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It had taken Mr. Collins two full days to return home, as he had missed the connecting coach in London that would return him to Kent. Then the coach had stopped so many times that it was too late to call on Rosings when he arrived. Consequently, on the fourth day after his expulsion from Longbourn, Mr. Collins presented himself at Rosings Park to advise Lady Catherine of his return. It secretly pleased him that the bruises on his face showed the most vibrant colors. With his cut lip and black eye, he could not fail to garner sympathy from his patroness. Affecting a limp, Mr. Collins entered the room, where Lady Catherine waited for him.
“What on earth happened to you, Mr. Collins? You know that I do not approve of physical violence.”
“I am sorry to report, your ladyship, that your nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, caused these injuries.”
“Do not be ridiculous, Mr. Collins. What do you know of my nephew?”
“I had the opportunity, or perhaps I should say misfortune, to meet your nephew in Hertfordshire. He was visiting an estate that borders my inheritance.”
“How dare you accuse my nephew of such ungentlemanly behavior? Darcy would never act as you say,” declared Lady Catherine in disgust.
“Perhaps under normal circumstances, my lady, but I fear he is bewitched. I arrived at my cousin’s home to discover the eldest of the young ladies is already being courted. The second of my cousins appeared to be drab and ill-mannered. The third daughter was presentable, fond of the scriptures, and plays the pianoforte quite well, so I directed my attention to her for almost a week. However, on my first Friday there, the second daughter, who is, in reality, very beautiful, came downstairs to join the family, looking like her true self. Before an opportunity came to approach her, a visiting militia officer swooped in and monopolized her attention. Then two more visitors arrived in the persons of your nephews, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. After they routed the officer who had approached Miss Elizabeth, the second sister, Mr. Bennet announced the courtship of Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. I tried to impress upon them the fact that the courtship could not stand, as Mr. Darcy had a previous engagement to your daughter. Mr. Darcy and the colonel both denied the existence of any engagement, saying it was only your wish and that it was not official and never would be.” Mr. Collins used all of the limited acting skills he possessed to guarantee a spirited reaction from Lady Catherine.
“Darcy would never do such a thing, Mr. Collins. You must be mistaken.”
“I wish that I were, your ladyship, but both gentlemen threatened to call me out if I said such a thing to anyone else.”
“Is that when you received these injuries?”
“No, that occurred later.”
“What else took place?” asked Lady Catherine, doubt creeping into her voice.
“I tried to convince Miss Elizabeth to break the engagement, but she would not agree, though I offered her marriage in Mr. Darcy’s place. She told her father that I tried to compromise her and he most likely relayed the story to Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bennet threw me out of the house and forced me to walk, dragging my trunk, into the village to take the coach back to Hunsford. Before I arrived at the inn, I encountered Mr. Darcy and the colonel. Your nephew used his fists to make me aware of his displeasure. I tried to explain to him what had occurred, but he refused to believe me and threatened to call me out again. Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled him away and they left me beaten in the street.”
By this time, Lady Catherine was seething with anger. “Darcy would not dare go against me in this way. He knows it was the greatest wish of his mother and myself that he and Anne marry. It looks as if I must take matters into my own hands. I will put a stop to this courtship by sending an announcement to the paper of the engagement. After that, I will expect you to return to Hertfordshire and marry that little hussy. I shall delight in having her under my control and I will be sure she understands her place in the world.”
Mr. Collins bowed his head to hide his smile of pleasure at Lady Catherine’s words.
“Please leave, Mr. Collins. I do not wish to see you again until your face returns to normal. Your injuries cause me anger and discomfort.”
“Of course, your ladyship,” said Mr. Collins as he backed from the room.
Unfortunately for Lady Catherine, she was in for a great shock. After writing the announcement to the Times of Darcy and Anne’s engagement, she sat down to read the morning post. As she perused the announcements column while dreaming of viewing the one she had just sent off to the paper, a notice caught her eye.
Engaged: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Darcy House and Pemberley to Miss Elizabeth Diana Bennet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire. The couple plans to marry early in the new year.
