chosen well when Mrs. Collins declared to her husband, “Mr. Collins, what are you about? The meeting of the church lay council starts within the half hour!” She effectively shooed the man upstairs to make himself presentable before returning to their guest.
“I am glad we have these few moments to talk in private,” Mrs. Collins began. “Things have been very strained at Rosings since you left. Your orders have improved things in the village, I dare say. Even Mr. Collins will agree—in private—but Lady Catherine has been… very unhappy since your departure in February. I am afraid Miss Anne has taken the brunt of her abuse.”
Richard turned white with anger. “Is that so? Why has my father not been informed?”
“Because Miss Anne would not permit it,” came a voice from the hallway.
The two turned at the sound. Mr. Collins, wearing an unreadable expression, stood at the foot of the stairs, his cravat in his hand to be tied.
“Mr. Collins!” exclaimed his wife. “I—”
“Charlotte, you do not need to explain. I know why you sent me away.” He crossed over to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. “It is I who need forgiveness. I have given far too much of my attention to our unworthy patroness and not enough to the mother of my children. I have not lived up to my own sermons. It is no wonder that you do not confide in me. I shall labor to earn your trust.”
Mrs. Collins looked upon him in absolute shock.
The tall vicar turned to Richard, clearly in shame and regret. “As I said before, I am very glad you are here. Miss Anne, who had shown such Christian condescension as to befriend my dear Charlotte, has been most unhappy. Lady Catherine, I am not pleased to report, has been very unkind to her—indeed to the whole household. Why, she even had cross words for Mrs. Collins just last week! I know I owe my situation to Lady Catherine’s benevolence, but it is dearly bought. We must pay deference to those of high rank, but… but to treat my wife no better than a servant? The daughter of a knight? It is becoming intolerable!
“I throw myself at your feet, begging for deliverance. I have attempted as Lady Catherine’s pastor, in the most respectful manner, to advise her to better behavior. I have tried to make her see the errors of her ways but to no avail. I would do more, but… you see, my family…” Mr. Collins threw up his hands in defeat. “She has made threats.”
Richard’s heart was touched. “Fear not, sir. I pledge to you that your family is in no danger. I speak for my father, the Earl of Matlock, and my cousin, Mr. Darcy, in this matter.”
To Richard’s embarrassment, tears came to the man’s eyes. “Oh, Colonel, you cannot know what a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. That you would turn your attention to such an unworthy man as myself is beyond any reward I could hope for. Speak! Ask any question; my wife and I are at your disposal.” Mr. Collins had clearly switched his allegiance to the family of Matlock.
“But your meeting, sir?” asked Richard. “I fear I am delaying you—”
Mrs. Collins rose to her feet. “I shall advise them that you are in a most important meeting with Colonel Fitzwilliam, my dear,” she told her husband. She turned to Richard. “They shall understand. Your name is upon everyone’s lips as the savior of Hunsford.”
A half hour later, a better advised Richard Fitzwilliam rode to the doors of Rosings. Handing the reins to the stable hand, he ascended the steps and announced himself at the door. The butler was clearly nervous. He begged the colonel to wait upon his ladyship’s pleasure.
“Nonsense, you know who I am!” Richard declared in false good humor. “I will just let myself in. No need to bother Lady Catherine, my good man.” Richard slipped past the butler and went in search of Mrs. Parks. He found her in the empty breakfast parlor.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam!” she cried. “When did you arrive, sir? Are you staying long?”
“No, madam—just to have a word or two with Lady Catherine and Miss Anne, but first I would speak with you. I understand things have been difficult lately. What may I do?”
“Oh, sir, do not worry yourself on my behalf! I am well, and I will do what I can for the staff. Please, you must save your efforts for Miss Anne.”
“The Collinses have said the same. What has happened?”
“Nothing yet, but I believe Lady Catherine is planning to take Miss Anne away—to Bath.”
“That is my understanding. Why is this a concern?”
“Lady Catherine has been after her to improve herself in order to attract a suitor.”
Richard paused before the great doors of the sitting room, steeling himself for the interview to come. “You may announce me,” he said to the butler.
A moment later, he heard a voice. “You may come in, Richard.”
The colonel entered the elaborate sitting room and saw his aunt sitting in her usual chair at the far end. She gave the impression of a spider in the center of her web. A slight smile seemed to dance upon her lips.
“Ah, the savior of Hunsford returns! To what do I owe this visit, Nephew?”
“Do I need a reason to visit?”
“Do not play games with me, boy. Always I have been celebrated for my frankness of character. I expect nothing less from any of my family. Why have you returned?”
“To bid you farewell. I am off to the Continent to face Bonaparte.”
This declaration seemed to take Lady Catherine by surprise. After a silence of a few moments, she said, “I am afraid I do not understand your meaning. Is not the tyrant held captive on some small island—in the Mediterranean, perhaps? Why would you need to face him? Does he need to be arrested?”
Richard was stunned that his aunt did not know what had happened. “Bonaparte has escaped Elba. He is back in Paris, and the French king has fled. The tyrant is raising an army. Britain goes to fight him yet again.”
Lady Catherine was affronted. “Escaped? Surely someone has not done their duty. I assume it was one of those foreign types that was responsible. Such a thing would not happen if an Englishman was in charge.”
“I am sure you are correct. In any case, it falls upon those who wear the king’s uniform to set things right.”
“When do you leave?”
“The regiment sails in May.”
“Then you go with my blessing. Was there anything else?”
“I would like to speak to Anne before I go.”
“Yes,” she looked at him narrowly, “I suppose you do.”
Richard became wary. “Is she about? My time is short. I must leave soon.”
“What business do you have with my daughter?” Lady Catherine demanded.
“To take my leave of her, as I have done with you.”
“And is that all?”
“I am afraid I do not take your meaning, Aunt.”
“I am sure that you
“I do not think I like what you are insinuating. Are you accusing me of improper behavior?”
“Is it proper to make love to my daughter under my very nose?”
“Madam!” Richard fought hard not to lose his temper. “I do not know what lies you have been told, nor do I wish to hear such vile accusations made against your daughter. Let me simply assure you that I hold Anne in the highest regard and respect, and would let nothing damage her reputation while I have breath in this body.”
“A very pretty speech. Yes, very pretty. Do you think me blind? I watched you ‘take your leave’ of Anne in February. What other liberties have you been permitted? Answer me, boy!”
“Lady Catherine, I shall not dignify that question with an answer. By God, if you were a man—” Again Richard struggled to retain control. “I have nothing to say to you about Anne at this time, except this: My intentions in matters of this kind have always been honorable. Is it your belief that I have compromised your daughter? If so, than I am prepared to do the right thing by her.”
“Oh no, you shall not have your way that easily. I know that it is Rosings Park, not Anne, that is your desire, and
“I care nothing for Rosings. Besides, Rosings belongs to Anne, not you—as you well know.”
