Chapter 9 The Netherfield Ball
Mr. Collins stood at the foot of the staircase waiting for Elizabeth to come down.
When all three sisters were dressed, Jane descended first, followed by Mary and then Elizabeth.
The three Bennet daughters were beautifully dressed and coiffed.
Bennet stepped forward to take Jane’s hand and then Mary’s.
“Ah, my lovely daughters. I am a proud father.”
Mr. Collins took Elizabeth’s hand. His eyes traced every detail of her hair and gown, though he said nothing.
He had decided upon a course of subtlety and hoped it was not too late to capture her heart.
He and Bennet had returned from London two days earlier, and in that time, his cousin had not spoken to him.
She would not look at him nor respond when he addressed her.
She had spent both days in her father’s study, and Mr. Bennet had covered her silence at the dinner table.
Earlier, Bennet had warned his wife to leave Elizabeth alone or risk turning her entirely against the heir.
“Frances, you will leave Elizabeth alone. If I hear you directing her to sit by Mr. Collins, or forcing her to speak to him or walk with him, I will withhold next quarter’s pin money and take away your use of the carriage.
You must leave him to his suit. This is not something that can be forced, and your interference has already set her at odds with him. ”
He stopped and stared at her. “Is it your intention to send him away unattached to one of our daughters?”
She looked alarmed. “No, sir, I am hopeful that Elizabeth will take him as her husband.”
He shook his head. “You have gone about it very poorly, and if an attachment between them fails, I shall blame you for setting Lizzy against him. Do I make myself clear?”
She stood and looked at her husband. “Mr. Bennet, you have never spoken to me with such vehemence.”
He scowled at her. “I blame myself for that. I should have spoken when he first came to us. It is probably too late now, but mind your own business, and perhaps all will come out well. But know this, I will not force Lizzy to take him.”
She huffed and walked out of his study.
That evening, Bennet watched as Collins escorted Elizabeth to the Bennet carriage. He had arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Phillips to collect Jane and Mrs. Bennet in their conveyance to prevent creasing his daughters' ball gowns. He rode with Elizabeth, Mary, and Mr. Collins.
Once they were settled in the carriage, Thomas Bennet spoke, hoping to ease the tension. “Elizabeth, Aunt Maddie sends her regards. She is grateful for Lydia’s assistance with little Edward, and I am pleased to report that Lydia finds caring for a two-year-old toddler diverting.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I am delighted to hear that, Papa. I would not have guessed that caring for a child was the remedy for Lydia’s wild ways.”
He chuckled. “Madeline has also promised to take Lydia to see the sights. Your sister earns an outing when she behaves herself like a gentlewoman. In her first week in London, she was taken to see the Royal Menagerie, and in her second week, to Vauxhall Gardens. Both your aunt and your sister are very well satisfied with their arrangement.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Oh, Papa, I am so happy. We stood at the brink of ruin, and now we have this happy resolution to our troubles.”
Mr. Collins spoke. “Your sister Kitty is attending a ladies’ seminary, but she is not so well satisfied with her arrangement.”
Elizabeth turned to her cousin. “What does she find to repine? I would be grateful for the opportunity to study.”
Collins grinned. “We all know that you love to read and learn, Miss Elizabeth, but your sister does not have a turn for education.”
Mr. Bennet huffed. “I knew Kitty was idle, but I had no idea she was lazy. The headmistress advised me not to worry. She has her methods to motivate young women to learn and better themselves.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Will she be able to do for Kitty what none of the rest of us was able to do?”
Bennet raised an eyebrow. “She has been working with young women for twenty-five years. I believe she knows what Kitty needs to motivate her. Fortunately, your sister is only seventeen and has plenty of time to learn and to change for the better.”
Mr. Collins reached for Elizabeth’s hand in the darkness. She flicked it away and slid farther from him. Why had she not taken the seat next to her father? How she wished she could change places with Mary. The silence grew awkward, and she forced herself to say something.
“Mr. Collins, what do you think of Meryton and our neighbors?”
William Collins was determined to court his beautiful cousin.
He set himself to be as amiable and respectful as he knew how and regretted having allowed his tongue and playfulness to run away with him early in his visit.
