24. Chapter 24

Ch 24

Anne faced Lizzy, astonishment clear on her face. Lady Catherine's jaw gaped, her expression unreadable.

"Please, Lady Catherine," Collins stammered, panic in his eyes.

Anne began to giggle, and then laughed into her hands.

"You must forgive—"

"Do be quiet!" Lady Catherine waved wildly, leaning far forward trying to hear her daughter.

Anne finally quieted enough to extend her hand to Lizzy who took it quickly. "Then what Mrs. Collins has told me is true?"

"What has she told you?" Lizzy took her hand and stepped toward her.

"That your father—"

"Indeed he is. He has been since a hunting accident ten years ago."

Mrs. Jenkins turned to Lady Catherine, a look of wonder in her eyes. Lady Catherine beckoned her to come away from the young ladies.

"I have been told he is a remarkable man."

"He is a rather normal man, I suppose, with hand and arms and legs enough for himself." She shrugged with a small laugh.

Anne tittered and pulled Lizzy toward a couch. "Come, tell me about him."

Lizzy sat down beside her. "What would you have me tell? As I said, he is quite a normal man, at least as normal as a father of five daughters can be said to be."

"Miss Bennet!" Anne smoothed her skirts, trying to fight back the broad smile that kept breaking through.

"He manages his estate, raises his daughters, enjoys the society of his neighbors and his books, and plays chess. What of this is remarkable for a gentleman?" Lizzy noticed Collins's glare out of the corner of her eye. She fought back the anger that threatened the edges of her consciousness. I must keep that to myself. If she is anything like my father, she will immediately hear it and I do not wish her to think my discomfiture is for her. But how could he? Why did he not tell me? And how could he say those things about my father—

"But if he is as Mrs. Collins has told me—"

"What of it? Why should that stop him from enjoying the fruits of a very normal existence?" She grimaced hearing her voice come out sharper than she desired.

Anne started to answer but stopped before she spoke a word, fingering the fabric of her skirt. She stroked her cheek with her knuckles and turned her face down, brows knotting and releasing.

Across the room, Lady Catherine watched the exchange closely.

"Your ladyship," Collins whispered loud enough for Lizzy to hear, "please, in your great condescension, I beg of you to overlook my cousin's impertinence. I will escort her back to the parsonage immediately—"

"You will do no such thing, Collins." Her eyes did not leave her daughter. "I am not displeased."

Finally Anne raised her face and crossed her arms over her chest, her lips pulling in a deep frown. "You cannot be serious! What you claim is not possible."

"Well, I confess, my sisters and I read to him in turn, but he still selects the books himself."

"How can he possibly manage his estate or play chess or do any of the things you claim when he has suffered the losses he has? You are toying with me, Miss Bennet, and I will not have it. Either you are being deceitful that he is as I—"

"You will find, Miss De Bourgh," Lizzy's voice turned cold and she matched Anne's tense posture, "I am known for my forthright character. Prevarication is not in my nature, and I take great offence at your insinuations."

"I will have none of your cheek here. Do you know who you are—"

"That is not the material matter here. You are the one who has accused me of dishonesty and thus cast a shade on my character! I am the injured party here, not you."

"How dare you!"

"Be assured everything I have told you is the whole truth. My father does all the things I have claimed, and he is quite effective at all of it. You may ask Sir William or Miss Collins to verify my statements. Miss Collins is a great friend of my younger sisters and spends much time at our home. She is very familiar with my father."

Sir William pushed himself up from his seat and slowly approached Anne and Lizzy.

"Sir William Lucas approaches on your right. In addition to being Mrs. Collins's father, he is the mayor of Meryton and a good friend to my family. He was present in the hunting party when my father's accident occurred," Lizzy explained, her foot twitching underneath her skirts.

