Page 76 of New World Tea Company
“Does Longleaf…Longbourn provide enough funds to clothe everyone?” asked Mr Collins, suddenly interested in hearing about his future estate though he continued to misname it.
“Yes, the income from Longbourn’s farms meet my father’s obligations. The land produces sufficient corn, wool, and livestock to fund taxes, tithes, and other items. We purchase books, candles, and cloth to sew our gowns and leggings,” Elizabeth added. “My father manages Longbourn properly, and we grow most of our food. Our servants and tenants in my family are well-fed and properly clothed throughout the year, sir.”
The statement about everyone at Longbourn being well-fed embarrassed Charlotte but was not noticed by her husband. For a moment, Charlotte worried about her family but knew the food stores in the pantry when she left in December. Herparents, brothers and sister were fed adequate meals this winter. Around the table in the parsonage, Mr Collins did not mention the fresh tea, butter, or potatoes served with the black pudding and toast as part of their supper tonight. His focus remained on the particular attention shown to him and his family with the invitation to tea.
“Mr Darcy will be there for certain,” Mr Collins reminded both ladies. “Do you remember the man from last autumn in Meryton? Of course, you do because we spoke of him last evening.”
Lifting her teacup, Elizabeth sipped from the cup before replying, “I do remember the gentleman, Mr Collins. We had many engaging conversations.”
“Conversations?” Collins asked as he remembered seeing the man talking with his cousin at several gatherings. “Cousin Elizabeth, I must insist that you not put yourself forward with your opinions here in Rosings Park. Mr Darcy must not be made to endure your ideas here with his family around him.”
“As you wish, Mr Collins,” the young woman replied. “I shall allow Mr Darcy to initiate and direct any conversation.”
Charlotte informed her husband, “Mr Collins, this afternoon, Mr Darcy called at the parsonage. He was here perhaps twenty minutes, drinking tea with Eliza and me.”
“Here? Truly, Mrs Collins? I had forgotten…what was his conversation?” the parson asked, the surprise evident in his expression and tone of voice.
“He inquired after my parents, whom he met many times last autumn,” replied his wife. “And your cousin was a well-behaved young lady during his visit.”
Mr Collins was silent for a moment before he said, “Lady Catherine and her family favour us with much attention. We shall endeavour to be worthy of their notice.”
He hesitated for a moment before he added, “But we shall not mention the visit to her ladyship tomorrow.”
~~~
Before he left for his daily appointment at Rosings Park, Mr Collings needlessly reminding Charlotte and Elizabeth to follow at the appropriate time. He insisted, “Walk carefully and do not dirty your shoes or wrinkle your gowns. Lady Catherine notices every little imperfection. And remain silent unless addressed by her ladyship.”
He paused before he asserted, “I shall guide your responses to all her questions this afternoon.”
“Yes, Mr Collins,” Charlotte replied, gently pushing him out the door.
~~~
Chapter 33.Elizabeth Walks with Mr Darcy
After the parson vanished along the path, Elizabeth assisted Charlotte in the kitchen for a time and then excused herself to gather a cloak, bonnet, and gloves so she could walk out. Charlotte’s only direction was, “Do not overtire yourself. We shall dress at half-past one and walk out at two, and we shall arrive with our hair in place and shoes clean enough for the carpets in Rosings Park.”
Elizabeth walked purposefully along the path to Rosings Park; she hoped to encounter Mr Darcy this morning among the shrubbery and gardens. Halfway to Rosings Park, Elizabeth found the man standing patiently with a smile on his usually severe face.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” he said as he tipped his hat to the young woman when she reached the spot where he waited.
Elizabeth greeted the gentleman with a small curtsey and asked, “Mr Darcy, I am pleased to see you this morning.”
“Last evening, I was surprised when my aunt informed me that you and Mrs Collins are to call at Rosings this afternoon.”
“Yes, Mr Collins was most pleased to inform us of the invitation during our supper. This will be the first visit to Rosings for Mrs Collins since she arrived in Hunsford at Christmas.”
“Truly?” asked Darcy. “In almost four months, Mr Collins has not brought his wife to meet Lady Catherine?”
“I suppose the winter weather kept Charlotte from venturing the miles from the parsonage to Rosings, but I believe that Lady Catherine has called at the parsonage at least twice,” Elizabethsaid to explain the lack of an earlier visit. “No doubt the arrival of warmer weather has prompted this invitation to tea.”
Darcy huffed and added, “I believe my aunt wishes to display me to an audience who will listen attentively to her opinions and directives for an hour.”
“An hour?” Elizabeth inquired. “I believe the accepted length for a social call is fifteen minutes in town and thirty minutes in the country.”
“My aunt enjoys speaking and providing instruction when guests cannot escape,” the gentleman explained. “Now, shall we walk about? We could venture along this path into the woods that leads to several farms.”
“Certainly, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said as they walked beside each other. During their walk, four farm carts going toward Hunsford.
