The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,7
such crude subjects?” Prudence teased. “I’ve been told expressly by our aunt that to talk of being in trade is not de rigueur.”
“Oh dear. She does have a way with words.” Fitzwilliam grimaced. “It isn’t quite the thing to talk about when one is in society. Aunt Catherine is right in that regard. In recent years I have fought with men from all backgrounds, and I am not so high in the instep as to lord it over anyone. Plus, I’m genuinely interested.”
Prudence smiled. “In that case, yes, the hours are long. Papa works extremely hard, but he has always been committed to our family and the area in which we live. Very often people seek his advice on any number of issues, and he always welcomes them. He’s very personable. I think that is what attracted my mother to him.”
“How did they meet?”
“Papa was on a trip to Derbyshire when mother was visiting her sister, Mrs. Darcy. They came across each other in the village of Lambton.”
“Ah, I see. That makes sense. I wondered how the connection had been made. We are not the largest of families, so apart from visiting London, we do not travel around as much as other, larger families who seem to spread across the country. And with so few relatives, it is a real pity we didn’t know about you sooner. I wish Aunt Catherine had told us about you when your father first wrote to her.”
“I disagree.”
“Really? Why?” Fitzwilliam asked in surprise.
“I would have been ten years younger and far more easily intimidated,” Prudence admitted. “Now I can enjoy my time with Aunt Catherine. I doubt I would have done when I was fifteen.”
“I suppose so. Although I am not sure when she will stop intimidating me. I usually hide behind my cousin, Darcy, when we visit. I’m deeply disappointed that he chose to remain with Elizabeth, even though the baby is due within the next three months or so.”
“How selfish they are, leaving you to stand alone. Never mind. You can hide behind me,” Prudence offered. “I’ll protect you.”
“Thank you. I no longer have anything to fear,” Fitzwilliam said with a smile. “I hope you will also protect me against Mr. Collins.”
“Oh no,” Prudence said quickly. “You are on your own where he’s concerned!”
*
Mr. Collins was everything Fitzwilliam disliked in a person: pompous, silly, and conceited. On the visit, which was occurring after a long absence by Fitzwilliam, he was able to add narrow-minded to his list of the man’s faults.
He was within the parsonage walls for only ten minutes before he wanted to punch the clergyman.
“Lady Catherine has been so magnanimous in welcoming Miss Bamber into the fold,” Mr. Collins stated as soon as his wife, Charlotte, had taken Prudence to show her a quilt she’d completed. Mr. Collins had waited long enough for the ladies to be out of earshot before he turned the subject to Prudence.
“Let’s not forget she needed a companion for my cousin, Anne. I do not think her actions were completely selfless,” Fitzwilliam pointed out, his tone brusque, which Mr. Collins failed to notice.
“And what an honour it is to be chosen as companion for Miss De Bourgh. It can only be of benefit to Miss Bamber, extending her experience in such a way. Why, she is sure to secure a fine position after carrying out her duties for Lady Catherine. Is there any higher recommendation than that of Lady Catherine De Bourgh? I think you would struggle to find one,” Mr. Collins said.
His words annoyed Fitzwilliam unaccountably. “Has she expressed any desire to be a governess or companion after her visit to Rosings has ended?”
“Well, no. I don’t think so. But Lady Catherine has said that she will offer to find Miss Bamber a suitable position somewhere nearby, so Lady Catherine can keep a weather eye on her. Which after the history and the beginning Miss Bamber has had to endure can only be of benefit. I am truly in awe of Lady Catherine’s condescension and welcome after a breach in familial relations. It shows just how great a lady she is.”
“Until she tires of my cousin and sends her back to Manchester,” Fitzwilliam muttered darkly, knowing how his aunt’s favour could soon change.
“Not at all. I think she will be content, knowing that she has done her sister a great service in setting up her daughter for her future life.” Mr. Collins defended his patroness. “It is a real effort in bringing her back