Yours, etc,
William Collins
“He sounds ridiculous,” Thomas said, handing the letter back to his father.
“His letter intrigues me. I never wrote to deny his coming, and so I expect he will arrive as stated. Mr. Bennet gave a resigned sigh. “I am sorry, Fanny. I know that such short notice is not proper.”
“We shall make do, Thomas. I shall go speak with Hill at once.”
Chapter Nineteen
November 18, 1811
Longbourn
Elizabeth
WilliamCollinsarrivedpreciselyat four o’clock, clambering from the hired coach that had brought him from Meryton. He straightened at once and smiled broadly at his relations, with no trace of false humility—or, indeed, any self-consciousness—upon his countenance.
Elizabeth observed that he stood close to six feet tall. He appeared fit enough, though he carried a little more weight about the middle than that of most gentlemen of his age she had encountered. He removed his hat and pressed it to his chest, revealing light brown hair tousled from travel.
“My dear cousins,” he said by way of introduction. Stepping forward, he bowed low to the assembled Bennets before straightening with evident satisfaction. “I am most pleased to be here. My father spoke of Longbourn’s beauty, but I must say his descriptions did not do it justice.”
“Mr. Collins, I presume,” said Mr. Bennet, stepping forward. “Welcome to Longbourn.”
“Delighted.” Mr. Collins grinned. “Will your man see to my trunk? I am happy to carry it inside.”
“Mr. Hill will see it brought to your chambers. Shall we go inside?”
After the appropriate introductions were made, the family led their guest into the house.
“My, what a superbly appointed room!” Mr. Collins exclaimed upon entering the parlor. He appeared determined to be pleased with everything he saw and complimented the furnishings accordingly. “Tell me, do you pass many evenings here?”
“This is my wife’s favorite room,” Mr. Bennet replied. “It is ideally situated in the southwest corner of the manor. The placement of the windows ensures we are not too hot in summer nor too cold in winter.”
“Our ancestors were wise to arrange it in that manner,” Mr. Collins declared solemnly.
Tea arrived, and as Mrs. Bennet began to serve, their guest launched into a series of questions. Once he had satisfied himself as to the size and profitability of the estate, the conversation turned—rather predictably—to the subject of Longbourn’s living.
“Is the parish here large?” he asked.
“The church is of moderate size. Much of Meryton and the surrounding estates attend services at Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet took a sip from his tea.
“And is it a valuable living?” Mr. Collins leaned forward eagerly.
Mr. Bennet raised his brow, staring at his cousin with studied solemnity. Collins appeared chagrined, looking away awkwardly before he continued in a more subdued tone.
“You know from my missive that I wish to receive the living, Cousin,” he said carefully. “I merely hope to learn everything I can of it beforehand.”
“Perhaps we ought to reserve such matters for a private discussion—after dinner, perhaps? Thomas will join us. I value his keen insight.” Mr. Bennet set his cup down with a slight clatter, the gesture betraying his irritation.
“Yes, that will do nicely. Forgive my impatience. I often find that, once I set my mind on something, the idea consumes me. I cannot rest until I have reached a satisfactory conclusion.”
“I understand completely,” said Mrs. Bennet, reassuring him. “I am very much the same. My projects and ideas frequently overrun my other concerns.”
“And yet you never shirk your responsibilities, my dear.” Mr. Bennet said, smiling fondly at his wife.
Elizabeth followed the conversation with interest. Mr. Collins did not appear so foolish as they had imagined. Rather, he seemed eager to please and to be pleased by everything and everyone around him. As her sisters conversed softly, he made his way about the room, inserting himself into various exchanges. They did not mind. He was not intrusive, merely eager to become better acquainted with his cousins.
