“It is nothing but the truth,” Mrs. Bennet insisted. “One cannot mistake such behavior.” Her hands fluttered as she spoke.
At that moment, Mr. Collins entered the room. His silver hair had been combed with care, and he smiled ingratiatingly at the women seated before him.
“My dear ladies,” he said, inclining his head with solemn courtesy. “I trust I do not intrude.”
“Not at all,” Mrs. Bennet replied eagerly. “We were only speaking of the assembly—and of Mr. Bingley’s evident preference.”
Mr. Collins’s expression brightened at once. “Ah! Yes, yes. A most gratifying observation.” He turned a pleased smile on his daughter-in-law.
Elizabeth felt Charlotte shift slightly beside her.
“It is always pleasing,” Mr. Collins continued, “to witness the favorable regard of a gentleman of consequence directed toward one’s own family.” He laced his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels.
Lady Lucas regarded him with mild curiosity. “I confess,” she said, “I would not have expected you to be so eager to replace yoursonin your daughter-in-law’s affections.”
There was a brief pause. Elizabeth stilled. Mr. Collins, however, appeared not in the least discomposed.
“My dear Lady Lucas,” he said, with a measured nod, “my son’s memory is secure, and his heir is established. My line, therefore, is in no danger of interruption. It is only natural thatI should wish to see Mrs. Collins advantageously settled once more.”
Elizabeth felt the words land—not harshly, not unkindly—but with a clarity that could not be softened. Despite the man’s continued welcome, he wished to unburden himself of the Bennet ladies. And since it was Jane who had drawn Mr. Bingley’s attention, she would be the first to go.
“Indeed,” Mr. Collins continued, warming to his subject, “such an alliance would serve to strengthen the family’s position considerably. It is a matter of prudence as much as sentiment.”
Elizabeth frowned. There was that, too. Mr. Collins did so love his position in society. Inheriting the estate had elevated him to the status of a gentleman.
Charlotte leaned closer. “It appears,” she murmured, her voice pitched for Elizabeth alone, “that my mother is distressed by the prospect of your sister securingtwosuch successful matches.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved. “Perhaps,” she returned softly, “we Bennets ought to make an effort to share more generously.”
Charlotte suppressed a smile. Their silent amusement passed unnoticed amid the continued conversation.
“I am certain,” Mrs. Bennet was saying, “that nothing could be more desirable. Mr. Bingley is exactly the sort of gentleman to appreciate such qualities as my daughter possesses.”
Jane said nothing, though Elizabeth knew her well enough to imagine the slight flush in her cheeks.
Lady Lucas inclined her head. “It is certainly an advantageous prospect.”
Elizabeth turned slightly toward Charlotte. “You must allow that he admired her,” she said in a lower tone.
Charlotte met her gaze. “He did more than admire her. He was quite taken.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “I hope she will marry only for love, if she finds it.”
Charlotte did not immediately reply.
Elizabeth continued, more quietly still, “She has already married once for prudence. It would be well if she were spared the necessity a second time.”
Charlotte lifted her teacup and took a small sip before answering. “Love,” she said at last, “is not always so easily secured.”
Elizabeth did not press her. Instead, she said lightly, “And what of your own gentleman? Mr. Tipton was very agreeable last evening. Will he attend the next assembly?”
Charlotte set her cup aside. “He will.” She blushed a little. The expression was so out of place for Charlotte. that Elizabeth grinned.
“And is he as agreeable to dancing as he appeared last evening?” He had stood up with Charlotte three times—tantamount to a proposal.
“I believe so.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “You are very cautious in your praise.”
