Page 40 of A Different Impression

In the last scene of the play, when Benedick spoke his line to Beatrice—“Peace! I will stop your mouth”—and then kissed her, Elizabeth grinned and squeezed his hand. He leant into her slightly and whispered, “Every time you tease me, dearest.”

She replied with an arched eyebrow. “So you think only to quiet me when I tease? Should I desist, sir?”

His shoulders shook with suppressed laughter as the play ended and the lights were raised. “Never, my Elizabeth,” he whispered into her ear and then helped her to rise as a blush warmed her face. “I love your teases. No one has ever teased me as you do, my love, and I find them quite irresistible.”

Elizabeth smiled gently at him and raised her hand towards him, thinking instinctively to caress his cheek. However, she became aware of the action and the audience and stopped, although he noticed it and smiled softly at her in response. Likewise conscious of the audience, he simply looked down at her affectionately before mouthing, “I love you.”

Her own expression softened. Taking his arm, she gave it a gentle squeeze, and he covered her hand with his, briefly entwining their fingers.

As they made their way towards the entrance beneath the scrutiny of the other patrons, Elizabeth decided to try teasing him, hoping to coax a smile—or perhaps even a laugh—from him.

“My sister is most anxious that we marry, sir,” she began. “Since meeting your sister, I think that Kitty is even more excited about our wedding than you or me.”

He barked a sharp laugh. “I cannot imagine anyone being more excited about our wedding than me, dearest Elizabeth,” he replied, gazing at her wolfishly. “I find I am most anxious to claim you as my wife, and these next weeks will feel interminably long.”

She succeeded in making him smile and laugh, but she had not meant for his reaction to her tease to make her blush quite so violently. As they exited the theatre, she was very grateful for the cold air to cool her rapidly heating cheeks.

The group made their way to Darcy House for a late supper, and William managed to get Elizabeth alone for a few minutes by asking Gardiner for permission to show her something in the library. Permission was granted, provided the door remained open. William showed her into the room, nearly shutting the door but leaving it cracked slightly before wrapping his arms around her and kissing her passionately.

“You, my love, are entirely too tempting and far too teasing. I foresee needing to employ Benedick’s words and actions with you frequently once we are wed,” he said before lowering his head and claiming her lips with a fervour that left her breathless.

When he released her, both were nearly gasping for breath. As soon as he was able, he whispered into her ear, “I love you so much, Elizabeth. I cannot wait to make you mine. And no, Kitty cannot possibly be more excited about our wedding than me, and I hope you are equally looking forward to the event.”

He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her again before finally handing her a book which he explained he had set aside for her earlier and then escorting her back to the family.

On the morning of their departure, Elizabeth considered all that had been accomplished during their visit. Her wedding dress had been finished and packed in her trunks, along with a ball gown for the Netherfield ball to be held two nights before the wedding. Kitty also had a new gown suited to a young lady who was not yet out, while the remaining gowns and other articles would be delivered to Darcy House as they were completed. Mrs Gardiner had arranged this both for convenience and to prevent Elizabeth from having to transport them from London to Longbourn, only to return them to Town after the wedding.

With just over a fortnight remaining before the wedding, Mrs Bennet was still unaware that one of her daughters would soon be married. Elizabeth intended to speak with her father and Jane as soon as she reached Longbourn so that they might decide how—and when—to inform her mother.

Eight days after leaving Longbourn, Elizabeth returned with William, Kitty, Georgiana, and Mrs Annesley. She was delighted that Georgiana had accompanied them, for she had grown genuinely fond of her future sister. Kitty and Georgiana had also become fast friends during their days together, discovering several shared interests, particularly their love of art. Neither had wished to be parted, but Elizabeth’s approaching marriage promised them many opportunities to enjoy one another’s company.

