“Matrimonial ones,” Bingley said, laughing. “It seems Mrs. Bennet is in raptures over the idea. From what I gather, he is making no secret of his desire to secure a match.”
Darcy stiffened, his brow furrowing. “And has he singled out a particular daughter?”
“Well, that’s the entertaining part. The whole town is abuzz with speculation. There are even wagers in Meryton about how quickly he will propose and to whom.”
“Wagers?” Darcy’s tone hardened.
“Indeed. Mrs. Long has placed her bet on Miss Catherine, though I hear others are favoring Miss Mary. I understand, however, that Miss Elizabeth is by far the favorite in the odds.”
Darcy’s fingers tightened. “Indeed?”
Bingley shrugged. “Apparently, Mr. Collins has already made a number of flattering remarks about her.”
“Flattering remarks?” Darcy echoed, his tone colder now.
“Something about her ‘not being unsuitable’,” Bingley said, chuckling. “Though I daresay his standards of flattery leave much to be desired.”
Darcy turned sharply, striding back toward his chair and gripping its back with unnecessary force. “And what does Miss Elizabeth make of him?”
Bingley tilted his head thoughtfully. “I cannot say, but knowing her, I suspect she finds it all amusing. I have not met the man myself, though, so how could I tell her impressions of him?”
“He sounds hardly clever enough to value a lady of worth,” Darcy snapped. Then he cleared his throat. “I—I mean that as… a generality, of course. I am not saying that—“
“Oh, I think I know exactly what you are saying. Collins’ backhanded sort of compliment sounds rather like declaring a lady ‘tolerable,’ does it not?”
Darcy narrowed his eyes. “I was not trying to court the lady when I said that. Persistent men, no matter their other qualities or lack thereof, have a way of wearing down even the strongest objections,” he said, his voice clipped. “And family pressure can be… compelling.”
“Darcy,” Bingley said, raising a brow, “you sound almost concerned.”
Darcy hesitated, his jaw tightening. Why would he care? The matter didnotconcern him. But still… “I merely find it unfortunate that such a woman should have to endure the attentions of an unworthy suitor.”
“What makes you think he is unworthy? I know nothing of the man.”
Darcy forced his jaw to relax as he turned. “Quite right. It was only an assumption. But if he were a desirable match, it seems there would be more names put forward, and otherfamilies might be vying for the attention of such a man. Heir to Longbourn, that must be no small thing in this neighborhood.”
Bingley studied him for a moment, his expression curious but amused. “And interesting extrapolation. You may be right, Darcy, but Miss Elizabeth seems more than capable of handling herself.”
Darcy said nothing, though his thoughts churned. The idea of Elizabeth tethered to a man she could not like—and Darcy could not imagine any possibility that this Collins fellow was someone shewouldlike—was intolerable.
And yet, what right had he to interfere? She was nobody to him. Just the subject of a stupid wager he never should have agreed to.
He clasped his hands behind his back again, trying to force himself to remain still, but it was an exercise in futility.
Bingley clapped him on the shoulder. “Do not overthink it, Darcy. Let the cards fall where they may.”
Darcy’s teeth ground. The cards were falling, indeed—into chaos. And he had a sinking suspicion he was already losing control of the game.
“Miss Elizabeth, I ammost gratified by your willingness to indulge my humble request,” Collins began, gesturing for her to take the lead down the path. “A morning walk is, I find, a most edifying activity, particularly when one is blessed with such unseasonably fine weather and excellent company.”
Elizabeth inclined her head but said nothing, letting her silence fill the space where he clearly expected flattery in return.She stepped onto the gravel path and began walking at an even pace, wishing to neither rush nor prolong the ordeal.
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh,” he continued as soon as they had passed the first hedgerow, “often remarks upon the value of exercise, especially for young ladies. She believes it cultivates a graceful carriage and a sound constitution. Admirable foresight, naturally, for young ladies of good health must, surely, make more desirable partners in life. Such wisdom is, of course, one of her many extraordinary qualities.”
Elizabeth cast him a sidelong glance. “It seems Lady Catherine’s wisdom touches on every facet of life.”
“Oh, indeed! Her guidance is as boundless as her benevolence. Why, I recall one particular instance when she took the trouble to personally instruct Mrs. Jenkinson—her daughter’s companion, you understand—on the correct method of arranging her shawl to capture a properly modest manner while still adorning the lady’s figure in the most flattering fashion. Such attention to detail is the hallmark of true superiority.”
Elizabeth stifled a sigh, her resolve to remain civil wearing thin. “An impressive example, no doubt. Though I wonder, Mr. Collins, do you find your own judgment lacking in such matters that you require Lady Catherine’s constant guidance?”
