Chapter 1.6 #2
Darcy noticed that her charming appearance drew the attention of many other gentlemen, and he felt a sharp stab of jealousy, angry with himself for being so irrational.
Stronger than jealousy, however, was his worry, which increased as he watched Elizabeth talking with Wickham.
He wondered how that scoundrel dared to attend a ball in the house of his friend.
He soon put aside any attempt to understand the limits of the man’s impertinence, relieved to see Elizabeth moving away from him and joining her friend Charlotte.
Both ladies began to talk cheerfully, and from time to time Elizabeth’s eyes turned in his direction, holding his insistent gaze for a few moments and then averting her eyes, blushing. He saw her wrap her arms around herself as if she were chilled, and he smiled again, recognising her gesture.
Is it my gaze that makes you shiver, Elizabeth? Can you feel my eyes caressing you from afar?
He wished to be near her and envied everyone who was so fortunate as to be in her company. He tried to remain patient until an opportunity arose to approach her properly or until they danced together. And then the supper…and then… He must have a second dance—no question of that.
It was still early, and some guests had yet to arrive.
Darcy decided to take a stroll about the room with the intention of greeting Miss Lucas properly; that Elizabeth happened to be with her was only a happy coincidence.
At that moment, he was intercepted by Mr Collins, who bowed as low as possible without toppling over.
“My dear Mr Darcy, it is a great honour to talk to you again.”
“Good evening, Mr Collins. In truth, I am a little surprised to see you here. I had thought that dancing was not a proper way for a clergyman to spend an evening.”
“No indeed, sir, I am by no means of the opinion, I assure you, that a ball of this kind, given by a young man of character to respectable people, can have any evil tendency.” Then he leaned in and continued in a lower tone, “And, sir, I must confess to you that I am here on the advice of my noble patroness, your aunt Lady Catherine.”
“Really, sir? And what advice was that?”
“To find a wife, sir! ‘Mr Collins,’ her ladyship said, ‘you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.’ And, since I shall inherit Longbourn at the death of my honourable cousin Mr Bennet, I thought it proper to choose a wife from among my cousins. Do you not think it a thoughtful gesture, sir?”
Darcy stood still for a few moments, trying to understand what the parson had said.
He generally gave little consideration to Collins, and he had barely been listening to him, but his last sentence surely caught his attention.
Suddenly the revelation struck him; this silly man had chosen Elizabeth to be his wife!
He was grossly appalled by the thought; but, happily, he knew for certain it would never come to pass—not if I can do something to prevent it—but he was still in disbelief at Collins’s presumption.
He tried to compose himself enough to continue the conversation.
“Indeed, a very thoughtful gesture. And may I ask whether you favour one of your cousins in particular?”
“Sir, I should be happy to answer any question you might do me the honour of asking…and yes, I have decided in favour of my cousin Elizabeth.”
“Really?” He breathed deeply a few times, trying to control himself. Then he looked with great preoccupation from Elizabeth to Collins. “I congratulate you, Mr Collins, on your choice. Miss Elizabeth is indeed a very charming young lady, although I must say I am a little surprised.”
“Oh, thank you, Mr Darcy; I am honoured by your approval.”
“Am I to understand, Mr Collins, that you have already reached an understanding with Miss Elizabeth and her father?”
“No, sir, but I have every intention of proposing tomorrow morning. However, I do expect success. My situation in life, my connexions with the noble family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to her own family, are circumstances highly in my favour. And however charming my cousin may be, she must take into consideration that it is possible she might not receive another proposal, considering her lack of dowry.”
“I see. Mr Collins, when you have everything settled, let me know. I promise you my full support. In fact, if you find it agreeable, I shall write a letter to my aunt myself in order to declare my good opinion of Miss Elizabeth. Happily, by the time my aunt meets her, she will have become accustomed to the idea.” Then he bowed and took his leave, adding, “You are a very courageous man, Mr Collins. I never should have thought you capable of contending against Lady Catherine to defend your choice.”
For a few seconds, Collins did not fully understand Mr Darcy’s meaning.
All he knew was that Mr Darcy approved his choice and offered his support.
