Chapter 9 #2
“Of course they will,” Mrs Bennet interjected. “Besides, I see no wrong in you going alone either. It is only a mile each way — perfect exercise for young girls like you.”
“Mrs Bennet, I see much wrong in two young girls going to meet officers, even if they are doing so with the most innocent intentions,” Mr Bennet answered severely.
“Indeed, my dear cousin, I heartily agree. Young girls should not be left alone in the company of men, unchaperoned. Lady Catherine has stated as much many times!”
“Jane and I shall join them,” Elizabeth declared, annoyed to hear the mention of Lady Catherine yet again.
Something else that she appreciated about Mr Darcy was that not a single time had he praised his aunt unjustly, and he had even attempted to temper Mr Collins’s ridiculous veneration. The fact that he had failed was not Mr Darcy’s fault, as Mr Collins seemed unstoppable.
“Very well, girls, you will all go then,” Mrs Bennet concluded.
“I would rather stay at home, Mama,” Mary replied, and her mother rolled her eyes.
“Do as you wish, girl.”
“I believe it is my duty to accompany my fair cousins and be certain they are safe,” Mr Collins stated, causing panic and distress among the girls while earning him a smile from Mrs Bennet.
Mr Bennet escaped to his library, and Elizabeth paid him a short visit before leaving for her second walk of the day.
“You look lovely, Lizzy. I am sure Mr Collins will approve of your attire.”
“Papa, please do not tease me. I am already annoyed and on the verge of rudeness with Mr Collins, and I may tell him my opinion of him very soon.”
“Just do not forget that he will be able to throw you out as soon as I am dead,” Mr Bennet continued teasingly.
“Then you must promise you will live a very long life, Papa, as I shall never be able to pretend I enjoy your cousin’s company.”
“I shall do my best, child. So, are you ready for another walk, since you have only just returned from the previous one?”
“Yes… Papa, there is something I must tell you. Earlier today, I met Mr Darcy. We arranged the meeting last evening.”
Mr Bennet’s serenity changed to a frown.
“Did you?”
“Yes. We discussed my prior connection to his family. Apparently, he wrote to the housekeeper at Pemberley, and Mrs Reynolds made my actions appear more praiseworthy than they truly were. Mr Darcy tried to express his gratitude last night, so we discussed meeting today and clarifying everything.”
“I see. And did you?”
“We did. I dare say everything is clear now. Mr Darcy seems very fond of his sister, and of course his parents. I admit it is a side of him that I very much approve of.”
“I am glad to hear that. It is a small compensation for his refusal to dance with you, is it not?”
“Yes, it is a very small compensation.” Elizabeth laughed.
“Well, thank you for sharing it with me. I assume you wish to keep it a secret from your mother?”
“Yes, please. I cannot bear to hear more questions or Mr Collins’s opinion about my meeting Mr Darcy unchaperoned.”
“You may count on my secrecy, Lizzy. Sadly, you will have to hear Mr Collins’s opinion on other matters, though.”
“I am aware, Papa.”
“If an opportunity arises, I suggest you introduce Mr Collins to Sir William Lucas. I dare say they will enjoy each other’s company.”
“That is an excellent idea, Papa. I would like to call on Charlotte Lucas regardless.”
“Good. I look forward to hearing all the details when you return. Now please tell your mother that I am busy, and I do not wish to be disturbed for the next few hours.”
***
Never did the short distance from Longbourn to Meryton seem so long and exhausting.
Alone with his young cousins, Mr Collins seemed to take the opportunity to share his opinion on everything, jumping from one subject to another and often touching Elizabeth’s arm with his hand as he gesticulated.
With her patience pushed beyond its limit, Elizabeth tried to remain nonchalant while wondering how it was possible that an educated man with a good situation in life could be so repulsive.
They finally arrived in Meryton, where they had the good fortune to meet Charlotte and Maria Lucas.
Introductions were performed to Mr Collins, and a very short while passed until Lydia started to shout and wave, calling to their attention Lieutenant Denny and two companions, who were all approaching them.
While the lieutenant and one of his companions were familiar to Elizabeth, the other was a stranger. He was introduced to them as the new officer who had just joined the regiment several days prior — Mr George Wickham.
Only a few moments and a few polite exchanges were needed to prove that Mr Wickham was one of the most handsome men ever seen in Meryton, who had also been gifted with a pleasant figure and even more pleasant manners, a charming smile, and conversational skills matched by an attractive tone of voice.
Mr Collins was entirely overlooked, and his attempts to insinuate himself into the conversation failed until he grasped Elizabeth’s arm and said loudly, “My dear cousin, you promised to introduce me to Sir William Lucas, the only titled man in Meryton, I have heard. I look forward to meeting this gentleman as soon as possible.”
Elizabeth pulled her arm from his hold and was ready to reply sharply when Charlotte Lucas saved her.
“I am sure my father would enjoy meeting you too, Mr Collins. He would be pleased to see you all, gentlemen. Will you not join us at Lucas Lodge for refreshments, if you do not have other engagements?”
The proposal met with the approval of everyone, except for Mr Collins, whose expression showed his repressed anger.
He clearly did not wish to be in the company of the officers a moment longer, nor to compete with them for the ladies’ attention.
However, the plan was made, and towards Lucas Lodge they all set off.