Defending Elizabeth Read online

  Defending Elizabeth

  Rowan Renault

  Cherry Blossom Press

  Copyright © 2017 by Rowan Renault

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Rowan Renault

  Chapter 1

  "Jane, are you quite sure you would not like another blanket?" Elizabeth Bennet asked her sister.

  "I am fine, Lizzy. There is no need to fuss over me."

  They rode together in a carriage headed for their home of Longbourn. Jane recently spent several days at the nearby estate of Netherfield after falling ill. Elizabeth also traveled to Netherfield to care for her sister.

  "You did not mind so much when Mr. Bingley was doing the fussing," Elizabeth teased.

  Jane gave her sister a tolerant smile. "Well, that is a different case entirely."

  "If he was not in love with you before, I will wager he is now. He seemed very willing to ensure your every need and whim were catered to."

  "He is a lovely man. I am not sure he is in love with me."

  "And how do you feel in regards to him?"

  Jane blushed. "I do know that."

  Elizabeth laughed. "Tell me! We do not keep secrets from one another."

  "Oh, Lizzy, I believe he is the finest man of my acquaintance. I can only hope he might return my feelings."

  "No hope is necessary. I guarantee he does. You ought to have seen him inquire after you! The man is besotted. Oh, dear. We cannot tell Mama, or she will think it is all her doing."

  Mrs. Bennet had sent Jane to Netherfield on horseback in the rain, causing Jane's recent illness.

  "You must admit it was the most fortuitous bout of illness."

  "Well, I shall give you that. Rather less fortuitous for me."

  "Why? What happened?"

  "Mr. Bingley's sisters spent the entire time staring at me as if I was some terrible new species of insect. Miss Bingley pretended to befriend me at one point, but only to continue her constant flirting with Mr. Darcy."

  "How did Mr. Darcy react?"

  "The same way he reacted to all Miss Bingley's flirtations, which is to say not at all. She must be commended for trying. I wonder if they teach such things at the fine school she attended."

  "Oh, Lizzy, you must not begrudge them their education."

  "I do not, as long as they do not wield it as a weapon. I would prefer they do not consider themselves superior to me. Nor am I superior to them. Can we not all just be people?"

  "And what of Mr. Darcy?"

  "Him I have no issue feeling superior to."

  "It was horrid what he said about you at the meeting house dance. Are you certain you heard him correctly?"

  "Indeed I am, and Charlotte Lucas heard the same thing. The man referred to me as ‘tolerable.’”

  "At least he did not refer to you as intolerable."

  "He is the intolerable one! Do you know he had the nerve to ask me what I was reading one evening? I know he only asked to embarrass me."

  "Could it be he was actually interested, Lizzy?"

  "I doubt that. Do you think Mr. Darcy is the sort of person who enjoys novels?"

  Jane smiled. "Perhaps not."

  "Mr. Darcy only enjoys not enjoying anything. I am so relieved to be going home."

  "Are you? Did you consider the fact Kitty and Lydia are probably fighting at this very moment, while Mary quotes scripture?"

  "Hmm. Perhaps I have been looking at this situation incorrectly. Now I think of it, home sounds much less peaceful. Perhaps we should spend some days at the Lucases'?"

  "And you believe their house will be quieter than our own?" Jane sounded skeptical.

  "Perhaps not, but at least it will be a different kind of noise than we are used to."

  "No, Lizzy, it is to Longbourn we go. Besides, I do not believe anything special is planned. Perhaps we will return to a quiet house."

  "It is a possibility. Let us just hope no long-lost relatives come to call."

  Chapter 2

  Mrs. Bennet was in a state of agitation. As if her attempts to encourage Jane and Mr. Bingley were not enough to thoroughly engage her time, Mr. Bennet had announced that a Mr. Collins would be visiting. Mrs. Bennet had no use for Mr. Collins, whom she considered to be a discourteous upstart determined to see the Bennet girls disinherited. Nonetheless, Mr. Collins was arriving, and Mrs. Bennet refused to allow him to see Longbourn at any other than its very best.

  Elizabeth watched her mother bustle about, instructing the maids and checking with the cook. Elizabeth considered extending an offer to help, but she knew her mother well enough to realize such an offer might only serve to turn Mrs. Bennet's ire on her. While Elizabeth sometimes enjoyed vexing her easily-excited mother, it seemed not to be the best time to do so.

  "Lord, all this disturbance for a man we care not one whit for!" exclaimed Elizabeth's sister Lydia. "I should hate to see what it will be like when a man visits whose opinion Mama actually cares about!"

  "Any men in particular?" Elizabeth teased her sister. Lydia and their other sister, Kitty, were as of late quite fixed on the presence of the militia in the nearby village of Meryton. The two girls spent nearly all their time talking about officers, dressing to attract officers, and traveling to the village to speak with officers. Elizabeth was frankly surprised Lydia even noticed that their mother was agitated.

  "Laugh all you want, Lizzy. We shall see which of us finds a husband first," said Lydia, making a face at her sister.

  "I cannot imagine a man who would not be captivated by such a countenance,” Elizabeth replied archly.

