Chapter 5 #2
Mrs Bennet inclined her head, though her expression betrayed no inclination toward agreement. “I am sure we all wish to act with consideration,” she said.
“I am most gratified to hear it,” Mr Collins replied. “Nothing could give me greater satisfaction than to think myself engaged in promoting the comfort of my relations.”
He glanced about the room, as if to ensure that the full extent of his goodwill had been properly observed.
“It was for this reason,” he continued, “that I resolved, upon learning of Mr Bennet’s absence, to present myself without delay.
I could not reconcile it with my sense of propriety to remain at a distance when my presence might, in some degree, be of service. ”
Elizabeth looked at him sharply, feeling rather less than confident that any service Mr Collins might choose to offer them could be of much benefit.
“You are very obliging, sir,” Jane said. A glance at her sister told Elizabeth that Jane, though as gentle and polite as always, had no higher an opinion of their cousin than she did.
Mr Collins bowed deeply. “Your approbation does me honour, Miss Bennet. It is always my aim to act in a manner that will secure the good opinion of those whose esteem is most valuable.”
Though he received no response to this, Mr Collins seemed to need no encouragement to proceed.
“I have, with some difficulty, arranged to be absent from my parish for a short time,” he said.
“My duties there are of a nature that do not easily admit of neglect, yet I was unwilling to delay my visit until a more convenient season.”
He drew himself up slightly, as if the next part required particular care.
“I must, however, acknowledge that my situation is greatly eased by the indulgence of my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose generosity in permitting my absence is but one example of that distinguished condescension which characterises her in all her dealings.”
He paused, as if expecting some recognition of the name.
Mary, who had resumed her seat with an air of studious attention, leaned forward slightly. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh,” she repeated. “I believe I have encountered that name in some publication of note.”
Mr Collins turned toward her with evident satisfaction.
“You are perfectly correct, Cousin Mary. Lady Catherine is a person of the highest distinction, and her influence is felt in many spheres. Her judgement in matters both public and private is of the greatest consequence, and I have been most fortunate in receiving her particular favour.”
Lydia, who had been listening with less patience, exchanged a glance with Kitty. “Does she often allow you to leave your parish?” she asked cheekily.
Mr Collins did not appear to notice that she intended to tease him.
“Such permissions are granted with a proper regard to circumstances,” he said solemnly.
“In the present instance, Lady Catherine was pleased to consider the claims of family connections, and expressed herself in terms that were most obliging.”
Elizabeth’s attention was drawn less to the content of his speech than to the matter of its delivery. Every sentence carried more weight than its substance required, and each mention of his patroness was given with emphasis that bordered upon reverence.
“And you intend to remain here…?” Mrs Bennet prompted, her patience evidently nearing its limit.
“For a fortnight, madam,” Mr Collins replied. “At the conclusion of that time, I shall return to my duties in Kent, with the satisfaction of knowing that I have done what lay within my power to address the concerns of my relations.”
“A fortnight,” Mrs Bennet repeated, as if testing the sound of it.
Elizabeth glanced briefly toward Jane, who met her look with a composure that did not quite conceal her surprise.
If the decision had been hers, Elizabeth rather thought she would have sent their cousin away.
Even the awkwardness of telling a guest he was not welcome to stay could not be so dreadful as a fortnight of hosting a man who would think it appropriate to descend on them without so much as the courtesy of a letter.
Nothing Mr Collins had yet said made her think that his foolish rudeness ought to be treated with any indulgence.
But whether from dislike of the potential awkwardness or some other motive, Mrs Bennet was nodding. “We shall be pleased to have you stay, sir,” she said at last. “Hill! Do see to it that the guest bedroom is made up.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Hill replied stoutly, and left the room with a curtsy.
“You are very good to come to us, Mr Collins,” Mrs Bennet told their guest.
“I am entirely guided by a sense of obligation,” Mr Collins replied. “Where duty is clear, hesitation would be improper.”
“Very well said, sir,” Mary said earnestly.
Mrs Bennet gave him a smile, if a rather thin one. “You are welcome at Longbourn, Mr Collins,” she said. “We shall be happy to receive you for as long as you choose to remain.”
He bowed again and smiled broadly at them all. “Your kindness, madam, exceeds all expectations. I shall endeavour, during my stay, to prove myself not wholly undeserving of it.”
Elizabeth lowered her gaze once more, her expression calm, though not without effort. It was settled, then. They would have an unannounced visitor to stay at Longbourn, and might enjoy the dubious pleasures of Mr Collin’s conversation for a full two weeks.