Page 72 of The Scarred Duchess
“My uncle shall pay you a visit,” Jane continued in French, ignoring the question.
“Le Comte?” she asked with a gasp.
“Mr Edward Gardiner.”
“M-Monsieur Edward G-Gardiner?” Madamestammered. She looked as if she might be sick but Jane did not remain to see whether she was.
It took little at all for Mme Jardin’s Fine Fabrics to triple its business as former clientele from Bond Street flooded her shop near Gracechurch Street with new orders. The store’s major investor—and silent partner—assured her that the shop’s booming business, and of course, access to the finest fabrics and textiles—would be lasting.
The shop’s well-trained employees were a boon as well, for Mrs Gardiner spent a day impressing upon the shopgirls the need to be kind to all customers, as one never knew who had a connexion that could make their fortune. Or ruin them.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Dear Sir,
The disagreement that subsisted between you and my late father, of which I learnt after his death, I regret, did not give me much uneasiness, as I had the misfortune to lose his regard early in my life.
I have long wished to heal the breach caused by him but have been kept back by my doubts, fearing it might seem disrespectful to you, considering him to have been a most detestable relation.
My mind, however, is now made up on the subject for, having received ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish where it shall be my earnest endeavour to, with grateful respect towards her ladyship, be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which the Church of England institutes. As a clergyman, I feel it is my duty to promote and establish the blessing ofpeace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds, that the circumstance of my having been next in line by the entail of Longbourn estate be overlooked by your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch.
I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every amend. If you should have no objection to receiving me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family Monday, the eleventh of November, by four o’clock and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se’nnight following.
I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend,
William Collins
Lady Catherine handed the letter back to Mr Collins.
“Much better, Mr Collins. Although you continue to write five words where two would do, this third attempt is a vast improvement.”
“I adhere strictly to your ladyship’s guidance. Did you not advise that one cannot expect to excel if one does not practise a good deal?”
“I did indeed.” Her grin nearly revealed her jest. “Am I to imagine you offer such a delicate compliment so that I may find it acceptable?”
Mr Collins coughed. Continuing his patroness’s line, he replied, “These are the little things which I find please her ladyship, as it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself particularly bound to pay.”
Lady Catherine snorted. “Particularly bound to pay?”
Mr Collins gave up the ghost. With his hands on his belly,he gave in to his laughter. “My lady, the victory is once again yours.”
“Thank you, Mr Collins. You are a welcome opponent.” She set down her teacup. “The Bennets are your only remaining family. They shall be delighted to receive you. I am very happy for you to know our friends.”
“As am I, your ladyship.”
On November 11, at precisely the hour of four, a small gig arrived at the Longbourn portico. The driver quickly dismounted and deposited a trunk upon the drive. He was on his way before the dust settled, leaving behind a tall, dark-haired, sombre-looking young man in parson’s clothing. The Bennets, less the two eldest, waited to greet their distant cousin. Legget stood off in the shadow cast by the manor. Bennet hoped this Collins was unlike his father and grandfather.
The young man approached. “William Collins, at your service.”
Bennet returned his greeting and introduced his family. The formalities completed, he and Mr Collins followed the ladies inside; Bennet signalled to Legget all was well.
“How were the roads, Mr Collins?” asked Mrs Bennet. “The weather has cooperated for your journey.”
“Yes. Providence has seen to our meeting.” He cleared his throat. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh has charged me to present her very best wishes for our visit together. I quote,‘God sets the solitary in families’.”
“Psalm 68:6,” said Mary.
Mr Collins inclined his head towards her. “MissMary, that is very good of you.”
