“I shall accompany my fair cousin, Elizabeth,” Mr. Collins proclaimed loudly. “You need fear no rowdy soldiers while in my company, Miss Elizabeth!”
Fair cousin? Elizabeth? Mr. Darcy could hardly believe it; this man was courting Elizabeth? Surely not. But he immediately understood that it was not just possible, it was likely. Doubtless, Mr. Collins had been informed that Miss Bennet was engaged; what could be more natural than for his attention to turn to Miss Elizabeth? How had he not considered that when he had prompted Bingley to propose to Miss Bennet?
Elizabeth’s face was crimson; there was nothing she could say that would not be unconscionably rude, but her face displayed her discomfort as her cousin clamped his hand around his arm.
“Forgive me, Mr. Collins, but I must get my coat and bonnet before setting off,” she said, quietly.
“Of course, of course! As must I! Well, not a bonnet, of course, but a hat! Yes, a coat and a hat! And gloves!”
Kitty and Lydia raced ahead, followed by Jane and Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth and Mr. Collins walked behind them, with Mr. Darcy trailing the group. Mr. Darcy walked with his eyes narrowed and his lips clamped shut. He must do something, but what?
Mr. Collins had not stopped speaking even to draw breath, and Mr. Darcy could see Miss Elizabeth looking away from her escort as often as she dared.
Miss Bennet, to her credit, decreased her step so as to be on her sister’s other side, with Mr. Bingley beside her; Miss Bennet then attempted to engage Miss Elizabeth in conversation, but Mr. Collins would have none of it. He continued to pontificate –on what, heaven only knew – and Mr. Darcy found himself filled with rage. How dare this clown treat Miss Elizabeth so! He was completely and utterly unworthy of her!
But as he tramped along behind the others, his rational mind began to cool his anger. Perhaps Miss Elizabeth wished to marry Mr. Collins? It would be difficult – nay, nearly impossible! – to believe, but stranger things had happened. It would be rational for her to marry Mr. Collins, given that he would inherit Longbourn.
But now that Miss Bennet had secured Mr. Bingley, was that not enough security? And had Miss Elizabeth not said that she would only marry for love? Was she not guided by emotion, rather than by reason? Reason would argue that she should marry the man; emotion could only throw up its hands in horror.
He was deeply confused.
***
Mr. Darcy’s musings were interrupted by the sound of marching feet; the militia had indeed arrived in Meryton, in all its red-coated glory. Ladies, both young and old, lined the streets, waving their handkerchiefs and exclaiming loudly over the procession. One young lady even fainted into her mother’s arms, so great was her excitement.
One could hardly expect Kitty and Lydia to be immune to such a display of manliness, and indeed, it was all that Jane and Elizabeth could do to contain them. Mr. Collins looked utterly shocked at their behaviour and, in truth, Mr. Darcy felt rather the same. But he could not allow himself to agree with the wretched parson, so he leaned toward the man and whispered, “Such a stirring sight, is it not, Mr. Collins?”
“Oh! Indeed, as you say, quite stirring,” Mr. Collins replied, trying his best to bring a smile to his countenance.
When they were finally able to drag Kitty and Lydia from Meryton, Mr. Darcy made it his business to give Miss Elizabeth his arm and then walk quickly enough to outpace the others. She peered up at him. “Is there a reason for this enforced march, Mr. Darcy? Were you inspired by the sight of the militia?”
“No; I merely hoped to speak with you for a few moments without your cousin in earshot.”
“Indeed? Pray, continue.”
“Elizabeth – Miss Elizabeth – his wishes with respect to you are clear. Do you plan to accept him?”
She stopped dead and stared at him. “It can mean nothing to you, Mr. Darcy, just as the question of whether or not you are engaged toyourcousin can mean nothing to me.”
“You are right, of course; but if you do not wish his attentions, it lies within my power to turn them away.”
“By what means?”
“By simply telling him that I know my aunt quite well, and that she would never approve of you.”
“Should I feel insulted, I wonder?” she asked. “Why would your aunt not approve of me?”
“Keep walking; I do not want him to catch up with us!” They resumed their quick pace, and Mr. Darcy clarified his statement. “My Aunt Catherine demands complete obedience to her whims and wishes, no matter how absurd. And believe me, there is a good amount of absurdity involved.”
“You surprise me, Mr. Darcy.”
“In what manner?”
“I would have thought that you would encourage me to marry the man. It is, after all, the rational thing for me to do. He has agood living and will eventually inherit Longbourn; is that not a fine opportunity for a country miss with no dowry?”
“I beg you to tell me that you are teasing me!”
“Not entirely; I have spent the better part of the day trying to talk myself into accepting his suit.”
