“That is precisely why they are so effective,” Charlotte said with mock solemnity. “Think of it, Lizzy—oh, I have already great plans for your forfeit. And you know I will appreciate winning far less than you will feel the sting of losing.”
The jab hit its mark, and Elizabeth’s frown deepened. “You are a cruel woman.”
“I am merely practical,” Charlotte replied, her grin widening. “And I suspect you would be just as merciless if the wager went the other way.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort, but the hum of voices ahead distracted her. A cluster of women stood near the apothecary, their heads bent close in avid conversation. As Elizabeth and Charlotte approached, she caught snippets of their words—enough to know that Mr. Collins had become the topic of town gossip.
“It must be one of the Bennet girls,” one woman said. “Why else would he visit now, unless to secure a wife?”
“Well, it certainly won’t be Mary,” another laughed—rather too confidently for Elizabeth’s taste. “Or Jane, for everyone knows Mrs. Bennet thinks she can secure Mr. Bingley. And no clergyman alive would try managing those younger two girls. Five shillings says it will be Miss Elizabeth. She’s the second prettiest of the lot, and quick-witted, too. He would do well to choose her.”
Elizabeth halted abruptly, her indignation rising. Charlotte stopped beside her and raised an eyebrow. “It seems your cousin is already the subject of some matchmaking.”
“AndIam to be the sacrifice, am I?“ Elizabeth shot back. “Of all the presumptuous assumptions—”
“Oh, come now, Lizzy! They are only having a bit of fun. You know there is never a thing in it.”
“Until a ‘harmless’ wager becomes prevailing sentiment and so many assumptions are made that I cannot withdraw gracefully!”
Charlotte lifted a shoulder. “You should be flattered. The heir to Longbourn, no less! Imagine the poetic justice of it all. Mrs. Goulding absolutely relishes the notion that the famous Bennet sisters, who always attract such notice, really are—”
“Yes, yes, Iknow.“ Elizabeth turned a withering glare on her friend, though the effect was lost on Charlotte, who seemed more amused than sympathetic.
“Well, why not set her on her ear by marrying the heir? It is not a terrible idea, Lizzy.”
“If you think I would ever entertain such a notion—”
“Relax, Lizzy. You forget that I met him two days ago when Maria and I called on Mary. The man may be pompous, but he is hardly an ogre or a beast. You will manage.”
“I have no intention ofmanaginganything,“ Elizabeth retorted. “If Mr. Collins has set his sights on me, he will find them very poorly aimed.”
”Imeantthat you would manage to put him off easily enough,“ Charlotte chuckled. “In all seriousness, though,” she said, “about Mr. Darcy. You are not really considering forfeiting the wager, are you?”
Elizabeth sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. “I do not know, Charlotte. The thought of continuing is exhausting. Mr. Darcy is…” She trailed off, searching for the words to describe the knot of frustration and curiosity he inspired. “He is not a man to trifle with. And I am not entirely sure what I hope to gain by this.”
Charlotte nodded thoughtfully. “It’s not just about the wager anymore, is it?”
Elizabeth hesitated, then shook her head. “No, I suppose it is not.”
“Well,” Charlotte said briskly, “whatever it is, I expect you to see it through. After all, if you lose, I expect you will never speak to me again, and that would be a pity.”
Elizabeth’s blood spiked in her veins. Charlotte was teasing… shehadto be, but it still curdled her stomach to think of the stakes. As the familiar outline of Longbourn came into view, she resolved to push aside her doubts—for now. There was still time to win, and losing was simply not an option.
Twelve
“Miss Elizabeth, might Ihave the honor of your company for a walk this afternoon?”
Elizabeth looked up from her plate, caught mid-bite by Mr. Collins’s sudden address. His voice carried a tone of solemn expectation, as though he were bestowing a favor too great to be refused.
“Thank you, sir, but I am sure one of my sisters would be better suited to the honor,” she replied, setting her fork down with deliberate care. “Perhaps Mary. I believe she would welcome a chance to discuss the finer points of virtue.”
Mr. Collins blinked, clearly unprepared for such a suggestion. “Ah, but it is you, Miss Elizabeth, whom I wish to accompany. I feel certain we would benefit greatly from a shared conversation. Lady Catherine often speaks of the value of pairing good intellects on such occasions. Indeed, I think she must be right.”
Her mother rose from her seat. “Lizzy, you shall go, of course! A walk will do you good, and Mr. Collins has so kindly extended his invitation.”
Elizabeth bit back a retort and glanced at Jane, who offered her a small, sympathetic smile. “If it pleases Mr. Collins, I shall be ready shortly.” .
“Splendid!” Mr. Collins exclaimed, rising to his feet as though the matter had been triumphantly resolved. “We shall set out as soon as you are prepared. Lady Catherine recommends morning walks most highly and often remarks that the brisk air sharpens one’s faculties. I have made it a point to heed her advice in all things.”
