Jane thanked her uncle for his not unexpected kindness.
“We are eager to hear whatever news you have from Pemberley,” Jane said to Lizzy.
“And I will be glad to share it, but why are we standing outside in the cold?”
“Because Mr. Collins is here,” Jane said in a voice that indicated this visit was just as welcome as the last. “He arrived in Hertfordshire four days ago in preparation for the wedding and had been staying with the Lucases. Although he claims that he is not a superstitious man, he thought it best not to see the bride the day before the wedding, so he has come this morning to Longbourn.”
“I thought you were not supposed to see the bride the day of the wedding?”
“Mama told him that, but he insisted he was right and she wrong. But never mind Mr. Collins, Papa is in the library waiting for you.”
When Lizzy went into the room where her father sought refuge from his family, she saw a man who had aged in her absence. She had no doubt he was blaming himself for their current circumstances, and she could provide no comfort on that subject because it was true.
“My dear, I am pleased to see you, but as you know, I must leave immediately. Do you have anything to share that might assist me in this unpleasant task?”
Lizzy explained that Gregg had left during the night and was to go straight through to Brighton, while Mr. Darcy was to follow in the carriage. “Mr. Darcy feels it important for him to be there to impress upon the colonel the seriousness of the situation as only he can provide information about Wickham’s past offenses.”
“So Mr. Darcy is certain that a seduction was planned?”
“He did not say it outright, but I suspect this feigned elopement would not be Wickham’s first.”
“Well, that settles it, and I am off. I leave you to care for your mother and, unfortunately, to amuse Mr. Collins.”
After seeing Uncle Gardiner and her father off on their journey, Lizzy went to look for her mother, fully expecting to find her in her room suffering from a case of nerves. Instead, she was in the front parlor speaking with Mr. Collins, and when Lizzy joined them, she immediately jumped up, kissed her daughter on the cheek, and whispered in her ear, “Mum’s the word.”
Despite the drama swirling all around her, Mrs. Bennet’s composure in dealing with a difficult guest confirmed what Jane and Lizzy already knew. Her attacks of “nerves” and the onset of the “flutters” were merely theatrics for the purpose of gaining attention from her family. This scene proved that she was quite capable of remaining calm, especially when the marriage prospects of her daughters might be in jeopardy.
During dinner, little was said by anyone other than Mr. Collins. Because Lizzy had spurned his attentions, most of the conversation was directed at her, and when he talked about Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her generosity in making the parsonage comfortable for his “beloved Charlotte,” Kitty let out a groan.
“Mr. Collins, why don’t you tell Lizzy and Aunt Gardiner all about your esteemed patroness,” Kitty said. “You would not wish to deny them your detailed descriptions of the fireplace at Rosings or the extensive gardens or its paths, and don’t leave out your own view of Rosings from your study or how you have mastered the proper amount of compliments to be paid and deference to be shown to Her Ladyship or how her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, frequently passes the parsonage on her way to the village and how she drives her own phaeton and…”
If Lizzy had not kicked Kitty under the table, she would have continued. Mr. Collins could be exasperating, but he was their cousin, and one who held their future in his hands.
Kitty’s suggestion thwarted Lizzy’s plan to withdraw immediately after dinner, and she was forced to listen to Lady Catherine’s vicar praise everything his patroness said or did. It wasn’t until Mrs. Bennet pointed out that the groom-to-be had a very busy day in front of him that he retired.
As soon as Mr. Collins was out of the room, Mrs. Bennet collapsed into her chair. Fortunately, Aunt Gardiner offered to see her sister-in-law to bed. Lizzy gave her a look of such gratitude, and her aunt responded with a knowing smile.
“Lizzy, do you think Mr. Darcy’s efforts will succeed?” Jane asked as the sisters burrowed into their bed and snuggled together for warmth.
“I do not know, but I am hopeful because Mr. Wickham has no idea that anyone is aware of his plans. But enough about Lydia. Charlotte is to be married in the morning and you in two weeks’ time, but everyone is talking about Lydia.”
“Charlotte’s wedding is to be a simple affair with only family and close friends invited to the wedding breakfast. Mr. Collins said that Lady Catherine is insisting that a habit of economy be established from the very start, and I think it is what Charlotte prefers. You know she does not like being the center of attention.”
“True enough. So, tell me, how do things go with Mr. Bingley?”
Even in the dimly lit room, Lizzy could see her sister’s smile. “I think about Charles all day long, and I want to be with him all the time. I will be very happy when our wedding day has come. He is only gone to London for a few days, but I miss him terribly.”
“Jane, has Charles ever kissed you?”
“Yes, but ever so briefly, because Mary and Kitty or Mama are always about, and it is the same at Netherfield. Although the Crenshaw twins have been sent to boarding school in Scotland, their mother and the other children are always about. Charles does write very nice love letters intimating that he wishes we had more time together alone, but that is it. Why are you asking? Have you been kissed?”
“Yes, I have. Truthfully, I do not know what I was expecting a kiss to feel like, but it was better than anything I could have ever imagined. When Mr. Darcy swept me up in his arms, I felt a sensation that went throughout my body, and I have to admit that it was most pleasant.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy to hear that you found it to be pleasant. I have to admit I am a little nervous about my wedding night. It is so strange to me that something that is absolutely forbidden to me on Friday will be required of me on Saturday. And it is not as if I do not know what is going to happen. After all, we do live on a farm. I just do not know how it all comes about and what is required of me.”
“I do not think all that much will be required of you, Jane. When Mr. Darcy kissed me, he held me so closely that I felt something hard against me that had not been there a minute before.”
“What was it?”
“A bedpost.” And the two sisters exploded into laughter. “Other than kissing him, I did nothing. It seems to be a miracle of Nature, and one that comes in a goodly size.”
“Lizzy, I cannot believe you are saying these things, but I am glad you are. All I know is that when Charles kisses me, it is not enough. I want more.”
“Well, no need to worry, Jane, because I am quite sure Mr. Bingley will be happy to oblige.”
Chapter 41
Although Mercer had done everything he could to expedite the journey, there was no avoiding the stops necessary to change the horses. The carriage had to be checked to make sure a wheel wasn’t loose or an axle bent, calls of Nature answered, and simple meals eaten as well. But when they arrived in Brighton shortly after 10:00 in the morning, nine hours behind Gregg, his efforts were rewarded. As soon as Darcy entered the colonel’s residence, he was immediately reassured by Colonel Forster that Wickham’s plans had been thwarted, and after receiving such information, Darcy asked Mercer to see to the drivers and to get some rest.
“My aide will assist you in that,” and the colonel ordered Lieutenant Dickinson to take the men to the kitchen for a large bowl of Mrs. Grant’s soup and the meat pies she had prepared for them. “I have ordered supper for you as well, but I am sure you are eager to have a report on Miss Lydia and Wickham.”