"Indeed I was, Miss De Bourgh." Sir William bowed. "I was witness to the accident myself. None of us expected him to live, much less thrive. Unlike what others might say," he glanced at Collins over his shoulder, "those of us who know him consider him to be a greatly blessed man. In his company, it is quite easy to forget his…condition. He is a most amiable gentleman. What Miss Bennet has told you is entirely true."

"Miss Lucas stands beside her father and is waiting permission to speak," Lizzy said softly.

Anne nodded, vaguely turning toward Maria.

"Please, Miss De Bourgh, do not think Lizzy is trying to make sport of you. Her father …it is all as she says…truly…if you only knew Lizzy, you would understand that she is always truthful and would never, ever try to take advantage…of anyone."

Across the room, Collins's face turned crimson. "Control your family, Mrs. Collins!"

Charlotte rose, only to be caught by Lady Catherine's hand. "Stay. Do not interfere." She glowered at Collins. "If I have to say that once more, I shall ask you to leave, sir. Do you not understand a simple command?"

Lizzy glanced at their brief exchange, but quickly turned back to Anne.

Anne bowed her head, swaying slightly. When she finally stopped, she turned back toward the Lucases. "Please sit, tell me about your acquaintance with the Bennet family."

Sir William needed no further encouragement. He deposited himself on a nearby ottoman and launched into storytelling. Anne listened but continued to protest her astonishment until Lady Catherine declared it was time for dinner.

Maria gasped and clutched Lizzy's arm when they entered the finely appointed dining room. Candlelight seemed to glitter off every surface. Lizzy was certain the table should be buckling under the array of dishes presented before them. "She must expect to be feeding an army," Lizzy whispered. "Or her servants will eat exceedingly well tonight."

Maria quivered as she tried to contain her laughter. "Stop it! You are too wicked!"

"I am not wicked, just forthright. I can only speak the truth…" Though she clamped her lips tight, Lizzy's grin could not be contained until Collins glared at her.

Collins took his seat at the bottom of the table, by her ladyship's desire, and looked as if he felt that life could furnish nothing greater, though his expression became dark whenever he looked toward his cousin. He carved, and ate, and praised with delighted alacrity; and every dish was commended, first by him, and then by Sir William, who echoed whatever his son in law said, in a manner which Elizabeth wondered Lady Catherine could bear.

Lady Catherine seemed gratified by their excessive admiration and gave her most gracious smiles, especially when any dish on the table proved a novelty to them. Despite her pleasure at her guests' effusions, her eyes kept wandering toward Anne who sat between Lizzy and Mrs. Jenkins.

Lizzy leaned toward Anne and whispered, "What Sir William means to say is that he had no idea that the feet of a bird sticking through a pie crust could be such an appealing addition to the dining table."

Immediately Anne began to choke, gulping large quantities of water to soothe her malady, then she began to giggle like a schoolgirl. "You must not say such things."

"What you mean to say is that my impudence might prove too shocking for your mother to handle, and I might cause her to suffer an apoplexy here at the table."

Anne bit her lip and struggled to control herself, but soon gave in and laughed whole-heartedly until tears ran down her cheeks.

From the head of the table, Lady Catherine stared, her eyes misting. Collins drew a breath, but instantly, she turned a cold glare on him, and he backed down. Collins leaned back in his seat, sneaking angry furtive glances across the table at Lizzy.

"It already appears that my cousin is about to suffer one," Lizzy whispered through the side of her mouth while staring at her plate.

Charlotte snorted, trembling with the effort of remaining silent. Finally she choked out, "The catsup is particularly tasty with the pork cutlets tonight, madam."

"Mrs. Collins," Lady Catherine cleared her throat, "When you open a bottle of catsup, essence of anchovy, or the like, be certain to throw away the old cork, and stop it closely with a new cork that will fit very tight. To be sure, economy in corks is very unwise; in order to save a mere trifle in the price of a cork, you risk losing the valuable article it is intended to preserve. That is not an example of frugality, only foolishness."

