Mrs Collins' Lover Page 4

  The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, removing all traces of the compassion he had shown her previously. At length he spoke, and in a constrained manner said, “Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.”

  “He has been so unlucky to lose your friendship,” replied Elizabeth with emphasis, “and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.”

  He appeared about to respond but paused when they reached the bottom of the line and had to wait their turn. Mr. Collins had taken up position behind Mr. Darcy and he watched her closely, as though he sought to find something objectionable about her. She realized this was an action she had previously attributed to her current dance partner when he stared in her direction, but his gaze had not been so severe as her cousin’s. She warred with herself, wanting Mr. Collins to turn from her and find his bride elsewhere, but fearing her entire family would suffer for her shortcomings. The trembling from earlier returned, but more violently until Mr. Darcy stepped out of line and grasped her arms.

  “Miss Bennet?” He gazed into her countenance. “You are unwell,” he stated firmly and escorted her from the floor.

  Before she understood what had occurred, he had drawn her from the ballroom, and they were heading toward the back of the house. Other male voices seemed to follow them but Elizabeth was unable to comprehend what was being said. A door opened before her and she soon found herself settled on a couch and, a moment later, a glass thrust into her hands.

  “Sip it slowly,” Mr. Darcy advised, guiding her hand with the glass toward her mouth.

  “I demand to know the meaning of this, sir!” Mr. Collins’ voice was sullen.

  “Now, Mr. Collins, it appears Lizzy was simply overcome by the warmth of the ballroom.” Her father sat beside her and took her other hand in his. “Are you better, child?”

  She could not find her voice and, instead, simply lowered her eyes to the hand with the glass which now rested in her lap. Her father patted her leg.

  “I believe I will take her home,” he announced.

  “I will accompany you,” Mr. Collins declared causing Elizabeth to flinch.

  “You will remain here and escort my wife and remaining daughters home once the ball ends.” Mr. Bennet’s voice was commanding, more so than Elizabeth remembered hearing in many years. “Go and tell Mrs. Bennet that Elizabeth’s headache has returned, but it is naught to worry over.”

  Mr. Collins sputtered, but eventually left the room.

  “I will ask a footman to gather your outerwear and have a carriage prepared to take you home.” Mr. Darcy spoke softly to her father and then was gone.

  “There, there, Lizzy.” Her father slipped an arm about her shoulders and drew her head to his shoulder. “Sip the sherry and we will be on our way soon.”

  When Mr. Darcy returned, he handed her father his coat, but helped her into her pelisse. She quietly thanked him, before taking her father’s arm. Mr. Darcy walked with them to the front hall and out to a waiting carriage. It was far grander than the Bennet equipage, and she wondered if it might be his.

  “I thought your driver might have taken your carriage home, so I ordered Bingley’s made ready,” Mr. Darcy explained to her father.

  “Thank you, sir.” Mr. Bennet fell silent and they stood awkwardly for a minute or two. Elizabeth glanced at her father and found him staring at the gentleman, while Mr. Darcy was watching her closely.

  Finally, Mr. Darcy bowed over her hand. “I hope the morning finds you much improved, Miss Bennet.”

  “I thank you, sir,” she replied in a near whisper as she curtseyed.

  Her father helped her into the carriage then climbed in after her and Mr. Darcy closed the door behind them. The coach lurched forward, and Mr. Darcy was out of sight as they made the turn away from the house. Elizabeth met her father’s curious gaze and raised her brow in question.

  “Have you any feelings for Mr. Darcy, Lizzy?”

  “Mr. Darcy?” she asked nearly laughing. “Feelings? Come, Papa, it has been too long a night for such humour.”

  His gaze fell to his hands as he nodded. “You know what must be done. I fear I have been an indolent father and you must pay the price of it.” He reached forward and took her hands in his. “I will insist that you return home once you have given birth to a son, so that he may be raised at Longbourn and learn to love the land as we do.”

  Elizabeth slipped her hands from his. “If this is what must be, I have demands of my own.”

  “Lizzy, I cannot …”

  “They are not so challenging, Father.” She took a deep breath. “Kitty and Lydia must be returned to the nursery. They require a governess or schooling. They are far too young to be out in society.” She sniffed and pulled her handkerchief from her reticule. “Should anything happen to you, Mr. Collins has already stated he will take action to correct them. It would be better they understand what is expected of them now.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded, tears glistening in his eyes.

