Page 14 of A Sisterly Bond

The news seemed to disconcert Sir William momentarily, and he mumbled a reply.

“Cousin Elizabeth will benefit from the doctor’s examination too,” Mr Collins added, much to Elizabeth’s surprise.

“There is no need, Cousin. I am in perfect health, I assure you,” Elizabeth said.

“Dear cousin, her ladyship suggested that, since you have been in close proximity with two ill people, you might still be contagious. Prudence is better than regret, as Lady Catherine likes to say.”

“If I am a danger to her ladyship or her daughter, I would be more than happy to keep my distance from them,” Elizabeth declared in jest. But nobody smiled.

“That will not be possible. If Lady Catherine issues an invitation, we always accept it with gratitude,” Mr Collins explained in all seriousness. There was no use in even trying to argue with him, so Elizabeth abandoned any attempt.

They were each shown to their chambers, and Elizabeth took the opportunity for a few minutes alone with Charlotte.

“I am so glad you are here, Eliza!”

“So am I, Charlotte. You look well, I must say, so I assume married life suits you.”

“It does, though I know you are doubtful. Mr Collins is a decent, honourable man, and he struggles to be as good a husband as he can. All in all, I have no reason to complain.”

“I am glad to hear that, Charlotte. Truly glad,” Elizabeth replied. “I did have some doubts, simply because I considered your acquaintance too brief to know each other well enough and to form a strong basis for marriage. If I was wrong, I am only too happy to apologise.”

“Do you remember our conversation about happiness in marriage being a matter of luck? Well, it seems I was fortunate to be a happy case,” Charlotte concluded.

“I congratulate you with all my heart,” Elizabeth answered, hoping her voice sounded confident enough to conceal her doubts. Could it be true that Charlotte’s notion of happiness in marriage required so little?

“So, how is Jane? How did you find her?” Charlotte changed the subject.

“In fact, she is more than well now. Mr Bingley called on her a few days ago, and I expect him to become a regular visitor in the future.”

“Really? What lovely news, indeed! From my mother’s letters — she having been informed by Mrs Bennet and Mrs Phillips — I understood Jane had not met Mr Bingley at all during her stay in town.”

“That was true, until recently,” Elizabeth replied, avoiding providing details about the meeting with Miss Darcy. “A fortunate occurrence helped them to reunite.”

“Very fortunate, indeed! I look forward to hearing more about it.”

“I promise I shall gladly share any news I receive from Jane,” Elizabeth answered.

The conversation was interrupted by the doctor’s arrival, and both Collinses focused their attention upon him, as was proper for someone recommended by Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

***

The doctor’s examination was satisfactory for all three guests, but still, the next three days passed without a formal invitation from Rosings.

Lady Catherine did call at the parsonage — with her daughter and that lady’s companion, Mrs Jenkinson — but she did not descend from her carriage.

Sir William, Maria, and Elizabeth were all summoned to the front of the house and introduced to her ladyship, who asked them several questions each. The lady showed a moderate interest in Sir William and none in Maria, but she took the trouble to question Elizabeth thoroughly.

“I understand, Sir William, that you and your daughter were detained in town by illness. A cold, I believe?”

Sir William bowed low. “Indeed, your ladyship. Most unfortunate. Dr Green, Mr Gardiner’s doctor, was most attentive, and we are now entirely recovered, I assure you. Dr Linfield agreed.”

“Yes, yes, he already informed me. I must make it clear that a cold is a serious matter when contracted through carelessness. Travelling in damp weather, with insufficient attention to warm clothing and exposure to night air — all these are preventable. One would have thought a man of your years might have shown greater prudence. Young people may be excused a degree of thoughtlessness, but those of mature age ought to set a better example.”

Sir William coloured and stammered assurances of future caution. Mr and Mrs Collins seemed distressed by such scolding, while Elizabeth bit her lip to hide a smile.”

“Regardless, I asked Dr Linfield to examine you again in two days, just to be sure there is no danger remaining.”

“As you wish, ma’am. I must mention that I shall return to Hertfordshire in four days, so—”