Page 44 of Regrets

“Agreed. Lizzy…” Mr. Bennet’s voice trailed off and she looked away. He cleared his throat and went on. “Mr. Darcy doubtless has extensive connections in London.”

***

That afternoon, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Georgiana came to call. After the usual pleasantries, Elizabeth said, “Georgiana, does your aunt have a parson named Mr. Collins?”

Georgiana made a face and replied, “She does, yes. He is quite an odd man, and I certainly would not want him to be my parson. But why?”

Elizabeth sighed. “As it happens, he is our cousin.”

Georgiana immediately reddened. “I meant no offense, Lizzy. I spoke too hastily.”

Kitty laughed. “No, you are entirely right! He was here for two days, bored us all senseless with talk of his patroness, Lady Catherine, and how she relies on him, and then left in a huff when Papa told him none of us would marry him!”

“And now it is our turn to apologise,” Elizabeth said, quickly. “Georgiana, he had nothing but wonderful things to say about your aunt. It was tiresome only because he never stopped his dialogue.”

Mr. Bingley said, “My head is whirling! Let me see if I have this right. Mr. Collins, your cousin, turned out to be the rector of Rosings Park?”

“That is correct, Mr. Bingley,” Mr. Bennet spoke from the doorway. No one had seen him enter. “There is but one piece of information missing. Or perhaps two. The first is that he is the heir presumptive to Longbourn. The second is that the man is a complete idiot.”

There was a long silence as this news was digested. Finally, Georgiana said, tentatively, “But that is dreadful! Surely something can be done! Brother?” She turned to Mr. Darcy.

“There is an entail?” Mr. Darcy asked, looking at Mr. Bennet.

“There is, indeed. And as I have been unsuccessful in producing a son, this cousin of mine is evidently to inherit. I fear not just for my family, but also for the estate and the tenants, for this man is bound to bankrupt Longbourn in short order.”

“Have you spoken to solicitors?”

“I have, with no success. But if you will give me the name of someone – anyone! – in London with special expertise, I would be most grateful. I will do anything, anything at all, to prevent this man from inheriting.”

“May we speak privately, Mr. Bennet?” Mr. Darcy rose.

“Of course.” The two gentlemen left the room together.

“Well!” Mrs. Bennet said, fixing her hostess smile on her face. “Shall I order tea?”

Once the tea was passed around, the conversation turned to the Lucas’ card party. Mr. Wickham was discussed at length. After he had danced with Georgiana, he had approached Lydia and had danced with her – twice! Lydia tossed her curls a good deal as she described how he had complimented her dancing and her beauty. “And he said he would call on me!” she finished, triumphantly.

Georgiana was stunned. She had no idea that she had a rival in Lydia Bennet, of all people! And he would actually call on Lydia at Longbourn?!

Elizabeth listened to the conversation with growing concern. “I do not think we should be so very welcoming to his advances; he is, after all, just a lieutenant in the militia. I beg that you will be careful, all of you. Not just with Mr. Wickham, but with all the militia men who have come to Meryton. We know nothing about them, and remember that none of them can support a wife.”

Jaw set, Georgiana murmured, “If you have a big enough dowry, such things do not signify.”

Mr. Darcy was absent and so did not hear her rude remark, but the Bennet girls did. There was a moment of shocked silence; then Lydia’s brows drew together and she opened her mouth to reply.

Mary spoke quickly, hoping to forestall what was about to become a serious quarrel. “Georgiana, did you know that the bookshop just got in a supply of new music? I had thought to go yesterday, but decided instead to wait for you so that we might go together.”

Jane immediately added, “And do you recall the blue shawl that you particularly liked in Mrs. Alcott’s shop? She just received new wares, and there is a green shawl that is very similar. I believe it would go perfectly with your colouring.”

Georgiana knew that her attention was being deliberately directed away from the incipient quarrel, but she allowed it and agreed to visit the bookshop with Mary and Mrs. Alcott’s shop with Jane that very afternoon.

Mr. Bennet abruptly reappeared and said, “Elizabeth, please come with me.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to object to being so summarily summoned, but she had no wish to air her grievances against her father publicly, so she simply put her cup down and accompanied him to his study.

Mr. Darcy rose when she entered and remained standing until she sat down.

Mr. Bennet addressed his daughter. “Lizzy, I would like your opinion on what Mr. Darcy has told me.” Turning to Mr. Darcy, he said, “Elizabeth is one of the cleverest people I know; her opinion matters a great deal to me.”