He shook his head gravely. “No, madam. I have a matter of importance to discuss.”
She folded her hands over the handkerchief in her lap. “Very well.”
Mr. Collins seated himself opposite her and leaned forward with solemn intensity. “I am deeply sensible of the hardship imposed upon your family by the entail. That I must one day benefit from such a circumstance weighs most heavily upon me.”
Mrs. Bennet twisted her handkerchief. “The entail is indeed a most unfortunate arrangement.”
“For that reason,” he continued, “I am resolved to lessen the eventual inconvenience by selecting one of your daughters for my wife. I feel assured that my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, would commend such a measure.”
He paused, as though awaiting approval.
“That is most considerate,” Mrs. Bennet replied carefully.
“As the eldest, it would be proper that I first consider Miss Bennet.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression brightened. “Jane is all that is amiable, certainly. However, we expect that she may soon be otherwise engaged.”
Mr. Collins’s face fell briefly. “I see.” He gathered himself. “In that case, Miss Elizabeth, as the next in age, is likewise most handsome.”
Mrs. Bennet hesitated. “Lizzy is a good girl. Very clever. Though she possesses rather decided opinions.”
“Decided?” he repeated, with interest.
“She is fond of forming her own judgments and does not easily yield them. I am not certain that such independence would recommend itself to a husband. Now Mary, she is…”
He straightened at once. “On the contrary, madam. Miss Elizabeth’s energy of mind recommends her most strongly. A lively understanding requires proper guidance.”
Mrs. Bennet leaned forward, alarm rising. “No, no, I only meant that Mary is a most serious young woman. Very devoted to improving her mind and well inclined toward religious reflection. I think she would…”
“I am entirely satisfied in my decision,” Mr. Collins declared with finality. “I thank you for your assistance. I shall seek her directly.” He rose at once and departed before Mrs. Bennet could frame another argument.
Left alone, she sank back into her chair.
“Lizzy, I did try,” she murmured faintly, closing her eyes once more.
***
The Bennet carriage stopped before Mr. and Mrs. Philips’s house. Elizabeth thought with some amusement that Mrs. Philips delighted in entertaining. Tonight she was hosting an evening of cards and light supper.
The groom lowered the step. Mr. Collins descended first and moved a few paces aside. Jane remained at the carriage door until the groom returned to assist her and the other ladies. Mr. Bennet, seeing no advantage in an evening of cards and Mr. Collins, had elected to remain at home. Kitty and Lydia were left there as well.
Soon Mr. Collins and the Bennet ladies entered the house. Few guests had yet arrived. Mrs. Philips had requested that Mrs. Bennet come early, a proposal she had readily embraced. Introductions were made, and Mr. Collins began discoursing at once upon his patroness.
Elizabeth drew her mother aside. “Mama, is it my imagination, or does Mr. Collins appear particularly attentive to me?”
A flash of alarm crossed Mrs. Bennet’s face. “Lizzy, I tried. I truly did. I told him you would not suit him. I mentioned Mary several times. He would not be diverted. It vexed me exceedingly.”
Elizabeth patted her hand. “I am grateful you attempted it. Do not distress yourself. I shall manage.”
The room soon filled, and the Netherfield party arrived. Elizabeth noticed as Darcy surveyed the room and then quickly walked towards her. “Good evening, Miss Elizabeth. I trust you are well.”
Her smile brightened at once. “Very well, thank you.”
Mr. Collins stepped closer.
Elizabeth paused, and when she looked up at Darcy, there was an almost apologetic look in her expression. “Mr. Darcy, may I present our cousin. Mr. Collins, this is Mr. Darcy, who is staying with Mr. Bingley at Netherfield.”
“Good evening, Mr. Collins.”
