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I took a quick look at the blessedly deserted road. “By all means, let us not tempt fate.”

Longbourn

Elizabeth

At the sound of my name summoned in my cousin’s unctuous, sing-song accent, I darted into the sitting-room and ducked behind the sofa.

“Cousin Elizabeth, where are you?” Mr. Collins’s unwieldy footfalls drew closer and continued past the sitting-room. “Cousin Elizabeth!”

For pity’s sake, could he not leave me in peace? Despite the temporary reprieve concocted by Mr. Darcy, the time spent in my cousin’s company today had driven me to distraction. I should seek Papa’s assistance—he could prohibit Mr. Collins’s pursuit of me.

On the way to my uncle’s house, Mr. Darcy and I had engaged in a diverting conversation on the subject of literature. That he had read Shakespeare and Milton came as no surprise, yet he also extolled the works of Frances Burney and Ann Radcliffe! I could have happily extended our discussion another hour or more, but we reached our destination all too soon.

He and Mr. Bingley had accepted Aunt Phillips’s invitation to remain. We had not spent five full minutes in my aunt’s parlour before Lydia rushed to me, grabbed my arm, and insisted I make the fourth at her whist table. Rather than create a fuss, I allowed her to manoeuvre me and threw a wistful glance towards Mr. Darcy.

Later, I had found my way to his side again. We shared a quiet dialogue whilst Mr. Denny related the antics of two of the privates which resulted in their being flogged. I asked after Mr. Darcy’s sister, and he related her most recent activities in town and her favourite pastimes. He also recounted a few remembrances from their travels. He painted a portrait of a sweet, shy young lady, a talented musical performer with varied interests. I almost expressed my desire to meet her but stopped myself in time; he may have interpreted my statement as an intent to ingratiate myself with him. No doubt he would prefer that his younger sister consort with ladies who had attended the best schools and seminaries.

After a short period of silence, it seemed safe to abandon my hiding place. I tiptoed to the doorway and peeked at my cousin’s departing figure. He turned and plodded up the stairs. I skulked towards the study, knocked softly upon the door, and entered at Papa’s invitation. After greeting him, I settled into my usual chair.

He removed his spectacles and resumed his seat. “I presume you and your sisters had a pleasant walk today.”

“Yes, we did. We came upon Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy in Meryton, and they accompanied us to Uncle Phillips’s house. As it happens, our cousin’s benefactress, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is Mr. Darcy’s aunt.”

“Ah, what an interesting coincidence.” Papa reclined in his chair, his eyes twinkling. “Any lady who would grant a living to Mr. Collins must lack judiciousness and ought to be a diverting character. No doubt Mr. Darcy is too arrogant to appreciate this source of amusement. More's the pity.”

“In reality, Mr. Darcy is not the haughty person I took him to be at first. He apologized to me for his insult at the Meryton assembly.”

Papa folded his arms. “Well, how perplexing. Then you do not believe him to be such a villain after all.”

“No. He is a man of complex character who does not always display perfect manners.” I related the intelligence with regards to my cousin that I learnt from Mr. Darcy.

My father’s forehead rumpled.

“Mr. Collins has paid me peculiar attention today—far more than he has to any of my sisters, so I do not doubt the veracity of Mr. Darcy’s report.”

“And is the prospect of marrying your cousin amenable to you?”

My breath escaped in a huff. “Do you need to ask? My every inclination forbids even the thought of it! I could never accept him under any circumstances.” I launched forwards and pressed my palms upon the desk. “Moreover, I am uncomfortable in his presence and hope you will deter him from this ill-conceived plan at once.”

Papa brushed a hand over his chin. “Be easy, Lizzy. I should not have you discomfited in your own home.” He rang for Mr. Hill and summoned his cousin.

“Thank you.” I shifted part of my weight to my feet. “Shall I leave so the two of you may be alone?”

“No, my dear. Remain seated.”

“Very well.” I resumed my seat in a tense attitude.

Soon enough, Mr. Collins joined us. “Ah, there you are, Cousin Elizabeth. I have been searching for you these past twenty minutes.” He moved the vacant chair closer to me before taking a seat.

Papa maintained an erect position with his hands clasped upon the desk. “Mr. Collins, your pointed attention to my second eldest daughter has not gone unnoticed. Lizzy is flattered to have been singled out by you, and I commend your foresight in choosing her.”

My fingers gripped the arms of my chair. Papa, what are you doing?

“She is indeed a lovely lady.” Mr. Collins directed a toothy smile my way.

My father rearranged the papers on his desk and sent me a furtive wink. “Few men in your situation would have made such a courageous choice. Rest assured, your daring will be rewarded by the rousing discussions the two of you will have and the intellectual enlightenment that will benefit your congregation.”

Ah, my clever Papa! My lips twitched in an effort to contain my gaiety.