Page 38 of The Lost Prophecy

Mr Collins’s hand fell. “The entailment cannot be set aside, sir.”

“Then your conscience has wisely chosen a form of relief that preserves the property.”

Lydia made a choking sound and turned it into a cough. Kitty bent forward, her shoulders shaking. Even Mary raised her book to conceal the lower half of her face.

Mr Collins blinked at their father. “I assure you, sir, that I approach the matter with the greatest delicacy.”

“I am relieved. I have always found delicacy useful in the removal of a family from its home,” Mr Bennet said.

“Mr Bennet.” Mrs Bennet’s smile had tightened. She turned back to their cousin before he could determine whether he had been insulted. “I am sure Mr Collins means only to express his goodwill. It is exceedingly proper of him to visit, especially when there are five young ladies in the family.”

Mr Collins’s expression brightened. “Precisely, madam. I flatter myself that my intentions will soon be understood and received in the spirit of generosity which inspired them.”

He turned once more towards Jane.

Mrs Bennet’s answering smile was warm, but calculation sharpened behind it. Elizabeth could almost hear one prospective husband being moved away from Jane and placed among the remaining daughters.

Jane shifted in the chair. The movement was slight, but Elizabeth saw the strain around her eyes and the effort required to maintain her posture.

“Jane must rest.” Elizabeth rose and held out her hand. “The journey has tired her.”

Mrs Bennet turned from Mr Collins. “But your cousin has only just met you.”

“I hope Mr Collins will forgive her. Mr Jones was most insistent that she should not exert herself.”

Mr Collins stood so quickly that his knee struck the table. The plate jumped, and the remaining biscuits slid against one another.

“Your sister’s health must take precedence. Lady Catherine is attentive to illness among her dependants. She has a remarkable knowledge of natural sciences, even though she was never taught, and frequently informs them what their physicians ought to have prescribed.”

“I am certain the physicians are grateful,” Elizabeth replied.

Mr Bennet’s mouth moved.

Elizabeth helped Jane from the chair before either of them lost command of their expression. They left under Mr Collins’s assurances that he hoped to become better acquainted with all his cousins during his stay.

At the door, Elizabeth glanced back. Mrs Bennet had already resumed her interrogation.

“And you have no brothers or sisters, Mr Collins?”

“None, madam.”

“How fortunate,” Mrs Bennet murmured.

Elizabeth closed the door.

They maintained their composure through the entrance hall and up the staircase. Jane entered the bedchamber they shared, reached the bed, and sat on its edge. Elizabeth closed the door behind them.

For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Jane pressed both hands over her face and began to laugh. Elizabeth leaned against the door as her own laughter escaped. “Seven biscuits.”

Jane lowered her hands. “Lydia counted?”

“Lydia announced. Kitty counted.”

“And Lady Catherine advises him on his closets.”

“It is a great responsibility. One careless shelf could destroy the parish.”

Jane attempted to restrain herself, but a fresh burst of laughter forced her to catch Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth sat and they collapsed against one another, laughing into their handkerchiefs while Mr Collins’s voice rumbled indistinctly through the floor beneath them.