  “And Mary must go to London for a time. It will do her well to stay with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner; to see a marriage based on respect and admiration. Perhaps she may be persuaded to set aside Fordyce’s Sermons.” She attempted to smile but was forced to wipe her nose instead. “With so few daughters in society, Mama will be able to economize, which she must do, and the money will be set aside to increase my sisters’ dowries.”

  “And Jane?”

  Elizabeth sighed as she looked out the window. “Oh, Jane. She has the most luck of any of us to find affection in marriage. I do not fear for Jane.”

  ***********

  Elizabeth sat at the dining-room table breaking her fast in silence while her mother and sisters spoke of the activities following her early departure from the ball. The only news she hoped to hear had not occurred; Mr. Bingley had not declared himself in any manner, though Jane had thoroughly enjoyed his company. Mr. Collins entered, bowed solemnly in her direction, and then spoke directly to her mother.

  “May I hope, Madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?”

  Mrs. Bennet was out of her seat and exclaiming her eagerness before Elizabeth could realize what was occurring. She knew what was to come but was surprised by her cousin’s eagerness. She had hoped she might have another day … but then perhaps it would be better this way. For an instant, she considered begging her mother and sisters to remain, a last attempt to fend off Mr. Collins’ advances, but realized it was in vain. Already her mother had ushered her sisters from the room and her cousin was regarding her closely.

  “You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, my dear Miss Elizabeth; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. From the moment I received your father’s letter, I hoped; and then, upon seeing your beauty when I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life.”

  She could not hide her sudden intake of breath. I received your father’s letter? Her father had damned her to such a life without a word of discussion or warning. Though her cousin spoke on, Elizabeth heard little of what he said as she considered the man who declared her to be his favourite but would subject her to such a fate as this.

  “I was most displeased last evening.” Mr. Collins stood before her, rocking on his heels as he looked down his nose. “Until I learned of the gentleman being a near relation of my patroness.”

  Elizabeth realized he had been speaking of Mr. Darcy and the ball, and attempted to focus upon his words.

  “I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who did the honours of the house the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. Had you performed the proper introductions due me, I would not have embarrassed myself by not giving him the respect expected for someone of his standing. But think noth
ing more of it, for I was able to explain the misunderstanding to him.”

  “You introduced yourself to Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth was horrified.

  “Indeed. It was in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well when last I saw her. I was in no way dissatisfied with my reception.”

  “But, sir, was it not for him to begin the acquaintance?”

  Mr. Collins pursed his lips as he folded his hands before him. “My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom--provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to have followed the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which led me to perform what I look on as a point of duty.”

  He frowned as he leaned forward over her. “It would behove you to remember in the future that you are to submit yourself unto your husband. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.” He returned to his former position. “But I am getting ahead of myself. Perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying …”

  “Please, sir, I believe I understand your reasons,” Elizabeth interrupted, feeling she would be unable to sit calmly should he speak on and on.

  His face turned an odd shade of purple-red and he once more leaned over her. “Submission, it appears, will be a test for you. As a rector’s wife, it is your position to be an example to the ladies of the neighbourhood. You must remember, it is written Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. I should detest having to reprimand you, my dear, but the rod and reproof give wisdom.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Her own father had never raised a hand to her, nor had he need to do so. She would not expect a husband to take such action. Her surprise rendered her silent and Mr. Collins seized the opportunity.

  "My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly--which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford that she said, ‘Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.’ Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond anything I can describe; and your wit and vivacity,” he glanced at her now, a slightly worried expression flitting over his features, “I think, must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite.” His lips pursed once more as though he began to doubt his surety, but a moment later he had pushed the thought aside.

  “Thus much for my general intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed towards Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where I can assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains but for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the four per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married."

  He now fell silent and looked at her expectantly. For an instant, Elizabeth was unable to determine for what he waited, but she finally realized she was to respond to a question which was never asked.

  “Forgive me, sir, I do not wish to hold you in suspense, but have you not forgotten something? Was there not a question you wished to ask me?” Her brow rose and she felt laughter at the absurdity of the situation tugging at her lips.

