Chapter 3
Chapter three
Elizabeth entered the room and was relieved to find no guests had yet arrived. She sat beside Jane and took up the handkerchief she had been embroidering.
Jane gave her a small smile, then cast a glance toward their mother before looking back at Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet regarded Elizabeth with a frown. “And what have you to say for yourself, Lizzy? You know I expected you to attend the assembly with Jane and Mary.”
Elizabeth paused a moment before replying. “Should Mrs. Smith have been left to manage her confinement alone? Would it have reflected well upon us, to neglect our tenants?”
Mrs. Bennet gave a dissatisfied huff. “Of course we take care of our people. But I cannot conceive why it must occur on the very night of an assembly.”
Elizabeth inclined her head slightly. “I am sure she did not plan it so.” She turned to Jane. “Did you enjoy the evening? Did you meet the Netherfield party?”
Jane smiled at once. “Oh yes. Mr. Bingley was exceedingly kind. He asked me to dance twice. His sisters appeared very elegant, though they kept much to themselves.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression changed at once. “Twice, did he? Very proper indeed!”
Elizabeth then looked toward Mary, who sat beside their mother. “And you, Mary, did you enjoy yourself?”
Mary nodded solemnly. “I danced a few times, though gentlemen were rather scarce.”
Mr. Hill entered and announced, “Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, and Miss Maria.”
Mrs. Bennet turned at once. “Hill, bring tea.”
Elizabeth set aside her needlework and rose as the guests entered.
***
Mr. Bennet looked up from his desk as Elizabeth passed the door of his book-room. “Elizabeth, I should like you to see this letter.”
“Of course, Papa.”
Elizabeth went to the desk, took the offered letter, and seated herself in a nearby chair. As she began to read, Mr. Bennet watched her. His lips curved in amusement
When she reached the end, she folded the letter and looked back at him.
“Oh my,” she said. “Must we truly receive him? He appears quite ridiculous.”
Mr. Bennet laughed softly. “That was my first impression as well. Our cousin possesses an uncommon confidence in the importance of his own intentions.”
Elizabeth tapped the folded letter lightly against her fingers. “He writes as though his visit were already agreed upon, and as though his purpose will be received with gratitude.”
“Yes,” Mr. Bennet replied. “Particularly that portion regarding his wish to make amends for the entail.”
Elizabeth raised her brows. “By marrying one of your daughters.”
“Precisely.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “That will not do.”
Mr. Bennet regarded her with mild curiosity. “So, you are decided?”
“I am,” she said simply. “Whatever his motives, such a match would benefit no one, least of all the daughter expected to accept him out of duty.”
Mr. Bennet nodded slowly. “I am inclined to agree. I see no reason to sacrifice present happiness to future convenience.”
Elizabeth allowed herself a small smile. “Mama will not view it in quite the same light.”
“No,” he said dryly. “But I thought it best to hear your opinion before the matter becomes the subject of her complete enthusiasm.”
Elizabeth glanced again at the letter. “Then I think we may receive Mr. Collins with civility, but without encouragement. If he is determined to admire himself, he need not do so at our expense.”
Mr. Bennet paused, then smiled at Elizabeth. “Very well. We shall endure him together.”
***
Millie stood beside Elizabeth, each carrying a basket of supplies. Elizabeth raised her hand to knock at Mrs. Smith’s cottage, only to pause in surprise as the door opened to reveal Mr. Darcy.
He stepped back at once and gestured for them to enter.
Sarah, who had relieved Millie that morning, sat near the hearth with the baby in her arms, while Emma occupied herself at the table with her doll. At the sight of Elizabeth, Emma’s face lit up.
“Oh, Miz Lizzy,” she cried, “look what Mr. Darcy brought for my baby doll. She has her very own bed.” She pointed proudly to a small doll’s bed set upon the table. “And she has a blanket too.”
Emma carefully laid the doll inside, then turned and pointed toward the baby. “Mr. Darcy brought a blanket for him as well.” She patted it gently. “I think the baby likes it.”
Elizabeth set her basket down and reached for the baby. “I see. That was very kind of Mr. Darcy.” She glanced toward him, a touch of surprise in her expression, as she rocked the child lightly. Looking down, she added, “And what shall we call this young gentleman?”
Mrs. Smith emerged from the back room and came forward, smiling. “His name is Samuel,” she said. “After my father.”
“Samuel,” Elizabeth repeated softly. “You seem quite content.” She looked back to Mrs. Smith. “How are you feeling? We have brought more bread and some beef stew.”
Mrs. Smith lowered herself into a chair. “I am tired, Miss Elizabeth, but I am well. Sarah has been a great help, and everyone has been most kind.” She turned to Darcy. “Thank you, sir, for the gifts and the food. We shall have enough to last us some time.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I am glad of it.” He took up his hat. “I must be on my way.” With a brief bow, he took his leave, the door closing quietly behind him.
Elizabeth smiled fondly at Emma. “It was thoughtful of him to remember your doll as well.”
