Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations by Leo Charles Taylor

Author:Leo Charles Taylor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: prejudice, jane austen, darcy, pride and prejudice, elizabeth bennet, fitzwilliam, pemberly, elizabeth bennett, pride prejudice, wickham
Publisher: Leo Charles Taylor

Chapter 30

The following evening the household of Rosings made ready to receive the Collinses and Miss Bennet for evening tea. Darcy was much unaware of the activity as he had spent the entirety of the day in his office coordinating his plans. He was upset at the thought of missing a possible walk with Miss Bennet, but he consoled these feelings with the thought that Miss Bennet was not inclined to walk the park daily and a chance encounter would be just that; chance.

Darcy’s aunt soon took it upon herself to call on her nephew and demand his presence for the arrival of her guests. Darcy sighed with resignation and, as his business was concluded, accompanied her to the drawing room. While waiting for their guests, conversation centered on topics of interest to Lady Catherine, as they typically did. Eventually Darcy and his cousin were relieved by the announcement of the Collinses.

“And where is Miss Bennet this evening? Is she not aware the invitation was for the entirety of the rectory?” asked Lady Catherine in her commanding voice.

“Indeed she was, my Lady, and I must apologize profusely for her absence, but Miss Bennet has taken ill with a very serious headache.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared shocked by the news Mr. Collins delivered.

“Oh dear I do wish she will be well. I only just left her these last few hours. We encountered each other in the park and engaged in lively conversation. She appeared well at the time.”

“Indeed she must have been, Colonel, but since that time she has taken quite ill with a headache and I could not convince her to attend. I assure you my Lady I did impress upon her the importance of invitations to Rosings and begged her to suffer the pain so that she may be able to attend this evenings tea. I could not convince her, and the headache seemed to only worsen.”

Lady Catherine began to expound on the nature of headaches and how to deal with them. She then offered comments suggesting they should be tolerated a great deal, so one may attend to social engagements.

Darcy stood from his chair and made an excuse of forgotten business he needed to attend to. His aunt tried to convince him to stay, but Darcy ended the matter abruptly by leaving the room.

A few minutes later Darcy was standing on the doorstep of the rectory and ringing the bell. It was answered by a servant, and Mr. Darcy was allowed entry into the front parlor where he saw Miss Bennet who appeared to be regarding several letters strewn across the furniture. She appeared completely amazed to see him. Taking a seat he informed her that his visit was to inquire into her health and wish her a speedy recovery.

Elizabeth stared coldly at Mr. Darcy and spoke very plainly.

“I shall be well,” was the only reply she made.

Darcy sat for a moment longer and when he realized no more information would be forthcoming he attempted to think of something to say.

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