Page 34 of To Go Against Her Heart
“Mr. Collins, I thank you for the particulars about Rosings Park,” he replied.
“Of course, it is my duty, sir. You can be assured that in the future, too, I will be at your service after your marriage,” he said with pride and confidence.
“If you would excuse me, I must meet my friend,” Elizabeth cried, excusing herself, not wanting Darcy to observe her distress. Unfortunately for her, Darcy witnessed her expression as she left them, and his anger knew no bounds.
“Mr. Collins, if I may remind you, my marriage is none of your business. And for the last time, I warn you not to utter a word about whatever my aunt mentioned about my future concerning Miss de Bourgh. I cannot tell you how enraged I feel now to think you may have spread this misinformation among society here,” Darcy cried in a low yet stern voice.
“I…I apologize. My intention was not to upset you; I just mentioned what my patroness has been anticipating.”
“Enough! I hope you will take my warning seriously,” he said and walked away, leaving Mr. Collins perplexed.
Though Elizabeth could not overhear Darcy’s words, she could sense that he was upset with the parson.
“Mr. Collins looks aghast; I wonder what happened?” Charlotte mentioned.
“I have no idea. He mentioned Mr. Darcy’s marriage, and I think that upset him,” Elizabeth replied. She noticed Jane and Mr. Bingley seated together, and his sisters sat beside them.
“By now, one would expect Mr. Bingley to openly court Jane. I wonder if something is stopping him. Could it be his sisters?” Charlotte asked.
“Charlotte, you are being too hasty. We must give them time; it is not even two whole months since they met.”
“There is no question of time in love, Lizzy. Again, I worry if he doubts Jane’s sentiments.”
“I do not think that is the case; she is shy. You are well aware of that.”
“Of course, I am; yet it is high time she made her sentiments known, or, at the very least, not give room for doubt.”
They were interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Collins.
“Fair cousin, forgive me for depriving you of my company. I was engaged with your uncle, and my genteel manners did not allow me to upset him by breaking away from our conversation to seek you out, and not to mention Mr. Phillips needed my advice on caring for his garden during spring.”
Charlotte smiled at her friend. As for Elizabeth, she had long passed the temperament of being amused by his talks. However, she was grateful to Charlotte, as she chose to stay with Elizabeth, which provided her with some respite.
Elizabeth noticed Darcy’s eyes on her more often than not, and he somehow seemed displeased.
I wonder what he said to Mr. Collins,she thought.
As anticipated, Sir William brought up Wickham’s topic, and Darcy handled the same with patience.
“Mr. Darcy, I have to apologize on behalf of all my friends here; when we heard his lies, none of us wanted to report it to the colonel. I am glad that the truth came to light and that you have saved our society from harm. I must extend my deepest gratitude in the matter.”
“I assure you, you need not thank me or feel guilty about the matter. I only acted how I ought to,” he said. However uncomfortable the conversation was, Darcy could sense the genuine concern from Sir William and resonated with the fact that his old self would have avoided the conversation instead of hearing the man out. He was grateful to Elizabeth for making him a better man in more ways than one. He observed herseeming boredom beside her cousin and pondered whether she believed him already betrothed to Anne.
The last thing I need is for her to misunderstand me.
He noticed Mr. Collins leave and join Mr. Bennet and Mr. Phillips. As Darcy was unwilling to hesitate in any matter concerning Elizabeth, he walked up to her, much to the surprise of Charlotte.
“I hope I am not interrupting you,” he said, looking at Elizabeth after greeting Charlotte.
“No…not at all,” she replied with confusion.
“My mother needs me, Lizzy. If you would excuse me,” Charlotte said and left them. Elizabeth composed herself, not understanding what he wished to say to her.
“Much to my discomfort, most of your friends have thanked me for exposing Mr. Wickham. I feel guilty to accept their sentiments as the only person they need to thank is you.”
“That is not true. Nothing would have altered had you not chosen to travel here, willing to revisit what pains you.”
Darcy looked at her intently, and Elizabeth raised her eyebrow.
