and to say that Anne would make the most elegant bride
of the year. I was able to please her ladyship by saying
that Miss de Bourgh would grace any church in which
she should choose to wed.’
‘But her ladyship changed her mind when Anne made
it clear she intended to live at Rosings, and that she
intended her mother to move to the dower house,’ put in
Charlotte.
‘Lady Catherine most amiably declared it to be
impossible. She honoured me with the most obliging
confidence, saying that she would not move out of her
home to suit the convenience of a thoughtless chit, and
she went on to graciously inform me that Anne was a
headstrong girl who had no proper gratitude.’
‘Anne pointed out that, if she were a man, her mother
would have had to leave the house on her marriage, to
which her ladyship replied that Anne was not a man, and
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M r . D a r c y ’ s D i a r y 3 2 9
that therefore she would remain. I expected Anne to give
way,’ said Charlotte, ‘but she did nothing of the kind.
Love has made her strong.’
‘The atmosphere has unfortunately not been of the
most harmonious. Of all things, I dislike an air of dissension. It offends a man of my calling in a way I can
scarcely describe. I tried to offer an olive branch, saying
that the dower house was a very fine building, with elegant apartments and sumptuous gardens, but Lady
Catherine turned on me such a look of disapprobation
that my courage faltered, and I was compelled to add:
“But not as fine as Rosings.” I think that pleased her
ladyship.’
‘But not her daughter,’ I said.
Mr Collins’s face fell.
‘No. I fear it is impossible to remain on good terms
with both of them, and so we felt it better to come away.’
‘And there was another reason for our visit. I wanted
you to see Elinor,’ said Charlotte.
The nurse brought Elinor forward. I have never seen
any attraction in babies, but Elizabeth was delighted with
the little girl, and took her from the nurse.As she cradled
the infant in her arms, she looked at me in a way that
made my heart stand still, and suddenly babies became
the most interesting thing in the world to me.
I thought last year was the happiest of my life, but I
think this one is going to be even better.
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About the Author
Amanda Grange is a bestselling author of historical fiction in the U.K. She specializes in creative interpretations
of classic novels and historic events, including Jane
Austen’s novels and the Titanic shipwreck. Her novels
include Lord Deverill’s Secret, Mr. Knightley’s Diary and
Titanic Affair. She lives in England.
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Document Outline
• Front Cover
• Title page
• Copyright
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December
• March
• About the Author
• Back Cover