  "Nor can I," said Lydia, and danced off.

  Elizabeth's laughter was interrupted by the announcement of a carriage arriving. In spite of Lydia's previous protest, Elizabeth knew her sisters were quite as curious as she to see Mr. Collins, and she quickly informed them of his arrival.

  Elizabeth then stopped in her father's study to tell him their guest was arriving. Mr. Bennet's eyes sparkled with the news. Mr. Collins' letter hinted at a degree of foolish ostentation, and Mr. Bennet very much hoped to see this same attitude in the man himself. Few things delighted Mr. Bennet more than other people's foolishness, and Mr. Collins promised to be quite foolish indeed.

  The Bennets went outside to meet their guest. The carriage stopped and the door opened. A tall man stepped out. His brown curls were ideally tousled, and drew the eye downwards towards a proud Roman nose. His lips were full, and his chin was perfectly sculpted. Mr. Collins was, in short, one of the most handsome men Elizabeth had ever seen.

  She glanced to the right and saw Kitty and Lydia stared at Mr. Collins with matching shocked looks. Mary looked unconcerned, and Jane wore the plac
id expression which always graced her lovely face.

  Mrs. Bennet had the same amazed look as her youngest daughters.

  "Mr. Collins," said Mr. Bennet. "Welcome to Longbourn."

  Mr. Collins bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir."

  "Allow me to introduce my wife, Mrs. Bennet."

  "Mrs. Bennet," said Mr. Collins, in a low, melodious voice. "I cannot tell you the depth of my appreciation for your hospitality."

  "Oh, think nothing of it, Mr. Collins," said Mrs. Bennet in a faint voice. "We are so pleased to make your acquaintance. These are my girls."

  She introduced her daughters, and each of them curtsied to their cousin. Kitty and Lydia still wore shocked expressions, unable to draw their eyes away from Mr. Collins. Elizabeth noticed Mr. Collins' eyes lingered on Jane. Well, all that proved was his eyesight was perfectly good. What man would not fall in love with Jane upon introduction? Elizabeth mused Mr. Collins was due for a disappointment when he learned of Jane's fondness for Mr. Bingley.

  Mr. Collins was invited inside, and the family followed. Elizabeth saw a bit of disappointment in her father's eyes, and took his arm.

  "Mr. Collins cannot be pleasing to everyone, can he, Papa?" she said with a smile.

  Her father patted her hand. "Give him time, Lizzy. He is still the foolish man who wrote that letter, regardless of how charming your silly sisters might find him."

  “I do hope that you are correct; it has been some time since you had any sport.”

  “Indeed. I was hoping Mr. Bingley might serve, but he seems to be an amiable young gentleman who will offer me little fun.”

  “Poor Papa. How shall you ever survive?”

  “We can hope, Lizzy, that the answer to your question just walked through the front door.”

  With that, they followed the others back into the house.

  * * *

  It had been an odd afternoon. Lydia and Kitty seemed to be wherever Mr. Collins was, although they behaved as if it was a grand coincidence. Mr. Bennet kept casting expectant glances towards Mr. Collins, who had managed to be entirely well-behaved since he arrived. A particular light gleamed in Mrs. Bennet's eyes every time she glanced in Mr. Collins' direction. Elizabeth was interested to see how everyone would behave at dinner.

  Mr. Bennet was quite interested in engaging Mr. Collins to determine the man's character. Towards this end, he broached a topic he was certain Mr. Collins would prove anxious to speak of: his patroness.

  "You mentioned Lady Catherine de Bourgh in your letter, sir," said Mr. Bennet. "I am unfortunate enough to have never made the acquaintance of the lady. Do tell us of her."

  The light that appeared in Mr. Collins' eyes made it clear Mr. Bennet had chosen the topic well. "What is there to say that would do Lady Catherine de Bourgh credit?" cried Mr. Collins. "She is the most affable person whom I have ever had the pleasure to meet. And to meet such a gracious person who is of such elevated rank! If only all people were as agreeable as Lady Catherine, what a fine society it might be!"

  Mr. Bennet agreed Lady Catherine sounded like a fine person.

  "She is quite superior," Mr. Collins agreed. "Some consider her proud, but I have never seen such a thing. Certainly, she behaves in a way that is appropriate for her rank, but I think that characterization to be quite disingenuous. Is not a lady allowed to be proud of the quality of her character?"

  "She sounds like a fine lady," said Mrs. Bennet. "Do you live nearby her?"

  "Only a lane separates the parsonage from the fine estate of Rosings Park. Indeed, it is so nearby, I often see Lady Catherine and her daughter Miss Anne de Bourgh riding by in their carriages. I have twice been invited to dine with these two ladies, and I can assure you their manners are even finer than one might expect from such great ladies."

  "Does she have any other children?" inquired Mrs. Bennet.

  "Miss de Bourgh is an only child, and the heiress to all of Rosings Park and the connected lands."

  "She is fortunate for that!" said Mrs. Bennet. "Many girls do not have their own property to precede them. Has she been presented? I admit I do not recognize her name."

