Page 26 of The Crown’s Gift

Elizabeth went to their father.

Sir Thomas heard her without interruption. His face hardened, not against Mary but against himself.

"I invited Collins because I thought acquaintance might ease the future transfer of Longbourn. I did not consider that he would arrive seeking a wife."

"He believes himself benevolent."

"The most exhausting form of ambition."

"Mary is frightened."

Sir Thomas closed his ledger. "Send her to me."

Mary entered with Elizabeth. Sir Thomas came around the desk rather than speak from behind it.

"Your cousin has not proposed?"

"No, Papa."

"Do you wish him to?"

"No."

"Then he shall not. If he attempts it before I speak with him, you may say, 'My father has not given you permission to address me.' Nothing more is required."

Mary's shoulders lowered. "Will he be angry?"

"Possibly. His anger will survive."

She surprised him by stepping forward and putting her arms around his waist. Sir Thomas held her. Over Mary's head, his eyes met Elizabeth's.

He did not joke.

The next morning he invited Mr Collins to walk.

"You may someday inherit Longbourn," Sir Thomas said as they crossed the east lawn. "That possibility does not grant you a claim upon any daughter of mine."

Mr Collins colored violently. "I assure you, sir, my intentions are honorable."

"I believe they are. Mary does not encourage them."

"Young ladies often reject the man they secretly mean to accept."

"Not in this family."

Mr Collins attempted to invoke Lady Catherine. Sir Thomas stopped beneath an elm and looked at him until the name faded.

"You are welcome here as my cousin. You will be treated fairly in every arrangement concerning Longbourn. Do not confuse fairness with indulgence."

That evening the party dined at Lucas Lodge. Charlotte sat beside Mr Collins and asked intelligent questions about Hunsford parish. She did not flatter. She listened, redirected his longest speeches, and gently corrected his belief that boiled potatoes required twenty minutes of praise.

Mr Collins became calmer in her company.

Elizabeth drew Charlotte aside after dinner. "You need not rescue Mary."

"I am not rescuing her."

"Then what are you doing?"