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“Mama, Mr. Bingley has a carriage. His sisters could have easily sent Jane home in that,” Elizabeth pointed out. “Now we have saved Jane from a cold. Mr. Bingley cannot pay her court if she is abed with a red nose.”

Mrs. Bennet frowned as she contemplated her daughter’s words. “You have the right of it,” she said at last. “Mr. Bingley likely would have returned Jane home after dining with the officers. It is better this way.”

Jane’s reports of her time with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were not encouraging at all. “I tend to think the best of everyone, dear Lizzy,” Jane said morosely, “but even I cannot mistake their antipathy for me. Their questions were pointed and judgmental. I do not think they approve of me for their brother at all.”

“It is good that Mr. Bingley need not consult his sisters about his choices, then.” Mr. Bingley was quite young, but he seemed to know his own mind. She hoped he would not be overly attentive to his sisters’ opinions. “You must continue to show him you admire him,” she instructed Jane.

“That is not difficult, for I do admire him…very much.” Jane was wistful. “He is everything a gentleman ought to be. And he is most assuredly the kindest, most delightful man I have ever met. Never have I felt so…”

“In love?” Elizabeth supplied.

Jane’s cheeks turned crimson. “Is it too soon to feel this way? It has been a matter of weeks.”

“And your Mr. Bingley calls regularly. You spend every evening together when you are at the same events. He ignores most of our neighbors in favor of your company. What other evidence do you desire?”

Elizabeth saw the old insecurity creeping into her sister’s expression.

“Have no fear, Jane. Mr. Bingley is not like any of the other miscreants who have broken your heart.” Elizabeth patted her hand. “Mama is likely right. You will be engaged before Christmas.”

In November, Mr. Bennet informed the family of a letter he had received from a distant cousin.

“Mr. Collins writes intending to visit,” he announced at breakfast.

Mrs. Bennet’s reply was swift. “I will not have that man in this house. It is bad enough that he will inherit when you are gone, leaving us to starve in the hedgerows. No, you will write to him and tell him he must stay wherever he is.”

“I am afraid I have already done so, Mrs. Bennet.” Mr. Bennet waved the letter. “I received his missive but yesterday. He declared his intention to come on the nineteenth of this month, and I replied at once, sending it express to be sure it reached him swiftly. We have enough excitement here without worrying about his olive branch.”

“Olive branch?” Mrs. Bennet asked.

“I believe he means to seek a wife among our daughters. That would be better suited after the new year, I think.” He paused. “Is his visit more desirable knowing that?”

“I suppose I am not averse to it. But suppose he feels entitled to select Jane, since she is the oldest and most handsome?” Mrs. Bennet bit her lip. “I should not like him to frighten Mr. Bingley away.”

“Then we are agreed. If Jane is not engaged to Mr. Bingley by the new year, we will open our home to Mr. Collins.” Mr. Bennet beamed. “I am pleased we are all in agreement.”

“Why would Mr. Collins write to you now?” Mary asked.

“It seems he is a parson and is greatly disturbed by the breach in our family,” Mr. Bennet explained. “He has recently secured a valuable family living, and his patroness insists he marry.”

The sisters exchanged looks around the table.

“He sounds positively dreadful,” Lydia remarked. “I shall not accept his attentions.”

“It is not kind to speak of a man of the cloth in such a manner,” Mary scolded. “I think he sounds admirable. It is not every heir who would seek to relieve a family’s suffering by marrying one of the daughters of the house.”

“Yes, he is indeed magnanimous. However, I am not inclined to host a guest in the house at this time. We shall arrange for him to come in January. Perhaps he can be here for Sir William’s great Twelfth Night feast.” Mr. Bennet resumed eating his breakfast.

The ladies of the house resumed their conversation about Mr. Collins. Mary said she wanted to know him better, and Mrs. Bennet protested.

“He will surely want Elizabeth, for she is next to Jane in age and beauty,” Mrs. Bennet said.

“But I do not want him, Mama,” Elizabeth replied. “I have no interest in marrying a man I do not like. I have never even met him. No, if Mary is interested, you had best put her forward. She is studious and pious—perfect for a clergyman, if that is what she desires.”

Mary appeared flattered at Elizabeth’s recommendation. She smiled, which softened her sharp, plain features. Elizabeth returned the sentiment and reached over to pat Mary’s hand.

“We need not concern ourselves now,” Mrs. Bennet reasoned. “It is best to put all our efforts into securing Mr. Bingley for Jane.”

“I do not think she needs help with that.” Kitty giggled. “I have never seen a man so besotted. Is he to call today?”