Page 100 of Colour My World
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The girls arrived home in a flurry.
Kitty and Lydia talked over each other. “Lizzy swooned.”
“Hewasrather handsome.”
“Mr Darcy struck him—with his horse.”
“It was ever so exciting.”
“Enough!” Kitty and Lydia’s eyes widened at Jane’s reprimand. She turned to Mary. “Please see these children upstairs.”
Mary seized their arms. Lydia yelped.
Bennet turned to Elizabeth and studied her— the tension in her shoulders, the rigid set of her jaw, the way her hand flexed repeatedly. “You are unwell?”
“No, Papa.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You are not fine either.”
“No.”
“The study, if you please.” She took his offered arm.
Behind them, Hill opened the door again. Darcy. Bingley.
Bennet turned, Elizabeth still at his side. “I assume one of you has something of use to say.”
Chapter 36
His wife rushed forward. “Mr Bingley, how good it is to see you again.” Mrs Bennet grasped Jane’s shoulders and whispered. “You go walk with Mr Bingley.”
“Mama!” Jane flushed.
Bingley offered his arm. “Will you not join us, Mrs Bennet? I have a second arm, perfectly suited for the occasion.”
“Why, yes. Yes, I shall.” Moments later, six had become three.
That was efficient.Bennet said, “Darcy, I would have a word—”
“Mr Darcy!” Collins’s voice rang through the entry hall.
Bennet sighed.Of course.
Collins all but bounded forward, eyes shining.
“Oh, what an honour! What an absolute privilege to welcome the esteemed master of Pemberley to this humble estate! Lady Catherine herself speaks most highly of you and your intended match to her esteemed daughter, Miss de Bourgh!”
Darcy’s posture stiffened. “Mr—”
“Ah, but I must say! Such a match! A union of excellent breeding and unparalleled station! Lady Catherine has expressed her utmost certainty in the arrangement, and it is only natural that—”
“Mr Collins, I presume,” Darcy said with affected ennui.
“That you, sir, would see the wisdom in such a match! To unite the great houses of Pemberley and Rosings, to ensure the continuation of such noble lineages. Why, it would be my deepest honour to officiate at your nuptials. The duty, nay, the privilege of uniting such an illustrious couple—”
“Stop talking, man!” Darcy’s voice cracked like a whip.
