Page 70 of Saving Jane
“I do not require gifts, William!” Elizabeth insisted.
“Nonetheless, it is my prerogative to bestow gifts, and I shall not be denied.”
“Surrender Elizabeth,” Georgiana urged. “My brother is relentless and cannot be denied.”
“Very well,” she agreed. “Thank you, William!”
“I want you all to return to the parsonage. Georgiana, remain with Elizabeth and Miss Bennet another night.”
Darcy sent a footman to bring his horse to the house and he ordered his valet to follow later in another carriage.
“Shall we give them a moment?” Jane suggested to Georgiana as she led the younger girl away from the front of the house.
Finding themselves alone, Elizabeth allowed herself to be drawn into Mr Darcy’s arms where he kissed her.
“I am sorry my dear,” he whispered. “I returned this afternoon expecting to celebrate our engagement, but I must venture to Canterbury in search of my cousin and her parson-husband.”
“Hurry then! I do not wish to remain parted from you for long!”
As soon as Darcy’s horse was brought to the house, he mounted and rode toward Canterbury, the seat of the archbishop. Elizabeth stood and watched until the figure of horse and rider vanished before turning to Jane and Georgiana.
“Let us return to Aunt Gardiner,” Elizabeth said. “We have much to share with her.”
The late afternoon was cool and the three walked purposefully though about halfway back, Jane faltered and began to cry. Elizabeth quickly took her sister in her arms to comfort her.
“Oh dear, are you much affected, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana asked when suddenly Jane began to laugh.
“I shall be free!” Jane exclaimed. “I do not have to marry Mr Collins!”
Elizabeth shook her head as she said, “Poor Miss de Bourgh.”
Now Georgiana laughed. “Do not feel sorry for my cousin. She loves Mr Collins–she has for several months and lost heart when she met Miss Bennet. But your aunt’s encouragement gave her hope, and she decided to make her own future.”
“Does she love Mr Collins?” askedElizabeth, disbelieving Georgiana’s words.
“He is kind to her and listens to her. He speaks frequently and Anne enjoys his praises.”
“I am happy for them,” Jane insisted. “And I have the opportunity to find happiness as well.”
To say the conversation at the parsonage that evening was animated was an understatement. Mrs Gardiner insisted that they prepare letters to send to Mr Gardiner and to Longbourn inthe morning by express.
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Chapter 32.Darcy’s Return to Rosings
The next day, Mr Darcy appeared at the parsonage just after noon. It was obvious to the ladies that the man was tired as well as dirty. Jane went to the kitchen to obtain food and drink, while Mrs Gardiner, Elizabeth, and Georgiana led him into the dining room and made him sit at the table.
“Did you find them, brother?” Georgiana asked.
“Did you get any rest last night?” Mrs Gardiner asked.
“William, you are filthy!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Did you sleep in a barn last night?”
He grinned and shook his head as Jane laid a plate of beef and bread before him and then poured a mug of hot tea for him. Elizabeth took the sugar and cream to prepare his tea in his preferred manner.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet, thank you Elizabeth,” he replied.
Then he turned his attention to his sister. “Georgiana, I am unhappy; you were aware of Anne’s plans to elope with Mr Collins! Now that they are husband and wife, he controls all of Rosings–there is no settlement that establishes what he can and cannot do with her estate.”
