“Sir,” she said quickly, entering the room, “forgive my poor sister. She does not know how to convey what she wishes. Will you allow me to explain further?”
Mr. Collins straightened to his full height and gave a solemn nod. “Of course. I shall hear you.”
Elizabeth gestured toward a chair, and once they had both seated themselves, she began hesitantly. “You have impressed a good lady with your manner. My sister is aware of it but fears she may usurp another’s dearest hopes.”
She looked down, plucking at a thread on her gown. “Mary is reserved and timid. She dreads the notion of harming another’s heart by accepting your offer. Do not distress her—or yourself—any longer. Your olive branch has been extended and received with appreciation. We do not doubt your generosity. When my father dies, I am confident you will not turn us away, especially if you have married a dear friend of the family.” Elizabeth fell silent, watching his countenance for a reaction.
“I do not understand. In whom have I inspired such devotion?” His eyes gleamed with curiosity and no small measure of self-satisfaction, as though already imagining himself as a gallant knight, rescuing a princess.
Elizabeth hesitated. “I do not know if I ought to speak,” she murmured, lowering her gaze. If she appeared too eager, he may suspect some artifice.
“Oh, but you must! I am to return to Hunsford on Saturday. How can I extend an offer to another if I do not even know her name?”
He stood and began to pace the length of the rug. “Oh, what a muddle!” He paused and turned back to Elizabeth, clasping his hands. “I beg you, cousin—tell me. I shall not betray your confidence.”
Elizabeth suppressed a smile, then replied in measured tones, as though reluctant to betray her friend’s trust. “Miss CharlotteLucas has confided in Mary and me. She is intelligent and capable—well suited for the life of a clergyman’s wife. Mary suspected you meant to propose and has been in agony at the thought of destroying another’s chance at happiness. Pray forgive her sudden flight—she found herself quite at a loss for words.”
Mr. Collins sank onto the settee, wonder and gratification spreading across his face. “Miss Lucas. Her father is a knight. Oh—and we are equally matched in appearance, just as Mrs. Bennet suggested. It is perfect. I thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for enlightening me. I must go to Lucas Lodge at once—”
“Charlotte visits every morning after a ball or assembly,” she said in a rush. “I have no doubt she will be here before the morning has passed.”
Mr. Collins puffed up with importance. “Then I await her arrival.” He turned toward the window that overlooked the drive. “Look! Here she comes now!”
“May I offer a suggestion, sir?” Elizabeth asked, rising from her seat. “Take Miss Lucas on a walk before you propose. A lady likes to be so favored.” She could scarcely contain her triumph—Mary was safe from their cousin at last.
“Indeed!” Mr. Collins clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you.” He remained by the window until Hill admitted Charlotte, and once she was announced, Elizabeth stepped forward and kissed her friend’s cheek.
“I have paved the way for you,” she whispered. “Invite him to Lucas Lodge to dine.” As she drew back, she caught the gleam in Charlotte’s eyes and smiled.
“Miss Lucas!” Mr. Collins cried. “What a pleasure to see you. Why, how fetching you look after our late night—like a rose in bloom.”
Charlotte blushed with pleasure.
“Thank you, sir,” she replied. “I have come with an invitation for you to dine at Lucas Lodge this afternoon. Pray, say you will accept—my mother looks forward to receiving you.”
Mr. Collins stepped closer. “Dare I hope that another lady is as eager for my attendance?”
He waggled his brows, with such absurdity that Elizabeth had to cough to cover her laughter. She moved away, close enough to hear, but far enough to lend an air of privacy.
“Indeed, sir. There is another who anticipates the pleasure of your company.” Charlotte laid her hand lightly on his arm, batted her lashes awkwardly and gave him a practiced smile. Mr. Collins straightened, visibly gratified.
“Shall we depart?” he asked. “Do you have further business with my cousins?”
“I believe our business can be concluded in but a few moments. Perhaps you should gather your coat and hat.” The suggestion sent him bustling from the room, leaving the ladies alone.
Charlotte faced Elizabeth, grinning. “What did you say to him? I expected to find the house in complete chaos!”
Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I merely told him my sister Mary could not accept him without wounding another’s hopes. “It will prevent any lingering resentment, at least on his part. I must say, my father looked forward to refusing his cousin’s suit. He will be disappointed to be denied his amusement.” That did not trouble her. Mr. Bennet took far too much pleasure making sport of others’ foibles.
Charlotte embraced her. “Thank you, Elizabeth!” she whispered. “I shall have my own home at last. Mr. Collins seems malleable. Perhaps I shall be able to influence him in some manner. And you must know—your family will always have a place with us when your father dies. That is, if there are no other options. Tell me, did Mr. Bingley propose last night?”
“No. But he asked Jane for a courtship. She has been daydreaming ever since. I understand he has gone to London but will be back in a few days. Papa has granted them leave to exchange letters. She sent one this morning—how many do you think will go between London and Hertfordshire before he returns?”
They laughed and together they stepped into the entrance hall and joined Mr. Collins who was just reaching the bottom of the stairs, his hat in hand and his hair newly arranged. They bid Elizabeth farewell and departed.
Sighing in relief, she ascended the stairs and made her way to Mary’s chamber. She tapped lightly upon the door and waited until her sister bid her entry.
“Is he gone?” Mary asked, sitting on her bed with her pillow clutched to her chest. “I am sorry! I could not form the words and ran!”