  "Alas, Miss de Bourgh is of a sickly constitution, so she has not been presented. That is to the benefit of the other young ladies; if Miss de Bourgh were to be presented, she would so far outshine the other girls it would scarcely be just."

  Mr. Collins was beginning to speaking more rapidly, and Mr. Bennet sensed the time was ripe to encourage his guest.

  "I wonder that such important ladies could spare you," Mr. Bennet said, an astonished look on his face.

  "Oh, Lady Catherine is extremely generous in allowing me time to visit with my family," said Mr. Collins, his eyes shining. "And she mentioned how greatly it would please her for me to take a wife."

  The Bennet girls shared looks amongst themselves. The joining of Mr. Collins' statements lay bare the reason for his visit, and Elizabeth could tell her younger sisters intended to make full use of this knowledge. Indeed, Lydia's eyelashes, which had already been fluttering at an impressive rate, redoubled their efforts upon hearing Mr. Collins speak of matrimony.

  "Ah, a man in want of a wife," said Mr. Bennet, leaning back in his chair.

  "It would please Lady Catherine if I were to find a fine woman to make my wife," said Mr. Collins. "Fortunately for me, I possess the ability to provide those elegant little compliments that ladies find so pleasing."

  "How fascinating," said Mr. Bennet. "Are these particular attentions studied, or do they arise from the impulse of the moment?"

  "I will admit I have always had a particular talent in speaking with ladies. Perhaps it is the light of my soul which people find so pleasing."

  "No, I do not think that is it," Lydia whispered to Kitty, earning her a stern look from Jane.

  The remainder of the meal passed. Mr. Bennet was pleased with the degree of foolishness Mr. Collins showed. Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Kitty were pleased with the decoration Mr. Collins provided to the table, and Elizabeth was pleased Mr. Collins had put her family in such high spirits. If she had only been able to see into the near future, she would have been much less pleased at the arrival of her cousin.

  Chapter 3

  "Mr. Collins, you look well this morning! I trust your accommodation was to your liking?" Mrs. Bennet asked, full of smiles for her guest.

  "Indeed, my dear Mrs. Bennet. I am well rested thanks to your hospitality."

  "I do hope we did not tire you out by asking you to read," Mrs. Bennet said.

  "Oh, no! I could read from Fordyce's Sermons all evening," said Mr. Collins. "They are so instructive and uplifting. And how intently my cousins listened! It is a credit to you to have raised such pious girls. Why, I thought dear Lydia might float away, so intense was her look of devotion to our Creator!"

  Elizabeth barely restrained herself from snorting. Lydia had watched their cousin intently, but Elizabeth knew it had nothing to do with piety. Lydia was simply incapable of comporting herself around a handsome man.

  Elizabeth observed Mr. Collins as he and her mother continued speaking. He certainly was handsome--almost too handsome. There was very little character in his face, just perfectly sculpted features. She had to admit she had found him pleasing to look at when he arrived, but that impression was dispelled as soon as he began his raptures over his patroness. Mr. Collins was every bit as silly as Mr. Bennet had hoped for--perhaps even more so. Elizabeth's plan was to enjoy the spectacle until Mr. Collins proposed to whichever of her silly sisters he decided on.

  She had noticed Mr. Collins' conversation at dinner seemed to have the opposite effect on her sister, Mary. Mary had not been interested in Mr. Collins in the slightest until dinner. As the meal progressed, Elizabeth saw that her sister paid an increasing amount of attention to Mr. Collins. By the end of the meal, Mary seemed quite as smitten as Lydia and Kitty, although rather less noisy about it.

  Elizabeth smiled to herself as she thought of it. Kitty and Lydia were interested in Mr. Collins b
ecause he was so very handsome, regardless of his personality. Mary would never have her head turned simply by the way a man looked. However, a man who spoke of God and recited Fordyce's Sermons? That was a man Mary could admire.

  Mr. Collins had clearly come to Longbourn looking for a wife. Elizabeth suspected he was totally ignorant of the fact he was currently the hunted, rather than the hunter. Three sets of eyes followed where he went, each girl hoping she would emerge the victor of Mr. Collins' heart.

  Mrs. Bennet seemed quite as keen as any of her daughters to know who Mr. Collins would choose. In fact, with the way Mrs. Bennet laughed and fluttered about, one might be forgiven for assuming she was pursuing a suitor as well. Mr. Collins would certainly find himself occupied for the entirety of his stay.

  "What a lovely day!" said Mrs. Bennet, looking outside. "Mr. Collins, why do we not take a walk about the property? That way you may see more of the estate, and enjoy the company of your cousins."

  "That is a capital idea! I told Lady Catherine I would return with a full description of the estate, so this allows me to keep my word to that fine lady."

  "I am certain she would be deeply disturbed if you were not to keep your word in this instance," said Elizabeth with mock seriousness. She heard a snort behind her and did not dare to turn and make eye contact with her father.

  "Yes, my dear cousin, I do believe you are correct," said Mr. Collins, completely misreading her tone. "You concern for others speaks highly of your character."