Page 101 of Colour My World
Collins stumbled back a step.
“I am not betrothed to Miss de Bourgh. You are mistaken.”
Collins’s mouth opened. “But, Lady Catherine—”
“Has no standing in my affairs.” Darcy’s voice was steel. “My life is my own. You will do well to remember it.”
That will do.Bennet looked at Elizabeth. She remained ashen.
“This nonsense has gone on long enough.” He strode into his study, settled Elizabeth into a chair, and left her.
Yet, another matter remained. Darcy still stood where Bennet had left him. Collins, at last, had withdrawn, though the faint creak of wood near the doorframe betrayed his eavesdropping.
Bennet ignored it. He focused on Darcy.
“You will speak plainly, Mr Darcy. And at once.”
“Of course.”
“What happened in Meryton?”
“Bingley and I arrived to find Miss Elizabeth distressed. A dangerous man from my past was present among the militia.”
Bennet gestured for him to continue speaking.
“Miss Elizabeth was unwell at the sight of him. I intervened.”
“Intervened? You rode your horse at him.”
“Yes.” Too swift to be false.
“Who is he?”
Darcy hesitated only a moment. “George Wickham. The son of my father’s late steward.”
“A steward’s son, yet a gentleman among the militia?”
Darcy’s expression darkened. “A blackguard.”
Bennet considered this. “And my daughters?”
Something crossed Darcy’s face. Anger, concern? “I do not know. But they appeared importuned. Especially Elizabeth.”
From the hall came a muffled squeak of a large rat.
Bennet’s patience ended. “Mr Collins! If you mean to listen, at least dare to do so openly.” A heavy shuffle came from the other side of the door. Then silence.
“Young man, this discussion is not over.” Bennet paused, thenadded, “Still, I thank you for your intervention today. I am not insensible of what it may have cost you.”
Darcy nodded briefly. “Of course. Please let me know how the Miss Bennets fare.”
“They shall fare as daughters do—ornamental in peace, terrifying in crisis.”
* * *
Longbourn, the following morning…
Bennet looked up from his plate as Mr Collins entered the room. “You appear quite early this morning, sir.”