"Yes, of course." Charlotte nodded vigorously, keeping her eyes well away from Lizzy.

"Use only the best superfine velvet taper corks. But be sure the cork is of the right size for the bottle. It is a vulgar error indeed when the cork is placed even with the mouth of it; this is a sure sign that the cork is too small, and a larger one needs be put in. The herbalist, Mr. Franks has the best corks in Kent. Do not buy from any but him or I shall be most displeased."

"I shall remember that, madam."

Quietly setting down her fork, Lady Catherine asked, "And how do you find the calves foot jelly this evening, Miss Bennet?"

Lizzy kept her eyes down to avoid revealing her girlish grin. "It is exceptional. Our cook does not produce one of this quality.

"The secret is in the jelly bags. You must tell your cook that care should be taken to make sure they are perfectly scalded and kept dry lest they give an unpleasant flavor when next used."

"I shall be certain to instruct her so when I return home." Lizzy snuck a look at Charlotte, and they both struggled against their merriment.

Lady Catherine began speaking to Sir William. Anne leaned to Lizzy, whispering, "That is to say you will do no such thing as you do not prefer the dish yourself."

Lizzy choked back a laugh. "How you would know that?"

"Calves foot jelly makes a very distinct squish when you sink a utensil into it. I have not heard such a sound from your plate; thus, you have not tasted the bit that wound up on your plate."

"And you doubt my father's abilities! I think you are capable of far more than you might imagine."

Anne blushed and hid her face in her napkin.

After dinner, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room. Anne became subdued, her former good humor evaporating. After she had remained quiet for too many minutes, Lizzy whispered into her ear, "One would think that you are very distraught to be without my cousin's charming discourse."

Anne turned away. "You will excuse me, Miss Bennet, it is time for me to retire."

"But what will I do without your company? Surely there is none other here who can bear so well with my unladylike sense of humor."

Mrs. Jenkins leaned in close, "Lady Catherine prefers to play cards after dinner, and it pains Miss De Bourgh to be left out of the amusements."

"Why ever would you be left out?" Lizzy scrunched her brows and stared at Anne.

"Do not trifle with me!" Anne's voice was thin.

"I am not trifling with you, and you will find, Miss De Bourgh, that I am in the habit of trifling with no one. I told you this before and would suggest for the sake of our acquaintance you remember that."

Mrs. Jenkins blanched and scooted back while Anne breathed deeply and rubbed the back of her neck.

"I merely express my genuine surprise that a young lady like yourself would be willing to miss out on such an amiable pastime when it is quite within your grasp to engage in it."

"How exactly would that be, Miss Bennet? As I seem to recall, one must be able to recognize the cards in order to play." She folded her arms tightly across her chest.

"That is easily enough overcome. For tonight, I shall play with you and read you the cards. When we are in the company of others that is how my father plays cards. Later, if you enjoy the pastime, I can help you construct a deck that you can read for yourself."

"And just how might that be accomplished?"

"I melted a wax candle and traced the suit and number of each card in wax so that he could feel the marks on the cards, but they did not show through to other players. He is able to identify the cards in his hands. Occasionally I need to re-mark the cards, when the wax has worn away, but it serves him very well."

Anne blinked several time, her shoulders relaxing. Her head cocked, and she chewed her lower lip. "What a singular idea."

"It truly is." Mrs. Jenkins brightened notably. "We have several decks of cards in the drawing room and candles a plenty…"

"You see then, it is quite possible. I insist you stay, for at least a few hands tonight. You may surprise yourself at how much you enjoy it."

Mrs. Jenkins looked from Lizzy to Anne, holding her breath, waiting.

Anne drew another deep breath. "I must admit I am intrigued, Miss Bennet. I suppose it would not hurt to attempt a rubber or two."

"I am delighted by your faith in me." Lizzy smiled broadly.

