Defending Elizabeth Page 5

  Wickham bowed to Mr. Collins. "My deepest apologies, sir, for forgetting to whom I spoke."

  "You ought not tell stories of that sort, regardless of your audience," said Mr. Collins, clearly enjoying the opportunity to demonstrate his moral superiority. "I will not have my sweet young cousins damaged from hearing such scandalous tales.”

  "Mr. Collins, I am certain Mr. Wickham meant no offense, and he did apologize," said Lydia, with a bit of irritation apparent in her voice. "We are, after all, grown ladies. We do not damage as easily as you might think."

  Kitty managed to read her cousin's mood better than her sister, and attempted to keep Lydia from further angering Mr. Collins. "Lydia, Mr. Collins is only attempting to protect us."

  "Everyone is always 'protecting' us!" said Lydia, and stamped her foot. "The last thing I need in my life is another person trying to control me!"

  "It appears to me," said Mr. Collins icily, "that no one has managed to yield any proper control over you. We need to return to Longbourn."

  "Come, Lydia," said Elizabeth soothingly, trying to prevent her sister from causing more of a scene.

  "Fine. Mr. Wickham, you will need to wait until we are more pleasantly chaperoned to finish telling the story," Lydia said with a pout.

  As their party started for home, Elizabeth cast an apologetic glance over her shoulder at Mr. Wickham. He looked steadily into her eyes for a moment, and bowed. It felt as though her stomach flipped as she watched him do it, and it was at that moment she realized quite how much she liked Mr. Wickham.

  However, she had more pressing issues to attend to. Lydia did not appear to have any idea how much Mr. Collins was offended by her behavior. She probably believed a few sweet words would be enough to win his interest back again; after all, such a maneuver had been quite effective on the village lads during previous conversations when she allowed her childish nature to overcome her flirtatious aims. Elizabeth suspected this approach would be much less successful to the easily offended Mr. Collins. Indeed, during the entire walk home. Mr. Collins entirely ignored Lydia and focused his attention on Kitty. By the time they returned to Longbourn, Elizabeth had one sister who was elated, and one who was quite cross.

  * * *

  "Mrs. Bennet, I do thank you for your warm hospitality, but I must consider my return to Hunsford," Mr. Collins said at breakfast the following morning.

  Mrs. Bennet was so alarmed she spilled her tea.

  "So soon, sir?" she asked in a slightly strangled voice. "And without that which you came to Longbourn to find?"

  Mr. Collins glanced around the table, his eyes landing for a moment on Lydia.

  "My search has not been as fruitful as I had hoped," he said.

  Mrs. Bennet gave her daughters a brief hard look.

  "I wonder if perhaps we have done something to upset you, sir."

  "I am not upset; it is only I hoped to find something here I cannot seem to locate."

  "Mr. Collins, please accept my apologies. Perhaps I could assist you in this search? There may be things you have not yet discovered which would change your mind."

  Mr. Collins smiled indulgently at Mrs. Bennet.

  "I certainly owe you that much, as finely as you have treated me."

  "Oh, very good, Mr. Collins! After breakfast, we shall retire to the sitting room, for there is much to tell you!"

  Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It was humiliating to hear Mrs. Bennet speak of her daughters as if they were livestock to be bargained over.

  The meal was finished in an embarrassed silence. Mrs. Bennet bade Mr. Collins to the sitting room and told him she would follow shortly. When she was alone, she turned to her daughters.

  "A week ago, my daughters had two suitors. I do not control Mr. Bingley, but I will not let Mr. Collins go so easily! Someone must care for your futures."

  With that, she turned, her skirts swishing, and left the room.

  None of the Bennet girls knew what Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet discussed in the sitting room, for Mrs. Bennet conveniently instructed the maid to clean near the doorway, making spying impossible. If they did not know what was discussed, they certainly made predictions. All they were certain of was that Mr. Collins left the sitting room and announced he was certain Lady Catherine could spare him for another week, but not a moment longer.

  Kitty and Lydia glanced at one another and giggled. The quest for the handsome Mr. Collins' heart continued.