After reading the announcement, Lady Catherine screamed in rage and frustration. Her shouts brought her daughter, the butler, and the housekeeper running.
“What is wrong, Mama?” cried Anne, slightly out of breath.
“Madame, how can I assist you?” asked the butler.
The housekeeper held out a vinaigrette to her mistress but did not speak.
“I need my carriage made ready right away. Have my maid begin packing. I must be on my way to London as soon as possible, preferably within the hour. We will stop to see my brother the earl before continuing to Hertfordshire.
“What is in Hertfordshire, Mama?”
“Your cousin, Darcy. I plan to convince him to return with me so that we might announce your engagement.”
“Mama, Darcy and I both told you we do not wish to wed. Why are you so set on this?”
“Because you deserve to be the next mistress of Pemberley. I named you after my sister, and you should follow in her footsteps.”
“You always tell me I am too weak to manage Rosings or help make decisions for the estate. William was forced to shoulder a great many burdens at a young age. Why would you wish to add to those burdens by saddling him with a wife he must take care of rather than one who can ease his concerns and care for his estate? Please, Mama, for my sake, let go of this matter.”
Lady Catherine was shocked at her daughter’s words. “I did not think you serious when you said you did not wish to marry Darcy. I thought you were just trying to appease your cousin with your words.”
“No, Mama. I love William. He is a wonderful cousin, but we are not suited to one another. We are both quiet and reserved. Each of us must marry someone who will bring laughter and joy to our lives. We could not do that for each other. I want William to find the happiness he deserves, and that would not be with me. If he found someone to make him happy, please allow him that experience.”
“You are sure you do not wish to marry Darcy?”
“No, Mama, I do not. I have always preferred Richard to William. He makes me happy, and he makes me laugh. That is what I want for my future. I do not know if he feels the same way, but I plan to leave Rosings Park to Richard when I pass away. I want him to be able to resign from the army. I want him home and safe.”
“Do you wish me to mention the possibility of your marrying Richard to your uncle? I want you to be happy, my child.”
“If Richard is interested, I would be pleased to marry him, but promise me you will not force him into a marriage he does not want. It is probably not fair for me to marry anyone. I doubt I will be able to provide my husband with an heir.”
“If you wish, we will seek a new doctor. I know that I never wanted to do so before, but perhaps your uncle can suggest one. Perhaps there can be more to your future than you believe. I will do whatever I can for your happiness, my dear daughter.”
“Then do not go to Hertfordshire. Send Darcy a letter wishing him well and welcoming his betrothed to the family. That would make me happy.”
Lady Catherine stared at her daughter for a long time. It was hard to let go of her dreams, but all she ever desired was what was best for Anne. If this was what she wanted, Lady Catherine would agree. “It will be as you desire, Anne.” She turned to the butler, who stood poised in the doorway to carry out his mistress’s wishes. “If you delivered my earlier orders, please cancel them. I shall not be traveling at this time after all. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some letters to write.” Her posture stiff and straight, but her steps somewhat slower, Lady Catherine retired to her study.
At the parsonage, Mr. Collins’ mail had also arrived. As he looked through the letters, he was surprised to find one written in an unknown feminine hand.
“I tried to tell her he would not follow through with a proposal,” sneered Mr. Collins. Perhaps I should leave her to wither on the shelf. After the way she treated me, it is all she deserves.” Then he recalled Lady Catherine’s words and did not wish to incur her wrath. Before he broke the seal on the letter, a knock came at the door. A footman in the Rosings livery handed him a note before turning to leave. Mr. Collins unfolded the paper and quickly scanned the contents. The longer he read, the more his face fell until his expression ultimately resembled a scowl.
How could this have happened? Why would Lady Catherine give up on her desires for her daughter to marry Darcy? How was he to gain control of Elizabeth if Darcy were permitted to marry her? What could he do to achieve his desires and not cause his patroness to be angry with him?
It was then that he recalled the other letter. After rapidly breaking the seal, Mr. Collins began to read. This time, his expression changed to one of evil. His eyes were cold and his grin broad. His laughter would raise the hair on the back of one’s neck. He sat at the desk in his study and hurried to pen his reply.
