CHAPTER 2 #3
“That is perfectly right!” cried Mrs. Bennet, whose spirits rose in proportion to the possibility of contradiction, “for one cannot be driven away by every idle report. People are forever mistaken, and it is always best to insist upon what is proper.”
“Perhaps it is a misunderstanding, not a personal decision made from mistrust or some temporary influence,” Jane suggested kindly.
“Thank you, Jane, my dear,” Mr. Bennet said. “Therefore, Mr. Collins is thinking of ignoring Mr. Wickham’s letter and going to Hunsford to claim the post as if nothing had happened. Her ladyship may not yet have made a final determination.”
“One can no longer trust people’s words,” Mrs. Bennet complained.
“The good news is that Collins has his point, my dears. That is why he invites me, Mrs. Bennet, and Jane to accompany him to Hunsford next week, when he intends to take charge of his new living. He wishes to demonstrate the support of his family for his undertaking. The visit will certainly clarify the matter.”
“Perhaps I should stay at home with the girls,” Mrs. Bennet suggested. “It is too warm for me to make long journeys, Mr. Bennet.”
“As far as I am concerned, I would rather not go on a journey with Mr. Collins,” Jane said. “His presence alone is like a heavy weight, dragging me down into the depths of despair. Not to mention his conversation.”
“You are afraid that he might ask for your hand in marriage,” Mrs. Bennet observed critically. “But he is as good a match for you as any other.”
“Jane is much too kind to say no to anyone,” Mary said. “If I were in Jane’s place, he would not dare to open his mouth with such a proposal.”
“But you are not as attractive as she is,” Lydia commented mischievously.
“And you are not half as clever as she is,” Mary retorted promptly.
“Papa,” Elizabeth ventured after a pause, “I would like to accompany you to Hunsford when you call on Mr. Wickham, if I may.”
“Are you certain, Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet inquired, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise. “You have never before shown such interest in the comings and goings of clergymen. What has prompted this sudden change of heart?”
“Curiosity, I confess,” Elizabeth admitted, her cheeks tinged with pink. “I am most eager to learn more about this gentleman who has so unexpectedly entered our lives. Besides, Cousin Collins would not dare to propose to me.”
“Very well,” Mr. Bennet agreed, unable to resist the sparkle in his favourite daughter’s eyes. “Then your mother will stay home, and you may join us, though I expect you will find your interest in Mr. Wickham short-lived once the initial mystery has been dispelled.”
“Perhaps,” Elizabeth conceded with a smile, her heart racing with anticipation. Little did she suspect how enduring her fascination with the enigmatic Mr. Wickham might prove.
***
Over the following days, the anticipation of meeting Mr. Wickham grew amongst the Bennet family as their curiosity about the new Hunsford vicar flourished. Even some servants could be heard whispering in the corridors, speculating.
“Surely Mr. Wickham must possess some fine qualities if he has been chosen for such a position instead of Cousin Collins,” Mrs. Bennet declared one evening, her voice tinged with hopeful anticipation.
“If he be a bachelor, as one might very reasonably suppose, a gentleman with a living at Hunsford would make a most desirable match for one of my dear daughters, would he not?”
“Indeed, Mama,” Jane replied, her gentle smile betraying no hint of the anxiety beneath her calm countenance. “We can only hope that he is as deserving of our good opinion as you believe him to be.”
“Ha!” snorted Mr. Bennet, suppressing a chuckle as he glanced up from his book. “I daresay we shall soon discover whether this Mr. Wickham is truly a man of substance or simply another foolish pretender to the cloth.”
“Father,” said Elizabeth, unable to contain her own eagerness, “when do you expect us to leave for Hunsford and make Mr. Wickham’s acquaintance?”
“Ah, Lizzy,” replied Mr. Bennet, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Mr. Collins should arrive here tomorrow by noon. We shall probably start our journey to Hunsford the day after tomorrow in the morning.”
“A capital idea, Mr. Bennet!” Mrs. Bennet almost cried, clapping her hands together. “I am quite desperate to find out more about the gentleman who has taken Mr. Collins’s parish.”
“Very well,” Mr. Bennet conceded, gazing at Elizabeth. “I shall make arrangements for the carriage, and we shall set off in a few days. I trust you are satisfied, my dear Lizzy?”