  Chapter 9

  "I am fine, Lizzy. Truly. I do not know why I was so foolish about the matter when the letter arrived. Mr. Bingley made me no promise, and if I assumed more than he intended, then the fault is mine and mine alone," Jane said, turning to face her sister.

  "The fault is Caroline Bingley's," Elizabeth snapped. "I will not have you blaming yourself for her infernal obstruction. I know Mr. Bingley loves you, Jane, and so does everyone else who saw the both of you at the Netherfield Ball."

  "Anyone who believes so is mistaken," Jane's words were light, but her voice trembled.

  "I do not believe it is in Mr. Bingley's nature to act as if he wished to marry you when he had no intention of doing so. Do you think him capable of such deception?"

  Jane sighed. "No, I do not, and that is why I believe I was mistaken in my understanding of him."

  "Is it more likely, Jane, that Mr. Bingley behaved in a way which led to your confusion, or is it more likely Mr. Bingley's trusted sister convinced him you were not a proper match for him?"

  Jane's eyes filled with tears. "Either way, I would feel I was betrayed by someone I trusted and liked. Please, Lizzy, can you not leave this alone? Can you not see I would rather judge myself at fault than to place blame on either Mr. or Miss Bingley?"

  Elizabeth thought for a moment, unwilling to further hurt her sister during such an emotional time. "I want to tell you that you ought not take the blame on yourself, but since you asked me not to, I will hold my tongue."

  Jane managed a wan smile. "How is it you cannot refrain from advising me without also advising me?"

  Elizabeth realized what she said and shared a smile with her sister, glad to see any trace of mirth on Jane's face. She did not continue the conversation, for Jane's sake, but Elizabeth had every intention of continuing to examine the situation in her own mind. If only there was some way to contact Mr. Bingley and find out what happened!

  The possibility of Jane reconnecting with Mr. Bingley arose much sooner than Elizabeth had hoped. When the mail was delivered for the day, it contained a letter from their Aunt Gardiner in London. Elizabeth wrote to her about the general situation between Jane and Mr. Bingley, although she had not disclosed any details that would make her feel negligent in her discretion.

  "Oh, look!" said Mrs. Bennet as she read the letter. "Your Uncle and Aunt Gardiner invited you to return with them after the holidays, Jane! Will it not be agreeable to be in London for the new year?"

  Jane allowed it did sound like a pleasant diversion.

  "Perhaps you will meet some fine new gentlemen. We shall write them back right away!"

  "Before you do so, Mama, what other news from our aunt?"

  Mrs. Bennet scanned the letter and announced there was nothing more of note. She handed Elizabeth the letter and scurried off to reply that Jane would be delighted to stay with the Gardiners. It was only by reading the letter herself she discovered her uncle acquired a profitable new client and her aunt was recovering from an illness which confined her to her bed for several days. Elizabeth sighed. If an issue was not directly related to the matrimonial prospects of one of the Bennet daughters, her mother clearly had no interest in it.

  Elizabeth set the letter down and turned to Jane. She noticed Jane's mood seemed to improve upon the news of her upcoming trip.

  "Perhaps I shall call on Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst while I am in town. Miss Bingley did encourage me to visit if ever I was in London."

  Elizabeth suspected Miss Bingley's invitation was based on the supposition that
Jane would not soon travel to London.

  "That sounds like a lovely plan, Jane," Elizabeth said, trying to honor her earlier word not to speak poorly of Mr. or Miss Bingley.

  "And who is to say? Perhaps Mr. Bingley will be there as well, and I will get the chance to hear from him what took him away so suddenly."

  Elizabeth managed a small smile and nodded at her sister. She desperately hoped Jane was not going to be hurt even more by a second rejection.

  Chapter 10

  Mr. Collins spent his remaining time at Longbourn pursuing his two most likely candidates--Lydia and Kitty. Elizabeth had been certain Mr. Collins would no longer consider Lydia after her childish tantrum in the village, but it appeared Lydia's more agreeable qualities had put her back in the race. It was true Lydia had taken to wearing her most daring gowns, and many a handkerchief was dropped in Mr. Collins' sight. A parson he might be, but he was also a man, and so he found it difficult to resist Lydia's charms.

