Page 70 of Introducing Mrs. Collins
‘What are these observations?’
‘You know yourself that they spent several weeks together at Pemberley.’
‘Alongside my other nephew, Mr Darcy, and my niece, Georgiana. Have you any accusations to set againstthem?’
‘No indeed! But I also saw an accord between Mrs Collins and Colonel Fitzwilliam at the ball here – a closeness in their dancing, an intimate look.’
Lady Catherine’s face was stony as she said, ‘Mr Smithson, you bring me nothing but the excitable gossip of a young girl in her first season. None of what you have said has any substance, and what you are suggesting is grave indeed. I am disappointed that you would so easily slander two people of whom I am very fond.’ Her voice was rising now, and she could hardly conceal her anger.
Mr Smithson was panicked. Without a word, he put his hand into his pocket and brought out a crumpled leaf of paper and handed it to her. She took it, handling it the way one might a dirty napkin. She unfolded it and perused it.
Nothing in her reaction was visible except for the throbbing of a vein that ran across her forehead. She read it once more, and then carefully folded it and placed it on the small table next to her.
‘How did you come by this?’
‘I found it on a visit to Mr Collins’s house this week.’
‘Left casually for all to see?’
‘No.’ He frowned, confused by her line of questioning. ‘It was – well, it was in Mrs Collins’s sitting room.’
‘On a table?’
‘Tucked inside a poetry book.’
Lady Catherine smirked. ‘Your talents are wasted on us, Mr Smithson; you would make a fine bloodhound.’
He blanched, not sure whether to thank her for the remark or not.
Figgis entered now, set tea down on the table and stood by, ready to pour.
‘Two cups please, Figgis,’ said Lady Catherine.
Smithson looked grateful, though surprised, and took the proffered cup and saucer. Lady Catherine sipped her own the moment it was poured, oblivious to the heat, and then set it down. She waited until Figgis had made his exit before resuming.
‘Tell me, what doyouthink the consequences of such a discovery ought to be? I would value your counsel.’ She smiled at him, and he relaxed a little.
‘Though I am reluctant to suggest it, I fear some damage may already have been done, and I believe you should act quickly. Unfortunately, Mr Collins is tainted by association, and the parish simply cannot be led in faith by a man who has been morally compromised in this way. While the fault lies with Mrs Collins—’
‘And not with my nephew?’ interrupted Lady Catherine.
‘Oh, I am sure he has been persuaded into it. One cannot underestimate the powers women can wield.’
She raised an eyebrow again.
‘Ungodly women, I mean,’ he amended hastily. ‘But as I was saying, while the fault lies with her, I am afraid Mr Collins must suffer the consequences equally. I believe you must ask him to leave his post, for the good of the Church – and for the protection of your own good name, your ladyship.’
‘Please do not concern yourself with my good name, Mr Smithson,’ she said sweetly, smiling again. ‘And what would I do for a rector, were I to act upon your counsel? The living would be sitting empty, and I should be quite bereft.’
Mr Smithson gave a passable impression of nonchalance, offering a mild shrug and saying, with carefully measured hesitation, ‘I know not, Lady Catherine. I am, of course, ever ready to be of service in whatever way I am called. The parish has, I believe, embraced me as something of a second son, and I would be more than happy to step in – should it be of help to you, and if it please God.’
Lady Catherine gave a small nod. And then, quite unexpectedly, she stood. ‘Would you join me for a turn, Mr Smithson?’
Puzzled but delighted, he rose and walked alongside her across the room. To his surprise, she opened the door, and they together and started to travel slowly down the long corridor.
‘I thank you for bringing this to me, Mr Smithson.’
‘I considered it my duty, your ladyship.’
