Rescued by Mr. Darcy by Anne-Marie Grace

Author:Anne-Marie Grace [Grace, Anne-Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anne-Marie Grace

Chapter 18

Darcy

Darcy stood transfixed by the ridiculous little man before him. This Mr. Collins seemed perfectly at ease to speak at length without comment or encouragement from Darcy. He seemed utterly devoted to Darcy’s aunt, and Darcy could hardly believe such a person existed. He knew his aunt likely greatly appreciated the unending stream of appreciation and affirmation that undoubtedly came from her pet clergyman, but Darcy did not know how to receive such a torrent.

“Lady Catherine has often deigned to visit me in my own home, coming with her wonderful carriage and horses. When last she came, she suggested some truly marvellous improvements—shelving in the pantry that completely revolutionised the functionality of the space…” Mr. Collins droned on.

All the while, Darcy found himself becoming more and more uncomfortable. The man seemed to lack any notion of propriety. He continually looked to Elizabeth, and he could see how embarrassed she was, but she did not interject. He could not blame her. If one of his relations behaved in such a way, he too might be paralyzed with humiliation. Of course, he thought, none of his relations ever would behave in such a manner.

“I am surprised, Mr. Darcy, that I have not seen you about Rosings. Perhaps you should visit your aunt more often,” Mr. Collins said sternly.

Darcy’s mouth tightened: he had excused much of the man’s behaviour, but he was not certain he could stomach the rebuke. Blessedly, Elizabeth finally intervened.

“Mr. Collins,” she said sharply. “I hardly think it is appropriate to make such suggestions.” Mr. Collins did not even have the decency to look ashamed. On the contrary, he drew himself up.

“Clergymen are often called upon to reveal unpleasant truths, like the hated prophets of old,” he said, arrogance dripping from every word.

Darcy cleared his throat, anger welling up within him. The man had no right to claim such a position of judgement!

Elizabeth was glowering at the clergyman, anger showing up sharply upon her face. Mr. Collins seemed to deflate under her stare.

“But perhaps this is not one of those situations,” he mumbled, finally finding a look of humility. He looked from Elizabeth to Darcy, whose face also bore traces of anger, and quickly bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I will greet your companion.”

Darcy inclined his head an inch, but did not say anything. Mr. Collins swallowed hard and scurried away, all the bluster he had built up while talking about Lady Catherine gone. Elizabeth watched him go, anger slowly draining from her face. However, her look of humiliation remained.

“I apologise,” she said softly. “I had no idea…”

“Of what?” Darcy asked. “That Mr. Collins would behave in such a way? Or that I am Lady Catherine’s nephew?”

“Both,” she admitted. They stood side-by-side, both observing the other conversations in the room. Elizabeth seemed preoccupied with her own thoughts and Darcy could not blame her. He too was considering this newest experience.

He had known that her family was poor. Her father may be a gentleman, but he was among the lowest of the gentry.

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