When the gentlemen had joined them, the card tables were placed. Lizzy took Anne's elbow and guided her toward the tables as Mrs. Jenkins and Lady Catherine stared. Lizzy seated Anne then pulled an additional chair over for herself. Collin's glared at her as she moved the furniture, but Lady Catherine appeared intrigued.

"Do you mean to play, Miss Bennet?"

"No, madam, Anne will be playing tonight." Lizzy sat down.

Lady Catherine swallowed hard, an odd expression crossing her face. Sir William and Charlotte filled out the table for quadrille. Lady Catherine dealt the cards with one eye clearly on Lizzy.

Lizzy reached out and formed the hand, but then pressed the cards into Anne's hands. Lizzy leaned very close to her ear and whispered, "I have arranged the cards for you, the highest on the leftmost side."

Anne's face creased in concentration as Lizzy named the cards.

"Do not fear, I can remind you as needed." Lizzy nodded to Sir William. "You have played with my father this way many times—"

"Indeed, I have, Miss Elizabeth, and have found him a most formidable player." He laughed and began the play.

Lizzy notated the passage of the cards from hands to table and included other quiet observations as well. "Mrs. Collins is smiling, just a bit, and tapping her right index finger on the table."

"Did she not do that…" Anne whispered back.

"I believe that she did." Lizzy nodded with a wry grin.

Anne smiled broadly and made a bold play. Several rounds later, she was declared the winner. Anne dropped her cards and clapped with an excited squeal. "Oh, Miss Bennet! May we please play another?"

Lizzy turned to Lady Catherine. "Madam, would you care for another hand?"

It took her an uncharacteristically long time to answer. "I would indeed."

After several more hands, Maria and Mrs. Jenkins took Sir William and Charlotte's places at the table. Anne's enthusiasm had not abated nor had Lizzy's good humor, so the rubbers continued.

Mr. Collins pulled Charlotte aside at the far side of the room. "I am mortified, Mrs. Collins, simply mortified. My cousin's behavior tonight has been nothing short of boorish. Lady Catherine is bearing with it so generously, but I am quite certain that she cannot be in any way appreciating such a vulgar display. Even worse, Miss De Bourgh is being influenced to engage in my cousin's alarming ways. What I am to do? You must inform her that she is to leave us tomorrow."

"That is not possible, Mr. Collins. Arrangements cannot be made so quickly."

"Then we will send her home with your father when he goes at the end of the week. You will instruct her that she will not be included in any further invitations to Rosings. I cannot endure another exhibition like this one." He breathed heavily as she stared at the card table.

"I believe you concern is unfounded. If you will take just a moment to look, I have rarely seen Lady Catherine appear so pleased."

"You mistake her good breeding and excellent manners for acceptance of what must otherwise be considered entirely intolerable."

Charlotte's shoulders tensed. "It appears that she is walking this way, perhaps it would be best to ask her what she would like."

Collins looked up and saw the impending approach of his patroness. He began to stammer.

Lady Catherine lifted her hand to silence him, and she turned to Charlotte. "Mrs. Collins, what has happened here tonight is entirely unprecedented."

"I know, your ladyship…" Collins interrupted.

"You will bring yourself under better regulation, Mr. Collins. I do not wish to hear from you. When I do, I will address you."

Collins blanched and staggered a half step back.

"As I was saying, what I have seen tonight convinces me that something must be done about Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Collins nodded vigorously, scowling at Charlotte. "I was just telling…" A sharp look from the lady silenced him.

"My daughter requires her companionship more than you do, Mrs. Collins. I insist that she be moved to the house here; I have guest rooms being made up for her as we speak. When I call the carriage for your party, I will send a servant with you to retrieve her things. She will stay here for the remainder of her time in Kent."

Charlotte did a double take but managed to reply, "Yes madam. I am grateful for the honor you do my friend."

"As you should be. I shall inform Miss Bennet of the arrangement." She turned briskly and returned to the card table.

Collins could only stare at her back, his mouth working but no sounds forthcoming.