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“That is welcome news.” With a nod, I took a sideways step with the intent of terminating the conversation and following the others, who had begun to walk eastwards.

Mr. Collins, though, made a hurried move to remain in front of me. “Lady Catherine has shown remarkable condescension towards me and has been most generous in imparting her advice and recommendations.” Mr. Collins rested a hand upon his ample middle. “Of course, you must be well aware of your aunt’s laudable attributes.”

“Indeed, I am.” Although I should not describe the characteristic as “laudable,” she loved nothing more than thrusting her opinions on others.

Mr. Collins shifted his upper body closer to me, prompting me to lean back. “In fact, I am here in accordance with her ladyship’s counsel. She has advised that I should take a wife as soon as may be, and what better choice could I make than one of my own fair cousins?” He angled his head for a deliberate look at Elizabeth, who walked beside Mr. Denny.

Good Lord, not her! A chill pervaded my body.

“After all, I am almost certain to be master of Longbourn one day, and this is the ideal way to secure my cousins’ future well-being.”

Did Mr. Collins imagine that he could obtain Elizabeth’s hand in marriage? Would she even consider accepting him in order to guarantee a home in perpetuity for her mother and sisters? A snarl coiled in my gut, accompanied by the threat of nausea. The man needed to be gone from my sight before I became irrational. I attempted to conceal my rancour. “I wonder if you would consider lending me your assistance.”

His small eyes bulged, and he grinned. “Believe me, sir, it would be a great honour to serve you in any way.”

“That is generous of you. I misplaced my walking stick yesterday. It is mahogany with a silver handle bearing my initials. I believe I may have left it in the haberdasher’s shop. I should be obliged if you would go there now and inquire with the clerk for me.”

“Yes, of course, I shall go at once!” After providing two more deep bows, he turned and shuffled west on High Street. It took me less than two minutes to overtake the others.

Alerted by the distinctive sound of my stallion, Regal’s, shoes upon the road, Elizabeth broke away from Mr. Denny to walk beside me. “According to Mr. Denny, he met Mr. Wickham a few weeks ago in town. I doubt he has any knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s dark nature. I wanted to warn him, yet I knew not what to say.”

“Indeed, the situation is thorny.” Any "friends" of Wickham’s could be harmed—he would not scruple to mislead them or cheat at cards, and any debts of honour he took on would go unpaid. The best course would be to devise a way to remove him from the neighbourhood.

She glanced behind us. “Where is my cousin?”

“Ah yes, I sent him on an errand. Rest assured you will not be denied his company above half an hour.” Her response, a short, silvery laugh, soothed me from within.

“I shall do my utmost to endure the deprivation.”

For a moment, I revelled in her mirthful expression, but the man’s disquieting disclosure needed to be conveyed. “Mr. Collins made an admission to me, and I believe you ought to be advised of his intentions.”

Elizabeth’s steps slowed, and she envisaged me. “Very well.”

Her captivating aspect rooted me in place, and I fumbled for words. “He…um…admitted that he came here with the intention of making one of his Bennet cousins his bride, and you are his choice.”

A choking sound escaped her. Her arms wrapped around herself. “He…he wants to marry me?”

“Yes, he made that clear.”

“Heavens above, no!” She moved into a taut deportment, her nose wrinkling. “Although we met just yesterday, that has been more than enough time for me to know we should never suit.”

Her decided response to her cousin’s ambition placated my frayed nerves, and I almost smiled.

She searched my countenance. “Why would my cousin confide this information to you?”

“He wanted me to know that my aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who granted him his livelihood, advised him on this course, so he came here with her blessing.”

She gaped at me. “So, my cousin’s patroness, the one he mentions at least once each quarter hour, is your aunt?”

“Yes. Your cousin has an exaggerated sense of reverence for her.” Seconds passed as I fumbled, struggling for the best way to relate my remaining concern. “In…practical terms, Mr. Collins could be considered a prudent match. Might your parents attempt to coerce you to go against your inclination?”

“No, they would not. They…” Her head inclined, and the toe of her boot nudged a loose stone. “I expect my mother will be angry at me for refusing him, but my father will take my side.” Her sight returned to me. “At worst, I might be compelled to stay in town with my uncle for a few weeks until she forgives me.”

A powerful urge to hold her took shape in my breast, and I forced my arms against my sides lest I cede to the temptation. One day, some fortunate gentleman would have the right to love her, protect her, and ensure her future happiness. I longed to be that man, but that could never happen.

Or could it? Over the past five years, I alone had made countless determinations affecting my estate, my business concerns, and my sister. Although I shared guardianship of Georgiana with my cousin, his military obligations often prevented him from taking on the duty, so I have often acted in a sole capacity as a father to her. Except for my notable error in hiring Georgiana’s former companion, Mrs. Younge, my decisions had wrought success. If I married Elizabeth, she would enrich my life and that of everyone privileged enough to know her. How could I ever rue such a choice?

“Shall we continue to my uncle’s home?” She gave me a jaunty smile. “If we tarry here much longer, we risk Mr. Collins reaching us sooner rather than later.”