  Kitty attempted to establish herself as the more proper choice. Only in a battle between Kitty and Lydia, thought Elizabeth, would Kitty be the responsible option. Mr. Collins seemed impressed with Kitty's conversation. Although it was often stilted, Kitty did a much better job than her sister at conversing about things which interested Mr. Collins. The only thing that interested Mr. Collins that Lydia was concerned with was herself.

  In the end, though, the thought of Lady Catherine de Bourgh made the decision for Mr. Collins. He imagined introducing Lydia to Lady Catherine, and thought of the look of consternation which would cross Lady Catherine's brow the first time Lydia exclaimed "Lord!" or did something else untoward. He did not need imagine for too long before his decision to marry Kitty solidified.

  As time was short, he asked for an audience with Kitty almost immediately after arriving at his decision. Mrs. Bennet was elated. Lydia was distraught. Mrs. Bennet took her youngest daughter away from the sitting room, patting her arm and reminding her of all the handsome officers who would be heartbroken if she had married another. Lydia allowed as to the truth of the statement, but she still continued to sob theatrically as her mother ushered her to the other side of the house.

  Behind the closed door of the sitting room, an entirely different scene played out. Kitty sat nervously on the edge of the settee, watching Mr. Collins pace the room. It was hard to say which of them was more anxious for the upcoming conversation.

  "My dear Miss Kitty," Mr. Collins said, kneeling before her, "I made no secret of the fact I came to Longbourn in hopes of finding a wife."

  "Oh, really?" squeaked Kitty, and was immediately mortified with what she had said.

  "Indeed," replied Mr. Collins solemnly. "I will admit I did not see you at first as the lady for whom I looked, but I can only imagine the Lord gave me the time to discover what it is I truly want."

  Kitty looked at him, her breath caught in her throat.

  Mr. Collins rose from his kneeling position, and Kitty worked to keep her face from showing distress.

  "Perhaps before I say more you should know why I am seeking a wife."

  Kitty nodded, encouraging him to continue.

  "I think it is right that a pastor be married. It exemplifies the sanctity of matrimony. It would be an excellent example to my congregation if I were to enter into the bonds of marriage. In addition, my most excellent benefactress, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, recently expressed a desire for me to find a wife, and, as with all things, her advice in this area is peerless. I traveled to Longbourn, and whom did I find but you, my dear Miss Kitty, all piety and grace and beauty."

  Kitty blushed a fetching shade of pink; such compliments had never before been given to her.

  "I do believe you are the wife God intended for me."

  Mr. Collins dropped to his knees once more, and stared up at her with earnest eyes that thoroughly captivated her.

  "Say you will be the partner I have been searching for," he said.

  Although his proposal hewed closely to the one he had delivered to Elizabeth, the response to it was much different.

  "Oh, yes, Mr. Collins, of course I shall be your wife!" Kitty was barely able to keep still, so extreme her excitement.

  Mr. Collins took her hand and gently kissed the back of it.

  "You make me truly happy, my darling. I know Lady Catherine will approve of you."

  Kitty smiled broadly at him. "I am to be wed. And the first of my sisters! Lydia will be quite taken with envy."

  "Do be gentle with her, dearest. I believe myself to be a good judge of people, and I think Miss Lydia hoped I would offer for her. I do not want her to feel hurt."

  "Oh, she shall not, Mr. Collins!" cried Kitty. "I must go tell her the good news."

  Then it was done--Kitty had agreed to marry him.

  Mr. Collins went to Mr. Bennet's study to ask his permission to wed Kitty.

  Mr. Bennet nearly choked when Mr. Collins announced the reason for his visit.

  "Kitty?" asked Mr. Bennet faintly. "Are you quite certain that is the girl to whom you proposed?"

  "I think I should know to whom I proposed, sir." Mr. Collins took at least as much offense as Mr. Bennet had intended. "I am not feeble."

  "No, indeed," said Mr. Bennet, staring. "And, out of all my daughters, you chose Kitty? Fascinating."

  "She is the helpmeet I have longed for. My ardor can hardly be contained," said Mr. Collins, somewhat stiffly.

  "Yes, it is quite obvious how you feel about her in the way you speak of her," said Mr. Bennet, his eyes dancing with mirth. "You will be kind to her?"

