Chapter 14
The sound of a carriage approaching at the expected time of their cousin’s arrival, drew all the family to the entrance of Longbourn.
Elizabeth was reminded of the last time they had stood in this place. Although, this time it was merely the family and not the entire household. The carriage when it arrived was in no way as grand of those of the royal party. Her father had told them that his cousin was a parson. She were therefore surprised that the carriage was much more ostensions than she had expected. It was adorned with a coat of arms and a footman in livery stepped down and opened the door. Elizabeth thought this was auspicious. She could not have been more mistaken.
The footman helped a young gentleman in the garb of a clergyman from the carriage. He was not fine of feature nor figure. He was rotund in face and body. His face was red and flushed with heat. His expression held a similar arrogance, as that perpetually worn by Mr Darcy.
He did not acknowledge the footman’s service but bowed elaborately to her father. Who raised an eyebrow at such a flourish. “My dear cousin,” he said, not awaiting an introduction.
“Mr Collins,” her father interceded. “May I introduce my lady wife, Mrs Bennet,” Mr Collins bowed again. “My daughters, Miss Jane Bennet, my eldest. “Miss ElizabethBennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet. And my youngest daughter Miss Lydia Bennet.”
“My fair cousins,” Mr Collins intoned. “What an honour to meet such flowers of England.”
This pronouncement was met by curtsies from the ladies and a short snort from Lydia. Which thankfully the parson appeared not to have heard.
Mr Bennet then led the gentleman into Longbourn and thankfully straight to his study. Elizabeth had to own her disappointment, which she expressed to Jane.
“He may be very intelligent and engaging company,” Jane suggested, true to her nature always wanting to see the best in everyone.
Lizzy only hoped that her father was giving him the same lecture on matchmaking he had bestowed on her mother. She would have been pleased if she had heard the discussion in the study. For Mr Collins had started to express that the disagreement subsisting between Mr Bennet and his late father had always given him much uneasiness. He had further articulated that he had been concerned at being the means of injuring his hosts amiable daughters. He went so far as to beg leave to apologise for it. A sentiment which had struck Mr Bennet as nonsense. But when he went on to assure Mr Bennet of his readiness to make them every possible amends. Mr Bennet had no difficulty in interpreting this statement as a suggestion that he marry one of his daughters.
Thankfully, this gave him the opportunity he had sought to explain his position. He told the gentleman that no attempts to form an attachment to any of his daughters would be countenanced on this visit. Mr Collins tried to persuade him. He expressed in most passionate terms the instructions of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who had awarded himhis position as vicar. Mr Bennet would not be moved, and in the end Mr Collins had no choice but to acquiesce.
By dinner that evening it was clear to the whole party that Mr Collins was neither intelligent nor engaging. He droned on about his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, ad-infinitum. Pausing only occasionally to misquote scripture. Which drew constant winces from Mary. Who being the most devote of Elizabeth sisters, near the bible well.
Elizabeth, always able to make fun of most situations. Soon found even Mary’s expression unable to make the conversation palatable. Her father had forestalled another round of praise of Lady Catherine with the suggestion that they ride the grounds of Longbourn on the morrow. To which Mr Collins had to admit he did not ride. Therefore her father agreed to have the farm cart attached to a horse to show the parson around the grounds.
The next morning, Elizabeth ensured she had returned from her walk to observe the start of the tour. It did not disappoint, as it was a comical as she had expected. The parson siting in a cart like the son of one of the estate’s tenants, while Mr Bennet drove the cart and horse. Her father spotting her gave her a quick smirk, unseen by his passenger.
On their return her father excused himself to deal with matters of business. Suggesting that Mr Collins get to know his cousins. Thus, the ladies of Longbourn were left to his entertainment. Elizabeth noticed many pieces of correspondence, again from the royal household in the coming days. All of which were whisked to the master’s study before Mr Collins could observe them.
On day three of their cousins visit he choose to accompany them as they visited their Aunt Philip. Elizabeth led the walk at her usual brisk step. But hearing her cousinwheezing as he tried to keep pace with them, she took pity on him slowing down so he could easily keep up.