“Quite, Father,” Elizabeth said, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I eagerly await our meeting with Mr. Wickham and hope he will prove himself worthy of our esteem. Though, if our support should prove effective, I would be equally glad to know our cousin at a distance.”
“Indeed,” Jane murmured, her own curiosity piqued by her sister’s enthusiasm.
“We shall soon see whether this gentleman is as deserving of our attention as we have been led to believe.”
The sisters exchanged knowing glances, their thoughts filled with the image of the mysterious Mr. Wickham.
In the days that followed, the Bennet household bustled with preparations for their visit to Hunsford, each member of the family eager to satisfy their curiosity about the enigmatic new vicar.
Little did they know just how consequential this encounter would prove to be, setting into motion a sequence of events that would forever alter the course of their lives.
***
In the solitude of her chamber, Elizabeth stood by the window, gazing at the verdant landscape beyond.
Her heart fluttered with excitement and trepidation as she contemplated the journey ahead.
The prospect of forming her own opinion of Mr. Wickham both intrigued and intimidated her, for she was not one to be easily swayed by the opinions of others.
“Is it possible that he will be as charming and accomplished as one would expect a young gentleman who has studied at Cambridge?” she mused, her fingers idly tracing the delicate embroidery on the windowsill.
“Or perhaps his charm is but a facade, concealing a character less deserving of admiration?”
“Dearest Lizzy,” Jane said gently, entering the room and interrupting her reverie. “Are you quite ready for our journey? There is much to be done before we depart.”
“Indeed, Jane,” Elizabeth replied, tearing her gaze away from the window. “I confess I find myself consumed with thoughts of our impending meeting with Mr. Wickham.”
“Come now, sister,” Jane said with a tender smile, folding a silk gown into a neat bundle. “Let us focus our energies on preparing for the journey ahead. We shall soon have ample opportunity to judge Mr. Wickham’s character for ourselves.”
“Very well, dear Jane,” Elizabeth agreed, turning her attention to the task at hand. “I cannot quite persuade myself that it would be right to support Cousin Collins, if it should mean doing injustice to a better man.”
Together, the sisters sorted through their wardrobe, selecting the finest gowns, bonnets, and shawls they possessed, all in anticipation of their visit to Hunsford. Each article of clothing was carefully examined, and any minor imperfections in need of repair were duly noted.
“Elizabeth, do you think this gown would suit me better for our first dinner at Hunsford, or should I reserve it for the Sunday service?” Jane asked, holding up an exquisite blue muslin dress.
“Perhaps the Sunday service would be a better choice, dear Jane,” Elizabeth answered thoughtfully. “The colour will surely complement the serene atmosphere of the church.”
“Thank you, Lizzy,” Jane replied with a grateful smile. “I do appreciate your guidance.”
Amid their preparations, Elizabeth’s thoughts strayed once more to the mysterious Mr. Wickham. As she packed her belongings, she pondered the possible outcomes of their meeting and the impact it might have on her family.
“Will he prove himself worthy of our esteem and, perhaps more importantly, deserving of our mother’s approval?” she wondered, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Or is he another figure in the endless parade of suitable matches that Mama insists upon presenting to us?”
“Dearest Lizzy,” Jane said softly, sensing her sister’s inner turmoil. “Allow yourself the freedom to form your own opinion of Mr. Wickham. Trust in your instincts, for they have rarely led you astray.”
“Thank you, Jane,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Your counsel is always wise and comforting.”
As the day wore on, the sisters continued their preparations, the anticipation of their journey to Hunsford growing with each passing hour.
Unbeknownst to them, fate had already begun weaving its intricate tapestry, preparing to trap them all in a web of romance, intrigue, and unforgettable encounters.
***
Mr. Collins arrived promptly at noon on the day he was expected, his presence heralded by the sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel of Longbourn’s driveway. He stepped out, adjusting his waistcoat with an air of self-importance, and beamed at the Bennet family gathered to greet him.
“Good day to you all!” Mr. Collins called out cheerfully, his voice booming over the courtyard. “I trust you have been well since my last visit. It gives me such pleasure to see you all in good spirits!”
His animated composure was met with polite smiles and nods, though Elizabeth could not help but notice how he seemed much more concerned with his own future than he had been during his previous visit.
“Mr. Collins, how wonderful to see you again,” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, fluttering her hands as she approached him. “I do hope your journey was not too arduous?”