  "I am a man of God."

  "Hmm, yes, but I would still like to hear your answer. I have known some men of God, you see, who had quite a different perception of His will than I do."

  Mr. Collins' face softened. "Of course I will be kind to her. She will be my wife. I cannot imagine how anyone could be cross at such a gay creature."

  "That is very agreeable of you, sir. I wonder if you will retain the same opinion after you have spent more time with my daughter."

  "If you are trying to discover my devotion to your daughter, I assure you I will find her as entrancing as I do today for the remainder of our life together."

  Mr. Bennet muttered something to himself that sounded like, "We shall see." Then he spoke loudly enough for Mr. Collins to hear him. "If Kitty wishes to marry you, I give my consent."

  Mr. Collins began to shake Mr. Bennet's hand heartily. "Oh, thank you sir. I am the happiest man, and I am certain Lady Catherine will be well-pleased when she hears of my intention to wed. You see, it was at her prompting..."

  "Yes, yes. But ought you not find your bride-to-be, sir? There is time for us to sing the praises of Lady Catherine later."

  "Yes, there certainly is!" agreed Mr. Collins. "I will find Kitty and tell her."

  Mr. Bennet stared at the study door for a few moments after Mr. Collins left. Mr. Collins was a fool, he thought, but then again so was Kitty. She could have done much worse than a foolish, proud man who was likely to be kind to her. Perhaps the match would be a propitious one after all. One thing was entirely certain: the house would be a bit quieter without Mr. Collins and Kitty in it. Mr. Bennet decided he had enjoyed his sport quite long enough, and some peace sounded like a capital idea.

  * * *

  Lydia reacted to the news with far less serenity than did her father.

  "That cannot be the case," she repeatedly stubbornly. "Mr. Collins is to marry me, or at least to offer! I have not yet decided if I shall accept, as I was so hoping to wed an officer. Nonetheless, there is no way he would propose to Kitty without receiving my refusal first. He only asked to speak with her to tell her of his plans to propose to me."

  "Now Lydia," Jane said patiently. "You know that is not true. You knew what was happening the moment Mr. Collins asked for an audience with Kitty."

  "No, I did not!" said Lydia, stamping her foot. "I am prettier than Kitty, and gayer, and more enjoyable to be around! He would not choose her over
me!"

  Elizabeth saw how Lydia's words were affecting Kitty, who, only moments before, had run into the room jubilant with news of her engagement. Elizabeth put her hands on Lydia's shoulder and gave her a small shake.

  "You are ruining this moment for your sister. There is plenty of time for you to get married. I will not see you take this from her. Mr. Collins made his choice."

  Lydia let out a strangled scream and ran from the room. It was quiet for a moment, and then everyone busied themselves with congratulating Kitty. Elizabeth dearly hoped Lydia would be past sulking by the time of the ceremony.

  Chapter 11

  Mr. Collins and Kitty set their wedding day for as soon as the banns could be read. Mr. Collins returned to Hunsford in the interim, and life in the Bennet house centered on preparing Kitty for marriage. Two months prior, no one would have thought Kitty would be the first one to be engaged, and her trousseau was quite lacking in comparison to the older girls'. The Bennet sisters worked furiously on sewing and embroidering so Kitty would be prepared for her marriage and her move to Kent.

  That is, most of the Bennet girls worked furiously. Lydia was stricken by every possible illness and inconvenience that could possibly befall her. She reported her head ached so often Mrs. Bennet considered calling for a doctor. When she could find no reasonable excuse, her embroidery was messy and often had to be pulled out and entirely restarted. Fortunately, Kitty was so thrilled at the idea of her impending nuptials, she did not take offense to Lydia's attitude.

  The only joy left for Lydia was one which Elizabeth secretly shared. More often than strictly necessary, ribbons, thread, or trimmings needed to be retrieved from Meryton, and Lydia and Elizabeth were all too eager to run those errands. Lydia did not play favorites among the officers, at least not for long. Elizabeth, on the other hand, made the trip for just one man--Mr. Wickham. She continued to be charmed by his civility and his wit, and he appeared to be quite as taken with her as she was with him.