The answer afforded him more satisfaction than he had expected. “I shall look forward to it.”
He paused a moment, then continued with studied composure. “Mr. Bingley and I were considering a ride tomorrow, should the weather remain fair. We thought to take some refreshment along the way. Your company, and Miss Bennet’s would be most agreeable.”
“It sounds very pleasant indeed.”
At that moment Bingley and Jane joined them, and the proposed outing was repeated to Miss Bennet, who received it with ready pleasure.
***
Mr. Wilmot was riding along one of the lanes that passed the Miller cottage. The Millers had been tenants of Longbourn for several generations.
Mr. Miller was at work near his shed and raised a hand in greeting as Mr. Wilmot approached. “Good day, sir. I am glad to see you.”
Mr. Wilmot drew his horse to a halt. “Good day, Mr. Miller. I trust all is well.”
“All well enough. Though I thought I ought to mention something. I saw a fellow yesterday evening, a soldier, I believe. Red coat and all.”
Mr. Wilmot’s expression sharpened slightly. “Indeed? Where did you see him?”
“Near Smith’s cottage. Close to dusk. He was walking about the lane. Did not appear to be doing anything in particular, but it struck me as odd. When he noticed me, he was quick to make himself scarce.”
Mr. Wilmot nodded. “You did well to mention it. Did he speak to you at all?”
“No, sir. Never came near enough.”
“Very well. If you see him again, I should like to be informed at once. Soldiers are strangers to the neighbourhood. Many are respectable men, but not all.”
“Aye, sir. That was my thought as well.”
They spoke a few minutes longer of the crops and the condition of the lane. At length, Mr. Wilmot touched his hat and continued on toward his house.
***
Mr. Bennet was enjoying the afternoon with a glass of port and a book on Roman civilization. The autumn sun lent a cheerful warmth to the room, and the fire in the hearth made it thoroughly comfortable.
The door opened without warning, and Mr. Collins entered like a storm interrupting a fine day. Mr. Bennet started so violently he nearly spilled his drink upon his book. He set the glass carefully aside.
Mr. Collins stood looking at him in silence, which Mr. Bennet considered the most agreeable part of the encounter thus far. He placed a marker in his book and set it down.
Then Mr. Collins began.
“Mr. Bennet, I feel I must speak with you.”
Mr. Bennet regarded him calmly. “Again?”
Mr. Collins inclined his head. “Yes, sir. As the heir, I believe it important that I become better acquainted with the estate.”
“You are welcome to walk the grounds, Mr. Collins. I do not suppose they will object.”
“But do you not think I should begin to learn how the estate is managed?”
Mr. Bennet cast a brief, longing glance toward his book before looking back at him. “You wish to be instructed in estate management in the few days remaining before your return to Kent?”
“Yes. I feel it my duty to learn.”
“Very well. I can recommend several excellent books on the subject, if you insist.”
Mr. Collins frowned. “No… I had rather that you instruct me. That you show me the estate.”