  Mr. Collins appeared flustered, but his ill-ease was quickly replaced by displeasure. “I have come to realize in my time at Longbourn that many of the inhabitants hold an irreverent attitude toward all that is sacred and good. As a rector’s wife, as my wife, you must impede this idiosyncrasy. I have offered you my hand in marriage, Miss Elizabeth, and now I anticipate your answer. As your father and mother have sanctioned the match, it is unnecessary; but I would not have you feeling forced into marriage, no matter how favourable it might be for you.”

  Her temper flared, but she knew it was for naught. When her father bowed to her demands the previous evening, the marriage papers were as good as signed. She lowered her eyes demurely and softly replied. “As you say, sir, my answer is unnecessary; but I accept your proposal, Mr. Collins.”

  “Splendid,” he replied in a flat, solemn tone. “I shall write to Lady Catherine at once to tell her of my good fortune. I am to return to Hunsford this Saturday but hope to return here in a fortnight. You will receive me joyfully at that time. We shall then finalize the date of our wedding.” He turned and walked toward the door. “I shall speak to your father at once.”

  Elizabeth was unable to move. The door which had closed behind Mr. Collins opened once more and Mrs. Bennet entered the breakfast-room, congratulating Elizabeth and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of her impending marriage. The weight of her decision settled about Elizabeth’s shoulders and she lowered her head as her first tears fell.

  “Oh, Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet slid into the chair beside her daughter and placed an arm about her shoulders. “It will not be as bad as that; you will see. Your father and I have gotten on well enough all these years. And one day you will take my place here.” She motioned toward the head of the table.

  Thoughts of her mother and father’s relationship, his ridicule and her nerves, filled Elizabeth’s mind. Was that the best she might hope to attain? Her tears ebbed as she raised her head to study her mother. An understanding that she would be unable to show any resistance before her … cousin … invigorated her anger. As she stared at the woman before her, she found the first target for her disappointment.

  “Yes, I will be Mistress of Longbourn one day.” She pulled away from her mother’s embrace. “And on that day, you will step down. I will decide what is to be done or spent here, and who will be invited. You will be a poor relation dependent upon my kindness.” She stood and looked down at her mother, in much the same manner as Mr. Collins had looked upon her. “I suggest you remember that, Mother.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened in shock and … fear? Elizabeth cared not as she turned and left the room.

  *CHAPTER FOUR*

  The following morning at breakfast, the younger Bennet sisters proposed a walk to Meryton. Hidden by the table, Elizabeth prodded her fa
ther with her foot when she witnessed Mr. Collins’ immediate frown. Mr. Bennet glanced in her direction and she tilted her head toward Lydia and Kitty whose volume increased with their excitement.

  “Denny said Wickham went to town on business on Monday. I am certain he will be returned by now,” Lydia cried.

  Elizabeth stared hard at her father until he cleared his throat and sat forward.

  “Yes, well,” he looked away from Elizabeth and toward the far end of the table. “I do not believe that will be a concern of yours, girls. Mrs. Bennet, following breakfast, I would like an audience with you in my bookroom. Kitty, Lydia, you are to remain in the drawing room until we have finished.”

  “But, Papa,” Lydia cried, “if we are late arriving in Meryton, the officers will already be in the field.”

  “And so it will be,” he said as he cast a frown in her direction.

  “Mr. Bennet,” his wife cooed as she patted her youngest’s hand. “I do not understand why the girls should put off their entertainment while we speak. I am not walking with them, so they have no need to wait for me.”

  Elizabeth pursed her lips and waited to see what her father would say. Mr. Bennet met her eye once more, a point that did not go unnoticed by most of the others, before taking a deep breath and laying his serviette beside his plate to indicate he was finished with his meal.

  “I had asked for an audience, Madam, that we not be forced to discuss this in company; however, I see that is unavoidable. Your youngest daughters have proven unable to consistently conduct themselves in a proper manner to show justification for them being out at such a young age; therefore, they will return to the nursery immediately. I have contacted our brother Gardiner for recommendations on schools and governesses. Until such time as I have been able to make arrangements for their education, you and I will undertake it; though I would not refuse assistance from their older sisters.” His eye fell on Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary in turn.