Five
Mr Collins’s presence in the house disturbed the Bennets’ usual rhythm; he was a young man of perhaps five-and-twenty years and reasonably handsome. In fact, his appearance was the least of his faults, which were mostly attributed to his character. Mr Bennet seemed to find great enjoyment in making sport of his cousin’s lack of wit and common sense.
The latter clearly had several aims and was determined to pursue them. The first was to draw attention to his accomplishments and his situation in life as a clergyman in a good parish in Kent. The second was to praise his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And the third was to find a wife, as Lady Catherine had demanded. This purpose was revealed to only Mr and Mrs Bennet, but the former passed it on to Elizabeth at the first opportunity. Mr Bennet was highly amused by the news; Elizabeth not so much. Mr Collins initially suggested he was tempted to pursue the eldest Miss Bennet, but Mrs Bennet explained her daughter was likely to be engaged soon, so he turned his attention to Elizabeth, following her everywhere in and around the house, addressing her all the time, and allowing her not a moment to breathe.
Mr Collins was well read but not educated. He possessed knowledge but not understanding. He quoted sermons and Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s wisdom and gave both equal merit. He spoke much and listened little, with obstinate ignorance of everything that was to his advantage.
Mr Ash disregarded him completely. However, on several occasions when Mr Collins imposed himself too close toElizabeth, the cat somehow found himself around the clergyman’s feet, causing him to stumble.
“Elizabeth, take that cat out of here,” Mrs Bennet demanded.
“Indeed, my dear cousin Elizabeth, even Lady Catherine says that pets and children must neither be seen nor heard in adult company. She strongly opposes any animal in the house because of Miss Anne de Bourgh’s fragile health.”
“Lady Catherine seems a very wise woman,” Mrs Bennet agreed.
“Wise cannot describe half of her ladyship’s discernment and concern for the wellbeing of others. I have been exceedingly fortunate to gain her trust and benevolence.”
“From what you tell me, Lady Catherine would disapprove of most of my behaviour,” Elizabeth declared, causing Mrs Bennet to choke.
“You should not listen to Lizzy, Mr Collins! She likes to joke, just like her father! Her behaviour is impeccable, I assure you.”
“But, my dear Mrs Bennet, this tendency to speak in jest might also displease Lady Catherine.”
“I assure you, Lizzy will correct her manners once she is married,” the lady said with an angry glare at her daughter, at which Mr Collins shook his head doubtfully.
Mrs Bennet continued to chasten Elizabeth privately several times that day, and she chose not to reply. Her mother’s expectation that she would ever marry someone like Mr Collins was ridiculous, but there was no need to argue unless an unwanted proposal was made.
The next morning, Lydia suggested walking to Meryton, and Elizabeth hoped for some peace; yet, she had no such luck, as Mr Collins immediately offered to accompany them. Throughoutthe entire mile, Mr Collins chatted about Lady Catherine and Rosings Park, until Lydia and Kitty lost and patience and ran ahead.
Arriving in the town, they met several other people, who were introduced to Mr Collins. That captured the clergyman’s interest, and he gave Elizabeth a little bit of space.
Charlotte Lucas, with her sister Maria and her father, Sir William, was a pleasant addition, as Mr Collins took the opportunity to express his favourable opinion about Hertfordshire, Longbourn, and Meryton. The entire group was engaged in conversation in the middle of the street, when suddenly Lydia waved to someone.
“Look, it is Colonel Forster and his wife! And there are two handsome officers with them. Kitty, let us go and greet them.”
Elizabeth’s call for proper manners was disregarded; Lydia and Kitty had already scampered off. Elizabeth and Jane followed them, as did Mr Collins and the Lucases. As the only one acquainted with everybody, Sir William performed the introductions.
“These are two of my officers, Mr Denny and Mr Wickham. Mr Wickham has just joined our regiment.”
“You are most welcome in Meryton, Colonel Forster, Mrs Forster. And your officers too,” Elizabeth said. Mr Denny and Mr Wickham both bowed and smiled at her, and Elizabeth mused that she had rarely seen a man with a more charming smile than Mr Wickham.
“And we are happy to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth. We have heard much about you and your family. I shall send your father an invitation for a drink soon.”
“You have heard about us? I hope not all the information was unfavourable,” Elizabeth said.
“Not at all. We had the pleasure of dining with Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley last night, as well as with Sir William and Lady Lucas. Mr Bingley spoke a lot about your family — and only good things.”
“I can confirm that,” Sir William interjected. “There is no young woman prettier than Miss Jane Bennet in the entire neighbourhood, nor a clever or wittier one than Miss Elizabeth.”
“Sir William, you are exceedingly generous with your praise,” Elizabeth replied. “I second your opinion about my sister, but I do not deserve such credit.”
“You do, Miss Eliza. And you are pretty too. I am sorry that some people believed otherwise,” Sir William continued.
Elizabeth was shocked by such a comment; had Sir William lost his sense of decency?
“Papa!” Charlotte cried, but Lydia spoke over her reprimand.
“Oh, you mean that Mr Darcy called Lizzy tolerable? It was very rude of him, but he later came and apologised. He is so proud and unpleasant, but Mama said we must tolerate him because he is a friend of Mr Bingley’s.”
