Page 32 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Bingley’s decisiveness, before confined to his business activities, came to the fore. His desire to kiss her overruled sense, and Bingley captured her face in both of his hands and then kissed her. His angel sighed, the sound a sweet relief.Bingley kissed her again and again. Now he knew what it was to be a man determined to show his lady he wanted her above all others.
Elizabeth and Her Sister Depart Netherfield Park with the Earl of Matlock
“Should we knock again?” Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth.
It had taken twenty minutes for the carriage to be readied, and all the while Jane and Mr. Bingley were alone in the study.
“As they have not heard the other three, to what purpose?” Lady Matlock asked, opening the door to warn them to present themselves with immediacy before shutting it again.
“And that is but one reason why you are so admired, my dear,” Lord Matlock said with great cheer. “You are as excellent a matchmaker as any I have ever seen. Who have you in mind next?”
Elizabeth blushed when Lord Matlock, who was standing before them, looked between her and Mr. Darcy. Amidst it all, Elizabeth caught Mr. Darcy’s stare at the earl. When the earl saw that his nephew was not pleased, he looked away, whistling in a way that claimed both innocence and guilt. Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes, finding her delighted when he looked at her to ascertain her reactions to his unruly family.
“Congratulations!” the earl boomed when Mr. Bingley led Jane out of the study.
“Yes, we wish you both every happiness,” Lady Matlock said. “I look forward to hearing the banns begin this Sunday, young man.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Bingley’s joy was boundless when he bowed to Lady Matlock, holding Jane’s hand all the while.
“Please allow me a moment to manage Lady Catherine’s pet before you share your news with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Ladies?” The earl stepped out the door.
Jane and Elizabeth said a warm farewell to the countess and Miss de Bourgh, then hugged Miss Darcy and, lastly, hugged Charlotte, reminding her all would be well, before they were escorted to the carriage by Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
As Mr. Bingley handed in his betrothed and promised he would come to speak to her father within the hour, Mr. Darcy whispered in Elizabeth’s ear, asking if she might walk the following morning. Elizabeth nodded once before disappearing within the coach.
Chapter 13
Mrs. Bennet’s Daughters Return
“Mama, the most enormous carriage has arrived. Four white horses pull it,” Kitty exclaimed.
“Your daughters should never show such exuberance, madam, no matter the impetus,” Mr. Collins said in reprimand.
Mrs. Bennet bit her inner cheek so hard she tasted blood. The audacity of this man to tell her what her daughters should or should not do was beyond the pale. She did not know how much longer she could suffer in silence. If there was anything she had learned these last eighteen hours, it was that she and her daughters would be better off in the hedgerows than under hisprotection.
“Come, Mr. Collins, you are just as excited to see who, with such austerity, has condescended to visit us,” Mr. Bennet said.
Mrs. Bennet thought it further proof of Mr. Collins’s lack of understanding not to recognize that he was being made sport of.
“If only Lady Catherine should show such condescension to visit. Ifallmy fair cousins were here, you might be able to introduce them,” Mr. Collins said, scowling. “She may wellvisit the neighborhood to speak with her nephew. She expressed great displeasure over a letter he sent. If she has come, I would not be surprised if she wanted to inspect my future situation. Her benevolence is boundless.”
“They now exit the carriage,” Mrs. Bennet said. She wilted in gratitude when she saw Jane and Elizabeth emerge. As long as no harm came to her daughters, she did not care who escorted them. With so fine an equipage, they were certain to be elevated enough that they could divert the attention of Mr. Collins.
When her daughters entered the house, Mr. Collins said, standing to his fullest, albeit insignificant, height and puffing out his chest, “So, you are Cousin Elizabeth who comes with Cousin Jane?”
“Allow me to introduce—” Jane began.
Collins rejected the intent, saying to the elder gentleman. “Sir, I am—”
“Ah, my daughters. I am happy to see you have returned. And with guests,” Mr. Bennet said, the abruptness caused his cousin to step back.
“Your sisters and I are happy to see you both,” Mrs. Bennet added her words of welcome so they and their guest would know she was pleased for their arrival.
Never so proud of her husband, Mrs. Bennet cared not that Mr. Collins glared at her. If he had interpreted the sudden clasping of her hands as applause for the set down, he made no miscalculation.
“My esteemed patroness,LadyCatherine de Bourgh, would never allow—” Mr. Collins began with such an air of importance that one might think he spoke of royalty.
“You dare to speak for my sister in my presence?” the gentleman said, making Mr. Collins close his mouth soundly.
