“Perhaps it is a misunderstanding, not a personal decision made from mistrust or some temporary influence,” Jane suggested kindly.
“Thank you, Jane, my dear,” Mr. Bennet said. “Therefore, Mr. Collins is thinking of ignoring Mr. Wickham’s letter and going to Hunsford to claim the post as if nothing had happened. Her ladyship may not yet have made a final determination.”
“One can no longer trust people’s words,” Mrs. Bennet complained.
“The good news is that Collins has his point, my dears. That is why he invites me, Mrs. Bennet, and Jane to accompany him to Hunsford next week, when he intends to take charge of his new living. He wishes to demonstrate the support of his family for his undertaking. The visit will certainly clarify the matter.”
“Perhaps I should stay at home with the girls,” Mrs. Bennet suggested. “It is too warm for me to make long journeys, Mr. Bennet.”
“As far as I am concerned, I would rather not go on a journey with Mr. Collins,” Jane said. “His presence alone is like a heavy weight, dragging me down into the depths of despair. Not to mention his conversation.”
“You are afraid that he might ask for your hand in marriage,” Mrs. Bennet observed critically. “But he is as good a match for you as any other.”
“Jane is much too kind to say no to anyone,” Mary said. “If I were in Jane’s place, he would not dare to open his mouth with such a proposal.”
“But you are not as attractive as she is,” Lydia commented mischievously.
“And you are not half as clever as she is,” Mary retorted promptly.
“Papa,” Elizabeth ventured after a pause, “I would like to accompany you to Hunsford when you call on Mr. Wickham, if I may.”
“Are you certain, Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet inquired, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise. “You have never before shown such interest in the comings and goings of clergymen. What has prompted this sudden change of heart?”
“Curiosity, I confess,” Elizabeth admitted, her cheeks tinged with pink. “I am most eager to learn more about this gentleman who has so unexpectedly entered our lives. Besides, Cousin Collins would not dare to propose to me.”
“Very well,” Mr. Bennet agreed, unable to resist the sparkle in his favourite daughter’s eyes. “Then your mother will stay home, and you may join us, though I expect you will find your interest in Mr. Wickham short-lived once the initial mystery has been dispelled.”
“Perhaps,” Elizabeth conceded with a smile, her heart racing with anticipation. Little did she suspect how enduring her fascination with the enigmatic Mr. Wickham might prove.
***
Over the following days, the anticipation of meeting Mr. Wickham grew amongst the Bennet family as their curiosity about the new Hunsford vicar flourished. Even some servants could be heard whispering in the corridors, speculating.
“Surely Mr. Wickham must possess some fine qualities if he has been chosen for such a position instead of Cousin Collins,” Mrs. Bennet declared one evening, her voice tinged with hopeful anticipation. “If he be a bachelor, as one might very reasonably suppose, a gentleman with a living at Hunsford would make a most desirable match for one of my dear daughters, would he not?”
“Indeed, Mama,” Janereplied, her gentle smile betraying no hint of the anxiety beneath her calm countenance. “We can only hope that he is as deserving of our good opinion as you believe him to be.”
“Ha!” snorted Mr. Bennet, suppressing a chuckle as he glanced up from his book. “I daresay we shall soon discover whether this Mr. Wickham is truly a man of substance or simply another foolish pretender to the cloth.”
“Father,” said Elizabeth, unable to contain her own eagerness, “when do you expect us to leave for Hunsford and make Mr. Wickham’s acquaintance?”
“Ah, Lizzy,” replied Mr. Bennet, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Mr. Collins should arrive here tomorrow by noon. We shall probably start our journey to Hunsford the day after tomorrow in the morning.”
“A capital idea, Mr. Bennet!” Mrs. Bennet almost cried, clapping her hands together. “I am quite desperate to find out more about the gentleman who has taken Mr. Collins’s parish.”
“Very well,” Mr. Bennet conceded, gazing at Elizabeth. “I shall make arrangements for the carriage, and we shall set off in a few days. I trust you are satisfied, my dear Lizzy?”
“Quite, Father,” Elizabethsaid, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I eagerly await our meeting with Mr. Wickham and hope he will prove himself worthy of our esteem. Though, if our support should prove effective, I would be equally glad to know our cousin at a distance.”
“Indeed,” Janemurmured, her own curiosity piqued by her sister’s enthusiasm.
“We shall soon see whether this gentleman is as deserving of our attention as we have been led to believe.”
The sisters exchanged knowing glances, their thoughts filled with the image of the mysterious Mr. Wickham.
In the days that followed, the Bennet household bustled with preparations for their visit to Hunsford, each member of the family eager to satisfy their curiosity about the enigmatic new vicar. Little did they know just how consequential this encounter would prove to be, setting into motion a sequence of events that would forever alter the course of their lives.
***
