His improved manners and inclination for forgiveness, despite the harshness of their quarrel, made Elizabeth feel worse, more embarrassed. Not for rejecting him — that had been the correct decision. Even though she had admitted her errors and acknowledged her misjudgment of his character, her feelings for him were still far from what they should be towards a husband. Accepting him just for his situation in life would have been unfair to him and dishonourable of her.
But the unjust accusations and vile offences she had thrown at him — calling him ungentlemanlike and the last man in the world she could ever be prevailed upon to marry — what man would condone such an outburst? Could any apology ever make amends for such insults? Would she even dare to ever bring that subject up again? Probably not. But she might, if she gathered all her strength, venture to speak to him again of Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Perhaps in few more days, another fortuitous meeting would provide her with the opportunity; Mr. Darcy had indicated to her that he was favourable to such encounters, so her hopes were reasonable.
There was another matter that occupied her thoughts, as unpleasant as it was — Mr. Wickham. How artfully he had deceived them all in Meryton! His pleasing manners and ready tales had blinded her, and everyone else, to the truth of his character. What was to be done with the facts she now had at her disposal? She could not remain silent while he continued to impose upon others. Perhaps — oh, the irony — she might seek Mr. Darcy’s counsel on the matter. He, who had suffered most from Mr. Wickham’s schemes, would know best how to prevent further harm without exposing his sister’s tender history.
These reflections, though weighty, brought with them a soothing resolution. That night, for the first time since the fateful proposal, Elizabeth slept deeply and restfully.
Chapter 5
The following morning, immediately after breakfast, it was not Elizabeth but Mr. Collins who left the house for an urgent walk towards Rosings.
He returned almost two hours later, in a state of high animation, his face flushed with importance as he gathered the household in the parlour.
“My dear Charlotte, my dear sister and cousin! What tidings I bring! I must have a drink and catch my breath!”
“What happened, my dear? I cannot wait to hear it!” Charlotte indulged him.
“You must have noticed I stayed longer than usual, and with good reason! I was at last received by her ladyship, who condescended to speak to me at length.”
“What good news! I assume Miss de Bourgh is feeling better?”
“There has been a clear improvement, I am happy to report. A most encouraging development under the care of two such excellent physicians. And what is more, I had the honour of being introduced to Dr Rease, nephew to Dr Blake. A most gentlemanlike young man! Do you know he was in the army but discharged after suffering a wound to the leg on the battlefield, trying to save other injured soldiers. Lady Catherine herself mentioned it, and Dr Blake confirmed it! Can you imagine it?”
“I certainly cannot,” Charlotte replied, genuinely impressed.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam knew the regiment, the colonel, and the general Dr Rease served under! What could be more extraordinary?”
“It is a pleasant surprise that you were part of such an interesting conversation with such illustrious gentlemen,” Charlotte said.
“Indeed! I expressed my thanks and my gratitude to her ladyship several times. But there is something even more amazing. When I left, I asked Dr Rease whether he might condescend to visit our humble abode, if and when he had the disposition and time to spare. And Lady Catherine mentioned to him that I am newly and happily married to a worthy woman of whom she approved! How wonderful is that, my dear Charlotte?”
“Wonderful, indeed. I am speechless.”
“Just wait, there is more! Dr Rease promised he might call at the parsonage soon. Such condescension! I assured him we should be delighted to receive him.”
Elizabeth listened with polite interest, her own secret concerns momentarily lightened by the news of Miss de Bourgh’s improvement. Details about Dr Rease — of whom she had gained a favourable first impression — incited her curiosity and interest, but the recent disappointment she had suffered from another pleasant and amiable officer made her reluctant and sceptical. For a moment, it crossed her mind that, if Dr Rease was truly an excellent man, he might be well-suited to Jane. That would give Mr. Bingley reason to be miserable and remorseful.
The following day brought heavy rain that delayed Elizabeth’s plans and hopes for long walks and potential encounters in the grove. Mr. Collins impatiently waited for a moment to take a stroll to Rosings, which did not arrive until late afternoon, and he did not dare bother Lady Catherine at that hour.
However, to compensate for his disappointment and Elizabeth’s distraction, the sudden appearance of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam brought surprise and animation to the parsonage. While Mr. Collins overwhelmed them with greetings, Elizabeth prayed for the burning in her cheeks to subside.
The colonel was his usual self, expressing his pleasure in seeing the ladies after several days. Mr. Darcy was as silent and restrained as ever, but his expression held a touch of friendliness, and he made a few attempts to engage in the conversation. His reserved presence drew Elizabeth’s gaze more often than she cared to admit.
“Does Miss de Bourgh’s improvement continue?” Charlotte asked.
“It seems so, yes,” the colonel replied. “Still, Darcy and I are concerned about her. We believe she would be better off in London, under the direct supervision of more physicians. As loyal as Dr Blake is, his experience is limited to the countryside — and I say that with all due consideration.”
“While I am sure you have the best intentions,” Mr. Collins interjected, “Lady Catherine must be trusted to decide what is best for her daughter, at least for now.”
“While I am sure my aunt has the best intentions and you trust her judgment, Darcy and I shall take the liberty of exploring the alternatives too,” the colonel answered, the harshness of his words concealed under his bright smile.
“My cousin and I agree on this matter,” Mr. Darcy added. “As do the colonel’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Matlock.”
“I am sure whatever the final decision is, it will be in your cousin’s best interest,” Elizabeth said. “And perhaps Miss de Bourgh has an opinion on this matter herself.”
“She has,” Mr. Darcy said. “That is precisely why we delayed our departure — to be sure her wishes are heard before we leave Kent.”