She stopped again. Was it enough? Had she gone too far? What if Lady Catherine took it upon herself to write to the Darcys on the subject? Lizzy would never forgive Charlotte for interfering in a matter so painful and personal. But it had to be done.

‘There are many reasons to delay – merely delay, nothing more – our transfer to Longbourn, many unexpected benefits and advantages.’ It was time to spread the butter. ‘For one, although he would bear it bravely, it would cause Mr Collins extreme grief to leave Hunsford, Rosings, and yourself. Where will he ever find another benefactor so generous and active, so interested in his fortunes? I include myself in that grief, Lady Catherine. The thought of being distant from all that is beloved here is an evil indeed. To take possession of Longbourn would be cause for congratulation, but no less commiseration.

‘It would be an act of kindness to keep Mrs Bennet safe in the comforts of her own home and all that is familiar at this trying time of her life; but it would also allow her daughter, Mrs Darcy, the tranquillity of mind – and body – that might be necessary to safeguard the succession of Pemberley. Once that is assured, we can reconsider the matter of the tenancy.’

I did my best, Eliza, she thought, as she sat back and exhaled. Silence once again, broken only by the ticking of the handsome clock on the Adam mantelpiece. Charlotte was aware of Lady Catherine’s scrutiny, of something like sour amusement in the older woman’s mien.

‘You are a shrewd woman, Mrs Collins. Mr Collins did well the day he married you. Speaking of whom, is he apprised of your scheme to delay his enjoyment of his legal inheritance?’

‘Indeed he is, Lady Catherine. But I have said nothing of Mrs Darcy’s situation to him. I left that matter until such time as I could discuss it with you, trusting in your feminine discretion. But I know that if you throw your weight behind my suggestion – one which has the best interests of not one, but three families at heart – we might persuade him together.’

Now she was convinced she saw a faint smile. ‘Very well, Mrs Collins. Your argument concerning an heir in the Pemberley nursery is unanswerable. I will support this lunatic scheme of yours, at least for a year or two. We shall discuss it further, but let us agree, for the time being, that after we have both spoken to Mr Collins, he should write to Mrs Bennet with this proposal. And then we shall see.’