Mr. Bennet evidently approved of his cousin, for he invited Mr. Collins to join him for a brandy after the ladies had exited the room.
“You understood me, I hope, when I declined to speak more about my female cousins?” Mr. Collins asked at once.
Mr. Bennet considered his cousin. “Marriage is for a lifetime, and it is best to make as well-informed a decision as possible.”
“Exactly. Miss Bennet is very pretty, and I cannot deny that she catches my eye,” Mr. Collins admitted.
“She is all but engaged to a neighbour of ours,” Mr. Bennet said, smoothly.
“Engaged! Very well; that is good to know. The youngest two are too young, of course. Would you object to my getting to know your Miss Mary better while I am here?”
“I do not object at all. If I may be permitted to offer an unsolicited opinion, Mary would make an excellent wife for a parson.”
***
When the gentlemen rejoined the ladies in the parlour, Mary did not hesitate to demonstrate her talent at the pianoforte, and certainly she had never played better. Mr. Collins was not shy in expressing his delight.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet exchanged meaningful looks. Mr. Collins’ visit was proving to be more enjoyable – not to mention more important – than either of them had anticipated.
Chapter Twenty
You did not seem to get on with Miss Farrington last night, Darcy. I confess myself disappointed, as I thought you and she might have a good deal in common!”
“Really, Aunt? What, exactly, did you think we had in common?”
“Why, she studies literature, Darcy! I told you that before they arrived here!”
Mr. Darcy scoffed. “She does not study literature; she reads novels. I promise you, Aunt, that I did my best to establish common ground, but it was useless. Poetry? No, she does not care for it. Shakespeare? Overrated, says she.BelindaandCastle Rackrentare her favourite works. I am not opposed to the reading of novels, Aunt, but this hardly qualifies the young lady to be described as ‘studying literature!’ Doubtless you will say that I am too nice.“
“Doubtless I will,” his aunt replied. “Let me see, now. To be a successful candidate for the highly desirable position of the Mistress of Pemberley, the young lady must prefer the country, have some understanding of country life, and be a scholar. Is that right?”
“The first two, certainly. She must be trained to be the mistress of an estate. I certainly do not require my wife to be a scholar, but she should not imagine that reading novelsqualifies her for such a distinction.” His voice sounded petulant even to his own ears.
“Very well. Tomorrow night we dine at the home of Lord and Lady Stanford. They have two daughters, both of marriageable age.”
Mr. Darcy sighed. “Very well.”
“There is also a son; I understand he is courting a young lady from the country. She might be in attendance as well.”
“So three young ladies in total.”
“No; only two. The third is being courted by their son and is not available for your consideration. Did you not understand me, Darcy?”
***
Miss Stanford, the eldest daughter, was pretty enough. The second Stanford daughter, Miss Emily, was prettier yet, though she was too young to be of interest to Mr. Darcy.
But the young lady who was being courted by Mr. Stanford was downright stunning.
Mr. Darcy had seen a good many pretty young ladies in his life; only a few could be described as beautiful. This creature, Miss Bennet, was beyond beautiful. Her golden hair shimmered in the candlelight; her blue eyes were wide and innocent; her skin was pure porcelain. She was quiet; she spoke only to answer direct questions.
Mr. Darcy was well aware that he was staring at her; he was also well aware that Mr. Stanford’s eyes were shooting daggers at him. But he could not help himself.
With a concerted effort, he dragged his attention to Miss Stanford. “Have you always lived in London, Miss Stanford?”
“No, not at all, Mr. Darcy. I prefer our estate in Suffolk.”
Well, that was encouraging. “What in particular do you like about country life?” Please do not say adorable lambs, he thought.
