Page 72 of A Different Impression

“Some of what occurred properly belongs within the family and cannot be repeated,” he began. “However, as rector of Hunsford, you ought to understand the circumstances that affected both Rosings and your appointment.”

Mr and Mrs Morris nodded.

“Of course,” Mr Morris said. “We have no desire to encourage gossip. There is already considerable speculation within the neighbourhood, however. It would be helpful to know what may properly be said when questions arise.”

“When Sir Lewis de Bourgh died, he left Rosings to his daughter and named trustees to protect her interests,” Darcy explained. “Those provisions were not carried out. Lady Catherine retained control of the estate, and the trustees were not informed of their responsibilities. The relevant documents were discovered only recently, and my uncle and I are now administering Rosings on Miss de Bourgh’s behalf.”

His jaw tightened as he considered how much more he could properly reveal.

“My aunt involved herself far too closely in the lives of those who depended upon the estate and often placed her trust in those who flattered her rather than those who deserved it. Her adherence to certain old-fashioned notions of medicine may also have contributed to Sir Lewis’s declining health and Miss de Bourgh’s prolonged frailty. Thankfully, my cousin is now receiving more suitable care.”

The Morrises were silent for several moments.

“That is a difficult history,” Mrs Morris said at last. “I am pleased that Miss de Bourgh’s interests are now being protected.”

“And how did my predecessor become involved?” Mr Morris asked. “We have also heard that the former steward, housekeeper and butler were dismissed, but the removal of Mr Collins has confused and relieved many.”

“Lady Catherine presented Mr Collins to the living, although the advowson belonged to my cousin,” Darcy replied. “Once the documents establishing Miss de Bourgh’s ownership were discovered, she challenged the presentation and recovered her right to appoint the rector of Hunsford.”

“Mr Collins is unfortunately a distant cousin of my family,” Elizabeth added. “He was convinced that our objection to his appointment arose from a personal grievance because he had opposed my engagement to Mr Darcy.”

“On what grounds did he object?” Mrs Morris asked.

Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with amusement. “Lady Catherine had declared Mr Darcy engaged to his cousin. Since his patroness could not possibly be mistaken, Mr Darcy could not be engaged to me.”

“His patroness was infallible, then?” Mr Morris asked.

“According to Mr Collins,” Darcy replied drily.

“The bishop investigated Mr Collins’s conduct separately,” Elizabeth continued. “What he learnt from the parishioners gave him little reason to assist Mr Collins in obtaining another living. His removal from Hunsford, however, resulted from Miss de Bourgh’s successful claim to the advowson, not from anything my husband or I did.”

Mr Morris nodded thoughtfully. “That distinction may be useful when the subject arises amongst the parishioners. They are not troubled by his removal, but they find it odd. I believe that the explanation that he was not properly appointed will suffice for most.”

“As for the former servants,” Darcy said, “an examination of the estate accounts revealed that the steward, housekeeper and butler had conspired to misappropriate a considerable sum from Rosings. Their own records provided evidence of the scheme. The money that could be recovered has been returned to the estate and is being used for necessary repairs and improvements.”

“What has become of Lady Catherine?” Mrs Morris asked. “There are any number of stories circulating about her absence.”

“She remains under her brother’s protection and will soon reside at one of his estates in Ireland,” Darcy replied. “Her health requires greater quiet and supervision than she could receive here. That, together with Miss de Bourgh’s assumption of her rightful authority over Rosings, is all that need be said publicly.”

“We shall repeat nothing more,” Mr Morris assured him.

Darcy inclined his head, satisfied that they understood. The conversation soon shifted towards the needs of the parish, and it was late when the Morrises departed in the Darcy carriage.

Two evenings later, the Morrises joined several neighbouring families for dinner at Rosings. The conversation was more relaxed than that of their previous visit, and Darcy found himself enjoying the company far more than he had expected. Elizabeth appeared equally pleased, speaking easily with their guests and drawing quieter members of the party into the conversation. For the first time, Rosings seemed less like Lady Catherine’s domain and more like a place where he and Elizabeth might establish connexions of their own.

As the guests prepared to depart, Elizabeth approached Mrs Morris.

“Please inform me of any particular needs within the parish,” she said as she stood with her husband and Mr Morris. “Although we shall not always be at Rosings, I should like to offer whatever assistance we can.”

Mrs Morris smiled warmly and promised to write. Darcy made a similar request of Mr Morris. Mr Shaw would continue to report upon matters concerning the estate, but the rector would often become aware of difficulties that might otherwise escape the steward’s notice. Maintaining both connexions would give Darcy a clearer understanding of the needs of Rosings and the surrounding community.

When Darcy and Elizabeth departed for London two days later, he looked back at the house with an unfamiliar sense of satisfaction.

“I have always remained at Rosings for as little time as courtesy permitted,” he confessed once their carriage was under way. “I never troubled myself to know the people who lived here.”

“You had a powerful inducement to make your visits brief,” Elizabeth observed, her eyes dancing.

Darcy laughed. “That is true. Without my aunt presiding over everything, however, I believe I might learn to enjoy Rosings.”