“Quite the opposite, my dear madam! I was favoured with a most agreeable journey, and the weather proved remarkably accommodating. It is as if the heavens themselves wished to render my visit yet more pleasant!” Mr. Collins said, with evident satisfaction.
***
At the dinner table that evening, Mr. Collins maintained a restraint which, though not entirely natural, surprised everyone by its persistence.
He refrained from placing himself at the centre of attention, unlike his usual habit, and instead applied himself with visible care to offering only such remarks as might be received with universal approval.
“Indeed, Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Collins began, his fork poised in the air, “this roast is truly excellent. Quite the culinary triumph. You must allow me to write to Lady Catherine to inform her of your exemplary household management. I am convinced she would be most gratified to hear it.”
“Oh, Mr. Collins, you flatter me!” Mrs. Bennet replied, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. “But you must know, it is merely the result of practice and a motherly instinct to please my family.”
“Practice and instinct indeed!” Mr. Collins exclaimed, nodding with increasing earnestness. “Yet I cannot but suppose that Lady Catherine would not only be pleased, but might even be inclined to notice such talents in a more distinguished manner. You are, madam, most deserving of it.”
Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Jane, with difficulty preserving her composure as Mr. Collins continued his praise, entirely insensible to the effect it produced.
“Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth ventured cautiously, “have you had the opportunity to discuss your future plans with Lady Catherine since your last visit?”
“Ah, yes, indeed!” he replied, his countenance brightening immediately.
“I have taken care to make her fully acquainted with my intentions in the ministry, and with the advantages which must arise from my connection to her distinguished family. I flatter myself that she considers my devotion in a very favourable light.”
“Of course, Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth said, her tone composed. “Your devotion is most evident, and I am sure Lady Catherine cannot fail to appreciate your diligence in seeking her guidance.”
Mr. Collins received this with evident gratification. “I have always thought it my duty,” he said, “to show the utmost respect and gratitude toward those of superior rank. It is a principle which, I am persuaded, must recommend a man in every respectable circle.”
“Quite so, Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth replied with a slight smile, her heart racing at the thought of his overinflated ego.
The evening passed in this manner, with Mr. Collins moving through conversation with unflagging perseverance, ever attentive to those whose approval he most valued.
***
At last, the following day arrived, and the moment of departure was upon them.
The Bennet family gathered in the courtyard of Longbourn, the sun casting dappled shadows across the brick facade.
The carriage stood ready, its horses tossing their heads impatiently while servants busily secured trunks and last-minute parcels.
“Goodness, I do hope we have not forgotten anything!” Mrs. Bennet fretted, her hands fluttering anxiously. “Lizzy, Jane, are you quite certain you packed everything? Your best dresses, your bonnets, your shoes?”
“Rest assured, Mama,” Elizabeth said, with a hint of amusement, “we have taken great care to ensure that we shall be properly attired for our stay in Hunsford.”
Mr. Collins, having entered the carriage first, attempted to appear composed, but his uneasiness betrayed him. “Is everything in order?” he asked, looking about as though some calamity might yet present itself.
“Quite so, Cousin,” Mr. Bennet assured him with a rueful smile. “All is as it should be. I would not have you distress yourself before the journey has even begun.”
“Thank you, dear sir,” Mr. Collins replied, his face a picture of earnestness.
“It is my greatest wish to make a favourable impression upon the inhabitants of Hunsford, and particularly upon the esteemed Lady Catherine, whose notice I must ever consider the highest distinction. I trust I shall not disappoint her expectations.”
As the carriage began to roll away from Longbourn, Elizabeth could not help but feel a mixture of excitement and quiet uncertainty. “Papa,” Elizabeth said, turning toward him, “do you think Mr. Wickham will prove to be all that we have been led to suppose?”
Cousin Collins regarded her with a sidelong glance, in which a degree of reservation was plainly expressed.
“Time will determine it, my dear,” Mr. Bennet said, settling himself comfortably. “You will have sufficient opportunity to form your own judgement. Only keep your wits about you, and do not suffer Mr. Collins’s enthusiasm to guide your conclusions.”
With the road stretching steadily before them, and Hunsford drawing them onward, the party quitted Longbourn in a state of expectation—each with their own view of what was to come, and none yet prepared for the consequences that awaited them.