Introducing Mrs. Collins
Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,
I trust you are both in good health. I am eager to hear your news, but let us set that aside while I tell you tidings of our family, which may be of interest to you, because whether we would wish it or not, you have both been closely connected to us in one way or another, and I trust the news will bring you joy, or something like it.
It is thus: my two eldest daughters, both of whom were of particular interest to you at one time, Mr Collins, are both now engaged!
Jane, whose looks I had always thought must not be for nothing, is to marry Mr Bingley of Netherfield Park, who has five thousand a year.
Elizabeth, who has always had luck on her side, is to marry Mr Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire, who has ten thousand a year.
I tell you of the gentlemen’s fortunes because I wish to set your minds at rest should you harbour any feelings of guilt about the entail of Longbourn; it is only Christian that you should feel that way and it is right.
But now the blow will be somewhat cushioned, at least for my girls.
They will have a comfortable home when the time comes, and what will become of me, I am sure is the least of anyone’s concerns.
And so it should be: a mother can have no concerns about her own destitution, so long as her children are safe.
I had the good fortune to meet Lady Catherine de Bourgh not long since; she was good enough to visit us at Longbourn.
She had some business with Lizzy, which chiefly took up her time with us, and that vexed me, but before that, she was very gracious, and it was an honour to welcome her.
I see why you spoke about her so much, Mr Collins; she is very grand indeed.
Please do give her my regards when you next see her and be sure to tell her about Jane and Lizzy’s engagements.
Mrs Collins, I saw your mother in Meryton this week, and she said you had been unwell.
I am sorry to hear it; there is a vicious influenza around, which has brought down half of Hertfordshire.
Perhaps you have had that, but in Kent. My sister, Mrs Philips, has been in bed for two weeks, and while it looks like indulgence – and so I told her – she assured me she was really very ill indeed, and I am of half a mind to believe her.
Mrs Collins, you must be grateful you do not suffer with your nerves, as I do: the summer was a very bad time for me, but I am improved in recent weeks, and it is a good job, too, as Mr Bennet is in rather a malaise, considering what reasons he has to be cheerful.
But I have said enough. I thank you for welcoming our Lizzy in the spring, and perhaps now you will like to visit her instead, as she will soon have vastly more rooms to offer you.
Yours joyfully,
Mrs Bennet
P.S. I saw your Maria this week at church, and she is become such a beauty! What a pleasant girl – always with a smile and a manner that puts one at ease. You would not think you were sisters! But then my Lydia could not be more different from Mary, so that is families for you.