Mrs Collins' Lover Page 5

  “Not out?” Mrs. Bennet gasped while Kitty and Lydia sat in stunned silence.

  Elizabeth raised her eyes to find a smug look upon Mr. Collins’ countenance.

  “I am certain Lady Catherine would be able to suggest a governess, sir.” One side of his lips turned upward in a disturbing smirk. “She has placed many young ladies with families who are all gratitude toward her.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Collins.” Mr. Bennet nodded in that man’s direction. “Should my brother fail to find a competent individual, I will contact you on the matter.”

  “Mr. Bennet,” Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice pierced the air. “In what way have our daughters misbehaved? I see nothing wrong with their actions. They may be high spirited, but is that not to be expected and desired?”

  Both Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet frowned, and Elizabeth could suddenly see a very slight family resemblance. Though the younger man appeared ready to speak, it was her father who actually replied.

  “Then I suppose you will not be responsible for their education after all, my dear. Do you see no difference between the ways in which Jane and Lydia behave?”

  “Well, of course, but that is because Lydia is of a more lively fashion. Jane is all that is lovely.”

  “No, Jane is all that is proper. She knows what to say, to whom, and when. She regulates her actions and is respected wherever she goes. I can say none of those things for either Lydia or Kitty.” Mr. Bennet pushed away from the table. “Enough has been said at this time, Madam. If you wish to discuss this further, I suggest you accompany me to my bookroom; but be advised that I will not change my position.” He looked once more toward Elizabeth and left the room.

  Silence descended in his absence. Lydia and Kitty began whimpering and Mrs. Bennet attempted to reassure them. Finally, she turned her attention toward her least favourite daughter.

  “Is this what you spoke of yesterday, Elizabeth?”

  Surprised that her mother might mention their conversation, and fearful of how it would be received, she attempted to find something to say, but Mr. Collins interrupted her.

  “I spoke to Mr. Bennet yesterday, Madam. As a rector, it is my place to point out deficiencies when they exist and suggest steps to improve the situation.” He leaned back in his seat and rested his hands upon his stomach. “I am pleased that my cousin was so eager to take my advice. I am certain it will benefit all at Longbourn, both now and in the future.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s lips moved but no words were heard, revealing the war within herself. If she contradicted or spoke her mind to Mr. Collins, he may not be generous toward her after Mr. Bennet passed. At the same time, her glances continued to fall on her second daughter in such a way that told Elizabeth her mother was aware of who truly set Mr. Bennet upon this path. Eventually, she sent Lydia and Kitty to their room while she went to speak to her husband.

  The remaining members of the party finished their meal in silence. When a door slammed down the hall, Mr. Collins excused himself; no doubt hastening to speak to Mr. Bennet and confirm that the man had remained firm. Elizabeth had no need for this. She had her father’s promise and, though she now doubted much about him, he had yet to break a promise made to her.

  “I never thought Papa would correct them,” Mary whispered.

  “I did not believe he would accept advice from Mr. Collins,” Jane replied as softly.

  Elizabeth wiped her lips on her serviette. “Shall we walk to Meryton? The weather appears promising and the roads should be dry. We will not have many warm days when we can enjoy the exercise.”

  “Would that not be cruel since our sisters cannot go?” Jane bit her lower lip clearly wishing to be away from the home, but not wanting to upset anyone.

  “They are no longer out, Jane. Will you forego all activities in which they are unable to participate?” Elizabeth smiled lovingly at her sister. “We will be able to share news with them when we return.”

  Mary wiped her fingers on her serviette. “I do not wish to walk to town, but neither do I want to remain here while everyone is so discomposed.”

  “Come, it has been some time since the three of us spent time together, and I will soon be gone and unable to accompany you.” Elizabeth felt the tears burning her eyes and blinked rapidly.

  “Yes, Mary, the exercise will do us all good.” Jane squeezed Elizabeth’s hand as she nodded encouragingly to their younger sister.

  “Well,” Mary’s eyes roamed toward the ceiling as the sound of crying and shrieking began, “I believe I would prefer some fresh air.”