CHAPTER 17

Mr Collins Comes—and Goes

Darcy escorted Elizabeth and Kitty back to Longbourn on Tuesday, with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley accompanying them. It was still two weeks before the ball at Netherfield. Bingley had announced the event in a letter several days earlier, his account full of enthusiasm for the plans. He had already taken his maiden aunt, Miss Henrietta Bingley, to Longbourn to introduce her to Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, and Mr Bennet and had delivered the invitation himself. He had also, Darcy noted with some amusement, secured Miss Bennet’s hand for the first set before anyone else could claim it.

Bingley’s letters had kept Darcy well informed of his visits to Longbourn throughout their stay in Town. His friend had called nearly every day, usually proposing a walk through the gardens with Mary acting as chaperone while Mrs Bennet remained confined to her room. His descriptions had naturally centred upon Miss Bennet—what she had said, how she had smiled, and whether she appeared pleased to see him. Still, he had mentioned that Miss Bennet and Miss Mary were often in the stillroom, and Elizabeth had expressed pleasure upon learning this.

Despite the frequency of those visits—and the considerable enthusiasm with which Bingley described each encounter—he had yet to declare his intentions. Darcy did not doubt his friend’s attachment, particularly after learning how quickly he had claimed the first set at the ball. Still, he wondered whether Bingley’s continued silence might give Miss Bennet reason to question his sincerity. Darcy had made his own intentions towards Elizabeth clear almost immediately; surely Bingley could not require much longer to decide what he meant to do.

Since their engagement, Darcy and Elizabeth had already discussed the dances they would share. They had agreed upon the first, supper, and last sets, though Darcy had argued—unsuccessfully—for more. The second and third he had reserved for Georgiana and Kitty, respectively, and he had only reluctantly consented to partner with anyone else.

Upon entering Longbourn, Darcy was surprised to find an unfamiliar clergyman among the company. A glance at Elizabeth suggested that she had not expected the visitor either. Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet, and Miss Mary were gathered in the drawing room, while Mrs Bennet apparently remained in her rooms. Introductions began, but before Darcy’s name could be fully spoken, the man bowed low—almost to the ground—and launched into speech.

“Mr Darcy! Mr Darcy!” he cried in his eagerness. “I am William Collins, and I hold the living at Hunsford, near Rosings. Your aunt, the noble Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is my patroness, and I am pleased to report that I left her in very good health when I saw her Saturday. I am honoured by her patronage and her condescension in offering advice. Indeed, it is at her recommendation that I am here. She suggested I come to Longbourn to apologise for the entail that will leave the estate to me upon the sad day my cousin passes from this world. I hope to make amends to my dear cousins by marrying one of them, so they will not be forced from their home on that unfortunate day.”

Elizabeth’s eyes flew to his, and the way she pressed her lips together suggested that she was struggling not to laugh. Darcy felt as though he had been presented with an especially troublesome legal document.

Mr Collins, apparently perceiving none of this, bowed again. “I am amazed and honoured that someone of your consequence would deign to visit my future home. Lady Catherine speaks so well of you and of the plans to connect Rosings and Pemberley through your marriage to her daughter.”

Darcy was taken aback by the man’s insensitive declaration, and the expressions around the room suggested that he was not alone. He looked towards Elizabeth and found her watching him, her flashing eyes revealing the same offence and irritation he felt.

“Mr Collins,” Darcy said sternly, interrupting the flow of words. “I cannot imagine that my aunt would approve of her rector gossiping so rudely and offensively as you have just done. You interrupted Mr Bennet while he was attempting to make introductions that would have explained my presence. Moreover, you are spreading falsehoods concerning a supposed engagement that neither party has ever desired.” Darcy paused briefly to glance at his host. “Mr Bennet, perhaps you would like to finish your introductions so I might make mine? Mr Collins, can you be silent long enough to permit him to do so?”

As Mr Bennet continued the introductions, Mr Collins stood gaping at Darcy, apparently unable to determine how he ought to respond. His gaze moved uncertainly between Darcy and the others, his brow furrowed with such painful concentration that he appeared to miss the remainder of the introductions—including the announcement of Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement.

Darcy introduced his sister to those who had not travelled with them, and the group all took seats around the room. Mr Collins moved towards where Darcy and Elizabeth sat and attempted to squeeze in between the couple.