He had hoped the two weeks he had spent away from her would have softened her toward him, but now he wished he had not tried to take her hand.
It was clear she still thought poorly of him, and he had no one to blame but himself.
Time was slipping away, yet with no other contenders, he resolved to slow his pace and make a more measured attempt to win her.
Just now, she wished him to talk, and so he set himself to oblige her.
He made a beginning. “Miss Elizabeth, I find Meryton to be a fine little village.” He then spoke of the people he had met and continued in that vein until Netherfield came into view.
When the carriage arrived, Elizabeth caught her breath.
The house appeared to be lit by a thousand candles.
As they slowly moved forward in the queue, she watched her neighbors step down from their carriages in elegant evening gowns.
Her friends were hopeful, their faces alight with expectation.
She was not. Mr. Collins had announced his intention to remain by her side the entire evening. She shuddered inwardly.
She turned to look at him. He was watching her with piercing blue eyes. His fair hair, handsome face, and muscular frame made him look every inch a prince, but she knew something of the workings of his mind, and that disturbed her.
At last, their carriage drew up at the entrance. The door was opened, and Mr. Collins stepped out and handed her down. He escorted her inside, to the receiving line, where they greeted their hosts.
The grand ballroom was alive with guests and music.
The chandeliers sparkled with candlelight, and the air was sweet with the fragrance of roses.
Two great bouquets flanked the entrance, their scent lingering.
It was a magical night, despite Mr. Collins at her side.
The room was adorned with potted trees, ferns, and netting.
Elizabeth had to admit that Miss Bingley knew how to organize a ball.
“Miss Elizabeth, please save your first and the supper set for me,” Mr. Collins said.
Her heart dropped down to her feet.
He chuckled softly. “Your expressive eyes speak your mind, my dear. You really should try to hide the truth if you can.” He looked at her, amused. “Though you do not wish to dance the first and supper sets with me, you are not at liberty to refuse, so I am satisfied.”
Elizabeth’s gaze dropped. “Forgive me, sir, I did not mean to…”
“Never mind, cousin,” he interrupted. “Do not lie to me. It is too late for that. Come, let us get a cup of punch to soften the edge. I sense you are nervous.”
Elizabeth realized she was indeed nervous and afraid.
Her cousin was determined to have her. His manner toward her had altered over the past two days, and her mother had wisely retreated, but the change made no difference.
She already knew what she knew, and she did not like the man.
She held his arm as he led her to the refreshment table and accepted a cup, though she only sipped at it. Elizabeth meant to keep her mind clear.
Mr. James Goulding approached. “Miss Elizabeth, may I have your first available set?”
She smiled at her childhood friend. “The Scotch Reel is open.”
He took her hand and bowed over it. “Lizzy, I have not seen you since I left for University. You have grown more beautiful than your elder sister.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Jamie, you are such a tease. We both know Jane has always been your favorite.” He chuckled and looked to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth made the introductions, and then her friend moved away.
Mr. Darcy approached her. “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the supper set?”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Mr. Collins has my supper set, but my third set is open.”
He bowed in acquiescence and left her.
John Watson stepped to her side. “Lizzy, do you have any open sets left?”
She smiled. “The Quadrille is open, sir.”
He grinned at her. “You clean up well, Lizzy. I can hardly believe you are the same girl I used to fish with. Do you remember that time you fell into the pond and I had to fish you out?”
She laughed. “I do, but it is very impolitic of you to bring it up. May I introduce you to my cousin, Mr. William Collins? He is my father’s heir.”
The young man bowed.
“Mr. Collins, this is Mr. John Watson. He has been away these past two years at university.”
She turned back to Mr. Watson. “I did not know you were expected home.”
He rubbed his chin. “Lizzy, Mamma forced me to return for the ball. She says Miss King has inherited ten thousand pounds, and I am to try to engage her affection.”
“You do not seem very excited about the prospect.”
His brow furrowed. “Forgive me, I have said too much, but I know you so well, I let my guard down. Please, forget that I said anything.”
“Of course, John. My lips are sealed. You may rest easy.”
He bowed. “Thank you, my dear. You have always been a gem.” He stepped away.