“My sisters do not like her, of course,” Mr. Bingley went on. “Louisa thinks that Miss Elizabeth is merely out to find herself a rich husband.”
“I see,” Mr. Darcy replied. And he thought that he did, indeed, see. His quick eye had seen the condition of Longbourn, and he was certain that the estate had fallen on hard times. No doubt any daughter of that family would be encouraged to ensnare their wealthy neighbour as soon as possible. “I look forward to meeting her.”
“Oh! You certainly shall, for I visit almost every day. I do not doubt that she expects me today, but I shall instead spend the day with you, my friend, as I have a good many questions for you. You know, crops, tenants, the like.”
Bingley’s attachment must not be particularly strong, Mr. Darcy, reflected, if he was willing to forgo a visit to the young lady simply to ask questions about the estate.
Miss Bingley had fastened on a detail that her brother had entirely overlooked. “What mean you, Mr. Darcy, that you escorted this Miss Bennet to her home?”
“Why, just that.” Too late, Mr. Darcy realised that he had said more than he should have.
“You must have met her before, then.”
“Yes; we met at a party at the home of Lord and Lady Stanford.”
“I had no idea that the Bennets had such connections…?” While ostensibly a statement, this was unquestionably a question.
Mr. Darcy knew that he was not required to answer this, so he merely shrugged.
“And then?” Miss Bingley pressed on.
“She mentioned that she was from Meryton, and I said that a friend of mine had just taken up residency there.”
There was a pause before Miss Bingley said, again, “And then?”
Mr. Darcy hesitated; much to his relief, Mr. Bingley leaped to his rescue. “Really, Caroline, Darcy need not explain himself to you!”
Mr. Darcy turned to his friend, gratefully. “Bingley, allow me to wash off the road dust, and then I am happy to answer any and all of your estate questions.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Mr. Bennet, a word, if I may?”
“Of course, Mr. Collins. At your convenience.”
Minutes later, in Mr. Bennet’s study, Mr. Collins came straight to the point. “I would like to propose to Miss Mary, with your permission.”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “I thought that might be the way the wind blew. Though I saw your expression when you were introduced to my eldest, and I feared you might be turned from your course.”
Mr. Collins reddened. “I cannot deny that Miss Bennet is – ahem! – as handsome a creature as I have ever seen, but I believe Miss Mary to be the best possible helpmeet for me, both as a clergyman and eventually, well…” Here he trailed off.
“As an estate owner. Yes.” Mr. Bennet finished, dryly. “You are not wrong, Mr. Collins. My Mary is a good girl, steady, rational and affectionate. She has been trained in estate management, and will be well able to fulfill that role when the time comes. You will not find her lacking in any respect.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet.”
“You are aware that she has no dowry, Mr. Collins?”
“I am, yes. It does not signify. And may I add, Mr. Bennet, that you need have no fears as to the well-being of anyremaining daughters or, well, your widow, if…when…I hope you take my meaning, sir.” Mr. Collins cleared his throat. “This will be their home for all of their lives, if necessary. I would consider it my duty to my family, as well as what any respectable gentleman should do.”
“Thank you. That relieves my mind considerably. Oh, and one last thing, Mr. Collins.”
“Yes?”
“You have some affection for Mary, I hope?”
“Affection? Oh, yes! Why, I love her!” Mr. Collins’ voice rose with this avowal.
“May I suggest that you lead with that in your application to her?”