Mrs. Smith reached for the baby. “Here, let me take him. I believe he is growing restless.” She rocked Samuel gently and nodded toward Millie. “I shall settle him in the back room.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, Millie will remain, and Sarah and I should return to the house. Pray send word if you find you need anything further.”
***
Elizabeth found her mother in the small sitting room, examining a length of ribbon Mrs. Hill had set aside with particular care. Mrs. Bennet looked up at once, her expression sharpening with interest.
“Lizzy,” she said, “come and tell me. Do you think this shade suits me? I am not certain it does not wash me out.”
Elizabeth regarded the ribbon politely. “It is very pretty, Mama.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled, evidently satisfied, and laid it aside. “I shall have it made up for Sunday. One must look respectable, after all.”
Elizabeth took the chair opposite her. “Mama, I wished to speak with you about a letter Papa received this morning.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes brightened at once. “A letter? From whom?”
“We have received a letter from Mr. Collins.”
Mrs. Bennet frowned. “Mr. Collins? Our cousin?”
“Yes. He intends to visit Longbourn in about a fortnight. He writes that he wishes to make amends for the entail.”
“Oh,” Mrs. Bennet said faintly. Then, with sudden animation, “Well! That is very proper of him. Extremely proper. I have always said it was the least he could do.”
“Papa and I thought it best to receive him with civility,” Elizabeth said.
“Of course,” Mrs. Bennet replied quickly. “One never knows what may come of such things.” She hesitated. “He is, I believe, a man of some consequence?”
“He is a clergyman,” Elizabeth answered evenly.
Mrs. Bennet pursed her lips. “A living is something. And he will see the house, I suppose.”
“Yes, Mama. He will be our guest.” Elizabeth paused. “He also writes as though he assumes his visit will end in marriage, to one of your daughters.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened. “Marriage?”
Elizabeth met her gaze steadily. “I do not believe such a match would be right for any of us.”
Mrs. Bennet drew back. “Why should it not? It would secure the estate. We should keep our home.”
Elizabeth regarded her mother thoughtfully. “Suppose, for example, that Mr. Collins were to choose me, and I were expected to accept him. Do you believe I should be happy?”
Mrs. Bennet hesitated. “You would be married. He has a respectable situation.”
“I should not be content,” Elizabeth said quietly. “Nor should I remain here, managing the estate as I do now. You recall how matters stood before I assisted Papa, our concerns about money and order.”
Mrs. Bennet frowned, considering this.
“And in time,” Elizabeth continued, “when Papa is gone, and Mr. Collins returns as master of Longbourn, do you suppose your position would remain unchanged?”
Mrs. Bennet stiffened. “I am mistress of this house.”
Elizabeth’s voice softened. “Not then, Mama. If I were compelled into such a marriage, your position here would not remain the same."
Silence fell between them. Mrs. Bennet's gaze dropped briefly to her hands.
“At present,” Elizabeth said, “we are secure. There is no need to sacrifice any of us out of fear. And should circumstances ever change, you need not fear, Mama. I would never see you without a home.”
Mrs. Bennet exhaled slowly. “What of Jane? Or Mary?”
“They would not view such a proposal any more favourably than I,” Elizabeth replied. “We shall endure his visit, and nothing more.”
At last, Mrs. Bennet nodded. “Very well. He may come, and we shall see him properly received.” She rose. “Thank you for telling me yourself.”
Elizabeth stood as well. “Of course, Mama. I know you will see to everything.”
***
Darcy was perusing the shelves at the bookshop in Meryton when the bell over the door gave a soft jingle.
Mr. Bell looked up from behind the counter and smiled at the woman entering. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Phillips. How are you today?”
“I am very well, thank you,” Mrs. Phillips replied pleasantly. “I was wondering whether that new receipt pamphlet has come in.”
Mr. Bell nodded. “Yes, madam. The household receipt pamphlet you asked for has arrived. And Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s books came in this morning as well.”
Mrs. Phillips brightened. “Indeed? Miss Elizabeth does love her books. I would be happy to take them to her.” She drew coins from her reticule and laid them on the counter. “How much do I owe for Lizzy’s books?”
Mr. Bell shook his head as he gathered the volumes and the pamphlet. “There is no need, madam. Miss Elizabeth settles her account each month.”
Mrs. Phillips accepted the books and glanced at the titles.
“Annals of Agriculture and Cowper,” she said, giving a small shake of her head.
“I do not always understand that girl. She is forever going here and there, a very active young woman.
“Why, she was only yesterday with Mrs. Smith during her confinement and missed the assembly on that account. Her mother was none too pleased; you may be sure. Still, she is a sweet girl. Always stops to speak with me when we meet.”
She nodded to Mr. Bell. “Well, I must be off.” With that, she took her leave.
Darcy, who had listened without appearing to do so, glanced briefly toward the door, his expression thoughtful, before returning his attention to the shelves.
Mr. Bell approached him. “May I help you find anything, sir?”
Darcy turned slightly. “Yes, thank you. I will take these two volumes.” He paused, then added, “And do you have another copy of Cowper?”
Mr. Bell inclined his head. “The Task, sir? Yes, I have another copy.”
“Excellent,” Darcy said. “I will take that as well.”