Page 71 of Saving Jane
“Cousin Anne knows that–Lady Catherine ignored the marriage settlement when she married Sir Lewis and Anne believes that she can manage Mr Collins as well as her mother did her husband,” Georgiana explained.
“I hope that in the future she does not come to regret that,” he said. “I have worked very hard to keep Rosings from the creditors for years and I worry that Mr Collins will make poor decisions.”
“Anne trusts the steward and she will convince Mr Collins to listen to the man and follow his direction,” Georgiana assured her brother.
“I am sorry for your distress,” Elizabeth said as she laid a hand on his shoulder.
“Thank you my dear,” he replied before he glanced toward Jane and her aunt. “Mrs Gardiner, I believe that you should send for your husband and tell him to bring my solicitor.”
Now Darcy spoke to Elizabeth, “Cousin Anne has saved Miss Bennet. When Mr and Mrs Collins return, Mr Gardiner can force Mr Collins to sign over the entailment to Miss Bennet to prevent a suit for breach of promise.”
Mrs Gardiner hugged Jane as Elizabeth and Georgiana grinned. Elizabeth explained, “We sent an express to London from Hunsfordthis morning. My uncle will receive his letter today and we expect his company with the attorney tomorrow.”
“Come Georgiana, we must go to Rosings and tell Lady Catherine the news.”
Too pleased with the news to pay attention to propriety, Elizabeth Bennet kissed her fiancé in front of her sister, aunt and future sister-in-law. Mr Darcy welcomed the kiss, but he blushed, and she turned bright red realizing what she had done.
“Mr Darcy would you and your sister care to join us for supper tonight?” asked Mrs Gardiner.
Darcy grinned but sighed. “I believe I must be at Rosings this evening–the uproar will require my presence to contain Lady Catherine.”
Georgiana asked, “Brother, may I remain at Hunsford? Lady Catherine will bring down the roof with her rants.”
He smiled and nodded, “I think that it will be best for your peaceof mind, Georgie.”
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Chapter 33.Mr & Mrs Collins Return
Before late afternoon, the de Bourgh carriage appeared once more at the door to Rosings Park. The staff joined Lady Catherine and Mr Darcy outside the door to welcome Mr and Mrs Collins. But before the new husband and wife could take three steps toward the door, Lady Catherine launched into a tirade.
“How dare you sir! You pollute Rosings with your presence!” she shouted at Mr Collins who shrunk back before his wife stepped forward and turned her full attention on Lady Catherine.
The new Mrs Collins announced, “Mamma, you must move to the dowager house today.”
“I shall do no such thing! This marriage will be annulled, and Mr Collins transported to Australia!”
Taking Mr Collins hand, Anne addressed her mother directly, “Mamma, you will speak respectfully to my husband. According to my father’s will, upon my marriage, I am mistress of Rosings Park. Today I return a married woman and if you no longer wish to reside in Kent, you may live with your brother in town and the estate will provide you with an allowance once it is on a stable footing once more.”
“Live in London? I despise town!” Lady Catherine exclaimed.
“Then the dowager house is much more appealing to you,” Anne said.
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Before noon the following morning, the Gardiner carriage appeared at the parsonage with Mr Gardiner and Mr Darcy’s attorney. The attorney bowed to Mrs Gardiner and her nieces; he recognized the three ladies from the meeting in February.
Mr Gardiner kissed his wife’s cheek and said, “Well my dear, it appears fortune has saved Jane.”
“I believe we are expected at Rosings for tea,” Mrs Gardiner told her husband as the Gardiners escorted their nieces and the solicitor to the carriage after the gentlemen had time to refresh themselves.
The party at the parsonage left the children with Nanny and hurried to the great house. When Livingston ushered them into the parlour, they were greeted by Mr Darcy.
“Welcome, Gardiner!” Darcy greeted the guests. “Ladies, you are certainly welcome this afternoon.”
The atmosphere in the parlour was congenial until the door was opened for Lady Catherine.
“What is the meaning of this? Who invited these common people into my home?”