  They quickly retrieved their outerwear, told Mrs. Hill of their plans, and slipped out through the kitchen door. The sisters had not travelled far when Jane tugged gently on Elizabeth’s arm.

  “I remain surprised that Papa would take advice from Mr. Collins, Lizzy.”

  “Yes,” Mary nodded. “That was indeed unexpected.”

  “I suspect it was someone else who put the idea in his mind.” Jane stopped walking, folded her arms across her chest, and stared at Elizabeth.

  Mary turned toward her and waited patiently at Jane’s side. Under their scrutiny, Elizabeth could not deny what had occurred.

  “It was clear that I had been chosen to marry Mr. Collins. I told Papa that I required certain … recompense.”

  “Lizzy!” Jane’s eyes opened wide. “You would punish our sisters because you are unwillingly entering a marriage of convenience? That is not very Christian of you.”

  “No, Jane, I did not do it out of spite.” She shook her head and held out her arms. “You are so good and so beautiful, have you never wondered why you have not yet received an offer of marriage?”

  Jane blushed but did not respond.

  “If you were a man, would you marry into our family?” Elizabeth continued. “I did what I thought was right for each of us. I requested Mary go to London and stay with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner so she can have access to masters and see a bit of proper society; and I asked that Kitty and Lydia return to the nursery until they have proven they are not as silly as Papa has always said.”

  “And for me?” Jane whispered.

  “I did all this for you, Dearest. With no distractions, Mr. Bingley will see only you and you will be happily married in no time.”

  “And Mary?” Jane asked as she grasped the younger sister’s hand.

  Elizabeth saw Mary’s lip tremble and realized she had chosen her words poorly. “I did not mean to insinuate you were a distraction, dear one. You are exceedingly proper. I asked for you to be sent to London so you could witness what Jane and I have seen. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner love and respect each other deeply. It is the sort of marriage we have always dreamed about …”

  “But you have sacrificed your dream.” Mary threw her arms around Elizabeth’s neck and held her tightly.

  Hesitantly, Elizabeth returned the embrace. “I doubt it would have come true for me. I am too impertinent. What man would want a wife who challenges him?”

  Mary pulled back and looked her sister in the eye. “Most assuredly not Mr. Collins.”

  Unable to hold her sister’s gaze, Elizabeth turned and slipped her arm around Mary’s waist. “Yes, well, we must accept what God provides us in life and learn the lessons He lays before us.” A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “I suppose I have been a bit too impertinent at times.”

  “Never,” Jane declared as she took Elizabeth’s other arm. “Mr. Collins will come to understand your wit and embrace it.”

  “Dear Jane, I fear you are wrong on that point.” She took a deep breath and forced a smile. “But I have no desire to speak of Mr. Collins. We must visit Aunt Phillips, but what else shall we do?”

  “I fear you will be unable to read any novels once you are wed, so perhaps you may wish to purchase one or two to be enjoyed until then.” Jane blushed once more. “Forgive me, Lizzy, I suppose that would be considered speaking of Mr. Collins.”

  Elizabeth squeezed her sister’s hand. “No, I believe you are correct. I suppose I mu
st relish such things while I am able.” She sighed as they started back down the path toward town.

  Jane spoke of frivolous things, clearly attempting to lighten Elizabeth’s spirit. Though Mary rarely joined in on any topics that did not centre on the profound and sacred, she did put forth her best effort to add joy to their conversation. Elizabeth was quite relieved when they finally arrived in Meryton and pleased to see Mr. Wickham as they entered the town.

  He confessed that he had decided not to attend the Netherfield ball. “I found,” said he, “as the time drew near that I had better not meet Mr. Darcy; that to be in the same room, the same party with him for so many hours together, might be more than I could bear, and that scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself.”

  She highly approved his forbearance, and they were able to discuss it and the events of the evening thoroughly as he and another officer accompanied the sisters to the stores and then her aunt’s home. While visiting Mrs. Phillips, Elizabeth’s engagement was mentioned, and much time was spent enumerating the advantages of the match. As the party returned home, escorted once more by the officers, conversation turned in that direction.

