Mrs Collins' Lover Page 6

  “Mama,” Elizabeth cried as she grasped her sister’s hand. “It is Jane’s letter. If she wishes to share it with you, she will.”

  “Cousin Elizabeth.” Mr. Collins’ harsh voice silenced them all. “We are admonished to honour our fathers and mothers that our days may be long upon this earth. If your mother wishes to read the letter, she should be allowed to do so.”

  His eyes narrowed as he watched her closely, and Elizabeth understood this as the test it was. Reluctantly, she released Jane’s hand and folded her own in her lap. The effort left her nearly quaking, but she remained silent as Jane handed the letter to their mother. Mrs. Bennet received it with smugness as she returned to her seat and began to read it. Her countenance greyed as she neared the end.

  “Oh! He is nearly engaged to Miss Darcy? How cruelly he has used us!”

  Elizabeth took her sister’s hand once more. “Surely you misunderstood, Mama. Neither Mr. Bingley nor Mr. Darcy mentioned such an arrangement. I am certain if it were true, Mr. Darcy would not have allowed Mr. Bingley to show such attention to Jane.”

  “Here!” Mrs. Bennet thrust the letter in Elizabeth’s direction. “Read for yourself. I will never forgive him! I wish he had never come to Hertfordshire.”

  Elizabeth accepted the letter and, after a glance toward Jane for permission, began reading while Mr. Collins addressed no one in particular.

  “I am certain it cannot be. Though Mr. Bingley is a respectable gentleman, Miss Darcy is the granddaughter and niece of earls. Her family would never sanction a match between her and a gentleman whose fortune came from trade.”

  Finding the portion which had so upset her mother, and most likely Jane as well, Elizabeth read aloud. “Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister; and, to confess the truth, we are scarcely less eager to meet her again. I really do not think Georgiana Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance, and accomplishments; and the affection she inspires in Louisa and myself is heightened into something still more interesting, from the hope we dare entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I do not know whether I ever before mentioned to you my feelings on this subject; but I will not leave the country without confiding them, and I trust you will not esteem them unreasonable. My brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a sister's partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles most capable of engaging any woman's heart. With all these circumstances to favour an attachment, and nothing to prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which will secure the happiness of so many?”

  She lowered the letter and shook her head. “I fear I must agree with Mr. Collins; I sincerely doubt her family would wish for the connection. Has not everyone in Meryton spoken of Mr. Darcy’s pride? I believe Miss Bingley hopes for such a connection that it might further her plans to marry Mr. Darcy.”

  “But Mr. Darcy is engaged to Miss de Bourgh,” Mr. Collins interrupted. “Lady Catherine would be most displeased to hear he is showing Miss Bingley attention.”

  “I can assure you, sir, that he has shown her no more than was her due as his hostess. I have often noticed his attempts to avoid the lady whenever possible.” Elizabeth bit back a smile as she remembered their interactions during her time at Netherfield. “The only interest Mr. Darcy seemed to show toward Miss Bingley was knowing where she was that he might elude her company, if possible.”

  Jane shook her head. “Caroline is incapable of wilfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself.”

  A loud barking laugh interrupted the conversation and the sisters turned toward their mother as she patted her handkerchief about her mouth in an attempt to regain her composure. “Forgive me, Jane, but I sometimes forget your insistence upon thinking everyone as good as you. Miss Bingley would lie to the King himself if she thought it would promote her cause and not be discovered.” She shook her head. “Oh, dear Jane, I know you dislike thinking ill of anyone, but I fear it is so. I had meant to warn you against her, but she seemed to be so accepting of you.” She straightened her shoulders. “I do believe Lizzy and Mr. Collins are correct. Now, we must decide what is to be done.”

  “To be done, Mama?” Jane’s head popped up, concern etched in her features.

  “Yes! If Mr. Bingley is not to return to Netherfield, then you must go to London!” Mrs. Bennet stood and paced the room, unaware that Mr. Collins was watching her closely. “When my brother comes for Christmas, you will return with him.”

