20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Two days later, the last of the rain cleared. Lizzy's trunks were packed and piled in the front hall. Mary and Kitty wrenched open the nearest one and tore through it. Rolling her eyes, Lizzy turned back toward the stairs.

"Must you make such a mess of what had been already folded?" Mary asked, accidently elbowing Kitty in the side.

"Ouch! That was not necessary! I just want to make sure that the pieces I embroidered for Charlotte have not gotten left behind. I thought this was where I had put them!" Kitty pushed Mary slightly. "Here! I think I have found them."

"Well make sure that you have! I do not want to pack this trunk yet again!"

Why did I allow them to help me? It would have been so much faster to do it myself. Lizzy rolled her eyes and shuddered at the sound of more jostling at the trunk. She shook her head sharply and dragged herself upstairs. Halfway up, she paused, hearing Lydia's voice.

"I will not go downstairs! You cannot make me!"

"But dearest—"

How is Jane so patient?

"—she is leaving this morning. Do you not wish to say goodbye?"

"How can she leave me like this?"

Clutching her temples, Lizzy turned back down stairs. She gasped and jumped back to find herself nose to nose with her father. "Papa!"

"The carriage is here. You had best leave Lydia to her own devices. I will send Jane down in a moment." He reached for her hand and squeezed it warmly.

She drew a breath to speak, but changed her mind. With one more press of his hand, she slipped past him and down the stairs.

Her trunks were disappearing out the door when she poked her head into the foyer. Sir William stood in the doorway, happily chatting with Kitty.

"You will enjoy your trip," Mary said softly, appearing suddenly at her elbow. "But I know we will all miss you very much."

Lizzy swallowed hard. "I will miss you, too. I promise I will write."

"I promise I will read to Papa while you are gone. I may even decide I like Shakespeare… a little— a very little." She smiled, but it did not light her eyes. "But I do not think I can say the same for Plato."

"He is an acquired taste." Lizzy bit her lower lip as she reached to embrace her sister.

Mary welcomed the hug and soon found another pair of arms joining.

"Go and enjoy yourself," Jane whispered, her voice a little strained. "I promise we shall be fine."

Lizzy pulled back slightly. "Are you sure, Jane? There is so much to do with the harvests just beginning."

"It will be interesting, for sure, but between Papa, Kitty, Mary and I, we will manage." Jane sought her eyes. "It may take the four of us together to stand in your stead, but we will manage." She winked though her eyes were suspiciously bright.

A hand gripped her shoulder. "Sir William is ready, my dear."

"Oh, Papa!" She launched herself into his arms.

He pulled her in close and whispered into her ear, "Go and enjoy yourself. You need this, and so do we. It is time for all of us to grow. It will be well; I have no doubt." He kissed her forehead.

"I will miss you." She squeezed him hard, then straightened and allowed him to lead her to the door.

Though only fifty miles of road stood between them and their destination, weeks of rain ensured that the eight hour journey would extend into ten. Sir William took it upon himself to entertain Lizzy and Maria with his endless repertoire of St. James anecdotes and tidbits about Hertfordshire's history. After only an hour, Lizzy's mind began wandering.

She stared out the side glass, devouring the sights. A rundown building just off the main road caught her attention. A faded sign hung crookedly over the front door, the worn lettering barely visible above the crudely painted illustration. The fox and stoat. She shuddered. That is what Mr. Darcy called Wickham…I wonder… She squinted, craning her neck to get a better view. A stout woman in a stained apron, mob cap askew, appeared at the door with a bundle of linen in her arms. Stepping outside, she unfurled it, shaking loose bits of debris. Then she rolled it back up and disappeared back inside. Lizzy's nose wrinkled, and she gulped—a large rat dashed out from under the steps to feast on the remains from the tablecloth. She rubbed the back of her hand against her lips. Father was right, I cannot fault him for not wanting to sleep in a place like that.

The corners of her lips drifted up, and her eyes lost their focus.

"You find Sir Lionel amusing, do you, Lizzy dear?" Sir William chuckled, leaning back into his seat. He stretched his legs and crossed his ankles. "I can tell you more of him if you would like. What is more," he leaned in close, "if your father will allow you to accompany us to London during the Season, I can introduce you to him. The last I heard, he was still unmarried." He waggled his eyebrows. "I know him to be a man of good reputation."

Lizzy started and sat very straight in her seat, eyes wide. Her cheeks burned. "I…that is to say…perhaps—" She glanced about the coach at Maria, but she only shook her head and giggled. "Thank you. I will discuss it with Papa when we return from Kent." What a conversation that will be!

After two hours, the coach pulled to a stop at a posting house to change horses. Lizzy relished the brief respite and jumped at the opportunity to walk the small garden and stretch her legs. Her back ached, and she could still feel the motion of the carriage when she closed her eyes. Too soon, Sir William waved them back in, and they were once again on their way.

