Chapter 5 #2
“But,” Lydia intervened, “if there will be music, we must have someone to dance with! There are not enough young men among our acquaintances in Meryton.”
“I do not mind the question, Miss Bennet.” Mr Bingley smiled at Jane. “When the regiment arrives, I intend to meet the colonel. We shall see if the encounter is favourable enough for a dinner invitation.”
“We do not care who else you include,” Mrs Bennet stated. “We are just happy with the invitation, Mr Bingley. Music or not. Dancing or not.”
Mr Bingley seemed pleased and departed shortly after, leaving the ladies with another subject for their heated discussions and plans.
Elizabeth was still uncertain of her feelings regarding the dinner party.
She would certainly see Mr Darcy again, and that thought made her agitated for reasons that still escaped her.
Since she had first set eyes on Mr Darcy, something had affected her so much that she became uneasy in his presence — or absence, when his name was mentioned.
It was quite absurd to think of him so often, when she had only met him a few times.
At least Jane was certain that she liked Mr Bingley, who admired her in return.
How she thought, how she felt about Mr Darcy was far from certain, and the constant agitation annoyed Elizabeth.
***
In two days, the news about Mr Bingley’s dinner party had spread all over Meryton. Some were invited — not many though, and Mrs Bennet made sure that everyone knew they were the first guests on Mr Bingley’s list.
At the same time, two new arrivals affected life both at Longbourn and in Meryton.
The regiment of militia encamped in Meryton included several handsome officers, drawing the ladies’ attention.
Lydia and Kitty spoke of little else, and Mrs Bennet encouraged them.
They visited their aunt Phillips and Maria Lucas every day, with the hope of seeing the officers and making their acquaintance.
Eventually, their wish came true when they were introduced to a certain Lieutenant Denny and two of his companions — all three exceedingly handsome.
As though a full regiment was not enough to disturb the family’s peace, Mr Collins — Mr Bennet’s cousin — arrived at Longbourn on the exact day and at the exact hour he had mentioned in his letter.
He was a young man of five-and-twenty, with a pleasant-enough figure, spoilt by a ridiculously pompous way of speaking and bowing at every other word.
He related to them that he was a clergyman and had been given a parish in Kent by his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
“I have come for several purposes,” Mr Collins admitted, “each of them approved by her ladyship. First, I have long wished to meet you all, especially Mr Bennet but also my handsome young cousins. I did not expect to see such flawless beauty, and I never imagined that two of my cousins would be so perfectly alike.”
“Oh yes, everybody who knows them says they are like two peas in a pod,” Mrs Bennet confirmed. “But do not allow yourself to be deceived, for they are as different in nature as they are similar in looks.”
“It would be my pleasure to discover more about both of them, so, with your permission, I shall sit near them at dinner,” Mr Collins declared.
“As you wish, sir,” Mrs Bennet replied. “And what are your other purposes for visiting us? You mentioned there were several.”
“Indeed, ma’am. The second is to finally see Longbourn. Lady Catherine said I should know exactly what my future inheritance looks like, enquire as to its income, and she even said she might provide me with some advice on managing an estate.”
“Mr Collins, you are too hasty,” Mr Bennet interjected. “You should tell Lady Catherine to postpone her advice, as I must die before you require it.”
Elizabeth knew her father spoke in jest, but the clergyman turned white and began to mumble.
“My dear Mr Bennet, I did not mean to…my only intention was to…I beg you not to assume that…”
“Mr Collins, there is no need to distress yourself. Your choice of words was unfortunate, but I am sure you do not expect me to die before you return to Kent.”
“No indeed, sir! I wish you a long and prosperous life!”
“Thank you. Now let us rest after all this activity. Mrs Bennet’s nerves are quite delicate. And then we shall meet again at dinner.”
“Mr Collins, are there any more reasons for your coming to Hertfordshire, or were there only two?” Mrs Bennet asked one more question.
“There is another reason, ma’am, equally important, as Lady Catherine insisted upon it.
I was told to find a wife, as it is time for me to marry and become an example to my parishioners.
I intend to see if I can find someone appropriate to be my partner and companion, and to fulfil Lady Catherine’s demands. ”
“This sounds like a very ambitious visit, Mr Collins, with so many important purposes to fulfil. Of your three objectives, I can only help you accomplish one. I would be happy to take you on a ride to show you the Longbourn estate. In truth, it has been quite a while since I inspected the whole of it. We only have to wait for good weather, as it is a long ride.”
“That would be lovely! Thank you. Your kindness is much appreciated,” Mr Collins replied.
“Although Mr Bennet cannot help you with the third objective, I might provide some support,” Mrs Bennet said, disregarding her daughters’ desperate glares.
“There is nobody better acquainted with all the young women in the neighbourhood than I, and nobody better suited to assist you in your search.”
“For that, madam, I shall be forever grateful,” Mr Collins responded with another deep bow and a large grin on his face.