Jane’s heart sank. Was he missing Lizzy? Should she have stayed, and perhaps Jane gone away instead? She struggled to keep her voice steady as she replied. “No, you did not imagine it. Mary was rather nervous about leaving home for the first time – Lizzy and I have been to London with our relatives several times, but Mary never had – and so she asked Lizzy to accompany her.”
“I see,” was the thoughtful response. Mr. Bingley’s mind was racing. If he had truly raised expectations for Miss Elizabeth, she surely would not have left. And certainly she would not have left without a word to the man who had raised those expectations. Unless…unless she truly had never cared for him, and this was her way of avoiding an unwanted proposal! And in that case, he was free to offer for Miss Bennet, was he not?
“What is your family doing for Christmas day?” Jane asked, interrupting his reverie.
“My sister has ordered a splendid dinner, of course.” He paused, feeling awkward. “I had hoped that we might inviteyour family, but given that Miss Lucas is betrothed to Mr. Fitzwilliam, we had to invite the Lucases. And with the Earl and Countess still in residence, well, the dining room will be near to overflowing.”
“I understand, of course,” Jane said, dully. She needed no reminder that Charlotte Lucas had succeeded where she had failed. Charlotte would be married, while Jane would be…not.
Chapter Sixty-Five
All the trunks had been unloaded, and the carriage sent back to Lady Catherine. The estate, Elizabeth had learnt, was called Rosings Park. From what she had seen from her bedroom window, it was a very good name for what looked like a very lovely estate.
The three of them spent a quiet evening together, and Elizabeth then professed herself very tired and went up to her room. She was not, in truth, particularly weary, but she was well aware of the fact that this was Mary’s wedding day – and wedding night – and she needed to be alone with her new husband.
She unpacked her trunk, finding her drawers and wardrobe quite spacious, and got herself ready for bed. A lovely wax candle was at her bedside, so she was able to read for a time. Evidently, Mr. Collins could afford wax candles for reading; it had been many weeks since she had enjoyed such a luxury at Longbourn.
When she finally blew the candle out, she lay awake for a long while, thinking about Jane, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy…and then she fell asleep.
***
When next she opened her eyes, the sun was shining through the curtains. With her customary energy, she dressed quickly and made her way downstairs. Mary and Mr. Collinswere already at the table. Mr. Collins rose when Elizabeth entered.
“I trust you slept well, Cousin?” he enquired.
“Very well, indeed! I cannot recall a more comfortable mattress,” Elizabeth said, gaily. “I thought to take a walk before breakfast; might that be permitted?”
“It will all be cold by the time you get back,” Mary warned.
Elizabeth took a napkin and wrapped two biscuits in it. “This is all I need. After sitting for so many hours yesterday, I must move!”
Mary smiled at her sister, and waved her off.
“I hope she will not get lost,” Mr. Collins said, staring after her.
“Lizzy never gets lost; you need not fear.”
The two finished their breakfast; then, without warning, Mr. Collins rounded the table, pulled Mary up into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. “There!” he said, grinning widely. “Now I believe the day can begin.” With that, he went to his study.
Mary giggled and stared after him, her lips turned up in a smile.
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
Mary whirled around.
Maeve had just entered the dining room. Her eyes were laughing, but she managed to keep her voice respectful as she handed a folded message to her new mistress and curtsied. “This just came from Rosings; the messenger says he is to wait for a response.”
“Thank you, Maeve,” Mary said, blushing from head to toe. There could be no doubt that Maeve had witnessed the caress.
Mary opened the folded paper.
Dear Mrs. Collins,
I trust you and Mr. Collins are not overly fatigued by your journey and are able to come to Rosings Park for dinner this evening at seven o’clock. I understand that your sister is with you; of course, she is included in the invitation.
I await your response.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
