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The blossoming grin that raised my cousin’s fleshy cheeks floundered. “Sir, forgive me, but I do not have the pleasure of understanding you. What could be courageous about taking Cousin Elizabeth as my wife?”

“Well, Lizzy is the most well-read and strong-willed of my daughters, and she has cultivated creative ideas that some may call…unconventional. She is a firm believer in radical reform.”

“Radical reform?” Mr. Collins’s head bounced between Papa and me.

“Yes, and she will be eager to share her opinions and ideas abroad to your community.”

Mr. Collins tugged upon his cravat and rubbed the crook of his neck. His features contorted. “What is the nature of these ideas?”

“For example, Lizzy believes that women ought to be permitted to attend university and pursue any vocation they choose.”

My cousin gulped. “That is a preposterous suggestion! I could not expose the ladies of my parish to such spurious propositions!”

“Well, I have never been able to control Lizzy’s tongue, so I do not fancy you will have any better luck.”

Mr. Collins removed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at the perspiration on his temples. “No, no, this will never do.” He shifted towards me. “I am heartily sorry for having raised your hopes, Cousin Elizabeth, but a union between the two of us is impossible. I cannot have a wife who puts forth outlandish suggestions to my congregation. Lady Catherine de Bourgh would never approve of your unorthodox concepts!”

I attempted to appear disappointed. “Oh dear, that is a shame.”

“Yes, my cousin, this is most regretful.” His sight shifted to my father. “Sir, I hope this unfortunate misunderstanding will not blemish our newly forged kinship.”

“No, not at all.” Papa used a sedate tone. “And you may rest assured that Lizzy is not maudlin. She will conceal her sorrow so well that no one will ever suspect she feels the least amount of anguish.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to maintain my countenance.

“That is most admirable.” Mr. Collins glanced my way, then eyed my father again. “Um…sir, your wife deterred me from your eldest daughter because of an anticipated proposal from another gentleman. However, that event has not occurred. With your approval, I should be pleased to make my addresses to her now.”

No, not Jane! I directed a pointed gaze at Papa.

He gave me a subtle nod. “I am sorry, Mr. Collins. In this instance, Mrs. Bennet is correct. My Jane is not at your disposal.”

Mr. Collins frowned. “Very well.” He lumbered to his feet and took his leave.

When the door closed behind my cousin, I released a heavy breath. “I appreciate your help, Papa.”

“You are welcome.” He settled back in his seat with a merry air. “Have you any other problems I may solve for you on this fine day?”

Oh yes, Mr. Wickham—Papa ought to be made aware of him. “During my stay at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy warned me of a charming, yet dissolute and deceitful man who would soon join the local militia, Mr. Wickham.”

Papa sobered and leaned forwards. “When is he supposed to arrive?”

“He is here, and we met him today in Meryton. Lydia and Kitty are already taken with him.” I chewed upon my lip. “I should admonish them myself, but I do not believe they would heed me.”

“No, they would not.” My father gnashed his teeth. “And if I order your youngest sisters to stay away from the man, he will become all the more desirable to them.” His fingers rapped upon the desk. “I shall make a vague mention to your mother of unsavoury rumours I have heard about Mr. Wickham and insist that he is not welcome here.” He raised his forefinger to me. “I suggest you confide what you know about Mr. Wickham to Jane and Mary. Between the three of you, perhaps you can conspire to keep Lydia and Kitty away from him.”

“Yes, I think that might work. Thank you, Papa.” I stepped round the desk to give him a hug before I left the study.

Part 4: The Ball

Tuesday, 26 November

Netherfield Park

Darcy

My heart stuttered upon my initial view of Elizabeth. She had never appeared more alluring than tonight in her fine, cream-coloured gown. Pink cyclamen flowers adorned her silky, raven locks. I resisted the urge to rush towards her. I needed time to collect myself and rehearse the account I intended to render. Thus, I moved along the back of the room and followed her every movement.

She went arm in arm with Miss Bennet to be welcomed by Miss Bingley and Bingley in turn. They progressed to the well-lit ballroom, stopping here and there to converse with other guests. Then Elizabeth fixed upon me, parted from her sister, and strode in my direction.