  “Though I wish you joy on your engagement, Miss Elizabeth, I fear I cannot do so graciously.” Mr. Wickham patted her hand which rested upon his arm. “To have such a delicate bloom plucked from before my eyes, just as I was beginning to admire her beauty, is too great a loss in which to rejoice.”

  Elizabeth could not suppress her amusement. “Mr. Wickham, flattery? Beware, sir, the Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.” Her brow drew together as she considered what she had said. “Shall you and Mr. Darcy suffer a similar fate?”

  Her companion seemed unable at first to reply and Elizabeth eyed him suspiciously. “Psalms 12, as you know since you planned on a profession in the church.”

  “Of course.” Mr. Wickham glanced toward the others who were a few steps ahead of them. “What I meant to say, Miss Elizabeth,” he leaned closer, his arm brushing hers, “was that I dislike seeing you placed in an undesirable position.”

  The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and she stepped away to put some distance between them. “I assure you, Mr. Wickham, that I am capable of making the best of any situation.”

  “I do not doubt your abilities, Madam.” His voice dropped to a lower, more intimate level. “But, should you find yourself in an untenable position it will be easier knowing you have friends who desire your happiness.”

  Her skin began to crawl, and she pulled her hand from his arm. “I would be more assured by friends who prayed for my well-being.” They had entered the park surrounding Longbourn and she dipped a curtsey. “I thank you for your company to-day, Mr. Wickham, but do not wish to keep you from your duties any further.”

  Before he could respond, she skipped ahead and gathered her sisters, dismissing the other officer in a similar manner. Jane and Mary looked at her quizzically but said their goodbyes. Once the gentlemen were out of sight, Elizabeth shook herself.

  “I requested Lydia and Kitty leave society just in time,” she muttered.

  “Lizzy, whatever was that about?” Jane demanded, while Mary watched her suspiciously.

  Elizabeth sighed. “I fear the officers are not the gentlemen we believed them to be. I must speak to Papa. The other families should be warned.”

  “What did Mr. Wickham do?” Mary asked suspiciously.

  “Nothing, but I had a sense from his words he was capable of … I do not wish to think of it.”

  “Lizzy?” Jane’s look of concern arrested her sister. “You are upset. What was said?”

  “That is the problem, Jane.” Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she remembered the conversation. “Nothing untoward was said, it was the manner in which it was spoken.” She shook her head once more. “Perhaps I am being foolish.”

  “You are never foolish, Lizzy.” Mary took her sister’s hand and began walking toward the house. “I do not like the way Mr. Wickham looks at women when he believes no one sees him. It reminds me of the cat when she is stalking a mouse.”

  “Oh, Mary.” Jane laughed. “Surely you are mistaken. Mr. Wickham seems like a proper young man.”

  “No, Jane. I believe Mary is correct. I must speak to Father.”

  ***********

  “As I think over my interactions with Mr. Wickham, I realize just how inappropriate his conversation has been, Papa.” Elizabeth sipped her tea and leaned back in her seat. “Why, the day after I met him, he began discussing his dealings with Mr. Darcy; something that most people would not divulge after a much lengthier acquaintance.” She took another sip. “And I doubt he had any intention of accepting a living in the church. I am certain he did not recognize the verse I quoted to him, though it was a Psalm, learned by most in their childhood.”

  Mr. Bennet studied her closely. “So, you believe a wolf has entered our fold?”

  “I do.” She nodded emphatically. “And we must warn our neighbours. If he is so bold as to insinuate … and with me … oh Papa, Lydia and Kitty would have easily fallen under his spell.”

  “Yes.” Her father rubbed his chin, lost in thought. “Such individuals are often prone to indebtedness also. I suppose I should speak to the merchants.” He leaned forward and took a deep breath. “After all, many of them have daughters as well.”

  Elizabeth set her cup aside, stood and approached her father. “I knew you would understand.” She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “If something had occurred and I had done nothing to prevent it, it would have made me ill.”

