The Companion Read online

  When the roof of Rosings rose in the distance, Darcy shook his cousin awake, gesturing toward the approaching house. The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the house, the dust billowing out from their passage to be carried away on the stiff breeze which blew that day. The footman opened the door and they both stepped out, mounting the steps in a hurry. The butler, a cadaverous man by the name of Smith, was already waiting for them. But before they could even greet the man, the sound of voices raised in anger reached their ears.

  “No need to announce us, Smith,” said Darcy over his shoulder as he hurried into the house. “We know the way.”

  When they reached the parlor, they found a footman stationed outside, obviously distressed. He noted their approach and turned to open the door, his sudden actions not hiding the relief which appeared on his countenance. Darcy and Fitzwilliam entered the room to see an argument in progress, and though Lady Catherine’s heightened color and shrill voice were no surprise, Anne—standing with Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s hand in a tight grip—was a revelation.

  “You disgust me, Mother,” said Anne, her voice louder and more powerful than Darcy had ever heard. “I cannot begin to tell you how much contempt I have for you. Good bye, for I shall never see you again.”

  “Baines!” shrieked Lady Catherine. “Come here this instant!” She turned her glare on Mr. Collins. “Remove your cousin from this house! I care not where she goes!”

  “It would be best if you did not obey that order, Mr. Collins,” said Darcy.

  Four sets of eyes turned and found Darcy and Fitzwilliam where they stood, and their reactions could not be any more different. Mr. Collins, Darcy thought, appeared almost ready to pass out with relief, while Miss Bennet watched him, surprised at his coming, but otherwise unreadable. Anne, though she had spoken most forcefully only a moment before, looked like a flower wilting beneath a fiery sun. As for Lady Catherine, she looked on his coming with savage glee.

  “Darcy! You have finally come. Now everything may be restored to order.”

  “It does, indeed, appear as if order is lacking in your home, Lady Catherine,” replied Darcy. “What is the meaning of this argument? I would have thought I was approaching a fish market when I entered the house.”

  “It is all that girl’s fault!” screeched Lady Catherine, a long, bony finger pointing at Miss Bennet. “She has brought this upon us, pushed my daughter to this mutiny! I demand you remove her from this house immediately!”

  “Anne?” asked Darcy, turning his attention to his cousin. “You called us here. Shall you not explain what has happened?”

  “Anne called you here?” demanded Lady Catherine.

  “By means of an express I received last night.” Darcy turned to Anne. “I apologize, Cousin, but there were delays in receiving your letter, and it came when I was away from the house yesterday evening. We came as soon as we could.”

  An imperious wave was Anne’s first response, an action he might have thought to see from Lady Catherine. “It is of no matter, Cousin. You are here now. I will ask you to return us with you to London, so that I may seek my uncle and beg for his protection.”

  “You will go nowhere!” shrieked Lady Catherine. “I will not allow it.”

  Had Darcy not seen it, he would never have believed the frigid expression which came over his cousin’s countenance. Lady Catherine, too, appeared shocked, and for the first time in living memory, she was rendered speechless. Unless Darcy missed his guess, she was a little fearful at what she was seeing. Anne approached Lady Catherine, walking slowly, and though Miss Bennet walked behind her, she seemed to sense that Anne needed to act for herself, for she only looked on as Anne spoke.

  “Let me tell you this for the last time, Mother. I am of age and may do what I please, and you can do nothing about it. All my life you have kept me locked in this house, restricted me from anything which brought me pleasure, forced me to live this sterile existence which has sapped my strength, left me wishing the pain of this life would simply end.”

  “No! Anne, what are you saying?”

  “That you have been nothing more than my jailor. That you have ruled over me and kept me in a cage—a gilded cage, yes, but still a prison. I have never had any joy, never been able to indulge in those activities which other ladies of my station take for granted, and poisoned me with your continuous nonsense about an engagement with Darcy. I have grown to be five and twenty, never knowing what it is like to live, and now that I have begun to assert a little independence, and have gained a friend as wonderful as Elizabeth, you attempt to take her away from me, to lock me back into my room, feed me tonics, and insist that I am too ill for life yet again.

