Chapter 88 Daily Life of a Noblewoman 2 Rosings Manor

Mr. Collins judged well.

The next morning, two guests came to visit the parsonage and brought with them an invitation to dinner from Lady Catherine.

One of the visitors was a thin, frail young lady, evidently Miss Anne de Bourgh, the future heiress to Rosings Manor. The other was a man who looked strong and vigorous, about thirty years old.

"Good heavens," Charlotte exclaimed. "I didn't expect Miss de Bourgh to be willing to get out of the car today and even symbolically use the tea set at the parsonage. You know, it's a good thing for her to come in once in five times."

Heather didn't have much impression of this Miss Anne, but she didn't want to coax the eldest lady.

"She doesn't need our care," Charlotte said with a smile after hearing Hazel's thoughts. "The housekeeper next to her is extremely attentive to all of Miss's needs every minute. Miss de Bourgh isn't talkative either. To be honest, she's much easier to deal with than her mother."

That's good. Heather followed Charlotte into the living room to meet the two visitors.

Mr. Collins enthusiastically introduced the two parties to each other. Since both parties were noble people, he complimented the three guests present equally.

Only then did Hazel realize that the respectable man was Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Thanks to Mr. Collins's constant boasting, Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh were well aware that Mrs. Collins knew a powerful lady who was very popular in London, and even had some guesses about her property and income, although these might include Mr. Collins's exaggeration.

Miss De Bourgh didn't act overly arrogant. Instead, she stood up and greeted politely, "Mrs. Lawrence, it's a pleasure to meet you. Mrs. Collins gave me a bottle of your peppermint essential oil, which has effectively relieved my headaches and appetite problems. I've been wanting to thank you in person."

She spoke in a soft, gentle voice, often making one wonder if every word she uttered required all her strength. Her expression was as calm as a rippleless lake, but her eyes betrayed sincerity.

Heather's first impression of her was good.

"Miss De Bourgh, I brought a lot of new products that I've recently developed. My maid has also learned some massage techniques. I can give you some more when I have the chance."

Miss De Bourgh's voice was as small as a mosquito, but everyone present heard it clearly.

"You can call me Annie."

The man next to her was the first to speak. He smiled very brightly but not annoyingly: "Mrs. Lawrence, it seems that Anne likes you very much."

Heather raised her eyebrows, she seemed to really have a thing for young girls.

"Okay, Annie, thank you and your mother for inviting us. I will be there on time."

After sitting for a while, Anne's housekeeper began to worry that the young lady would feel unwell if she stayed out for too long. Under her worried eyes, Anne quickly went home with Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Hazel thought of her pale face and asked Charlotte quietly, "What's wrong with this lady?"

Charlotte didn't let the unexpected visit disrupt her daily schedule, and took Heather to the greenhouse for a routine check.

"I don't know. Even the doctors can't seem to explain it clearly. They just say she's weak. But she does have obvious symptoms of illness, such as low energy, fear of cold and wind, and lack of the vitality a girl of her age should have. She needs careful care to prolong her life."

Heather seemed to be lost in thought. It sounded as if her muscles were atrophying and her spirits were depressed due to lack of exercise and social interaction with her peers.

In the afternoon, Heather went to Rosings Manor with Charlotte and Mr. Collins for a dinner.

Rosings Manor lived up to Mr. Collins's praise. Every building on the estate was exceptionally exquisitely designed, clearly demonstrating the meticulous care and effort put into its construction by successive owners. The vegetation was also abundant, with not a single withered blade of grass to be found. This clearly demonstrates the meticulous care and maintenance that has required considerable effort and expense.

Mr. Collins couldn't help showing off again. "Mrs. Lawrence, although no one can compare to your knowledge of plants, such a perfect manor requires more than just plants. This must be the first time you have seen such a luxurious aristocratic manor."

Heather took Charlotte's hand and replied, "Indeed, building a manor like this must be very difficult. I have now inherited a fine manor, covering nearly a thousand acres. My housekeeper and his wife have already gone there to begin the preliminary work. Speaking of this, I am really worried about how much more effort it will take to turn it into a mature and presentable manor."

