedly as they walked. Cousin Elizabeth must observe the great number of windows! And the grounds, were they not exquisite? She must take care to observe every courtesy to the great lady, of course. She must not expect conversation from Miss de Bourgh, as she rarely condescended to speak. Elizabeth simply murmured in response to these various instructions. Her mind was wholly occupied with the idea of seeing Mr. Darcy again, and cautioning herself to behave with appropriate coolness.
A solemn-faced butler greeted them and led them into the drawing room. Elizabeth went in behind Mr. and Mrs. Collins, which gave her a moment to assess the situation. Lady Catherine was sitting in a rather large and ornate chair; a young lady who must be Miss de Bourgh sat on the sofa nearest the fire with an older lady beside her. The Colonel was already on his feet, smiling widely, and Mr. Darcy was also standing, but behind the Colonel.
Elizabeth was presented to Lady Catherine; she stepped forward and made a deep curtsey. She curtsied again to Miss de Bourgh and the older lady, who was introduced as Mrs. Jenkinson, Miss de Bourgh’s companion. Elizabeth then turned to Colonel Fitzwilliam and gave him her warmest smile. “Colonel! What an unexpected pleasure!”
“The pleasure must be entirely mine, Miss Elizabeth! I beg your pardon, I should say Miss Bennet. Darcy told me that your sister, Miss Mary, had married Mr. Collins, but I had no idea we were to have the additional pleasure of seeing you here. Come, Darcy, say something.”
It was well that the Colonel had spoken his name, for Mr. Darcy had frozen upon seeing her. Had he forgotten how utterly lovely she was? How thick and rich her hair, how her dark eyessparkled in the candlelight? How even the simplest of gowns hugged her gentle curves, curves that he longed to explore?
It was over. He could resist her no longer. He must have her for his own or he would die. As his Cousin Anne said, it was the only rational thing to do.
Now resolved, Mr. Darcy stepped forward and bowed deeply. Speaking for her ears only, he murmured, “Miss Bennet, I am frankly overjoyed to see you again.”
Elizabeth almost gasped at such a very warm welcome, but she remembered her resolution and gave Mr. Darcy only a quick glance, saying, “It is good to see you again, Mr. Darcy. At some point, you shall have to tell me how your London quest fared.” She turned back to Colonel Fitzwilliam. “But tell me, Colonel, how have you been? Have you been to the Continent?”
The Colonel led Elizabeth to a pair of chairs, but before they could sit, Lady Catherine said, “Miss Bennet, I understand that you had met Mr. Darcy, but I was not told that you also know the Colonel.”
Elizabeth replied, calmly, “Doubtless you know that Mr. Darcy spent some time visiting his friend, Mr. Bingley, who leased the estate bordering ours. We had the pleasure of meeting the Colonel when he visited Mr. Darcy there for a brief time.”
“And I danced with Miss Bennet when I was there, as well!” the Colonel added. “Come, let us sit, Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth allowed the Colonel to sit her in a chair beside his own.
Mr. Darcy retreated to the corner of the drawing room. What was happening? Miss Elizabeth – no, he must think of her as Miss Bennet now – was all but ignoring him! Had he misinterpreted her feelings all this time? He tried to catch her eye, but she was not looking his way. Perhaps he could sit beside her at dinner.