  “I will not return to that cage.” Anne’s voice, though low, was filled with pain and heartache, and Darcy felt his heart breaking along with hers. “You may do what you wish, but I will leave with Darcy and Fitzwilliam today. I mean to live.”

  “If you walk out of the doors of Rosings, you will be disowned!” said Lady Catherine, one final, desperate—and obvious—attempt to keep her daughter under her thumb.

  “So be it,” replied Anne, her tone pitiless. “It is better to live my life as a penniless spinster than to return to your oppression. I despise you, Mother!”

  And then Anne whirled and buried herself in Miss Bennet’s embrace, sobbing as if her heart was broken. And silence descended on the room, other than the sound of Anne’s continued tears.

  Though it was difficult to fathom the emotions which were passing between mother and daughter, and Elizabeth felt a measure of sorrow at such a break playing out in front of her very eyes, she could not be prouder of Anne. Yes, she would have wished for the scene to have been avoided, but Elizabeth knew Anne was correct. She had lived an oppressed, cheerless existence which Elizabeth would not have wished on her worst enemy.

  Lady Catherine stood, facing Anne and Elizabeth, her countenance stricken and devoid of all color. Their eyes met, and for a moment Elizabeth thought the lady might continue to berate her. Instead, a wordless understanding seemed to pass between them, and the lady staggered back and sat heavily in a chair situated not far behind. All the fight had departed from her.

  It was surprising, but Mr. Collins was the first to move. It seemed he was unable to witness the distress of his patroness, for he approached her and took a knee near her chair and began to speak to her in a low voice.

  “Perhaps it is best that Miss de Bourgh go with these fine gentlemen, Lady Catherine. Though I would never give credit to any notion that you do not know best, perhaps in this instance it is better to allow her to direct her own life. I am certain you wish her to be happy.”

  “Be gone, Mr. Collins,” was Lady Catherine’s reply, but its imperious note was but a shadow of its usual strength. “I have no need of your platitudes.”

  Uncertain, Mr. Collins arose, and he directed a stricken look at Mr. Darcy. For his part, Mr. Darcy shook his head. He then turned his attention to the other man standing at his side, and an understanding seemed to pass between them. The second man nodded once and moved to approach Lady Catherine, while Mr. Darcy came to Elizabeth and Anne, who was still crying on Elizabeth’s shoulder.

  “I believe it is best to remove Anne to London, Miss Bennet. It appears she is most comfortable with you—shall we take her to her room so that she may recover for our departure?”

  It was a tone Elizabeth had never heard from Mr. Darcy, one which was soft and gentle and which spoke to affection and warmth, but was not demanding, like those which he usually used in her experience. Elizabeth could do nothing but nod, and she began to guide Anne from the room, Mr. Collins following behind, appearing like a lost puppy.

  The time until their departure was a flurry of activity. Elizabeth saw Anne to her bedchamber and coaxed her to lie down upon her bed. Instructions were given to Laura for her mistress’s clothing to be made ready. Elizabeth herself spent her time between her own room and Anne’s, ensuring everything wa
s proceeding apace. The surprise of Mr. Darcy, however, was one which did not depart, for he was solicitous and concerned for her wellbeing.

  “How is Anne?” asked he when Elizabeth emerged from Anne’s room for the first time.

  “I believe she is recovering. She has been so strong these past days . . . I can hardly imagine what it cost her to stand up to Lady Catherine the way she did.”

  “Anne was strong?” asked Mr. Darcy. He seemed hardly able to imagine it, and Elizabeth could understand, though her ire was raised slightly in defense of her friend.

  “She was,” replied Elizabeth simply, eager to avoid one of their infamous arguments.

  “And how did you come to be in the middle of this mess?” asked Mr. Darcy, turning his attention once again to Elizabeth. “Why are you even in Kent?”

