Sir William stayed for one more week. After he left, life at the Parsonage became quiet again. Elizabeth spent most of her mornings in a small room at the back of the house. She realized that Charlotte had chosen this room on purpose; because it was at the back, Mr. Collins stayed in his own front room to watch the road. This meant the ladies could have some peace.
Lady Catherine visited them often. She was a very bossy woman who liked to control everything in the village. She would visit the poor families to scold them and tell them how to live their lives. She also visited Charlotte to tell her that her furniture was in the wrong place or that she was eating too much meat.
Twice a week, they went to dine at Rosings. These parties were always the same: Lady Catherine talked, and everyone else listened.
After two weeks, Elizabeth heard that Mr. Darcy was coming to Rosings for Easter. When he arrived, he brought his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. The next morning, the two men walked to the Parsonage to visit.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was about thirty years old. He was not handsome, but he was very charming and had excellent manners. He began talking to Elizabeth and Charlotte immediately. Mr. Darcy, however, looked exactly as he did in Hertfordshire. He was quiet, stiff, and cold. He said a few words to Charlotte and then sat in silence.
Finally, Darcy asked Elizabeth about her family. She told him they were well. Then, she decided to test him.
"My eldest sister, Jane, has been in London for three months," she said. "Have you seen her there?"
Elizabeth knew he hadn't, but she wanted to see his face. Darcy looked confused and a little uncomfortable. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting Miss Bennet in town," he replied shortly.
Soon after, the two gentlemen said goodbye and left the house.