Page 5 of Until My Last Breath

“Yes, yes, he had mentioned it. He met his wife there, apparently after a ball…” Lady Catherine replied, sipping her tea.

This new information took Darcy’s breath away. He excused himself and walked to the window, rubbing his aching temples. How could he be so pathetic? First, he had been tortured by the dark idea of Elizabeth being married to Wickham. And now this maddening possibility that Elizabeth could, in fact, be the new Mrs Collins. He remembered the parson’s attentions towards her at the ball, taking her for the first set, and that the man was also the heir of Longbourn. It would make sense to marry him.

Lady Catherine, oblivious to Darcy struggles, continued. “Mr and Mrs Collins are already settled at the parsonage since last March. Today, a sister and an old friend of the new Mrs Collins have arrived to visit them. I was just waiting for them to rest before inviting them for tea.”

Darcy turned quickly, an idea coming to mind. “Excellent idea, aunt. I could go there, invite them for tea, and pay my respects to the new neighbours, especially considering I am already acquainted with most of them from my time in Hertfordshire.”

The truth, however, was quite different. Darcy neither cared enough for Mr Collins to pay his respects, nor was he concerned if they were resting. He could not wait one more minute before being sure that Elizabeth was really there — which would mean she had not married Wickham. Or, if she was there, whether she had married her stupid cousin or was the friend visiting. Mercifully, at least this satisfaction was within his reach.

“Richard, would you care to join me?” asked Darcy heading towards the door.

Richard raised his eyebrows, surprised by the invitation, but followed his cousin.

Before Lady Catherine could voice any objection, they had already left.

The walk to the parsonage was fast and silent. Darcy had his eyes fixed ahead of him; his mouth, a single and tense line. Richard did not ask anything. By the agitated state of mind of his cousin, he could only hope that Darcy would feel better after meeting this new Mrs Collins — or whoever was at the parsonage.

Richard paused his thoughts as an idea came to mind. Could this newly married lady be the one they were talking about earlier?

Onceat their destination, Darcy knocked on the door with more strength than would be necessary, and after a short wait they were finally admitted into the house. In no time, Mr Collins was in the drawing room, greeting and welcoming them.

Darcy returned the greeting with impatience but was soon rewarded when three ladies finally entered the room. The first one, still wiping her hands on her apron, was followed by a younger one and a flustered Miss Elizabeth.

“Sir, I believe you are already acquainted with my wife, Mrs Charlotte Collins.”

Darcy froze, blinking a couple of times, slowly moving his narrowed eyes from Elizabeth to the new Mrs Collins.

Mrs Charlotte Collins.

Noticing that all the eyes in the room were now observing him, Darcy cleared his throat and forced a polite smile. “Indeed. How do you do?”

A heavyweight was lifted from Darcy’s chest. Elizabeth was neither married to Mr Collins nor Wickham.

They sat to partake from refreshments.

Elizabeth kept her eyes fixed on her fingers entwined on her cup. She did not seem happy to see him again.

Inhaling deeply a couple of times, Darcy decided there was only one path to tread. “I hope your family are in good health, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Hmm? Oh, yes. Yes, they are. I thank you,” she said, lowering her gaze to her cup again, clearly ending their short interaction.

Darcy was wondering about how much more awkward this situation could become, when he noticed Richard sitting at the edge of his armchair,looking at him with mirth. Foreseeing his cousin’s intention, Darcy stared back at him, pursing his lips and shaking his head.

Too late.

“Miss Bennet, what a pleasure to meet you at last. My cousin told me so much about Meryton and its inhabitants that I was seriously considering spending some time there in the future.”

“Oh. Indeed, sir? Considering?”

From the top of her teacup, Elizabeth gave Mr Darcy a meaningful glance. “Mr Darcy is all politeness, but it seems he was not very convincing, or you would not have any doubts. Perhaps he found Meryton justtolerableand not pleasant enoughto tempt him.” She took another sip of her tea.

“Lizzy!” Charlotte admonished, elbowing her friend.

From his side of the room, Richard did not miss Mrs Collins chastising her friend. But what surprised him was Miss Elizabeth’s witty reply. He never more curious. “I am sorry, Darcy. I think I have put you in a delicate position.” He turned to her again. “Miss Elizabeth, you are quite right. My cousin always has some difficulty in finding any other place as beautiful as his birthplace in Derbyshire. I would wager he has never admired the beauty here in Kent. We usually come to Rosings Park more to help our aunt with the maintenance and finances of her estate rather than to enjoy ourselves, especially considering the short length of our stay.”

Elizabeth turned her inquisitive gaze back to Mr Darcy. “I can understand, Colonel. In our short acquaintance, Mr Darcy has revealed himself as the perfect gentleman toofferhis assistance in people’s personal affairs.”

Her double meaning was not lost to Richard. What had his cousin done to cause her such annoyance?

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