  “I do not have time for lengthy explanations, sir,” replied Elizabeth. “My cousin married my dearest friend, Charlotte Lucas, and I was invited to visit them. After Mrs. Jenkinson passed, Anne convinced her mother to ask me to live here as her companion until I return home, and I agreed.”

  Mr. Darcy seemed still uncertain, but he did not question her any further. “More detailed explanations may wait until we are in the carriage. For now, I must thank you for all you have done for my cousin. It seems, from her reliance on you, that you have become close in a short period.”

  “She is a wonderful woman,” replied Elizabeth. “I am quite fond of her. But, yes, if you will excuse me, I will make certain all is prepared for our departure.” Elizabeth paused, and then addressed him, a matter of concern having entered her mind. “What is to be done with our maids? Tilly was not aware of my friendship with Anne, but Laura helped us. I am afraid they will both be targets for Lady Catherine’s displeasure once we are gone.”

  “They will accompany us, of course,” replied Mr. Darcy. “You will both need your maids in London. I will see that one of Lady Catherine’s servants’ carriages is prepared, so they may travel behind us.”

  Then Mr. Darcy bowed and moved away, leaving Elizabeth bemused behind. She soon shook off her thoughts of the man in favor of the urgency of the situation, and she returned to her room, instructing Tilly to also prepare herself for a removal to London.

  “If you do not wish to go, you are not required to, of course,” said Elizabeth, when the girl appeared doubtful. “I have managed without a maid, and I may do so again. I am only concerned that your mistress might find fault with you, considering the events of the past days.”

  “Oh no!” exclaimed Tilly. “She would never do so. But I do not have any objection to accompanying you to London. It is only I am not certain what is to become of my employment . . . .”

  “I am certain Mr. Darcy understands you will require your pay,” said Elizabeth, certain she was correct, though they had not spoken of it. “I know not how he will handle it, but I should think you would find employment in his house.”

  “And will you stay for long?”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I do not doubt that I will remove to my uncle’s house when we arrive in London. I hope to keep up my acquaintance with Miss de Bourgh, but it is time I returned home.”

  “Very well, mistress. I will ensure we are ready to leave within the hour.”

  With that task completed, Elizabeth returned to Anne’s room to have a similar conversation with Laura, and although Anne’s maid did not say so much, Elizabeth thought she was as uncertain as Tilly had been. Elizabeth did what she could to put the girl’s mind at ease, and in this instance, she felt more confident in what she was saying. Anne would likely be staying with either Mr. Darcy or her uncle for some time, and Laura, as her maid, would be added to the staff wherever she stayed.

  When Elizabeth returned to Anne’s bedchamber, she noted that Anne was sitting up on her bed, though her posture was folded over, her arms held tightly around herself. Elizabeth approached her and knelt by Anne’s side, noting the tears staining her cheeks.

  “How you must think me to be nothing more than a weakling,” said Anne, her voice almost inaudible.

  “I think no such thing.” Elizabeth reached out and grasped Anne’s hand, pulling it to her and holding it between both of her own. “You have grown so much these past weeks, Anne. It is no less than astonishing.”

  “I should not have spoken to my mother in that way.”

  “While it is true I would have wished for a more amicable resolution with your mother, what is done is done. It took much strength to oppose her as you did, and I do not blame you for it. I cannot say why your mother has treated you as she has, but it is clear she should have taken your feelings into account and allowed you to live your life. There is no shame in standing up for yourself.”

  A slight smile came over Anne’s face. “How could I not, with such an excellent example before me. My heart hurts at this break with my mother, though I am unsure she deserves my regret. But I cannot be happier that you have become my friend. I hope you will agree to remain my friend, Elizabeth, no matter what comes.”

  “Of course, I shall,” replied Elizabeth. “There is nothing I wish more. And you never know—your mother may see the truth of what you told her. You may be reconciled to her someday.”

  “Only if she agrees to change and treat me as an adult,” replied Anne. Some of her former spark was returning, and Elizabeth smiled at her resilience.