The journey continued much the same way until after they shared the lunch that Mrs. Hill had packed for them. Afterwards, both Maria and Sir William dozed off. Lizzy smiled to see Maria's head droop onto her father's shoulder. His head lolled back; mouth open, he breathed loudly, a deep purring sound.

She stifled a giggle and rested her head back against the headrest, her ears ringing in the blessed silence. But no sooner than the coach became quiet did Lydia's shrill voice begin to echo in her mind. Lizzy you cannot leave! It is not fair! You must stay and take care of me. Why should you get to go whilst I cannot leave home! She shivered and pulled herpelisse tight across her chest. Papa is so demanding! I cannot do what he asks! You must make him see that! Please do not leave! The carriage lurched and she clutched the seat. When the rocking ceased, she hunched down, staring at her feet, chin dropping to her chest. Papa, can you really manage her? Why is it that you know her so little. None of the rest of us were ever able to hide anything from you, but Lydia? I have neglected her. She dragged her hands down her face. No, he is right, I cannot keep dwelling on these thoughts. She chose to disobey; that was not my fault. She blew out a deep breath and turned to look out the windows.

Horses grazed in the field beside them. A black colt pricked his ears and lifted his head. He nickered, then whinnied and pawed the ground, watching as they passed.

Her stomach knotted. What have I done? Why would Papa… She screwed her eyes shut, covering her face with her clenched fists. He said he would come back, and I have no reason to distrust him…except that he would not tell me why…no, Papa is right, I did not share the family secrets with him; why should he have behaved any differently? He is a good man. His way with Papa shows that. What other man has ever been so gracious, much less protective of him? He even offered to have Papa live with us. On that alone, I should accept him.

Her heart clenched. But I love him. Of all things, I am in love! What have I done? What if he— She choked back a sob, glancing at her companions.

Sir William snored softly; Maria drooled slightly, her head bobbing against his shoulder.

All this sentiment is highly overrated. Now I know why all counsel says it is unwise to marry for love. What a bacon-brained bumblebroth I have made! She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Straightening her shoulders, she reached into her bag and retrieved her book. She opened the cover and flipped through the pages, willing her eyes to focus. Much Ado About Nothing She grumbled under her breath.

With a heavy sigh, she shut her book, the snap echoing in the confines of the carriage. I shall conquer this! Crossing her arms over her chest, she focused on the side glass.

Six hours and three changes of horses later, they rolled to a stop beside a small gate. Beyond it and a short way down a gravel path, stood a neat cottage. The setting sun hid just below the roofline, blazing red and orange rays peeking out from behind.

Charlotte stepped out from the long shadows to greet her father and sister. Lizzy paused at the door, waiting for the driver to hand her out. She craned her neck try to see everything at once.

"I am so glad you are come, Lizzy." Charlotte grasped her hand tightly. "Was your journey difficult?"

"My dear Mrs. Collins, why did you not inform me of their arrival?" Collins stepped into a waning sunbeam, tugging at his coat sleeves. "You know you should wait for guests to be brought to you in your sitting room. Lady Catherine—"

"Mr. Collins, Lizzy is my oldest friend. My father and sister? Surely there is no harm done." She cocked her head, brows creasing her forehead into fine lines.

"Propriety should be maintained in all circumstances." He glared at her. "I do not need to remind you of the displeasure we should suffer should word reach my most esteemed patroness. Her wishes must be complied with at all times."

Charlotte's cheeks colored. "She is a most attentive neighbor." She blinked several times and bit her upper lip.

"Come, come." Mr. Collins waved them toward the door. "We must get in out of the air before anyone takes chill. You know Lady Catherine would be most displeased if anyone takes a cold for having ignored her kind direction." He waved his hands frantically.

Charlotte shrugged, then gestured for Lizzy to precede her into the house.

In the foyer, a maid collected their coats. Over the bustle, Mr. Collins said, "Did you notice the entry way? Lady Catherine herself designed it for convenience and easy entrance."

"It is quite a serviceable entrance." Sir William nodded, glancing toward the door.

Lizzy tried to catch Charlotte's eye, but Charlotte looked away.

Maria hurried to her sister. "Will you show us the house?" She bobbed up and down on her toes.

"I will most happily, but I am certain you are all famished. The tour can wait until tomorrow, when you are all refreshed and the sunlight can show the house to the best advantage." She smiled tightly. "Why do you not come into the parlour and help yourselves to the cold meats and cheese we have on the sideboard? Mr. Collins, will you not lead us there?"

He suddenly turned toward her. "Yes, certainly, my dear." He cut through the small group and extended his arm. She took it and walked with him the short distance to the drawing room.

Lizzy filled her plate, her stomach grumbling as she smelled the enticing aromas. Dodging her companions, she made her way across the room to a dainty stuffed chair near the fireplace. After placing her plate on a nearby table, she adjusted the chair and footstool to better face the rest of the room.

