When the ladies withdrew to the parlor after dinner, Elizabeth anticipated some respite.
She was mistaken.
Tea was laid. Lydia and Kitty immediately began an animated dispute over a ribbon recently acquired in Meryton. Mary took her accustomed seat near the lamp and opened Fordyce’s Sermons with the air of one preparing for spiritual warfare.
Within two minutes, Mr. Collins entered the room and secured a position near Mrs. Bennet.
“Your father had much to do, and he suggested I join the ladies,” the parson explained.
No, Papa wished to be left alone with a book and port, Elizabeth thought wryly as she took up her work. She was seated at a small table somewhat removed from the center ofthe room. She did not look toward her mother and Mr. Collins, but she listened.
“My dear Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Collins began, lowering his voice only enough to suggest privacy, “it is incumbent upon me to confide in you the principal design of my visit.”
Mrs. Bennet leaned forward, all expectation.
“I have long felt it my duty,” he continued, “to repair the breach which has unhappily existed between our branches of the family. The entail, though unavoidable, has caused a certain delicacy. It is my ardent wish to make amends in the most honorable manner possible.”
Elizabeth’s needle slowed.
“Indeed?” Mrs. Bennet breathed.
“I have been strongly encouraged—most strongly encouraged—by my noble patroness to enter into matrimony. My patron, Sir Godfrey himself, observed that a clergyman situated as I am ought not remain single. He has repeatedly remarked upon the advantages of choosing a wife from among one’s own relations.”
Elizabeth’s hand stilled entirely.
“I therefore resolved,” Mr. Collins concluded with solemn triumph, “to select a wife from among your accomplished daughters—should I be so fortunate as to obtain the consent of one.”
Mrs. Bennet emitted a sound of rapture. Elizabeth felt as though the air had grown suddenly thin.
Mr. Collins continued, “Miss Bennet”—he inclined his head in Jane’s direction, though Jane was at present engaged in quiet conversation with Mary— “is a young lady of uncommon beauty. I was much struck.”
Stifling a gasp, Elizabeth’s heart nearly stop beating in her chest.
Mrs. Bennet sighed deeply. “Ah! My dear Jane. Yes—she is very much admired. Indeed, cousin, I believe she is likely to be engaged before long.”
Elizabeth experienced a most unexpected alignment of feeling with her mother.
Let him believe it, she thought fervently.
“Engaged?” Mr. Collins repeated, visibly recalibrating.
“Nothing is formally announced,” Mrs. Bennet said with knowing emphasis, “but there has been particular attention. We fully expect matters to be settled soon.”
Mr. Collins drew himself up with rigid propriety. “I would not presume to interfere with an attachment so nearly concluded.”
Elizabeth allowed herself a silent breath.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he resumed after a moment, “being next in age—and certainly possessed of lively countenance—”
Elizabeth felt her spine straighten involuntarily.
“Oh!” Mrs. Bennet interrupted briskly. “Lizzy is being courted as well. The permission was granted only this morning.”
Elizabeth’s fingers tightened on her needle.Thank heavens. A quiet wave of relief passed through her.
Had Darcy not spoken when he did—had her father not given his consent—would her mother now be extolling her merits with unabashed zeal?
Would Mr. Collins be turning toward her in solemn expectation?