His support for what? Trying to remember this, moment by moment, the words came into his mind and began to make sense.
A cold sense of panic spread throughout his body, and he hurried after Mr Darcy, stopping him in a very ungentlemanly manner by grabbing his arm.
Mr Darcy looked evidently displeased. “Is there a problem, Mr Collins?”
“Certainly there is, sir. I must have a few words with you, Mr Darcy, I beg you! Our conversation requires me to ask: Sir, am I mistaken or did you imply that Lady Catherine would be displeased by my choice of Miss Elizabeth Bennet as my wife? Why would her ladyship disapprove of her?”
“Mr Collins, I shall not talk with you about Miss Elizabeth or any other young lady in particular. You know your cousin better than I do, and if you believe Lady Catherine would consider Miss Elizabeth the proper wife for you, then it must be true. And, if you are determined in her favour, the opinion of Lady Catherine or me should be insignificant.”
His eyes opened widely at such a statement. “Mr Darcy, I beg to differ, sir. Lady Catherine’s opinion is the most important thing to me, and any advice you might give me would be much valued.”
Mr Collins’s gaze turned to Elizabeth who was talking with Miss Lucas and two officers.
She was laughing—a little too loudly for his taste—and she…
Was it possible? Was she flirting with those men?
He quickly remembered her escape in the rain and her appearance—so wild and muddied—her many improper comments, and her obvious preference for Mr Wickham.
He froze and turned to Mr Darcy, panic evident in his eyes.
“Mr Darcy, I might have been imprudent and hasty in my choice. I shall be forever grateful to you for your valuable advice. Indeed, a clergyman cannot be too prudent in this matter, especially one who is so happy as to have Lady Catherine’s protection.”
Mr Darcy only nodded, seeing that by now both Elizabeth and Mr Bennet were looking curiously in their direction.
“Mr Darcy, I would be more than grateful to you if you would not mention this conversation to anyone and particularly not to your aunt.”
“You may be assured of my secrecy, sir. Do not distress yourself.”
“Thank you, sir! Happily, this ball could be an excellent opportunity to meet other charming young ladies, and happily during the dances I shall—”
Suddenly he stopped and cast another frightened glance at Darcy.
“Oh my! I have already invited my cousin Elizabeth for the first set, and now my preference for her will be evident to everyone. I could never bestow my favours on another young lady this evening.”
He looked ridiculously upset, shifting from one foot to the other as Darcy bit his lower lip, fighting desperately the laughter that wanted to burst from his chest. This cannot be! I cannot be tempted at this level and still be forced to keep my countenance.
Every proper manner would forbid his doing such a thing, and he knew it was preposterous, but he could not be rational in anything regarding Elizabeth, so he took the opportunity.
“Mr Collins, I do not see a cause for such distress. Indeed, sir, one might feel indisposed and not inclined to dance at times. I am sure Miss Elizabeth would understand a sudden indisposition. And since I promised you my support…I am not engaged for the first two sets and could offer to dance with her in your stead to avoid putting her in a disagreeable situation.”
The relief Mr Collins felt at that moment would be difficult to describe.
He was convinced once more that all the great qualities possessed by Lady Catherine resided equally in her nephew.
He approached Elizabeth, followed closely by Darcy, who was not only amused but a trifle worried at Elizabeth’s reaction to his involvement.
His sense of honour made him feel guilty at what he had done, but he knew he was right.
Elizabeth could not welcome the parson’s attention.
The music was about to begin for the first set, and Elizabeth was still talking with Charlotte. She introduced her cousin to her friend and then waited for Mr Collins to claim her hand for the dance.
“My dear cousin Elizabeth, a temporary indisposition prevents me from honouring my previous promise, and unfortunately, I shall not be able to enjoy your company for the first set.”
Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment.
“I am afraid I do not understand you, Mr Collins. Are you unwell, sir? Shall I fetch my father?”
“No, indeed! Your concern does you honour. However, I have only a slight indisposition which will prevent me from dancing this set.”
“Well, do not trouble yourself, Cousin. It is of no consequence. I shall simply enjoy my conversation with my friend.”