"No, no!" Collins was suddenly at her shoulder, hovering.

She turned toward him with a start.

"I must ask you never to move the furniture. It must remain situated exactly as it is." He bent to move the chair back.

"Excuse me—" Lizzy stepped back, tripping slightly over the edge of the rug.

"Mrs. Collins!" He turned sharply, scanning the room to find her. "That carpet! Have I not told you the carpet must be properly tacked down?"

Charlotte rushed to his side. "I will see to it first thing in the morning. Do not fear. I will attend to it myself. It shall be corrected before she visits us again." She kept her eyes down.

"Well, see to it that it is done properly!" He huffed, pulling his waistcoat. "Be certain to inform you sister that nothing is to be moved. Nothing!" With a hard exhale, he stomped away.

Lizzy's jaw dropped, and she stared wide-eyed.

Charlotte's face fell, her lips pinched hard and eyes closed; she took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Lady Catherine is very particular, you see. She believes that it is disquieting to one's household for furniture to be moved about. Once it is set in place, there it should remain." She made a final adjustment on the chair, then the footstool. "Really it is not such a bad sentiment." She dragged her toes under the offending carpet edge. "This really is so easy to trip on. He is right; it must be fixed."

Lizzy laid her hand on Charlotte's forearm and squeezed it gently.

Charlotte tipped her head to offer a small smile. "Please, do sit down and eat. I know it has been a long day for you, and you must be famished."

Though she sat and gathered her plate, Lizzy kept her eyes on Charlotte as she moved about the room tending to her guests. With slow, almost matronly strides, Mrs. Collins went from her husband to her father and sister. Gone were the light graceful steps of the young woman Lizzy once knew.

In short order, everyone had been served and was enjoying the cold meal. Maria sat near the window, her eyes darting around the room, then back to the road, as if she were watching for someone else to arrive. Sir William sat beside her, softly instructing her on the history of Kent.

Collins chose a seat near the fireplace, close enough to converse with his cousin. "Is this not a lovely room, Cousin Elizabeth?" He took a large bite of chicken.

Charlotte sidled past him to perch awkwardly on a tall stool behind Mr. Collins. Carefully balancing her plate on her lap, she leaned down to set her glass on the small table beside his.

"It is indeed, sir, very fine." She nodded, glancing between Charlotte and Collins.

"It has a very fine prospect of the road during the day." Charlotte glanced quickly at her husband.

"Mrs. Collins is quite correct." He nodded vigorously, reaching for his glass and drinking deeply. With a gulp, he continued, "I find it a most advantageous situation for my personal study as it allows me to be instantly aware of when my patroness passes by." Several drops of wine spilt as he set the glass down forcefully. "You cannot overestimate our good fortune to have such a noble—"

"And attentive." Mischief dance in Lizzy's eyes as her lips twitched. Collins glared coldly, dousing the warmth of her expression.

Charlotte leaned forward with a small jerk of her head. "Lady Catherine is indeed a most attentive and instructive neighbor. No detail of the household or neighborhood is too small for her notice."

Collins turned toward her, his look softening somewhat. "More than that, Cousin Elizabeth, though she is not in the commission of the peace for the county, she is a most active magistrate in her own parish. I serve as her most devoted deputy." He dipped his head while puffing his chest out. "I assist her with even the minutest concerns. Whenever any of the cottagers are disposed to be quarrelsome, discontented or too poor, she sallies forth into the village to settle their complaints. There is no greater model of Christian charity or virtue!"

Lizzy opened her mouth to respond, but Collins interrupted with further effusions upon the graciousness, beneficence and perception of his most esteemed and noble patroness. So she tried to apply herself to her meal, but not infrequently fought the impulse to laugh. These urges, in turn, brought on severe spells of choking, which brought Charlotte to her side. "I am sorry, Mr. Collins," Lizzy gasped, tears in her eyes, wiping her lips with a napkin. "I cannot imagine what has come over me."

"I am sure you are just weary from the road," Charlotte offered softly, gently rubbing her back.

"Yes, I am sure you are right." Lizzy coughed again softly. "Pray forgive me for interrupting you, Mr. Collins."

"You must increase your efforts to be attentive, Cousin." He tapped his heel, his knee bouncing notably. A throbbing vein stood out on his temple, purpling as he ground his jaw. "Lady Catherine is most adamant that thorough descriptions be given in every conversation. Hers are the very voice of poetry. You cannot risk offending her by failing to attend to them."

Lizzy gulped the glass of water Charlotte handed her.

"She says that it is a man's God given duty to ensure clarity in every communication. Since the fall of Babel's tower, our tongues have been hampered, and the use of many words is the surest way to remedy that curse."

I thought "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Lizzy blinked several time. "I had not heard that." Her voice was a squeak.

"You have been deprived of the greatest source of wisdom!" He waved his hands excitedly as he launched into another animated narrative.