  “But Mary is to travel with the Gardiners,” Jane interjected.

  Mrs. Bennet frowned. “I suppose he could take you both, but if he protests, then you must go and Mary remain behind.”

  Unwilling to have her mother interfere with the plans she had made, but seeing the wisdom in what was said, Elizabeth spoke up. “I am certain Uncle Gardiner would welcome both his nieces for a visit. Perhaps, Jane could then come to me in Hunsford,” she lowered her eyes and turned toward Mr. Collins, “should my husband agree.”

  Standing a bit taller, Mr. Collins looked about the room at the ladies assembled. Kitty and Lydia were not present as they remained in the nursery, supposedly at their studies. Elizabeth hoped it to be true and that her cousin would agree to her plan. After a moment of silence, he finally responded.

  “I suppose, if Miss Elizabeth is meeting the expectations as my wife, that Miss Bennet might join us for a brief period. Perhaps at Easter.”

  “Then it is settled,” Mrs. Bennet squealed. “I shall write my brother at once.”

  Mr. Collins sniffed, drawing all attention. “Would it not be best to obtain Mr. Bennet’s permission, Madam? He is, after all, your husband and head of this family.”

  Having never asked her husband’s permission for anything of this sort in the past, Mrs. Bennet stared at Mr. Collins as though she did not comprehend what had been said. Elizabeth watched to see how the situation would play out. When their cousin frowned, she saw the look of unease in her mother’s eyes just before she headed for Mr. Bennet’s bookroom.

  Conceited contentment suffused Mr. Collins’ features giving Elizabeth pause. Her mother’s bowing to his will had pleased him, as had Elizabeth’s. In this instance, at least, their thoughts were similar. She wondered if she would be able to play out this same scenario if they were not.

  *CHAPTER FIVE*

  Saturday finally arrived. Mr. Collins bid the Bennets adieu the night before as he was to begin his journey too early to see any of the family in the morning. In truth, Elizabeth was awake, dressed, and standing at her window when her fiancé climbed into the carriage which would carry him into Meryton where he would transfer to the post coach. When she was certain he was out of sight, she slipped down the back stairs and stole out of the house.

  The air which she drew into her lungs held a hint of dampness, but was welcome, nonetheless. A sudden joy filled her along with the cool autumn air, and she ran down the short path and into the woods. Were she forced to put a name upon the sensation, it would have been freedom. Freedom she would only be able to experience for a brief fortnight and perhaps another week or two after that, and then it would be taken from her. Elizabeth was determined to relish every minute of the time she had to herself before becoming Mrs. Collins.

  The sun was stretching across the fields as she reached the top of Oakham Mount. She stood still to watch its progress. She loved Hertfordshire. Though she had travelled on holiday with her aunt and uncle a few times, she was always pleased to return home. Perhaps it was her familiarity with the area, or the security she felt; whatever it was, Elizabeth was pleased she had begun and would end her days here.

  With that thought in mind, she was suddenly surprised by the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. For a few minutes she was unable to determine the cause. As Mr. Collins’ wife, she would never be forced to leave her home. Well, once her father had passed an
d she returned to Hertfordshire. But by then, she would most likely be a mother, a matron. Her husband would never allow her to roam the country in the manner her father did. She would return to Longbourn, not to the life she now knew.

  This revelation removed the wind from her sails, and she walked slowly, without the normal bounce in her step, back toward Longbourn. Following her normal routine, she made her way past several tenants’ farms and spoke to those who were at home or in the fields. Each wished her joy in her coming nuptials and voiced their relief that she would be returning one day as mistress. Though she accepted their felicitations, she found it more and more difficult to smile, and finally ended her walk sooner than was her wont.

  As she entered the kitchen, Elizabeth saw Mrs. Hill assisting the maid in drying the fine china that Mrs. Bennet had demanded be used during Mr. Collins’ stay. It would now be packed away again until he returned. Elizabeth slipped out of her pelisse and removed her gloves and bonnet. Setting them aside to be put away later, she picked up a towel and the teapot.

