“Yes, sir. He believes me unworthy of him. Had I brought him a dowry, he would have esteemed me for my financial value. Had I possessed great beauty, he would have prized me asthe handsomest woman in his parish. It means nothing that I manage his household efficiently, nor that the servants come to me with every difficulty.”
Elizabeth’s heart ached for her sister. She drew near and placed an arm about her shoulders.
“Well then, my dear, we must teach him. He shall begin his education through the inconveniences your absence will create. He has grown accustomed to a well-ordered house, mended collars and cuffs, darned stockings, a good table, and your serene presence. And you have a fine face and figure. He shall learn, provided he is not entirely witless.”
“Yes, sir, that is my hope. In the meantime, I shall be very happy to return to Longbourn and spend a few months free from his darkness.”
That evening, when Mary was handed down from the Bennet carriage, Mrs. Bennet was astonished to see her married daughter returned home without her husband.
She asked, “Why, Mary, where is Mr. Collins? Have you come on a visit without your husband?”
Mr. Bennet winced inwardly at yet another deception he must now sustain.
His thoughts drifted to Lydia, somewhere upon the sea, bound for India. He and Elizabeth must ever hide the true date of the marriage, and the circumstances surrounding it must remain concealed forever.
Now he faced another nine months, perhaps longer, of deception while Mary and her husband attempted to mend their differences.
He met the moment directly.
“Mrs. Bennet, your daughter is with child and in need of your care and guidance. I insisted upon bringing her home to ensure the well-being of the future heir of Longbourn.”
“Of course, Mr. Bennet. You have acted very properly in bringing her home to me.”
She looked about for her faithful servant.
“Hill, have Alice prepare Mary’s room at once, and pray serve tea in the front parlor. Mary, my dear, come inside with me. It is far too cold for you to remain standing outdoors. You must be chilled through.”
As Mary led the party into the house, Mrs. Bennet halted and fixed her attention upon Elizabeth.
“Why, Lizzy, what has brought you back to Longbourn? Mr. Bennet declared that you and Jane were both to marry. Never tell me your intended has cast you off. Have you been jilted, Elizabeth? I confess I am not in the least surprised, for you have always possessed an obstinate and headstrong disposition…”
Elizabeth drew herself up, but her father answered before she might speak in her own defense.
“Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, lies very ill. The family expects she shall pass to her eternal reward before the day concludes. Mr. Darcy must wait at least six weeks before he may marry quietly.”
“Oh, my dear Elizabeth, I did not know. Well, I am thankful to learn he has not cast you off.”
“Mamma, you must not speak in such a manner,” Elizabeth said, exasperated.
Thomas Bennet’s face reddened. “Mrs. Bennet, I do not wish to hear such nonsense from you again. Do you intend to drive Elizabeth’s wealthy suitor away? If you make our daughter’s name a byword, ma’am, you may rest assured no respectable gentleman will bind himself to her. Is that your wish, Frances?”
Elizabeth met her mother’s gaze with wounded eyes.
“No, sir.”
Then, addressing Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet said, “I beg your pardon, daughter. I wish all my girls to marry well, including you. Forgive me. I did not consider my words.”
She hurried away. “Mary, my dear, let me help you. Hill, bring the tea tray. Mary is in a delicate condition and must not be made to wait for her sustenance.”
Mr. Bennet took Elizabeth by the arm. “Come, my dear. Let us sit with your sister and attempt to distract her from that husband of hers.”
“Yes, Papa.”
Her eyes were troubled when she added, “I pray my mother does not frighten Mr. Darcy away, sir.”
He chuckled with real amusement. “You need not fear, Lizzy, my dear. When he is with you, he possesses neither eyes nor ears for anyone else.”
“Thank you, Papa. I hope it proves so.” But she did not allow the matter to rest.
