Page 58 of A Different Impression

For the next few days, Elizabeth and William continued to enjoy as much privacy as circumstances allowed. They slept late, retired early, and ate most of their meals in their rooms. Kitty and Georgiana occasionally exchanged knowing giggles when the couple disappeared together, but neither attempted to intrude upon them.

Each afternoon, Elizabeth accompanied her husband to Matlock House, where they visited Anne for short periods. Although she had been downstairs the first time they visited, Anne remained in the sitting room adjoining her bedchamber on subsequent visits. As the days passed, Elizabeth sensed that some of her new cousin’s reserve was beginning to ease.

On one such afternoon, Elizabeth described Mr Collins’s visit to Longbourn. Anne laughed until the effort brought on a brief fit of coughing.

“I apologise on my mother’s behalf for sending Mr Collins to your home to select his bride,” she said once she had recovered. “It does not surprise me that the toad thought himself entitled to choose from among his cousin’s daughters. My mother was appalled that Mrs Bennet had produced five daughters and no son, as though she had done so merely to be contrary.”

Elizabeth laughed, but Anne’s expression soon became serious.

“Mr Collins is a terrible rector. He spent more time bringing my mother the tittle-tattle of the neighbourhood than attending to his parish. I would gladly see him removed if it can be done lawfully.”

“I shall speak with Uncle and the solicitor,” William said. “We must first determine whether his appointment can be challenged and whether his conduct provides grounds for involving the bishop.”

He excused himself soon afterwards to confer with Lord Matlock, leaving Elizabeth with Anne.

“Are you happy with Darcy?” Anne asked once they were alone.

“Very. I love William very much, and I have no doubt that he loves me,” Elizabeth said, hoping to reassure her new cousin.

“My mother always insisted that I would marry him, but neither of us desired it. Darcy was always silent and grave, and I am naturally quiet myself. We might have passed entire days without speaking.” A faint smile touched her lips. “He is different with you. I have never seen him smile so frequently or appear so light. I am glad he found you.”

Elizabeth could not entirely suppress her pleasure. She had recognised the change in William herself, but hearing that it was apparent to someone who had known him all his life warmed her.

“I saw it when he introduced you as his Elizabeth,” Anne continued. “That helped me decide to leave Rosings to the two of you. I should like it to become a true home, filled with the noise of your children. Perhaps a younger son—or even a daughter—might inherit it one day. It seems fitting that Rosings should eventually belong to another lady one day.”

“Thank you, Anne,” Elizabeth replied. “I know the responsibility weighs upon William, but we shall honour the trust you have placed in us. I hope you will live to see Rosings restored to its former glory.”

Anne looked away for a moment before continuing.

“There is something else you should know before you travel there. I believe the steward has been stealing from the estate. The household accounts have also appeared excessive, so I do not entirely trust the butler or housekeeper. My mother would never listen when I questioned the declining income.”

Elizabeth’s uneasiness increased with every word.

“You should take people you trust,” Anne advised. “Some of the servants may leave as soon as they learn that Darcy and Uncle James will oversee the estate on my behalf.”

“I shall tell William. But why have you not spoken to him directly?”

“I find you easy to talk to,” Anne replied simply. “Darcy would listen, but the words come more readily with you. I also believe you will see that my concerns are not dismissed.”

“I shall.”

Elizabeth hesitated before adding, “Our circumstances are very different, but I do understand what it is to have one’s concerns dismissed by one’s mother. Mama has always found me wanting, particularly because I was not the son she desired.”

Anne gave a small, humourless smile. “My mother preferred a daughter because she believed one would be easier to control. I still find it difficult to comprehend all that she has done.”

“William and Uncle James will repair what they can,” Elizabeth assured her. “And we shall do everything possible to care for you. I hope that by summer you will be strong enough to spend some time with us at Pemberley.”

Anne began coughing again, and Mrs Jenkinson came forward to help her into a more comfortable position. The exertion had clearly exhausted her.

“I am afraid I must rest,” Anne whispered. “Will you come again tomorrow?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth squeezed her hand gently before leaving the room.

CHAPTER 25