Charlotte might have demurred, but she did not. “It is clear he likes me very much, but whether he will find his way to a proposal is unclear. In the meantime, I must fend against Mr. Collins’s flattery.” She indicated Elizabeth’s cousin, who was at present sitting with Maria and Lady Lucas and talking a great deal. He had not been among those congratulating Jane and Mr. Bingley; obviously, he held a grievance against Papa and the other Bennets. Elizabeth could not believe him an evil man, though she thought him quite insensible. He might wish in his heart for an early inheritance, but in the little time she had known him, she simply did not think he would act violently to make that wish a reality.
Even if she was wrong about his character, Elizabeth was sure he had neither the resources nor the intelligence to be successful in such an endeavour. Most of all—he was bold, but not brave. He would not risk putting his own neck in a noose for such a scheme.
“I am simply grateful Mama would not allow him to monopolise me tonight,” Charlotte continued with a weary sigh. “She wishes him to see me as desirable to other men. I believe she is determined that Mr. Collins shall offer for me before he returns to Kent.” She stared off into the distance for a moment. “Before these past few months, I might have accepted such a man merely to have my own home but I find myself strangely unwilling to do so, now.”
“You could not be happy with such a man,” Elizabeth declared.
“No, but I might have been content to manage a foolish man so long as I might run my own home.”
“You would be running your home at the whim of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Charlotte chuckled. “I am sure you have the right of it, my dear.” She glanced across the room where her parents were congratulating Jane. Sir William appeared very pleased, for he had made the introductions between the two, but Lady Lucas was more reserved in her well-wishes. “My father is torn between supporting Mama and supporting me. Not that he would wish me unhappy, but as he tells me, I am a practical girl and Longbourn is a prize indeed.”
“You are welcome to Longbourn at any time so long as you arrive without Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth replied, squeezing her hands. “For as long as need be. You know Papa would not mind at all.”
“I would offer myself as Mary’s companion if you did not already have Mrs. Quimby.” Charlotte watched Mr. Fitzwilliam unhappily.
“He cannot know how serious the situation has become,” Elizabeth insisted. “Tell him.”
“No,” Charlotte said firmly. “He has met me out walking, he visited me when he came to collect my father on official business, he has escorted me home from town, and he has danced with me tonight. Twice. Either he wishes to court and marry me, or he does not. I will not forever be the woman he felt obligated to rescue.”
Elizabeth slipped her arm around Charlotte’s waist and embraced her. “Very well. I shall keep it to myself. A man must know his own mind to be worthy of you.”
Charlotte took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Unfortunately, Mr. Collins knows his mind. He simply does not care to know mine.”
“A woman of worth!” Mr. Collins cried in the midst of his—Elizabeth could not truly call it a conversation. Lecture, perhaps. Charlotte cringed.
Mr. Collins was fully engaged in whatever tale he was spinning. He did not spare anyone else a glance. Maria was too timid to excuse herself and Lady Lucas too intent upon encouraging a suitor for her eldest child to wish to do so.
“Any time,” she reminded Charlotte. “Even at night, dear. Promise me you will send word. We shall send you the carriage if your father will not order his own.”
Elizabeth was relieved to see a little of the stiffness in Charlotte’s shoulders ease. “You shall have to explain to your father. Please tell him as little as possible.”
“I promise,” Elizabeth replied, “but I think you underestimate Papa’s understanding of the situation.”
“He is indeed a perceptive man,” Charlotte acknowledged. “Thank you, Eliza. You cannot know how much your friendship means to me.”
“And yours to me,” Elizabeth confirmed.
Charlotte squeezed her hands once more before approaching Maria and extracting her from Mr. Collins’s company. The next dance was about to begin.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Darcywasdressedanddownstairs by the time the sun inched over the horizon. He was surprised to see Sergeant Walker there, speaking with Fitzwilliam. The sergeant did not like to come into the house beyond the kitchen and staff quarters.
“Have you learnt anything?” Darcy asked.
“Hardiman believes he may have discovered the man paying out, at least locally,” Fitzwilliam informed him. “Name of Evans. He seems to have an inexhaustible fund of coin, though he spends it only a bit at a time. I was telling Walker we could stay another day or two if they require us.”
Walker shook his head. “Appreciate it, Colonel, sir, but ’tis not necessary. We dinna even need the men we have, to be honest. Hardiman thinks to figure out who the man is workin’ fer, but does not think he’s in Meryton.” He shifted from one foot to another. “He did say yer Mr. Wickham’s in there every night, and this Evans is buyin’ his drinks right regular.”
Darcy and Fitzwilliam exchanged a look.
“Bennet has our direction in town,” Fitzwilliam said. “If you should have any need for us, send word directly.”
Walker nodded once and turned to leave. He hesitated when Darcy spoke.
“I shall send back a man from my house in London,” he said. “He will serve as our messenger should you have need of him.”