Page 51
From then on Mr. Collins tried to be Elizabeth’s shadow. She resorted to retreating to her room, not just to continue her examination of the papers and magazines for her uncle, but also for some peace and quiet. Of course such behaviour was unacceptable to Mrs. Bennet and their relationship was back to being as contentious as when she first returned.
“Lizzie, where have you been?”
“There is no need to shout mother.”
Lizzie knew she was baiting Mrs. Bennet and rather than be ashamed of her behaviour, was rather reveling in it.
“I am not shouting, and answer my question.”
“I was out.”
She turned to leave.
“Do not turn your back on me young lady. Nobody knew where you were. You will not leave this house without letting someone know where you are going.”
Elizabeth retired to her room, she had pushed Mrs. Bennet close to the limit of her patience. The situation would deteriorate quickly if Mrs. Bennet tried to demand that Elizabeth not go out. Mary knocked at the door and was bid enter.
“You never actually answered Mama’s question.”
“I just went for a walk. I walked to the foot of Oakham Mount. We did not climb it today, it was too blustery.”
“We?”
“Robert and Claire accompanied me as usual. Why is our mother so upset?”
“She believes that you are deliberately hiding from Mr. Collins.”
“That is true, and could not be more obvious. I find the man tedious in the extreme. The three of us were talking as we walked. Mr. Collins has openly displayed five of the seven deadly sins, and covertly, an additional one.”
Mary ran through them in her head.
“Wrath is the only one missing, yes?”
“Well done Mary.”
As Mary thought about which one had been covertly displayed she blushed.
“You do not have to say it Mary, your face tells me that you guessed it.”
“I do not know how to ask this Lizzie.”
Elizabeth sighed.
“At times, especially when he thinks he is unobserved, he has trouble looking me in the eye.”
Both of them were red by this point.
“Well I am sorry to say but Mama is insisting that we walk to Meryton, and that Mr. Collins is to join us.”
Elizabeth grimaced.
“We will just have to use his sloth against him. A brisk hike to the town, yes?”
“Please do not make me run.”
“Mary, as if I would!”
They both laughed and separated to get ready.
