Chapter One #2
“Please do, Mr. Collins. Uncle will tell you I returned the book and told him to hide it, as I do not think my younger cousins are ready for such far-reaching ideas. The only thing I would ask is, please do not speak to Aunt Frances about this. It distresses her that we sometimes rub the wrong way, and I do not want to add to her burden. We may have our moments, but I love her dearly and would like to think she would be happy if you and I had an amicable relationship as cousins and friends.”
“Consider it done, Cousin Elizabeth, and I look forward to a long friendship.”
“Will you be calling on Miss Lucas? As you know, we had a few moments of sharing confidences when you stopped to fix your shoe during our walk from Meryton, and she expressed an interest in your situation and mentioned how lucky you were to have such an attentive patroness. I would be remiss in not directing your attention toward her.”
“I will think about this very carefully.”
“Fortunately, we are all going to Mrs. Phillips for cards tomorrow evening, and I know Miss Lucas has been invited. This would be an excellent time to see how well she behaves in a social situation. You will not be disappointed. Sir William and Lady Lucas have raised a very well-mannered lady.”
“Her father was knighted?”
“Yes, Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth peeked through her lashes to see if her aunt still watched them.
Given that Mr. Collins appeared engaged in their conversation and Elizabeth was smiling, the scene was set for what Mrs. Bennet would perceive as a courtship.
Never had Elizabeth acted so foolish in her entire life.
Pray that Mr. Collins does not ask my uncle about Mrs. Wollstonecraft.
He had no such book in his library. “Sir William delights in telling new acquaintances how he was presented at St. James’s court.
No other person in Meryton can claim such an honor. ”
“I will indeed make myself known to the gentleman.”
Satisfied her prodding had planted the seed, she said no more on the subject, confident that on the morrow, the watering would fall to Charlotte.
***
The next evening was the card party at their Aunt Phillips.
Lydia and Kitty were pleased to hear, upon entering the drawingroom, that Mr. Wickham had accepted their uncle’s invitation and was also in attendance.
Elizabeth had not been introduced to the gentleman, but she could see why her cousins were in such a tither.
Indeed, he was a handsome man, and from what she could tell, his manners were quite engaging.
During the evening, he sought her introduction, however, Charlotte and her brother Jonathan had just entered the room, and Elizabeth was anxious to affix Mr. Collins to her side.
“Pray, excuse me, Mr. Wickham. My friend has arrived and I have important news to impart. Please do not think me rude; I have enjoyed our conversation.”
“I could never think you rude, Miss Elizabeth, but I will request, if there is dancing when next we meet, you would grant me a set.”
“I would be pleased to dance with you, Mr. Wickham.” She caught Charlotte’s eye and acknowledged her. “It has been a pleasure, sir.”
She then took her leave, and crossed the room to where her friend stood.
“I am so glad you came tonight, Charlotte. I have much to relay and not much time.”
“You sound almost frantic. Whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing is the matter, but I have laid the cornerstone for the foundation of your marriage.”
“You have what?”
“Mr. Collins was making much noise about choosing me as a wife, but I cannot abide the man – at least, not as a husband. With subtle nudges, I have set him on a path that hopefully leads to you.”
“But, if you married him, your family could remain at Longbourn when your uncle passes.”
“You know I am already well situated, and my cousins need not worry about where they will lay their heads when Uncle Thomas passes.” Elizabeth had confided in Charlotte a little of her family history.
“Also, marriage is for life, and I cannot see myself making him happy. I know he would not make me happy. If I could have pushed him in Mary’s direction, I would have, but he is very much under the thumb of his patroness, and Mary would only sermonize, making it worse.
Oh! Here he comes.” Elizabeth and Charlotte both turned to greet him with pleasant smiles.
“Mr. Collins, I was complimenting Miss Lucas on the minced pies she brought over the other day.”
“You cook, Miss Lucas?”
“Cook? Miss Lucas not only makes mince pies, but Sir William has been heard to proclaim her dinner rolls are the best he has ever tasted.” Charlotte reached between them and pinched her arm.
Elizabeth smiled and took a small step away.
“I know she will deny all this because she is a modest Christian woman, but it is true.”
By this time, Mr. Collins had turned his undivided attention to Charlotte, and when Aunt Phillips called her guests to the card tables, he asked if Miss Lucas would partner him for a round of whist. With a slight skip in her step, Elizabeth found Jane and filled her in on her successful evening.
“You are lucky Mamma is not here.”
“Truer words were never spoken. It is a good thing they let us come alone. At this rate, he will probably make an offer to Charlotte by the end of this week.”
“You are that confident?”
“Jane, the poor man wants to marry so badly. He thinks it is his duty and dares not fail in the one task his patroness set for him before coming to Longbourn. And we are all aware that Charlotte also longs for marriage. Mr. Collins is not a horrible man, but someone I could never envision spending the rest of my life with. I wish to marry only for the deepest love, as do you.”