An inheritance? A thousand acres?

Mr. Collins was stunned. "So that's how it is... Well... I look forward to the day when your manor is completely renovated. It would be the honor of my lifetime to have the opportunity to visit it."

He was once again thankful that his wife had a good relationship with Mrs. Lawrence, and decided to often remind his wife to maintain this God-given bond in the future.

This is not an ordinary lady, she is a top-level lady who owns land and property and can be the master of her own house!

Moreover, Mrs. Lawrence lived in London and must know many noble people in London. As long as she let go a little, the Collins family would be able to change its appearance and rise step by step.

Mr. Collins had not yet fully awakened from his shock and sweet dream until he was led into the living room by the servant.

His wife completed the opening remarks and introductions of both parties on his behalf, avoiding a series of redundant pleasantries.

As soon as Heather walked into the living room, she saw the DeBoer mother and daughter sitting in the middle.

Lady Catherine was a tall, strong-looking lady, and her daughter sitting next to her looked like a chicken that could be blown down by the wind.

Anne took the initiative to come over and curtsy to Heather under her mother's surprised gaze, and after a moment's thought, Lady Catherine also stood up and greeted her.

This made Charlotte and Mr. Collins' jaws drop, after all, when Sir William and Elizabeth came, the lady had no intention of standing up to welcome them.

The dinner was still sumptuous, which was the basic etiquette for entertaining guests at Rosings Manor, but Mr. Collins's performance was not as good as usual.

He hardly got a chance to brag about every dish, as the table conversation today was largely dominated by Lady Catherine and Heather, with Colonel Fitzwilliam occasionally interjecting and Charlotte happily keeping silent.

Lady Catherine asked in detail about Heather's family situation, what her brother did, her deceased husband's title, the inheritance situation, her career in London, and whether she was completely accepted by the upper-class social circle.

When she heard that her father was a lawyer in town and her brother was a businessman in London, Lady Catherine frowned openly.

But after she briefly explained that her deceased husband was an earl and had left her a considerable fortune at her disposal, Lady Catherine's brows immediately relaxed.

"Yes, although Mr. Collins's character is impeccable, I still cannot understand why your brother-in-law did not leave his inheritance to his wife and biological daughter. Your husband did a good job in this regard.

Oh, by the way, my suggestion is that now that you have the property, you should pay more attention to the upbringing of your nieces. Last time, Miss Bennett actually said that most of the five sisters can't play the piano or paint, and they didn't even have a tutor until recently. I was shocked.

Heather smiled as she savored the foie gras in her mouth, then she said calmly, "Although Elizabeth and the others didn't have a tutor in the past, they were all happy and understood the necessary principles. I think this will be beneficial to their lives for the next few decades.

Furthermore, I don't believe every child should receive a full-fledged ladies' education. They can choose one or two areas they enjoy and devote their time to them. For example, my niece Mary, who visited London with me, once received instruction from the Royal Opera House's pianist, practicing only the pieces she enjoyed. She also took ballroom dancing lessons with several other aristocratic ladies from a retired court lady, not to achieve every standard, but out of interest and practicality. As for painting, she wasn't good at it, nor did she particularly enjoy it, so she quickly gave it up.

Lady Catherine did not quite agree with this theory, but the Royal Opera House and the court ladies blocked her intention to continue preaching, after all, her daughter had no experience of either.

"You are indeed a capable and far-sighted aunt. If you have the chance, please bring the Miss Mary you mentioned to Rosings Manor. I think a girl like this is the playmate Anne needs."

Anne's eyes lit up.

Heather noticed her subtle joy and asked, "Has Anne ever been to London? Although the air there isn't as good as in the countryside, there are many outstanding ladies worth socializing with. There are several afternoon tea parties or salons with specific themes almost every week. My niece has made many good friends there."

Anne was about to answer when Lady Catherine spoke first. "There are indeed some good families in London, but Anne is in poor health and cannot leave her familiar surroundings. It is most comfortable for her to stay at home. Fortunately, she does not need to rush into social circles like other young ladies to find a good husband. Lady Lawrence, you know my nephew Darcy, right? I heard him mention that you generously introduced him to a good circle. You may not know that his mother and I arranged Anne's marriage a long time ago."