  “Be careful, Miss Lizzy.” Mrs. Hill gave her a teasing grin. “That is your mother’s favourite tea service.”

  Elizabeth chuckled as she finished drying the teapot and set it with the corresponding cups. “I believe I was ten when I last broke a teapot, Mrs. Hill. You need not worry.” Her fingers lingered upon the handle and her voice lowered in contemplation. “Though should I wish to smash it against a wall, who could reproach me as it will one day be mine?”

  The housekeeper tsked behind her. “Your mother said you had become bitter, but I refused to believe it.”

  Lowering her head, Elizabeth reached for the next piece of china to dry. “It is difficult to adjust to the idea of being Mr. Collins’ bride.”

  “Well I know you do not wish to hear it, but the staff and tenants are pleased it is you who will be the next mistress. There are plenty who would wish to be, who care not a whit for those of us beneath them.” Mrs. Hill clucked her tongue. “Your friend, Miss Lucas, to be sure.”

  “Charlotte?” Elizabeth laughed.

  “Indeed. She would leap at the chance to leave her home and would look forward to living here and ruling the roost.” The servant shook her head. “Once we met Mr. Collins, everyone was pleased to hear you would be at his side to make certain all was well with those who bend their back to see Longbourn successful.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I fear I will have little influence over the man.”

  Mrs. Hill snorted. “A wife not have influence over her husband? You must simply learn the man and you will have him doing your will in no time.”

  “From what I have heard, he has no will but to do as his patroness demands.” The urge to throw the tea things suddenly reared its head, and Elizabeth set the piece she held aside and laid down the towel.

  “Then learn as much as you can about her.” Mrs. Hill watched her closely. “I have never known you to be overcome by your circumstances, Miss Elizabeth.”

  Hearing her proper name coming from the normally maternal housekeeper caused Elizabeth to lift her head and meet the older woman’s gaze.

  “You stand at a fork in the road, miss. You can choose to be miserable and make those around you so, or you can see the good in it.”

  “I fear I find it very difficult to see the good in a life married to my cousin.” Elizabeth retrieved her outerwear and turned toward the back stairs.

  The housekeeper sighed. “I had thought that tall gentleman might offer for you.”

  “Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth laughed. “He said I was not handsome enough to tempt him. Why would you think he might offer for me?”

  Mrs. Hill winked. “What men say and what they truly think are not always the same thing. He watched you often enough to set tongues wagging.”

  “Watched me to find fault, perhaps. I would have refused him even if he had offered.”

  “No!” Mrs. Hill’s hands fell to her lap as she turned back to the table. “You have more sense than that, Miss Lizzy.”

  “I do indeed. I would not accept an offer from such a proud, moody man. My life would be a misery.” Elizabeth looked at the servant who was facing away from her and shaking her head.

  “If a man the likes of Mr. Darcy humbled himself to propose to you, you would spit in his face? I do doubt it. You would take it as the compliment it would be and accept him.” She sighed. “Of course, he did not, and now my dear girl will be leaving us.”

  Elizabeth leaned over Mrs. Hill’s shoulder and embraced her. “I will miss you, also.”

  The housekeeper patted Elizabeth’s hand and then returned to her work, wiping away a stray tear. Elizabeth remained where she was, watching, but soon continued on to her room. She was hanging her pelisse in the wardrobe when her mother entered the room without knocking. The woman said nothing at first, simply paced the length of the room, wringing her handkerchief, and then settled onto the chest at the foot of the bed. She motioned toward the chair directly in front of her at the dressing table and Elizabeth sat down.

  “Lizzy, you and I have not always agreed, and I have found it difficult to understand you at times. You are so much like your father, which would be well and good in a son, but not a daughter.” Mrs. Bennet shook her head and twisted her handkerchief about her fingers. “What I mean to say is that I am not blind to what you have done.”

