On the day of his arrival, he announced that his primary purpose in coming was to examine his future home. His secondary reason was to find a wife amongst his cousins as the eventual mistress of his property.
Of all the stupid comments to make in front of a mother whose sole purpose in life is to marry off her girls. From that second on, Elizabeth wore a target for Cupid’s arrows being shot by Mr. Collins with Francine Bennet’s encouragement.
These occurrences served to remind Jane and Elizabeth of the fragility of their reputations. If something untoward happened to one Bennet girl, they were all affected. The outrageous conduct of the youngest would rob Jane and Elizabeth of the ability to make a match with someone of excellent character whom they could hold in affection and respect. Instead, they would be forced to accept anyone who offered their hand, whether they were kind or not.
Late that night, Elizabeth and Jane discussed the situation.
“Although we promised each other that we would only marry a man we hold in deep respect and admiration, I cannot believe this is now a wise choice.”
“Whatever do you mean, Lizzy?”
“Our situation is rendered desperate by our father’s lack of concern and our conniving mother. If we do nothing to promote ourselves or protect ourselves, we could be wed to a ridiculous man like Father’s cousin. Imagine being subservient to him for the rest of your life? He is a fool. There would be no possibility of growing close, of ever being able to hold our heads up. Instead, we would feel only shame.”
“Lizzy! Are you suggesting…well, I am not certain what you are suggesting.”
“We need to be on our best behavior. Please encourage Mr. Bingley while I will be overtly friendly with any man of worth.”
“Encourage Mr. Bingley? Do you mean that I should pretend to be more interested than I am? I do not know if I could, Lizzy.” Jane blushed in mortification.
“No, I am only suggesting that you display the measure of affection you already have for him. Do not hide your feelings,Jane. It will serve no purpose if you do not let him see your willingness to be his bride.”
Jane gulped. “Very well. I see your wisdom in this, Lizzy. I will do this. I will.”
Clasping her sister’s hand, Elizabeth was equally horrified but determined.
The day of the ball, Longbourn was in an uproar. Lydia insisted that she should be the first to bathe since she was the daughter most likely to gain a husband. Kitty, as was her wont, demanded to go second. In an unusual act of defiance, Mary took a stand against her two youngest sisters, attempting and failing to explain that since she was older and would be demonstrating her prowess at the pianoforte during the entertainment portion of the evening, she should be perfectly groomed. In providing a musical break from the monotony of dancing, hers was an important task, so it was she who should bathe first.
Lydia scoffed. “Tell the truth, Mary. You are hoping our father’s cousin will ask you to dance. What a pair you would make—Mr. Collins will probably stomp on your toes, and you will trip everyone else in the set. When was the last time you danced? Do you even know the steps?”
Kitty added, “Mr. Collins can barely cross the floor without walking into something. Imagine him trying to move to music. I will certainly not stand up with him. If he asks, I will send him to you, Mary.”
Mary’s hands shot to her hips. “You should not speak about a man of God in that way. He has a most important occupation, seeing to the spiritual health of his parish. If he is clumsy, he must be distracted by his responsibilities.”
Lydia retorted, “He is too busy appraising our belongings for what they might be worth once he inherits Longbourn. I hate the entail, and I hate you, Mary. You and Lizzy will remainspinsters who will be in the hedgerows once Papa dies since no man with eyesight would want either of you. Even Jane, with her great beauty, has not attracted nearly as much attention as I have. Why, at almost twenty-three, she is already a spinster. I would die of embarrassment not to be married by her age.” Lydia pushed Mary to the side as she hurried to the bath. Kitty followed.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged, Lydia Bennet,” Mary spat through clenched teeth.
Elizabeth hurried to her side. “Do not give heed to her childish display. Our mother spoils her, and Kitty follows where Lydia leads.”
“They are headed for trouble,” Mary said as her body eased. “I will go to the music room where I can avoid Mr. Collins and practice my performance.”
“You do not want to stand up with him?” Elizabeth asked, perplexed at Mary’s defense of Mr. Collins.
“Not in your lifetime, Lizzy. You and the others may gain attention on the dance floor. I shall gain it with my talent.” At that proclamation, her chin rose unbecomingly.
When had Mary become so haughty? How had she never noticed?
Once alone with Jane, Elizabeth observed how Lydia’s words affected her sister. Jane stood, her spine erect, facing the window. One arm was across her waist. The other was stiffly at her side.
“Lydia’s words were as sharp as a two-edged sword. She is thoughtless and unkind. She speaks in ignorance,” Elizabeth offered, hoping to soften the blow while not allowing the hurt she felt in her own heart to simmer. She would recall every word said against her in the lonely hours after the ball was over when she sat at the window and reflected on how this important event might or might not affect her future.
“Everything Lydia said about me being a spinster is the truth,” Jane whispered, breaking Elizabeth’s heart a little while increasing her fury against her thoughtless sisters.
It was time to act. “I have a plan, but I need your support.” Elizabeth closed the door, allowing them privacy.
Jane spun around, giving Elizabeth her full attention.
Elizabeth took her hand. “If you explain to Mama that you would like to arrive at the ball early to stand next to Mr. Bingley in the receiving line, Mama will insist that Mary and I accompany you. I will not say a word should you suggest that Mr. Collins join us since I am quick enough to avoid him in a crowd.”
