Mr. Darcy's Diary

I had a shock when visiting Caroline and her sister today, in order to give them a note from Georgiana. As I approached the house, I saw Jane Bennet leaving it.

‘What has happened here?’ I asked when I was admitted.

Caroline looked out of spirits.

‘The most unfortunate thing. Jane Bennet has been here. I thought she would have gone back to the country by now, but it seems she means to make an extended visit.’

‘This is most unlucky. What did you say to her?’

‘I scarcely know what I said. She took me by surprise.

She told me she had written to me and I said I had never received her letter. She enquired after Charles. I told her that he was well, but that he was so often with you I scarcely saw him. I told her how much Georgiana was grown, and how we were seeing her for dinner this evening. Then I intimated that Louisa and I were on the point of going out. After that she could not stay.’

‘You will have to return the call,’ I said.

‘It cannot be avoided. But I shall not stay long, and I hope by my manner she will see that any further intimacy is not to be expected. Charles has almost forgotten her. In another few weeks he will be out of danger.’

Of that I am not so sure. He speaks of her sometimes still. He checks himself when he sees my expression, but it is not safe for him to think of either Miss Bennet or Hertfordshire yet.

Tuesday 21st January

Caroline paid her call on Miss Bennet this morning. It was of a short duration, and she used her time to tell Miss Bennet that Bingley is not certain of returning to Hertfordshire, and may give up Netherfield. When she left she made no mention of seeing Jane again, and she tells me she is now perfectly satisfied that Miss Bennet will not call again.

One day Bingley will be glad of our care. It is only this thought that reconciles me to the duplicity we have been forced to employ.

February

Saturday 1st February

‘Caroline has suggested we go to Bath for the spring,’ said Bingley this morning. ‘Perhaps I might take a house there,’ he added nonchalantly.

I thought it was an encouraging sign that he has forgotten Hertfordshire.

‘That is an excellent idea,’ I said.

‘Would you like to come with us?’ he asked.

‘I have to go to Pemberley and make sure Johnson has everything well in hand. There are a number of changes I wish to make to the running of the home farm, and some further improvements I should like to make on the estate.’

‘Then I will see you again in the summer.’

Friday 7th February

Colonel Fitzwilliam has returned to town and he dined with me this evening, bringing me all the news from Rosings. He told me that Mr Collins has taken a wife. I held my breath, hoping that Hurst had been right when he had said that Elizabeth had refused Mr Collins.

‘She seems a very good sort of girl, although I should say woman. She appears to be approaching thirty,’ said my cousin.

I let go of my breath.

‘But this is a good thing,’ he went on. ‘A younger woman might have been intimidated by my aunt’s –’

‘Interference?’

‘Helpfulness,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘But Mrs Collins accepts Lady Catherine’s advice without a fuss.’

‘I believe I might have known her in Hertfordshire.

What was her maiden name?’

‘Lucas. Miss Charlotte Lucas.’

‘Yes, I met her and her family. I am glad she is well settled. Mr Collins might not be the most sensible husband, but he can provide her with a comfortable life.’

And I could provide Elizabeth with so much more.

But I will not think of it. I am resolved never to think of her again.

March

Friday 28th March

I received a letter from Lady Catherine, this morning, telling me that she was looking forward to seeing me. I was surprised to read the following passage in her letter.

Mrs Collins has her sister, Maria, to stay with her, and a friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

It was a shock to learn that Elizabeth is at the parsonage.

I believe they are both of them known to you. Sir William Lucas was also here, but he has since returned home. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has a great deal to say for herself but as she has never had the benefit of a governess it is not to be wondered at. A governess is necessary in a family of girls, and so I told her. Mr Collins was in full agreement with me. I have had the pleasure of introducing many governesses to their employers. Four nieces of Mrs Jenkinson are delightfully situated through my means.