  Elizabeth watched her mother quietly. She could see the woman was struggling but had no desire to ease her concerns. Part of her was certain Mrs. Bennet was attempting to make amends in order to return to Elizabeth’s good graces for future recompense. The remainder was uncertain what the woman might be trying to say. In some ways, her mother had always been as much a mystery to her.

  “Mr. Bennet has told me of Mr. Wickham’s insinuations. I am shocked! I had thought him such a proper gentleman. And to think I had considered him a potential husband for my dear Lydia.” Mrs. Bennet leaned forward. “Colonel Forster has ordered his pay be disbursed to the merchants as he is unable to pay the debts he owes.” She waved her handkerchief. “In the short time he was here!”

  Still uncertain how she should respond, Elizabeth simply nodded and waited for her mother to continue. The woman chewed her lower lip as she continued to worry her scrap of cloth. Finally, she leaned forward and laid a hand upon Elizabeth’s.

  “A wife can be dutiful to her husband without being constantly in his company. Encourage Mr. Collins to further his interests. Find a small room within the household that he dislikes and make it your personal area. You will find ways, Lizzy, to claim your own happiness.”

  Before Elizabeth could respond, Mrs. Bennet rose and quickly left the room. Her daughter simply stared after her as she considered her mother’s advice.

  ***********

  The Bennet women were sitting quietly in the drawing room later that morning when Charlotte Lucas was announced. Kitty and Lydia were allowed to remain, so long as they continued with their lessons. They both looked hungrily at their guest, the hope of gossip written upon their countenances. Charlotte, though, seemed inclined to only speak of Elizabeth’s engagement.

  “I must confess, Eliza, I was surprised at your accepting Mr. Collins.” She sipped her tea before continuing. “After our many conversations, I thought you would only succumb to marriage if your heart were fully engaged. I had not realized your cousin so inspired your affections.” The teacup came up once more to hide her teasing smile.

  “Lizzy understood what was expected of her, Charlotte.” Mrs. Bennet frowned at the young lady. “Longbourn will be all the better for having her as mistress one day.”

  Surprised by her mother’s words, Elizabeth sat silently as the conversation continued around her. The topic was changed, but Charlotte soon found a chance to whisper her condolences to Elizabeth.

  “How sad, Eliza. I had never thought your father would force you into such an arrangement.”

  A glance at her friend’s countenance did not reveal sympathy. Elizabeth was uncertain wha
t she saw there, but was positive she did not like it. Her spine straightened as she lifted a quizzical brow in Charlotte’s direction.

  “Sad? To see my family’s future secure and Longbourn thrive? It is all I have ever desired, Charlotte. I am not a romantic child demanding her own way; I am a woman responsible for the lives of many and so I must act as such. It is the responsibility of the gentry to think of others first.”

  Charlotte’s eyes widened at Elizabeth’s reprimand, but she quickly respnded. “Is it? Yet from what I have seen, they normally think only of themselves and their own pleasure.” She turned her gaze upon Mrs. Bennet and her youngest daughters.

  “I will not deny there are those so focused upon themselves they do not see the ones who bow and scrape, but that is easily remedied.” Elizabeth sipped her tea before altering the conversation. “Have I told you we anticipate a new addition to our household? A Mrs. Armstrong is to join us within the week. She will be governess to Kitty and Lydia until next fall when they will attend school.”

  Though she attempted to hide her surprise, Charlotte did so unsuccessfully. “I am all amazement, Eliza.” Her eyes took on a mischievous glint. “However, did Mr. Collins convince your father to make such a change in the household? He must be quite gifted in the art of persuasion.”

  Not wanting to belittle her father or give her cousin such praise, Elizabeth sipped her tea while choosing her words. “Papa understood the need to prepare my sisters for the future without Mr. Collins’ intervention.”

  “Indeed?” Charlotte’s brow rose, but she said no more on the subject. The visit was coming to an end, when she took Elizabeth’s hand. “I wish you joy, Eliza,” she said in matter-of-fact manner.

  “Charlotte,” Elizabeth grasped her hand, holding onto it and forcing her friend to meet her gaze. “Had I refused Mr. Collins …”