  “You are a good girl, Lizzy. You always do what is best for others.” He patted her hand.

  A fluttering in her stomach forced her back to her seat, though she had been about to leave. “I wish that were so, Papa.”

  He said nothing but looked at her expectantly. Elizabeth was uncertain if he knew what she would confess, or simply waited patiently to regain the privacy of his bookroom.

  “While Mr. Collins spoke to you yesterday, I had an audience with Mama.” She ran a finger over the pattern in her skirt, unable to meet his gaze. “I said such terrible things.” A tear ran down her cheek and she swiped it away.

  “Your mother told me.” Mr. Bennet left his seat and stood beside her chair, staring out the window behind her. “I have placed you in such a disagreeable position, Lizzy; but I fear there is no other way.” He laid a hand upon her shoulder. “I promise I will do all in my power to make your ordeal worthwhile. Your sisters will improve as you requested, and Mary will have the benefit of your aunt’s influence. Your mother has even consented to economizing.”

  Elizabeth stared at him, her mouth opening in surprise.

  “Well to a small degree. She agrees we shall not have as great a need to entertain once Jane is wed.” He smiled. “We must take the victories when they come, no matter how meagre.”

  “I suppose we must.” Elizabeth shook her head at her mother’s absurdities.

  “Are you better, Lizzy? Have I reassured you sufficiently that your sacrifice is not in vain?”

  She stared at her hands, debating her response. “I have never doubted my marriage to Mr. Collins would benefit my family. I am only pleased to know it will be more than simple financial security.”

  Her father patted her shoulder once more before returning to his desk. Accepting that as his dismissal, Elizabeth stood and headed for the door. She had nearly reached it when her father spoke.

  “I am proud of you, Lizzy. Mr. Wickham is a handsome man and you might have been tempted by him, but you were true to your beliefs and your virtue.”

  Elizabeth looked at him over her shoulder. “Thank you, Papa.” His frown caused her to turn fully in his direction.

  “I fear the situation in which I have placed you may, eventually, try you and I pray you remember this day and are as strong as you are now.” His eyes were full of tears as he met her gaze. “You are a child of God, Lizzy, and He will alw
ays provide your need. Rely upon Him.”

  Bowing her head, Elizabeth nodded and slipped from the room. As she closed the door behind her, she could hear voices coming from the front drawing-room. Though she considered going to her room, she knew her absence now would be remarked upon later; therefore, she entered the room and took a seat near Jane, hoping Mr. Collins would remain by the fireplace.

  “Well, Jane?” Mrs. Bennet sat on the edge of her seat, a broad smile splitting her face. “What was said? Is there word of Mr. Bingley?”

  Jane folded a letter and slipped it into her pocket. “It is from Miss Bingley, Mama. She could hardly have heard from her brother so soon; he only left yesterday.”

  As Jane picked up her teacup and took a sip, Elizabeth noticed her hand tremble. Her sister returned the cup to the saucer and quickly set it upon the table at her side.

  “The Netherfield party has left and are returning to town.” Jane folded her hands in her lap and did not raise her head.

  “Left?” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Whatever do you mean, left?”

  “Miss Bingley wrote of their intention to return to Mr. Hurst’s townhouse in Grosvenor Street and to arrive in time to dine there. I am certain they are already gone.”

  “But does she not say when they will return?” Mrs. Bennet began fluttering her handkerchief about in her normal nervous habit. “How can Mr. Bingley entertain without one of his sisters here to act as hostess? Why would they go when he was so certain he would return shortly?”

  Elizabeth saw her sister take a deep breath and sit a little taller. It was clear to her that the conversation was costing Jane every ounce of her normally natural composure.

  “They intend to spend the winter there, Mama. Miss Bingley is convinced her brother will be in no hurry to leave once he gets to town and they wish to be with him.” She continued to keep her eyes lowered and Elizabeth was certain her sister was near tears.

  “But Mr. Bingley promised to have dinner with us when he returns. I am certain his sister is mistaken.” Mrs. Bennet held out her hand. “Give me the letter, Jane. You are clearly misunderstanding her.”