Heather looked at Anne's dimming eyes and smiled silently. Perhaps after Darcy insisted on marrying Elizabeth, Lady Catherine's desire for control would be curbed, and Anne would have her father's inheritance, and she would be happier in the future.

The atmosphere was a little dull for a moment. Colonel Fitzwilliam observed the expression on her face and continued, "Although Cousin Anne can't go to London yet, perhaps we can go to the Reverend's house together tomorrow morning to visit the greenhouse garden. I heard that it has attracted a lot of attention recently. I wonder if Mrs. Collins would mind our interruption?"

"We certainly have no objection," said Mr. Collins at once. "Lady Lawrence praised our conservatory yesterday as more worthy of our attention than any in London. I was just about to invite you all to come and see it."

Lady Catherine had no objection to this: "Botany is a very elegant subject. I never thought Mrs. Lawrence would have such expertise. The parsonage is not far away. Anne can go and take a look tomorrow."

Anne nodded happily, while the housekeeper behind her left fell into new worries.

After dinner, they naturally formed a card game. Lady Catherine, due to Heather's strong financial resources and certain status, restrained her habit of bossing everyone around. Mr. Collins had more time to think quietly because he had to serve water to two people at the same time, so the card game was quite harmonious.

Heather's card playing skills have improved a lot recently. He has also figured out some unconventional ways to win and has won several rounds.

Lady Catherine also found it quite enjoyable to meet an opponent with whom she could spar.

At the end, the mother and daughter personally saw them off to the door, and Colonel Fitzwilliam even rode his horse to follow the carriage for a while, and only turned back after watching them enter the parsonage.

Anne had been urged to go back to her room to rest, and Colonel Fitzwilliam said good night to his aunt and prepared to leave.

"Fitzwilliam, what do you think of Mrs. Lawrence?" Lady Catherine asked suddenly.

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned back in surprise. "Are you asking me? I think this lady speaks with a sense of humor and grandeur. She has an aristocratic temperament that has been accumulated over time, but she is not too pedantic or serious. On the contrary, she is very open-minded and generous. It is hard not to like talking to her."

Lady Catherine nodded. "Before, you were too close to Mrs. Collins's good friend. I was worried that you might have some unrealistic ideas. Fortunately, you understand that your father and mother would never accept such an ordinary girl with little dowry. But this Lady Lawrence is a good choice."

Colonel Fitzwilliam did not expect his aunt to mention this. He really admired Mrs. Lawrence's appearance and words and deeds, but this was their first day meeting after all. He had not thought so far and did not know how to respond for a moment.

Lady Catherine ignored her nephew's thoughts and continued, "Although she is a widow, she is wealthy enough. Mr. Collins secretly told me that in addition to those profitable properties and acquired wealth, Lady Lawrence also inherited a large estate. And although your father is also an earl, you have several brothers. As the youngest son, what can you get?

What's more, her status and position are high enough. Even those mean ladies in London accept her, and your father will also recognize her status.

The most important thing is that she is one year younger than you and is very beautiful. If you marry her, no one will say that you are only interested in money."

Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to be lost in thought. Although his aunt's words were blunt and rough, they hit the mark right in his heart. After all, he knew that the Earl's youngest son relied on his parents for money and status. If he did not take the initiative to pursue a suitable partner, he would most likely be forced to be paired with someone.

"Of course, Auntie, I also hope to win the favor of that lady, but you also know that marriage always needs to be based on the will of both parties."

Lady Catherine agreed: "She is not someone who can be manipulated by us. You will naturally have to take the initiative to please her. However, you are of similar age, and you have always been eloquent and considerate. Although your status is not as noble as your cousin, you naturally have your strengths.

Well, it’s getting late, see you tomorrow morning.”

"Good night, auntie."

Colonel Fitzwilliam watched Lady Catherine go upstairs before turning and walking towards his bedroom.