  The two ladies sat for some time, though not many words were exchanged between them. Within fifteen minutes, Laura informed them that the carriages were ready, and they could depart. As one, the two ladies rose, and they left the room. Elizabeth was struck by how Anne held her head high and departed, never looking back at the room which had been her domain for all her life.

  Chapter XIII

  Lady Catherine de Bourgh was not on hand to witness the departure of her only daughter. Given the lengths to which the woman had gone to ensure Anne remained under her control, Elizabeth might have thought they would not be able to leave without her interference. But their leaving was accomplished without any hint of the lady’s presence, and though Anne looked around once or twice, likely expecting her mother to suddenly appear and clap her in chains, she never came. The man who came to Rosings with Mr. Darcy was able to give them a little intelligence.

  “I escorted her to her bedchamber, and that is where I suspect she is now. I have never seen your mother in such a state, Anne. She was pale, her movements jerky and uncoordinated, and I almost thought her guilty of introspection.”

  “Fitzwilliam,” said Anne, shaking her head at her cousin, who displayed more than a hint of amusement. “We truly have had a devil of a time. I do not wish to make sport with my mother, but I am determined we shall never meet again if she does not change her ways toward me.”

  The man sobered immediately. “I cannot imagine what it has been like, Anne. I only wish we could have been of use to you before.”

  “It would not have done any good.” Anne clutched Elizabeth’s arm. “If it were not for Elizabeth, I would still be in mother’s thrall. I am grateful to her for her assistance—more than I can ever say.”

  Elizabeth blushed and turned away, and though Fitzwilliam appeared as if he wished to tease—she had done it so many times in the past, she was intimately familiar with what it looked like—he held his tongue. Anne continued to speak with him, but Elizabeth’s eyes were caught by the sight of an uneasy Mr. Collins, standing and watching them.

  A pang of regret coursed through Elizabeth. With the events of the morning, she had quite forgotten Charlotte, and she now knew she would not be able to take her leave of her friend before they departed. Elizabeth disengaged her arm from her friend’s grasp and approached Mr. Collins, and the man appeared relieved at the opportunity to speak with her.

  “My dear Cousin,” said he, bowing in his usually expansive manner. “I wished to thank you for your kindness in coming to Kent to visit my dear wife, and moreover, for the friendship you have selflessly offe
red to Miss de Bourgh. It is clear to me that she has benefitted greatly from knowing you . . . .”

  Mr. Collins trailed off, and Elizabeth knew he was thinking about his patroness’s sentiments, which had been made abundantly clear. Knowing it was best not to allow him to think too deeply on the subject, Elizabeth smiled.

  “I thank you for inviting me here, sir. I am only sorry that I was not able to spend more time with Charlotte.”

  “It is, indeed, a shame, but I believe you have been called by some higher purpose. Miss de Bourgh clearly required an advocate, and in you she has found one I do not think could be matched in many others.”

  “I am happy to be called her friend,” replied Elizabeth.

  “Yes, she is a good woman, much like her . . .” Mr. Collins paused and dismay seemed to fall over him. He swallowed once and looked on her, pleading her to understand. “My patroness truly does possess the best of nobility, intelligence, munificence, and a deeply held understanding of true Christian values, Cousin. I do not know what I would do in the parish without her boundless wisdom, for there is never a problem for which she is without a solution. I would have you understand this, for I do not speak merely to gratify her vanity.”

  When Elizabeth murmured that she understood—it cost her nothing to agree with him, even if she could not credit such assertions—Mr. Collins seemed to relax a little, and then he became troubled again.

  “I do not know what has afflicted her regarding her daughter, and I cannot understand how she cannot see how you have assisted Miss de Bourgh and made her life better. She seemed so sad and lost when you left the room—so . . . alone. I am not certain what to do.”

  “I would recommend you simply provide her with whatever support you can,” said Elizabeth. “Lady Catherine has received a shock, not only because of the changes in Anne, but also because of what Anne said.”